First of all, we’d love to give a big shout out to Tony of Digital Memories here in Regina for donating these photos of our Wednesday night salsa class which is put on by Regina Salseros. Also, for those of you who didn’t know every second Wednesday from about 9-10:30 or so there are free salsa lessons, additionally they’re entirely judgement free and are for any and all skill levels.  If you think it sounds/looks like it’d be a good time then you should probably come and check it out, we’d love to see you!

For more information on Salsa check out the Salseros website at www.reginasalseros.com and for more info on Digital Memories check out their site here at www.urdigitalmemories.com

Two of our favourite Jim Beam bourbons

Bourbon’s back! For a long time bourbon was a dependable drink and an old standby that was reliable in a rough-around-the-edges sort of way but today, bourbon’s reputation has been shaken up considerably.  Limited edition runs of bourbon are taking the market by storm and classic bourbon cocktails are getting a modern twist – bourbon drinkers rejoice and get excited about this classic sweet corn whiskey again!

Now some of you may have been bourbon lovers for years while others may have always been curious but perhaps a bit intimidated by this American whiskey.  In either case, we’ve got an exciting event that will appeal to both ends of the spectrum and everything in between. On Thursday, October 25th from 3-5pm the Jim Beam Ambassador for western Canada will be at the Freehouse along with a variety of Jim Beam bourbons on which he’ll educate and explain the finer points of this sweet grain alcohol. Not only will there be bourbon, but Chef LaValley has pulled together a fantastic menu featuring Red Stag Glazed House-Made Beef Jerky, Coca Cola Pork Back Ribs, Whiskey Cheddar, and Chili Glazed Pecans, to name a few items and the best part is it’s all compliments of Jim Beam.

If we’ve piqued your interest on the topic of bourbon or, like me, you’re still pretty clueless on what exactly bourbon is and how it’s different from whiskey here’s a fun little article by Sean Lind to get you ‘learned’ before you come to the tasting. A little bit of additional background never hurt anybody!

“How well I remember my first encounter with The Devil’s Brew. I happened to stumble across a case of bourbon – and went right on stumbling for several days thereafter.”  W. C. Fields

Jim Beam’s Official Website

Devil’s Cut Bourbon

Kalli’s Global Dinner was a roaring success, the food was fantastic, the atmosphere cozy, and the cause was one well worth supporting! If you missed out on this fantastic fundraiser here are a couple of pictures of what you missed (perhaps this will serve as a little motivation to buy tickets for the next one)!

We would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to Majken Sundstrom of Philippe Dandurand Wines for supporting and promoting this event, Chef LaValley and Sous Chef Leece for the wonderful menu, to everyone who purchased tickets and donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, and last, but certainly not least, a HUGE thanks to Kalli, Sasha, and family because without them, their courage, support, and big hearts, this event simply would not have been.   So once again, thank you all and make sure to check out this follow-up article in the Leader Post about Kalli and how she raised over $2000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, you’ve sure got our attention and respect kiddo!

http://www.leaderpost.com/life/fashion-beauty/Others+benefit+from+young+Regina+girl+kindness/7360735/story.html

The LaValley’s and their two daughters

A split second can alter lives and send out ripples which can become great waves of change.  Sasha LaVelley can attest to this, the sister of Chef LaValley was nearly taken by a stroke mere days before her wedding, thankfully the quick actions of her daugter Kalli saved her life and Sasha was able to exchange ‘I dos’ on September 1st.  Not only were the LaValley’s able to celebrate life and the union of families, but as a result of this near-tragedy, they have begun a movement of change that will benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation, stroke victims and their families, as well as children with cancer.

On October 4th the Freehouse will be the venue for Kalli’s Global Dinner in partnership with Philippe Dandurand Wines.  Tickets will be $50 per person (available at the Freehouse) and will include a five-course dinner with beverage pairings for each course (so in order to purchase tickets you must be 19 years of age or older).  All of the proceeds from this Global Dinner will be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  For more information see the attached poster here.

For more information and the full story on Kalli and Sasha visit: http://www.leaderpost.com/health/story.html?id=7184559

Stay tuned for updates!