Too Hot To Handle
HodgePodge By Charlie Hodge
This is the sort of weather that reminds us why we live in Kelowna. It’s the reason our population nearly doubles in the summer. People love sunshine, clear skies, beaches, and all the fun that goes with it. The Okanagan Valley has it all – in fact these past couple weeks it has too much – heat that is. It’s too hot.
I’m not sure about your yard however the intense temperature in July has kicked the life literally out of much of our garden. Tragically we have lost a tremendous total of vegetables and flowers due to the heat and/or lack of water. The intense sun has made weeding and planting impossible or greatly limited. I suspect that Tez and I both battled sun stroke.
Frustrated as I feel with having to hide inside I feel sorry for Tez who has worked for months doing the majority of growing seeds, prepping the soil and planting the plants only to have this heat wave wipe out our (her) hard work. During a recent visit to Art Knapps (attempting to replace dead plants) we were informed the weather was supposed to shift to a cooler phase. It arrived with a nice rainfall this morning – a welcome relief.
Meanwhile, in the big picture, except for peeling my butt off melting hot car seats or attempting to move my shoes while melted to the pavement – it’s been a fantastic month for this Kelowna boy. The crowning, however, was last week as Tez and I celebrated our anniversary by making our first visit to the Keg Steakhouse and Bar in several years. What a brilliant choice.
When the restaurant changed locations I simply stopped going. I also found their prices too high back then. Because I am doing my regular Beers with Brian as well as restaurant reviews with Tez, friends have been making recommendations. A number mentioned the Keg and suggested we should check it out again.
Glad I made the wake-up call. The new (but not so new) facility is classy and comfortable on the inside despite its non-eye-grabbing exterior. Our waitress Alyssa was a delight and made our evening that much more enjoyable. I ordered their 10-ounce prime rib and, because I only have three teeth, asked for it medium rare. I made my entire side simply mashed potatoes. Alyssa never batted an eye when I explained my multiple face surgeries and sea-food allergies denied me the ability to chew most meat or even most salads. A properly cooked med rare prime I can practically gum to smithereens.
Tez meanwhile went sea-food samurai pairing her 6-ounce prime with shrimp, crab and a side of escargot. Even if I could eat escargot I wouldn’t. Just looking at them gives me the queasiness. Regardless Tez moaned and groaned in delight through her entire meal and so did I. Top marks to the chef obviously.
We had saved our pennies planning on the special ‘Keg night’ however when the bill arrived we were pleasantly surprised. No need for trepidation. The total tally tilted my till at a reasonable price – certainly competitive with other fine dineries such as Earls, Oak and Cru, or the Cactus Club. The Keg’s prime was perfectly cooked and a nice cut giving contest now, in my mind, to other places I have dined. The Keg is on my ‘do again’ list.
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Earlier in the week it was my full out fun with friend’s time which of course means a night Beers with Brian.
The brewmaster drew first straw and suggested we start the night at Red Bird.
This is a people party place for beer lovers. Likely the largest of the new ‘brew’ pubs in town it has given the north end a definite destination location for those on a summer adventure. A plethora of different beers to choose from
Foodwise pizza is Red Bird’s forte. In fact, pretty much their mainstay of food – but it’s good. No shortage of outdoor space and action. Will be interesting to see how it adapts come fall and winter.
Brian suggested we pop across the street for our next lovely, liquid lesson. Always eager for education (through imbibed absorption) I grabbed my air tank and hopped across the street to Vice and Virtue where we felt instantly welcome. I enjoyed a varied flite of B.C. based brews sadly there was no kitchen happening so we will have to return. Sounds like a good excuse.
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I end today’s column on a sad note paying a fond farewell to long time friend and former political pal Jim Edgson. At a morning meeting today (just prior to my column deadline) Central Okanagan Regional District members were made aware of the news that Jim had passed away. He was a gem of a man who was a positive energy kind of guy with a passion for the residents he represented in the Electoral Area of the West Side. His love for his area was obvious and he battle relentlessly for three terms to improved roads, hydro and improving water system. Edgson’s gusto carried him well on the board from 2005-2014.
It was a privilege to work with him.
