The “Humble” Mortadella Sandwich

Mortadella the iconic Italian deli meat originated in Bologna Italy. In 1988 the EU elevated its status by granting it Protected Geographical Indication “La Mortadella Bologna IGP”.

I had many editions of the sandwich during my school life. Bread, mayo, mortadella; bread, butter, mortadella, lettuce, tomatoes; bun, dressing lettuce cheese, so you get the idea.

By the time I left the hallways of school life the humble mortadella sandwich fell out of favour after all that would have been many a sandwich!

The sandwich came back in the form of hero sandwiches during sports finals for my husband, then as a sometimes school lunch for my kids.

I revived my love of the humble mortadella sandwich which took me to many delicatessens in search of the perfect sandwich, one where the mortadella was elevated to king.

Luck would have it that my neighbourhood Italian Caffe e Alimentari Caffe La Tana began offering their version of The “Humble” Mortadella Sandwich - a good mountain of Mortadella, grass-fed butter, iceberg lettuce and Italian dressing, all between the Livia potato bun. If you happen to be in Vancouver run over, yes run they are a limited daily offering. #mortadella #sandwich #italian #deli

A Nutcracker Afternoon

Afternoon Tea has it's origins in Great Britain around 1840 by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. It is said she needed a little something between lunch and dinner which wasn't served until 8pm.

I love a good afternoon tea, especially at Christmas time. It's a chance to let time pass and catch up with friends or family over tea, dainty sandwiches, savoury delights, scones, pastries, and little cakes.

At Christmas time most tea salons in Vancouver offer a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, it usually has a few special touches based on the Nutcracker Ballet that has become a Christmas tradition.

This year I was able to have my daughter join me for the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at the Bacchus Lounge and Restaurant at the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa Vancouver, Canada.

The menu has many of the traditional sandwiches and sweets served with a modern French cuisine inspiration that the Bacchus Restaurant is known for.

The tea selection came in a beautiful case.

Our seats were right by the cozy fireplace, which I was delighted about as the afternoon was a bit chilly and as a true Vancouverite I chose to underdress.

Each table had a different wooden ornament along with choices of house made jams and preserves.

The Afternoon plates held all the wonderful sweet and savoury pastries and finger sandwiches. We couldn't resist eating the crumpets, the were so hot and fresh that there was no opportunity to get a photograph!

The tea service was wonderfully guided by our server Simon (his very first tea service) and he gave us a wonderful afternoon! If you are ever in Vancouver go have an Afternoon Tea at the Bacchus Lounge and Restaurant, you won't be disappointed.

#Christmas #AfternoonTea #tea #Wedgewood #BacchusLounge