I’m a sucker for Halloween. So when I saw that Heritage Park was hosting its annual Ghosts and Gourmet event, I was sold. For $60.00 (per person, plus GST), we were treated to a delicious three course meal at the Wainwright Hotel and a ghost tour. As you’ll see below, my photos didn’t turn out so well.
L wasn’t initially keen on sharing a table with strangers, but it turned out the company was spooktacular. Everyone was friendly and the conversation was easy and interesting. In-between courses, we were entertained with ghost stories by our host.
The first course was Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Star Anise Creme Fraiche. The portion looked small but it was actually quite hearty. This was one of the better butternut squash soups I’ve consumed. Hot, smooth and full of flavour, this was a delightful autumn-inspired soup.
For my main, I chose the Certified Angus Beef Braised Short Rib with Sarsaparilla Reduction. The portion of beef was generous, the meat itself soft. Beets, broccoli, roasted parsnip and a potato galette were the sides. The vegetables were cooked perfectly, not overdone with sauce or seasoning, which allowed the freshness to shine through. I was starving when I arrived but by the time I cleaned my plate, I was full.
For dessert, we received a sliver of Alberta Pumpkin Pie and the most delicious Raspberry Mousse. The raspberry dessert was again, a big portion, but it was so good that I ate all of it. The dessert was light and reminded me of whip cream. The crust tasted like cake. After a nice cup of strong coffee, guests were bundled in three groups for the tour with an expert guide.
The 90-minute tour included a cemetery, two heritage buildings, the town area and hot chocolate at the theatre. For $60, this excursion was well-worth it. I enjoyed myself so much, I’m thinking about booking the Classic Christmas and the Valentine’s event.
Hitting the Sauce 