Labour Day is a bittersweet holiday – mostly sweet if you’re a parent. On one hand, it represents the end of summer; on the other, it marks the beginning of the school year. Perhaps we should call it Independence Day!
Labour Day: A Brief History
Labour Day is also a big deal in the U.S. – where it is spelled “incorrectly”. Because of all the hoopla south of the border, many people think it started there, but the first North American celebration took place in Canada in 1872, a full decade earlier.
The original intent was to give workers an opportunity to campaign for better pay and working conditions, and to demonstrate worker solidarity.
Planning Your Labour Day Feast
Now it marks a time to enjoy the last long weekend of summer weather – be it camping, at the cottage, or ‘staycationing’ in your backyard. No matter where you choose to celebrate, food and beverages top the list of pleasures that make Labour Day memorable.
Meat – Fried, Baked or Grilled
Which puts the meat counter as one of my first stops on Friday. Well-marbled steak, freshly ground beef, and a few boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for those watching their waistlines and arteries) find their way into my cart. Check out our Vince’s Angus Reserve Beef for something special on your grill.
Wine & Beer – Wheat Beers, Amber Ales, and Radlers, Oh My!
Next up are wine and beer, in particular the latter, as I’ve been a craft beer aficionado since becoming old enough to enjoy a pint. Be it a crisp, refreshing wheat beer, a rich, malty amber ale or something a little different, like Radler (a blend of beer and grapefruit juice), we’ve hand-picked a generous selection in our Newmarket, Uxbridge and Sharon locations.
Veggies – Try this Blueberry Walnut Salad
Okay, Labour Day isn’t all about meat and ale, as veggies do play an important role. I’m not one to eat a plateful of brown without some colour, and salads like this blueberry walnut salad are essential to round out a perfect summer meal.
Locally Grown Ontario Corn on the Cob
As is corn, which is actually a grain. This is perhaps the best time to enjoy it, as you can buy locally grown varieties that arrive fresh from the field to your plate. There’s nothing like a sweet, buttery cob of yellow or peaches & cream corn in season.
Maybe Labour Day isn’t all about food, but for many of us, that’s the best part. All the biking, beach volleyball, watersports, etc. are great ways to burn off the excess calories. So you can sit down and enjoy more food!
Forgot something? Don’t worry, all Vince’s locations are open Labour Day until 6pm!
Have a great holiday, and be sure to send us your favourite Labour Day recipes!
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Until next time,
Neil
