I have many favourites downtown, but there is one delicious little love affair which started 16 years ago at one unforgettable lunch.
There is no question over the years I have truly enjoyed sampling the delectable dishes on every downtown street corner.
Over the years I have been introduced to some tasty dishes, but I have savoured each and every one of them with unabashed gusto.
Once you have a taste of what is downtown one can easily become addicted.
Now I find I am making daily ventures downtown hoping with a rendezvous with something new and, with luck, a little saucy.
There is Asian, Mediterranean, European, spicy, sweet — everything one’s heart could desire.
Also, you never get sick of the same old as new exotic flavours arriving downtown all the time.
However, in my 16 years working downtown Okotoks there is one little lady who will always have a special place in my heart. She was exquisitely divine.
I remember our first fateful meeting like it was yesterday.
I had only been working in Okotoks for a few short weeks when I wandered Elizabeth Street looking for something, a little something to pique my interest.
After wandering the street aimlessly I ventured into a shady little dive. I sat at a small table hidden in the corner where customers could wait their turn.
In hindsight, had I known what was to transpire I should have walked right back out. I could not, I was transfixed by my senses: the smell was intoxicating, the sights overpowering.
I took my time making my selection and this time I made the right choice in picking my accompaniment.
After waiting a few minutes for her to get prepared I took her to the side room and pealed back her layers to get a good look before I sunk my teeth into her.
Under warm focaccia bread there was crisp red onion, ham, lettuce and an irresistible grainy mustard which made the sandwich, well, Divine.
Chef Darren Nixon made me that sandwich 16 years ago and I had it at least once a week for many years.
Last week Divine closed and as often as I have tried I have not been able to replicate the Divine sandwich. Thanks Darren and Lareina for 16 wonderful years of food and best of luck in the future.
