RBC Bluesfest Outdoor Festival Survival Guide

Buzz is about Ottawa for this year's 20th anniversary of RBC Bluesfest.This is a giant two week festival that really requires some stamina to get through! As much as there are some delicious options at the festival food stands, lineups under the sunshine can trigger some hanger.

Here are a few suggestions for snacks and how to make it through!

1. Water Bottle! You can't bring it in filled, however there are water fountains at the Main Stage where you can fill an empty one up all the time. There is usually a line up there but not nearly as long as at the beer tents!

2. Nuts! Last year I went absolutely crazy with this Wheat Belly recipe. Gluten-intolerant or not, a 100% nut granola can withstand the heat and is high in protein so that you can stave off hunger longer. This way, you won't have to leave your sweet spot you snag near the stage because you'll pass out if you don't eat!

3. Food Vendors! Main stage vendors are carried and plentiful but if you find the line too long, side stage food vendors usually have smaller lineups.

4. Booze! Everyone knows alcohol dehydrates! Be careful out there party peeps - refer to suggestion 1.

5. Eat before you go! A big breakfast / lunch / dinner can tide you over so you can save a couple bucks for that favourite band t-shirt.

See you there! xo

Seared Red Pepper, Onion and Mushroom Chicken with Avocado

After spending a meat-filled time in Europe I'm finally happy to cook for myself again back home in Canada. This recipe uses left over chicken and is fresh and fast so that it doesn't heat up your kitchen on those unbearably hot summer days!

Seared Red Pepper, Onion and Mushroom Chicken with Avocado

1 red pepper, sliced lengthwise
1/2 yellow onion, sliced lengthwise
4 white mushrooms, sliced
100g cooked chicken, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 avocado sliced
Some chopped cilantro to taste
salt and pepper
1tbsp lemon or lime juice.

Heat a heavy skillet on high heat. Allow pan to heat up for about 2 min then add olive oil. Add your peppers and onions and reduce heat to medium high.  Season with salt, pepper and spices and sautee for a couple of minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for another 5 min, stirring every minute. Add the chicken and warm up in the pan for one minute. Add cilantro and toss briefly and plate immediately. Add slices of avocado and top with lemon or lime juice.

This makes a light meal for one accompanied with rice or a great paleo meal for those days you don't want to feel weighed down!