Month: November 2007

A Gem of a Find: Shine Bistro

After reading a very positive review of Shine Bistro (9828 101A Avenue) in Vue Weekly several months ago, I was looking forward to sampling their fare. Upon discovery that they were only open for lunch on weekdays, I was dismayed, as having only a half hour for lunch prevents a sojourn of any kind beyond the humble square footage of my office.

That said, when booked for off-site training in November at a nearby college, I was hoping I could rope my colleague into trying out the cafe with me. She heartily agreed, and we set off for an early lunch after being released from the lab.

It wasn’t an easy place to find, tucked away on the eastern side of the Citadel Theatre complex. We were lucky to find that a crowd had yet to gather, so were able to order right away. Their menu was displayed above the counter on a colorful blackboard, reminding me very much of the now-defunct Whole in the Wall cafe (the space now occupied by Tzin). Though they had many tempting options (including pizza, salads, and cold “shinewiches”), we both decided to try the special of the day – a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, served with either a soup or one of three made-from-scratch soups ($6.99).

We found a choice table situated by the window, and waited patiently for our food as the place filled up. It was barely five to twelve and all the tables had already been spoken for. We didn’t wait long, but quite frankly I wouldn’t have minded. It was a lovely day, and with the sun streaming in from the window next to us, illuminating displayed artwork for sale and the charming red of the dining tables, I could have remained there all afternoon.

The food was great – they certainly didn’t skimp on the chicken breast, and the melted swiss and crispy ham, sandwiched between the toasted kaiser sides was bliss. The soup definitely tasted homemade, with a generous serving of vegetables, chickpeas, and lima beans in every spoon full. My only nitpick was that the potatoes and carrots weren’t as soft as they could have been, and should have been allowed to stew for a while longer.

Shine Bistro does feel like a gem of a find – its location, minimal hours, and limited number of in-house seating lend itself to the cultivation of an exclusive crowd. So if you’re in the area, buck the food courts and fast food giants and give Shine a try! You won’t regret it.

Approaching Shine Bistro

Open!

Order counter (I love the colorful blackboard)

Table for two

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich with Minestrone

Food Notes

  • Breadland, the newest artisan, upscale bakery opened in Oliver Square in May, and was featured in two articles this week.
  • Downtown’s Essence Organic Tea Bar is holding it’s grand opening this week, from November 5-10. It’s a good opportunity to taste their products, a great alternative when you’re looking for something lighter than a cup of joe.
  • Speaking of coffee – Tim Horton’s now offers a reloadable TimCard, making it even easier to get your fix.
  • There’s a pretty good article in the newest Vue Weekly about Tree Stone Bakery owner Nancy Rubuliak’s journey from social worker to bread baker. It seems that her transition from professional to practitioner of the culinary arts is not unique – from Ina Garten (who started off as a nuclear policy analyst to owner of Barefoot Contessa, and is now, of course, a well-known television personality) to Anna Olsen of Food Network Canada fame and Gail Hall, owner of Edmonton’s Seasoned Solutions, it’s interesting to know that many who work in the food industry didn’t directly arrive at that career.
  • The next time I’m in Toronto, I’ll be sure to give Buddha Dog a try. Offering hot dogs with creative toppings and the choice of 80 sauces, they are making waves primarily because of their distinctive logo.
  • Has anyone tried Taco del Mar? (Their slogan is the cheesy “Delicious is our middle name.) I’ve noticed two new locations over the past few week – one on Roper Road, and another in the shopping complex on 17th Street, and according to their website, there are two other branches in the city.
  • I bought an Entertainment Book for the first time this year, and was really expecting more from it. I know it is impossible for the book to foretell restaurant closures, and likely, requests to be included in the book are submitted well in advance of its distribution, but after a coupon was declined at Wok Box, finding out that Sapphire had shut down, and on the weekend, discovering that another coupon sponsor, R U a Pasta Lover (ignore the name), had already been taken over, the value of the Entertainment Book continues to diminish.

“Glorified bar food”: Original Joe’s

After work on a hungry Friday, Dickson and I hit one of the restaurants still on my “to try” list in the High Street area. Original Joe’s (12520 102 Avenue) looked more plain and less hip than my nearby favorite Urban Diner, but I was still interested to see how this restaurant/bar had sustained itself for so many years.

We arrived at around 7pm, and found the place packed. It had been renovated over the summer, but as this was my first time here, I was unable to discern the changes. The dining area, framed by high wooden beams and aged brick, was anchored by a bar along one side, and supplemented by a pool table in the corner and television screens. It genuinely had the feel of a recreation room or basement of a good friend (reminding me of an adult version of Red Robin’s), and with the buzz created by what was undoubtedly for many parties a TGIF celebration, the lofty emotions of an impending weekend were contagious.

The very friendly and efficient host indicated that we would be seated shortly. While we waited, I scanned a 2001 Edmonton Journal review of Original Joe’s, written by Scott McKeen likely years before he was given his own editorial column in the paper. While he did use the phrase “glorified bar food” in the article, it was nonetheless a favourable review, if not only for the prices. Back then, a burger cost $6.95, while their signature hot dog plate was $5.95. Oh how things have changed.

After we were seated (at what turned out to be quite a cramped dining space), we perused our options. While I wouldn’t dispute McKeen’s description of the menu choices, Original Joe’s doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a casual place to grab a drink and a bite with friends. As well, I was delighted to see that their sandwiches and burger entrees came with not one, but two sides. Dickson ended up with an order of the Hamburger (now $10.99, cheese and mushrooms extra), and I decided upon the Double Dog (now $9.99).

The food understandably took a little longer than expected, but when our plates did arrive, we were pleased with the portion sizes. Dickson commented that his burger was nothing special, but did quite enjoy the mashed potatoes (the sweet potato fries looked better than they tasted – too salty for his liking). My Double Dog came garnished with sauteed onions and fresh tomatoes, but in the end, the flayed European wieners weren’t all that satisfying. I would have much preferred the chargrilled Fat Frank at Urban Diner.

With good service, a festive atmosphere, and an unpretentious menu, Original Joe’s would work well as the venue for an after work get together or a catch up meal with friends.

Double Dog with French Fries and Caesar Salad sides

Hamburger with Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Fries

26th Global Visions Film Festival: “War Dance”

I had seen an ad for the twenty-sixth annual Global Visions Film Festival in early October, and was amazed that this festival had such a long and rich history in the city. After reading about the opening gala film, War Dance, I decided this would be a good year to partake in the events for the first time.

I had purchased tickets in advance from the website about a week prior, which allowed me to skip the line at the Paramount Theatre box office. I picked up my ticket and headed inside.

I haven’t been to the Paramount in years, and thinking back, my last trip there was for a screening of Steven Spielberg’s A.I., in 2001. I vaguely remember the theatre announcing its closure a few years ago due to a lack of business, and really, with their small audience numbers and seats in dire need of replacement, I wasn’t surprised. Then, the City Centre Church announced it would be utilizing the refurbished Paramount space for their weekly services, and thus, the historic gem came back into being.

Inside, the theatre looked great. The chairs had been replaced, the screen looked fantastic, and the stage, in a fashion similar to that of Garneau Theatre, provided the interior with a unique feel of untouchable renaissance never replicated at local multiplexes. I found an agreeable seat on the main floor, and was surprised at the rate that the theatre was being filled up. Another great thing about local festivals, I find, is how friendly attendees are. On this night, I watched as four different people were asked and subsequently agreed to move to accomodate other patrons yet to be seated – something I rarely see at sold-out screenings of first-run movies.

After a warm welcome from the Board President and the Festival Program Director, and a short speech from Lieutenant-Commander Pierre Comeau, who served for a period of time in the Peoples’ Republic of Congo and in Ghana to end child soldiering, the film began.

Focused on three Acholi children in the Patongo refugee camp in Northern Uganda, the documentary tells of their personal tragedies as a result of the ongoing conflict with the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army, and chronicles their preparation for a national music and dance competition in 2005 – the first time the Patongo school had beat out their regional opponents for a coveted spot at the finals.

The choice to focus on just three children was a good one, as it allowed the audience more time to connect with their stories. A poignant scene with Dominic, a spunky thirteen year old, demonstrated both innocence and maturity as he confronted a captured rebel leader to question him about the wherabouts of his missing older brother, only to find out he was likely killed years ago. A few days before the competition, Nancy, a girl of thirteen, visited the grave of her father who was murdered by rebels four years earlier. She breaks down in a sudden fit of tears, and if not heartbreaking enough, the camera pans to Nancy’s mother who reminds her daughter of the necessity to stay strong, as she herself chokes to hold back tears, warning that it ‘isn’t safe to cry so loud in the bush’; even the normal process of grieving is repressed. Lastly, Rose, a young woman with a haunting voice and a broken soul, tells of the gruesome way in which she discovered the death of her parents – rebels lifted out the decapitated heads of victims to allow family members to identify loved ones, and here, she found the remains of both her mother and father. It is evident, especially with Nancy as a contrast, of how much Rose could use a comforting, reassuring adult presence in her life.

Two things that were a tad unsettling – I did wonder througout as to how the filmmakers were able to extract the stories from the children. I just hope counselling or supports were provided (Dominic, in particular, said that he had never before spoken of the murders he had committed as a child soldier). As well, Rose’s relationship with her Aunt was quite possibly an abusive one, and though this was hinted at, was never quite resolved.

With books and media (such as the World Vision One Life Experience or Stephen Lewis’ Race Against Time) so focused on the negative out of Africa, it was really uplifing and important to see a story offering some hope and joy. It was such a triumph to be able to watch the final outcome of their preparation and hard work – I couldn’t help but smile as the Patongo school was awarded a trophy for first prize in the traditional dance competition.

If you get a chance to watch War Dance, do so. But if it isn’t available for rent, be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Global Visions Festival. I have no doubt documentaries of equal calibre, highlighting issues vital to the consciousness of a global citizen, will be offered at its twenty seventh annual event.