Sixteen foodies came together tonight for the third Edmonton Foodie Meetup at Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria downtown. It was our largest gathering yet (read about our first and second meetups), which I think is a testament to the growing foodie community in the city.
Foodies!
When I called Famoso last week to make the reservation, and mentioned that the group was largely made up of food bloggers, the manager responded that he thought we were still at the stage of selecting a venue. I was surprised to find out that he knew about our upcoming gathering, but it turns out he is an avid reader of local blogs as well!
At any rate, I figured we would be treated like royalty, and we were. However, our special treatment, including two free platters of their dessert Nutella pizza, wasn’t out of the ordinary for large groups, though our timing helped. “Vino Wednesdays” sees complimentary bruschetta go out with all orders made after 5pm, and free wine samples offered to all patrons between 6 and 8:30pm. Our server did say that they pulled out the “reserve” red wine for our group though.
Complimentary Bruschetta and Wine
The pizzas (as always) were great as well, with that addictively-chewy crust that isn’t duplicated anywhere else in the city (well, besides other Famoso outposts).
Siciliana Pizza with Basil, Prosciutto, Italian Ham and Italian Sausage
Valerie was thoughtful enough to bring homemade truffles for everyone as well, made with decadent Valrhona Manjari and cocoa powder.
Valerie’s Truffles
It was great to put faces to names, and to meet and chat with other local food lovers. Because there have been quite a few recent additions to Edmonton’s blogging repertoire, I thought it might be useful to list those present at this meetup who do have food blogs:
- Carol – A Seat At My Table
- Cathy & Michael – Walsh Cooks
- Chris (the meetup co-organizer) – Eating is the Hard Part
- Kelley – Cookbook Cooks
- Lea – XOX
- Dr. CaSo – C’est pas moi je l’jure
- Maki – In My Element
- Valerie – A Canadian Foodie
For those who couldn’t make it, we hope to organize another meetup this summer, which will preferably be an outdoor potluck.
Thanks again to Chris for helping me pull this dinner together, and to Famoso for hosting a great evening!
Only Here for the Food 
What a fantastic night Sharon. Too bad the long table made for rather limited conversation, but overall I think we pulled together quite the party! Can’t wait for another round.
Oh. My. Gawd. Nutella pizza? Quick, to the Batmobile! Must have some!
Thanks for the links to all the foodies’ blogs. I’ll check them out. I already follow Walsh Cooks — great blog!
What you are doing is very important, Sharon. As we grow, we may do something for a half day in the future… there is so much I would like to learn most of these people. I have 6 kitchens for a little while longer. It might be a really fun idea to cook together one early Saturday or Sunday morning.
🙂
Valerie
I had a great time and I am looking forward to chatting with the “other half” of the table at our next function!
It was a great evening. Thanks for organizing it Sharon and Chris.
diane 🙂
What a great evening! I really enjoyed talking to everyone. As Kelley mentioned, I too look forward to chatting to the other half of the table next time. Sharon, a big thanks to you and Chris for organizing the night.
Had a great time! Nice to see new faces and catch up with the other foodies I’ve met before.
Thanks for organizing.
This was fabulous, Sharon. Thanks for organizing it along with Chris. I do wish I had a chance to talk to the other half of the table, but I am so thrilled that I was able to talk to those I was able to. 🙂 Foodies unite!
Selected shots from last night I uploaded here w/ some retro post-processing just for kicks:
http://lealea.net/x/d
Thanks for organizing this, Sharon and Chris, I had a great evening!
Oh how I would have LOVED to come! I was meaning to but I have just started my first practicum for teaching and I can’t even begin to tell you all how busy I have been! I am so looking forward to the next meet up in the summer, although I am sure to meet at least 11 of you at the upcoming evening with David Adjey! Until next time…
What a great evening ! Thanks to you and to Chris for organizing the event. I look forward to the next meetup! 🙂
I’m really enjoying your blog and it is great to see a community of people so passionate about food.
It was a memorable night, and great to meet you all. I look forward to our Edmonton Foodie Meetup!!
BRILLIANT!
I am impressed.
Merci Sharon and Chris for organizing this!! Really appreciate the opportunity to stay in touch with like-minded food lovers!
I am sad I missed the wonderful festivities…and the free nutella pizza (sad face).