If you haven’t yet entered the contest to win $750 worth of prizes to the Thompson Okanagan Region, make sure you do so by Friday, December 3! On to this week’s food notes:
- Vinomania is hosting free wine tastings every Saturday from noon-5pm until December 18, 2010.
- Foodie McPoon has uncovered some newish and soon-to-be restaurants in Edmonton: Sanpachi, a Japanese noodle house, and a dim sum joint in a Howard Johnson hotel, called Delicious, Delicious.
- I came across a new French bistro called La Persaud on the Campus Saint Jean.
- Kerstin’s is a great place if you’re looking to satisfy someone’s sweet tooth. And even better, besides knowing you are supporting a local business, you can also feel good that your purchases are benefiting those in developing countries too. As of December 1, 2010, Kerstin’s will be donating 10% of their profits to Change for Children, as the organization supports work in countries where cacao is grown.
- Similar to how Allan broke down his veggie cost from his CSA share this summer, Kevin calculated the cost of his whole cow from Nature’s Green Acres, or, as he calls it: Nouveau Beef-onomics.
- I almost missed Jennifer Cockrall-King’s post about “Gordonspotting” Gordon Ramsay at Hardware Grill on his recent stop in Edmonton.
- A new Loblaws store, No Frills, opened in Edmonton last week.
- Another group-based deals service launched, called Swarm Jam, courtesy of the Edmonton Journal.
- Paula Simons posted a recipe for the cookie heard ‘round the world, and Chris tried out the recipe himself.
- I can’t remember when I first saw these, but these collapsible bottles would be a great gift idea for a traveler, or really, anyone environmentally conscious.
- SF bans Happy Meals (well, at least the marketing ploy of a toy for meals over a certain calorie count.
- Sure, the Thanksgiving ramekin from The Dish was great – but how about most of a Thanksgiving meal stuffed into a croissant?
- Frank Bruni asks: have we gone too far with our quest for the perfect cup of coffee at home?
- There was a good piece in the NYT about one-note restaurants, with a particularly en-pointe statement: “‘Certain movie stars can carry a movie; certain foods can carry a restaurant.’”
- First Julie Powell (of Julie & Julia fame), now Sarah Bigelow – are female butchers the new “it” thing?
- Ruby Dragon, which has replaced Kai (10909 Jasper Avenue), is now open.
Ruby Dragon
- Look out for new establishments in the 124 Street area, including Somerville Wine & Cheese.
Somerville Wine & Cheese
- Also on tap, two doors down from Duchess, is Food Dish Wishes, a pet bakery.
Food Dish Wishes
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The board I volunteer for was treated to a lovely dinner at the Royal Glenora on Monday. The food was great – my favourite dishes included the cedar-planked, panko-coated salmon, and the creamy mashed potatoes (it really is difficult to get attractive photos of a buffet spread).
I had to take a photo with Vicki, who is my partner-in-crime on the board!
Have a great week!
Only Here for the Food 
I have to tell you how much I look forward to your food notes posts every week – this week I can’t wait to try La Persaud!
Thanks
I bought a Vapur water bottle from the University bookstore in the spring and we love it! I use it all the time when walking to and from walk during the spring/summer. It’s great cause you can just empty it out and fold it and then stuff it into your purse. We used it a lot during this summer’s festivals as it’s light and you can clip it to your belt loop. It’s also handy just to have on hand cause it doesn’t really weigh anything and when you realize it’s going to cost $3 for a bottle of water at the Fringe of Taste of Edmonton, you can just whip it out and fill it in a washroom or water fountain.
Fojoy – thanks for reading!
Eva – spot on – the bottle is a great idea for festival season!