Now Open: Roast Coffeehouse and Wine Bar

I pass the Mercer Warehouse twice every day on my way to and from work, so I can’t tell you how much I have been looking forward to the opening of Roast Coffeehouse and Wine Bar (102, 10359 104 Street). Given the Starbucks at Quest on 105 Street closed a few months back, Roast is now the closest coffee shop to my office, handy for those days where an extra pick-me-up is needed. Having announced that their soft opening would be taking place today, Mack and I headed to Roast this morning before work.

Roast Coffeehouse

Mack loved the “R” sign marking the entrance, and the patio furniture that takes advantage of the Promenade’s wide walkways. He would have preferred that the benches faced the sidewalk instead of the street, but it is still better than no outdoor furniture!

Outdoor seating

No question, the space has been fully renovated. Mack had a chance to visit the space in January, and it looked nothing like it does now. The brick and floors had been painted over, and the strained, fluorescent lighting did nothing to highlight the character of the historical building.

Before

Until now: the owners of Roast did a great job – I loved the exposed brick and re-varnished floors, and thought the pressed tin was a nice touch as well. The space actually reminded me a lot of the newest location of Dark Horse in Toronto, right down to the chalkboard menu and the fact that they also had to open without an espresso machine.

After

The interior was warm and inviting, with a lot of different seating options, including booths that would suit large groups very well, and even a secluded community table.

Booths

Community table

Mack and I chose to have a brewed coffee each ($2.50 for a small). Roast serves California-based Verve Coffee, and had a good selection of their beans for sale. And though they didn’t have their espresso capabilities up and running yet, I love their fun take on lattes, with both a crème brule and maple bacon latte on the menu. You can take a look at their full drink menu here.

For the home brewing crowd

For food, Roast serves up pastries and desserts from The Good Oven (run by the people who had started Fresh Start Bistro, who then shifted their focus to catering) and lunch items from The Chopped Leaf. I have to say I’m a little disappointed that Roast didn’t choose to make any food in-house – given their competition is Credo (who bakes their own treats fresh daily) and Transcend (who has a rockin’ South American menu).

Salads

We didn’t get a full picture of their wine and evening menu, but it’ll be interesting to see how this evolves. The cafe + wine bar concept hasn’t taken off in Edmonton, and with Mercer Tavern next door, would those looking for a post-work drink choose Roast over the neighbouring bar? That said, if they create the right atmosphere (and it looks like they’ll be bringing in some live musicians at some point), perhaps they can cultivate that aspect of their business after all.

Interior

I’m excited that there is finally a business to anchor the other end of 104 Street, and look forward to coming back again! And with the Tavern opening up this weekend, it really is a great time to visit the Promenade.

Roast Coffeehouse and Wine Bar
102, 10359 104 Street
(780) 669-0221

Food Notes for July 16, 2012

A few weeks ago, Mack and I were interviewed by the Journal about our downtown, walking-centred lifestyle. The article was published on Saturday. While I didn’t mean to say that there’s no need to use a gym (and actually, I think Mack and I could use a little more cardio), I liked how the rest of the piece turned out. Anyway, on to this week’s food notes:

I’m sure I’m not the only one to say, finally: Roast Coffeehouse will stage a soft opening on July 17, and its neighbour, the Mercer Tavern, is set to have its grand opening on July 20.
You have a few more days to pick up discounted Taste of Edmonton tickets. They will be on sale at Tix on the Square until July 18.
Tickets are still available for Chef Blair Lebsack’s July 22, 2012 farm dinner at Peas on Earth.
Vinomania is hosting its Summer Celebration on August 1, 2012 from 5-8pm. Expect wine and spirits tastings, food trucks (Drift and Filistix) and live entertainment.
Pinkberry landed in Edmonton on July 12. Read Marlow Moo’s take on the grand opening.
Last week, the Journal reviewed Century Hospitality’s newest restaurant, MKT.
I wrote this last year, but it surprises me that books like Where to Eat in Canada are still being published. Does anyone still read them?
I am loving, “Strip Search”, the Journal’s series on strip malls – if we had more unique gems like these, walking to your neighbourhood shop wouldn’t seem like an outdated pastime. Read about Parsons Road and Hazeldean.
A must read: Mack’s post on the Food and Agriculture strategy and how it relates to Edmonton’s future growth.
There is no question “organics” have become big business. Campbell’s acquisition of Bolthouse Farms is just the latest in a string of “big food” takeovers of independent organic companies. It’s a worrisome trend, as detailed in this article in the NYT – did you know that in the US more than 250 nonorganic substances are approved as additives to organic labelled food?
Mack and I walked past the Copper Pot (9707 110 Street) on the weekend and noticed that it has changed hands. It looks like Nello’s will be taking it over, and Antonio’s will open some time soon. Here’s hoping they will bring more traffic into the storefront, as the Copper Pot was never all that busy.

Antonio’s

You know food trucks are mainstream when national brands have jumped on the bandwagon: the Kraft Peanut Butter Truck is coming to town on July 19 at the Taste of Edmonton. Though I don’t agree with Taste organizers that they should have permitted the truck to park at Churchill Square (is it fair to the trucks and other vendors selling food at the festival while free food samples are being distributed?), I will say that it is a good opportunity for people to re-acquaint themselves with how versatile peanut butter can be! I was lucky enough to receive a care package of samples put together by Gail Hall, made up of several dishes that the truck will be serving up. My favourite had to be the PB S’mores, though the Thai peanut dip surprised me with its hint of heat.

Sweet treats from Kraft

I’m a little embarrassed to admit my new favourite warm weather drink this year is the Passion Tea Lemonade at Starbucks. That said, the new Refreshers line at Starbucks with green coffee extract is also interesting – a caffeine boost without the coffee. I’m sure other big coffee retailers will follow suit with similar drinks soon.

Starbucks

Summer Menu Launch at Murrieta’s

Murrieta’s is one of those restaurants that is easily overlooked. Perhaps it can be attributed to its non-descript location on Whyte (without a flashy patio or sidewalk real estate), or more likely, its resemblance to other upscale casual restaurants like Joey’s. Well, Murrieta’s (with locations in Calgary and Canmore as well) is trying to shed that image, having hired Chef Shand Chartrand to revamp the menu, and hopefully, the brand itself.

Murrieta’s

Chef Chartrand first splashed onto the Edmonton food scene as the Executive Chef of L2, the Fantasyland Grill’s attempt at reinvigorating a dated establishment. By all accounts, he did a wonderful job, putting L2 on the map, and showed that Bourbon Street wasn’t the only dining destination at the mall. So when it was announced in February that he was shifting to Murrieta’s, it was a bit of a coup for them to have landed a chef with such a reputation (General Manager Courtney Campbell told us that once he took a look at Chef Chartrand’s resume, he literally chased him down the street to call him back). Two weeks ago, I was fortunate to be invited as a guest to Murrieta’s summer menu launch (thanks, Karlynn, for thinking of me!).

Val and Gail demonstrate what it’s like to eat with food bloggers

Chef Chartrand took his time in developing his first menu, speaking with suppliers and choosing a select few local producers, such as MoNa and Mighty Trio Organics, to highlight. That said, in introducing the menu, it was clear maintaining value-driven dishes was important, as was the need to cater to their customers with recognizable dishes. Chef Chartrand did say seafood sustainability was of particular importance to him, and as a result, the four types of fish that appear on the menu were selected based on that criteria (including an Alberta pickerel). I would hope that for future menus the names of local producers are more prominent, however – short of asking the server, that information was not readily at hand.

Chef Chartrand presents his menu

While the meal wasn’t intended to be eaten family-style, it quickly devolved into this, as plates circled around our table. We were permitted to order what pleased us, and someone suggested we try all of the appetizers – yes, all ten of them. My favourite was the tempura prawns ($14), wrapped in a light and crispy batter, and served with coconut jelly, pickled ginger and sachimi aioli. The deep fried goat cheese ($14) also shouldn’t be missed, still spreadable but accented with a nice crust, accompanied by local crackers and orange brandy sauce.

Tempura prawns

Deep fried goat cheese

Our table was a bit more sensible when it came to entrees, ordering just one a piece, but there was still a fair amount of plate-passing on this round as well. Without question, Chef Chartrand knows how to make fish sing – the pan-seared pickerel ($32) was perfectly cooked, and the side of béarnaise sauce on that rainy evening provided the comfort I was looking for. I probably could have done with some more side vegetables and without the wilting pea tendrils, but it is a dish I would order again.

Pan-seared pickerel with béarnaise sauce

Two other exceptional dishes I had the opportunity to taste were the lamb duo ($39) and the ancho glazed veal shank ($31). Although the appetizer lamb meatballs were imbued with a gamey flavour, the half lamb rack I tried had none of that, cooked to a moist medium rare.

Lamb duo of roasted half rack and merguez sausage

The veal was similarly moist and fork tender. It was without a doubt the largest serving of meat on the menu, and even featured a bit of bone marrow. Many around the table agreed that this was the best dish of the night.

Ancho glazed veal shank

Dessert unfortunately didn’t leave us on a high note, though the presentation was certainly memorable. Several of us ordered the daily crème brule ($9), which was caramelized tableside. After the dishes were delivered, alcohol was sprayed on top, then ignited for a showy blue flame. The white chocolate custard was okay, but I would have preferred a warmer custard temperature. We were also disappointed that the promised fresh-baked cookie wasn’t available to accompany the dish.

White chocolate crème brule

Having nothing to do with the food, but being a part of the experience that night was geeking out and asking to have a photo taken with former Oiler Craig Simpson. He was there as a wine rep for Murrieta’s Well winery (their blended white wine, called The Whip, was delectable – I had two glasses easy), but was more than happy to indulge a few fans.

With Judy, Craig and Karlynn

Thanks to Murrieta’s for the invitation – it was a lovely evening all around. I do think Chef Chartrand will help raise the restaurant’s profile, and with time, could transform it into a dining destination.

Murrieta’s
10612 82 Avenue
(780) 438-4100

City Market Report: Week 9

It was another scorcher in Edmonton on Saturday, but I think one of the best places to be on days like this is on the shaded aisles of the City Market!

Enjoying the shade

One of these days, I want to conjure enough courage to ask proud dog owners if I can photograph their cute puppies for a post similar to this one, but until then, you’ll have to make do with Willow, who Marianne and Charles were dog sitting for.

Looking shy, Willow!

Last week may have been all about carrots, but this week the potatoes were out in full force!

Potatoes from Sundog Organic

From Kuhlmann’s

From Riverbend Gardens

Of course, there was plenty of other fresh produce to choose from as well, including the first of BC’s stone fruits – peaches and apricots!

Peaches from Steve and Dan’s

Apricots from Steve and Dan’s

Garlic scapes from Sundog Organic

Kale from Kuhlmann’s

Golden jubilee beets from Kuhlmann’s

Parsley from Kuhlmann’s

Radishes from Kuhlmann’s

Lettuce from Riverbend Gardens

A mountain of carrots from Riverbend Gardens

After the market wrapped up, the action wasn’t all done on the street – there was a music video being shot on the roof of the McKenney Building this afternoon!

Video shoot

Hope you enjoyed your Saturday too!

The Cooking Chronicles: Calendar Inspiration

Recipe inspirations can come from anywhere – online, the newspaper, a television show. On two recent occasions, that inspiration came from calendars.

Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Linguine

The daily image on our kitchen Milk calendar has got to me before, but this time, the image of “succulent” garlic shrimp and spinach linguine haunted me for a week before I caved in. I’m a sucker for cream-based pastas anyway, and enjoyed this version very much, the cream balanced somewhat by a white wine reduction. I also loved the wilted Sundog Organic spinach throughout, while the Doef’s red pepper added a nice sweetness. The shrimp were okay, though I would likely substitute chicken the next time around.

Garlic shrimp and spinach linguine

Lunchbox Granola Bars

Mack likes to tease me about being hungry all the time, but it’s true that I try to carry some sort of sustenance with me in case I start to get peckish. That usually ends up being a granola bar of some sort, typically of the packaged variety. I never really considered making my own until I came across this recipe in the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Healthy Living Calendar.

The recipe calls for a ton of healthy ingredients, including sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and applesauce. I tried to incorporate as many local products into it as possible – Prairie Gold flaxseed, Halwa Farms whole wheat flour, Highland Crossing rolled oats and Meadow Sweet honey.

Out of the oven, the bars held together well, but still had a nice chew. Mack joked though that one bar would be more than enough to replace a meal, as they were quite dense and weighty. But most important, the bars tasted good! They weren’t overly sweet, though I appreciated the bit of chocolate in every second bite.

Lunchbox granola bars

I’d definitely recommend this recipe, and will be making another batch for myself soon.

Date Night: 124 Grand Market and Cococo Chocolatiers

Mack still hadn’t been to the 124 Grand Market, the current darling of the local food scene, so we decided to make it a date – why do dinner and a movie when you can do dinner at a market?

124 Grand Market

We hopped on a bus after work and joined the hoards gleefully enjoying another perfectly clear night out at the market (we joked with 124 organizer Kirsta Franke that this number of rain-free market days must be some sort of record).

Kirsta and roommate!

As expected, the seating area was jam packed for the dinner hour – Nomad and Drift had been mobbed early, and they were each already sold out of a few items (Mack and I kicked ourselves a little for missing Drift’s buttermilk fried chicken sandwich). Still, we were more than satisfied with a farm egg and pork belly sandwiches and a shared poutine.

Dinner time!

Mack loves egg sandwiches

Drift’s poutine with red wine beef gravy

One of the great things about farmers’ markets in Edmonton is the inevitability of running into someone you know! Among them tonight was the Walters family, who enjoyed the poutine as much as we did.

Michael, Kara and their sons

We didn’t buy much (not having our reusable bag really hindered my shopping impulse), but enjoyed perusing the vendors, especially those who don’t vend at the City Market. The first week out, there weren’t too many grocery vendors (meat, produce), but it would now be possible to fill one’s fridge quite nicely with their current mix.

Steve & Dan’s

Victoria Farm (they had some gorgeous kale)

Mojojojo Pickles (Jo’s turnip pickles are to die for!)

We did pick up a box of greens from Lactuca (grown in a yard just two blocks away from the market), and some doughnuts from Heritage Baked Goods – when else have you encountered a pink lemonade doughnut?

Heritage Baked Goods

As we watched the crowds go by, Mack and I tried to find out the reasons why this market has taken on such a life of its own so early on (especially given there are a number of long-standing Thursday evening markets, as well as newer ones). Is it 124th’s proximity to downtown or to Oliver, Edmonton’s most populous neighbourhood? The eclectic mix of farmers, handmade goods and prepared foods? The food trucks? The thoughtful marketing and publicity? Or its location on Edmonton’s up-and-coming street, anchored by hip tenants Duchess and Cafe Tiramisu? Regardless of the reason, Kirsta has definitely made the 124 Grand Market the place to be! Between the food and good selection of vendors, it’ll be worth your while to check it out yourself.

After the market, we walked over to Cococo Chocolatiers (the rebranded company that purchased Bernard Callebeaut out of receivership). They relocated a block south into the old McElheran’s discounted furniture storeroom at 10103 124 Street, and have transformed the unremarkable space into a bright and appealing retreat.

Cococo Chocolatiers

We weren’t too interested in chocolate today, but there’s no doubt on another occasion we would take the time to look through the vast display cases. Instead, we made a beeline for the gelato, which in my opinion is among the best in the city.

Refreshing raspberry gelato

We opted to cool off in the air-conditioned space, but some patrons enjoyed their treats outdoors on Cococo’s limited patio. With such a vast (and unnecessarily large) parking lot, I hope Cococo considers expanding their outdoor seating with a proper, attractive patio. It definitely would help grab the attention of passersby – at the moment, the signage is small and it isn’t clear a chocolate oasis awaits within.

Comfortably cooler, Mack and I decided to walk home, enjoying the evening breeze. All in all, a great date night – thanks, Mack!

Eat, Drink and Be Early: Toronto Highlights

I’m still amazed at how much we managed to pack in during our short trip to Toronto back in May. It helps, of course, that on one of the days, we were already up and at ‘em by 7 a.m. Vacation? What vacation?

Aunties and Uncles

Mack and I only had one occasion to take in brunch during the trip, and we probably picked the absolute worst day to do so: Mother’s Day. Getting a reservation was near impossible, so after some research, we chose the walk-in only Aunties and Uncles (voted best brunch by Blog T.O. last year).

By the time we arrived, the line was forty-five minutes strong. It is a small restaurant, but in the summer, the patio seating easily doubles the number of tables.

The Mothers’s Day line

We were fortunate to get an al fresco seat, shaded by a large umbrella. In the early afternoon warmth, it was outdoor dining that wasn’t yet possible in Edmonton at the time.

Mack on the patio!

The food was well worth the wait. My omelette was chock full of rapini, tomatoes and smoked gouda, and the hash was nicely charred. The sweet and springy sesame-crusted challah was no doubt the start of the plate, however. Mack equally enjoyed his breakfast burger, with a homemade beef patty topped with brie, bacon and (his favourite), a fried egg. It was served on the same challah.

Omelette

Breakfast burger

Service was better during the first half of our meal – our coffee refills dropped off after that. Even still, I’d recommend Aunties and Uncles for brunch in Toronto– those lines don’t lie!

Steamwhistle Brewery

Besides Alley Kat’s Charlie Flint, the only other beer consistently in our fridge is Steamwhistle. Made in Toronto, we didn’t have the time last year to visit the brewery, so we made sure to include it on our itinerary on this trip.

The Roundhouse

Located in a former locomotive roundhouse, the area surrounding the facility is beautiful, a swath of green in amongst high rises and skyscrapers. There was even a small playground behind the building, situated just beneath one of the country’s busiest roadways. We eventually learned that the City at one point had wanted to demolish the historic building to make way for a convention centre parkade. But Council had the foresight to prevent this, and compromised– the parkade was constructed underground, and the building reconstructed brick by brick over top.

Freeway/playground

We managed to get tickets for the day’s final tour. At $10 a pop, the ticket included not one, but two beers, plus a souvenir glass or bottle opener. While waiting for the tour, we explored the event space, which is used often for concerts, weddings, and food truck events. I loved its raw, industrial edge, and while I haven’t been inside the Mercer Tavern yet, I am hoping it has a similar vibe.

In the tasting room

I enjoyed hearing about the history of the brewery, including its origins. Steamwhistle was started by three fired guys from the Upper Canada Brewery after it was purchased by Molson (etched on the bottom of each bottle is “3FG”as a reminder of its beginnings).

Free sample

Steamwhistle brews all of its beers in this building, with a volume of approximately 81,000 bottles per day (interestingly enough, our tour guide wasn’t able to compare this with the volume produced by a multi-national company).

Bottling area

We also learned that they had an actual working steamwhistle, which two lucky tour-goers got to pull. The beer’s namesake relates to the steamwhistle sound they wanted to echo through the streets of downtown Toronto to trumpet quittin’ time.

Whee!

It’s always interesting to see how a product gets on the shelves, and it gives us a bit more appreciation for our fridge staple.

Centre Island

Mack and Amanda will tell you that it was a not-so-pleasant wakeup call the day we intended to check out the Toronto Islands. Because Mack had to be back downtown for his early afternoon conference start time, we knew our window of opportunity was short, and hence, planned to catch the first ferry out. Our walk from our hotel to the ferry stop was a frantic one, dodging commuters on busy streets and narrow sidewalks. But, our tale ends well and we reached the dock in time to catch our ferry.

On the ferry

The Toronto Islands, with its limited real estate, vehicle ban, and need for ferry access makes it a bit of an idyllic, if isolated, community. Though we didn’t make it to the residential side of the islands, the number of bike-toting individuals that poured off the first ferry was astonishing. Here we were, in Canada’s largest city, with a sort-of hippie commune within arm’s reach!

Loved this sign!

The blessing of that first ferry was that we were among a very small group. As a result, once on the other side, it felt like we had the island to ourselves.

Mack also particularly enjoyed the city’s skyline as viewed from the Toronto Islands

The downside of visiting in May instead of June through September, however, is that many of the attractions, including the amusement park, were closed. Still, wandering the serene and lush, dew-sprinkled grounds were an attraction enough.

Centre Island

We did wander over to the beach on the other side, but still early, the mist and fog wouldn’t have made it an ideal time to spend on the sand or in the water.

We were also amazed at the amount of “wildlife” present all around Centre Island, from aggressive sparrows to fearless ducks, graceful swans and innumerable geese. And let’s not forget Amanda’s favourite – snakes!

Geese

Amanda’s pet

Even the inanimate animals were fun, the highlight found in Franklin’s Garden.

Mack confronts Franklin

Amanda found a better pet

Toting a picnic basket and swim gear, visiting Centre Island could easily take up an entire day – children in tow or not. The few hours we spent were good enough for us though, especially since our wait for the return ferry saw at least a hundred people pile off – and we weren’t in an island sharing mood.

Guu

Guu came to us recommended by a random Toronto blog I came across. Edmonton is bereft of izakayas, and friends of mine who have lived in Japan constantly bemoan this fact. And while I don’t eat sushi, cooked Japanese tapas are right up my alley, so I was curious to see what a Japanese pub was all about.

That said, I wasn’t expecting the raucous welcome that we received. Anytime a guest entered, all staff turned to the door with a loud greeting of welcome. Similarly, anytime a guest was leaving the establishment, hollers of goodbye and thank you travelled with them. It took us a while to get used to the noise, but there is no doubt it creates a very spirited, joyful atmosphere. Mack commented that it really drew attention to how many parties come and go in a given night.

Mack and Amanda at Guu

The interior was made up of low wooden tables and stools, warmed by Edison bulbs and a bustling open kitchen (flames were seen on more than one occasion).

Interior

The sharing menu is perfect for large groups, and was great for first timers like us, as it gave us the chance to sample numerous dishes. Our server recommended seven dishes for a three top. The standouts included the sweet and spicy fried calamari and pan-fried pork cheek.

Sweet and spicy fried calamari

Pan-fried pork cheek

I expected the okonomiyaki to be crispier and less wobbly, and the agedashi tofu to have had a firmer exterior, though the dashi broth was great.

Okonomiyaki

Agedashi tofu

Service was brisk, but matched the pace of the restaurant. I could definitely see myself returning on future visits, though it is the sort of place I would love to see in Edmonton. With the runaway success of Three Boars, other true small plates-focused eateries should be in the works. I think Edmonton is ready.

A Walk through Wolf Willow and the Fort Edmonton Footbridge

It probably wasn’t the best idea to go for a walk during the peak of the afternoon heat, but at least we got some sun! Mack and I spent Sunday afternoon in the Wolf Willow neighbourhood on the city’s west end. The impetus was to try to take part in the advertised block party on the Fort Edmonton Footbridge, but we ended up missing the festivities by about a half hour (we’ve also never encountered a block party planned for just two hours on a Sunday).

Fort Edmonton Footbridge

Regardless, it was a good excuse as any to return to one of our favourite places in Edmonton. The breeze off the river was great, and we saw many people lounging not only on the bridge, but on the water as well.

Although we encountered a few more signs this time around, the walk from their designated parking lane to the bridge was still a bit of a guess and test, almost as if it is meant to be a hidden gem not easily discovered (Mack’s written about it before – the City’s webpage doesn’t make it easy). And though the bridge is in theory open to the public, walking by rows of large three and four-garage homes on the way down, it was hard not to think of this as a neighbourhood exclusive (especially when compared with other more accessible and visible pedestrian bridges such as the Cloverdale Pedestrian Bridge in Louise McKinney).

Part of the City’s “ribbon of green”

Instead of returning the way we came, we decided to loop around the long way, and explore Wolf Willow on foot a little further. One of the features of this neighbourhood is definitely its back lane trails – so many of the homes in this area open into wooded paths, and gave the impression that backyards were extended right into nature.

One of the many “hidden” trails

With the help of Google Maps (great that the trails are included in the walking directions!), we made it back to our starting point. When Mack’s parents (and puppies) are in town later this summer, we hope to take them to this bridge –we think it should be a destination for Edmontonians and tourists alike!

Made it to the top!

Food Notes for July 9, 2012

This heat wave is a bit unreal! It makes me appreciate the air conditioning at my office much more, heh. Hope you’re finding ways to stay cool! On to this week’s food notes:

One way to stay cool for free: 7-11 is handing out free slurpees on July 11, 2012 to the first 1,000 guests.
Get ready frozen yogurt fans: Pinkberry opens in Edmonton at West Edmonton Mall on July 12, 2012. Free samples will be handed out from 6-9pm.
Gleaned from the July/August 2012 issue of The Tomato: Chef Andrew Fung (most recently of the Blackhawk Golf Course, and 2010 Gold Medal Plate winner) is opening up a restaurant in MacTaggert. Also, Fat Franks will be opening up a diner-style restaurant.
The Italian Centre is also planning a restaurant to open in the fall called Massimo’s Kitchen, named after Teresa Spinelli’s son.
Capital Ex has introduced a number of new dishes at this year’s festival, including cricket pizza, flavoured mini doughnuts and a grilled cheese burger – where the bun of a typical burger is replaced by two grilled cheese sandwiches.
Liane wrote a great story about a trend of local restaurants serving up staff dinners.
Vue asks, “How does Edmonton stack up as a beer town?” It sounds like we have a long way to go, but it’s interesting to find out that two of Calgary’s successful beer destinations are heading to our fair city.
Addie’s article on the Next Gen blog about a few restaurants trying to keep it local is worth a read.
I love lists – Jay Palter, “newish in Edmonton”, made a list of his favourite dishes in the city.
I was sad to have missed the supertaster sessions offered by Sobeys, but at least I was able to read about the opportunity on Kelly’s blog.
The community some want to create in Mundare sounds a bit like a local food utopia. One mile diet, anyone?
Jonathan Waxman, who competed alongside Hubert Keller in our favourite season of Top Chef Masters, was another contestant we were cheering for. Great interview with him in Eater this week discussing seasonality and trendiness.
Sad news in the food world today: Chef Anthony Sedlak of Food Network Canada’s The Main, was found dead on Friday in his Vancouver home.
Food competition shows are going mainstream: Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson are hosting The Taste to air on ABC this fall.
Mack and I were happy to have been asked to participate in Next Gen’s food-focused DIYalogue last week at The Black Dog. It’s always fun to talk food, and there was no shortage of enthusiasm and love for the subject in the room! I mentioned that day that one thing missing in Edmonton’s scene is southern comfort food, but neglected to also say that we could also do with what Grub Street calls “Asian hipster cuisine”.

DIYalogue

Representing What the Truck?!

ilistix served up some fine Moroccan tagine

It’s been a while since we’ve been in the food court at West Edmonton Mall, since I had no idea we had a Freshii in the city. Mack and I tried them for the first time on the weekend. The Asian noodle bowl ($7.29) had a good variety of texture, and more chicken that I was expecting, while Mack thought his chicken club wrap ($8.29) tasted light and fresh.

Asian noodle bowl

Chicken club wrap

I can’t tell you how much we were craving Route 99’s poutine last week.

Poutine!

What’s better in +30 degree heat than a hot bowl of pho? I met Mack at Pho Tau Bay today for just that at lunch, and good thing too – they will be closed from July 16 – August 15, 2012. Get there while you can!

Pho

City Market Report: Week 8

Weekends like this are just glorious, and reminds us that there is no better place to spend the summer than Edmonton. The City Market was a hub of activity today; I wouldn’t be surprised if they reached some of their highest attendance numbers for the season so far.

High traffic area

The Feats Festival of Dance (which runs June 29 – July 14, 2012) was on hand with different demonstrations throughout the day.

Clogging

There was also an abundance of carrots today – almost everyone we passed down the aisles had bunches of cheerful green tops poking out of their market bags.

Kuhlmann’s carrots

Carrots from Jen’s Organic Garden

Of course, there was a ton of other fresh produce this week as well.

First week for peas from Kuhlmann’s

Dill from Kuhlmann’s

Swiss chard from Kuhlmann’s

Flowers from Kuhlmann’s

Pak choy from Sundog Organic

Mustard greens from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Sprouts display at Greens, Eggs and Ham (they currently grow nine different kinds)

I had no idea Doef’s sold strawberries until today

Cherries from Steve and Dan’s

Raspberries from Steve and Dan’s

We also picked up some cookies from Bloom Cookie Co. We met Ashley Benson, owner and baker, at the DIYalogue on Wednesday, and it was about time we tried her cookies (the vegan chocolate chip was delish)!

Bloom Cookie Co.

We ended off our market day with lunch on the balcony – Eva Sweet waffles and cool drinks (a milkshake made with Pinnochio ice cream for Mack and a smoothie made with Bles Wold yogurt for me).

Lunch

Hope you had a great Saturday too!

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