Though I didn’t necessarily travel far from Edmonton this year (remaining on the North American continent), many of my food memories from 2012 revolved around the trips I took. I was fortunate enough to visit Toronto twice, spent over a week in the Okanagan, and in the fall, explored the food and hipster mecca of Portland (which, of course, I have yet to blog about).
The mac and cheese at Bannock, one of my favourite spots in Toronto
Amanda at the Toronto Underground Market
It was absolutely beautiful by the lake at Quail’s Gate in Kelowna
The farmers’ market at Portland State University was unreal
The best salami I’ve ever had, courtesy of Olympic Provisions in Portland
The YouCanHasCheeseburger (two grilled cheese sandwiches in place of a regular bun) from Brunch Box in Portland was worth every calorie
I also had many memorable meals closer to home, including an incredible multi-course dinner at the Slow Food Canada gala in May, a Canada Day crab boil, a farm to table feast like we’ve never experienced, multiple meals at our favourite new restaurant, Three Boars, and innumerable bowls of beef noodle soup at Pho Tau Bay.
My favourite dish at the Slow Food gala: a celebration of grains and pulses with the most delectable pea puree
The spread at an indulgent Canada Day crab boil
RGE RD 135 farm dinner at Nature’s Green Acres
They may be better known for their creative uses of lesser cuts of meat, but Three Boars’ simple dessert of lemon curd, blueberry compote and granola was one of the best desserts I ate this year
I’m pretty sure I consumed more pho than anything else in 2012
Mack and I were also very lucky to work with some amazing partners on several food events we helped organize, including two pop-up dinners, a food conference and more than ten What the Truck?! events.
We had a blast organizing Blink: Pedway Pop-Up with the Century Hospitality Group, which took place in February in the pedway between Scotia and Commerce Place
Similarly, we loved working with Drift to pull off Pedway: Urban Picnic at Louise McKinney Park in August (photo by Hugh Lee)
Eat Alberta 2.0 doubled in size, and took place inside the kitchens of NAIT
After a series of successful Truck Stops in Old Strathcona, we hosted our first ever Throwdown Edition in August, featuring pulled pork
We ended the What the Truck?! season with our biggest event ever, colonizing Churchill Square in September
Here’s to another year of good food!
After ringing the opening bell at the City Market
Only Here for the Food 
can’t wait to read about Portland!
We went to nearly all your events this year and had some amazing meals and made some great memories. Thanks for writing this blog and sharing your passion – so many people benefit from your hard work. I am exceptionally grateful for your existence!
Talk about making a difference!
Standing ovation!
I can’t wait to write about it…it will just take some time :).
That’s very kind, Moira. Thank you for your support – without it, we wouldn’t be able to continue doing what we do!
Thanks Valerie!
Awesome year! And this reminds me – is Eat Alberta scheduled for 2013?
We’re working on it! We will be sending out save the date information soon – make sure you’re signed up on eatalberta.ca :).