Food Notes for March 4, 2013

We had a great time in Calgary, as we always seem to. I’ll get to writing about the trip in more detail at some point, but the highlight was a meal at the new hotspot, Market. On to this week’s food notes:

• Want to try Sailin’ On’s food before their truck hits the streets? Head to the Vegans and Vegetarians of Alberta’s potluck on March 10, 2013. Sailin’ On will be handing out free burritos!
• The Culinary Arts Cookoff is fast approaching! The fundraiser for Mt. Royal Elementary takes place on March 16, 2013. Keep up to date with participant bios and other developments on the website.
• Help a new farm-to-table initiative celebrate their first event this month!. The Ten Mile Meal debuts in Calmar, Alberta on March 23, 2013. Tickets are $50.
• I had no idea 4th and Vine had even closed until I saw a review of Bistro Saisons (11358 104 Avenue), the new restaurant that has taken its place.
• It looks like the Elephant & Castle in Edmonton City Centre is now a Fionn MacCool’s.
• It was the week of lists! First up, Western Living Magazine released their annual round up of Top 40 Foodies Under 40. Congrats to the Edmonton contingent, including the founders of Famoso, Jacob Pelletier of Duchess, Emily and Sean Superkoski of Mighty Trio Organics, the chefs of Staff Meal Edmonton, the men behind Three Boars, and Blair Lebsack of RGE RD.
• To celebrate their 100th issue, The Tomato compiled a list of the Top 100 Best Things to Eat or Drink in Edmonton. #1 on the list was the spaghetti Bolognese from Corso 32.
• Last but not least, Avenue Edmonton published their Best Restaurants list. Corso 32 again topped the list, with The Marc, Wildflower, Three Boars and MRKT rounding out the top 5. Although I really liked MRKT when it first opened, the fact that their menu has remained unchanged after two years hasn’t encouraged many repeat visits. Given Corso was praised for their “balance between consistency and change”, I’m a little surprised MRKT had such a high standing for essentially the opposite.
• Avenue Calgary released their milestone 10th annual food issue this month as well. I love their idea for the “best potluck ever” – with dishes from 33 of the city’s best restaurants. What would be on your ultimate potluck list?
• I would never have guessed that the horse meat scandal in Europe would cause a spike in sales.
• I love this Travel Alberta video, where some of the city’s notable food writers share what they consider to be “Edmonton’s dish”.
• Though it was unfortunately not a surprise, City Council passed the Horse Hills Area Structure Plan on Tuesday.
• I was a little disappointed to find out that Lay’s wouldn’t be selling their Chicken and Waffles flavour chips in Canada, but apparently, there is a reason why (on a side note, I can’t believe the statistic that Canadians consume almost twice as much vegetables as the average American).
• Have you seen the chocolate ad featuring a CGI-recreated Audrey Hepburn? Do you think it is classic or creepy?
• The rumours are true! A cheese shop is opening up on 104 Street in the Phillips Lofts. It turns out The Cavern will also serve up coffee and small plates.

The Cavern

• After a meeting in the area last week, Mack and I headed to The Next Act for dinner. I had been thinking about their Cajun fish sandwich for a while – and it certainly hit the spot!

Cajun fish sandwich

Pulled pork sandwich