This will be my last post for a while – after Mack and I get married this weekend, we’re off to Asia for our honeymoon! We’re looking forward to the down time – it’s been a busy summer! Enjoy the rest of the beautiful fall season in Edmonton. On to this week’s food notes:
- Alberta Culture Days is again hosting a block party on 104 Street this Friday, September 26, from 5-10pm.
- Congrats to Kevin Kossowan for his debut film Springhammer, which focuses on the current state of blacksmithing in Japan. The movie will screen on September 28, 2014 at the Edmonton International Film Festival.
- Linda Hoang is Delux’s celebrity chef in October! Sample her creation for a good cause – $1 from every burger goes to Second Chance Animal Rescue.
- Sherwood Park is hosting their very own Battle of Strathcona Chefs on October 15, 2014, as a fundraiser for the Strathcona Food Bank and to create post-secondary culinary scholarships for high school students. Tickets are $125.
- Sad news: Call the Kettle Black’s Riverbend location will be closing.
- Liane shared that Pampa will be expanding into Calgary, as well as planning another location in south Edmonton.
- Rostizado received a positive review in the Journal last week.
- Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain Ice House did not receive such a warm reception from Twyla.
- Alberta’s becoming a culinary destination – for both foreign and local tourists.
- Applications are now being accepted for the City of Edmonton’s urban hens pilot project.
- While at West Edmonton Mall on Saturday, Mack and I finally had the chance to try Wetzel’s Pretzels. They actually lived up to the hype – the original pretzel had great texture.
Wetzel’s Pretzels
- Mack and I were flattered to be asked to judge Greenfield Community League’s first annual pie bake-off on Saturday, as a part of their community league day celebrations. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it! Given it was a blind tasting, we didn’t know that the pie we ultimately picked was actually baked by our friend Yi-Li. Congrats!
With Councillor Walters at judges table
With the winner of the golden pie plate!
- My coworkers took me out for lunch today to commemorate my last day at work before the wedding. Where else would we go but Pho Tau Bay?
My last Edmonton-made pho for a while!
- I almost forgot to mention a special tasting Mack and I were invited to earlier this month. Chef Tony Le, who has taken over at Hundred, has revamped the menu for fall. He asked us to try some of the dishes to be featured on the new menu, inspired by some of the modern pub food he’s enjoyed from around the world. We (along with Felicia and Jeff) were happy to oblige. Thanks for having us, Tony!
The spicy tuna crudo received rave reviews around the table
The very shareable cauliflower was served with an addictive sriracha honey
If you’re hungry – make sure to order the 12oz pork chop, served with sriacha-fried brussels sprouts
Fun plating for the cracker jack brownie served with salted caramel gelato
Our favourite dish of the night – blueberry pie with key lime ice cream
Only Here for the Food 
best wishes on your wedding, and continued happiness, safe travels and lots of fantastic food as your married life begins!
Hey….best Edmonton bloggers in town. I sincerely love your reviews and observations. I work in the Canadian Western Bank Building, and frequent the market often. Love this city. Saw Mack on one of my breaks. Anyway, thanks for writing about things that I wish I could about this place. You guys are awesome, and I wish I could do what you do!
Major love from a die hard Edmonton fan!!