Just over a week until Christmas, folks! It’s probably something you don’t want to be reminded of if you’re feeling far from ready, but I know I’m looking forward to the gatherings with loved ones to come over the next few weeks. On to this week’s food notes:
- Another fun showdown between Chef Levi Biddlecombe of Atilla the HUNgry and Chef Daniel Huber of The Pourhouse is going down on December 16, 2014 at The Pourhouse at 6pm.
- A reminder that the 104 Street Customer Appreciation Day is taking place this Thursday, December 18, 2014. Check out the great deals to be had, and at the very least, it will be a good excuse to check out the festive lights on the street and the redeveloped pocket park.
- The big news this week was the unexpected closure of Tavern 1903. Although the landlord is optimistic the dispute with restaurant runners Larry and Melinda Stewart can be resolved, the silence from the Stewarts doesn’t seem to be a good sign.
- Café Mosaics, freshly renovated, is open for business again. They’ve doubled their capacity, lengthened their hours, and have added new menu items.
- How about some ramen to temper the cold? Andrea checks out Ninja Club (10324 82 Avenue), now open in Old Strathcona.
- There’s a great piece in Avenue Magazine about Denizen Hall, the newly-transformed bar in The Grand Hotel. Denizen Hall also started serving food this week – for an idea of what the “Alberta homestead”-inspired pub menu contains, check out Nate Box and Chael MacDonald on Global.
- Arcadia Bar, offering a fully vegan menu, is now open at 10988 124 Street.
- The Journal reviewed Café Beirut’s relatively new 124 Street location last week.
- Karlynn’s latest Where I Ate Wednesday podcast is now up, where she discusses some of her recent meals at a few of the newest additions to Edmonton’s food scene.
- The 2nd annual Winter City Signature Drink competition is back, with an Edmonton staycation up for grabs! The deadline to enter is December 31, 2014.
- Still searching for a gift for that special someone? Robyn shares her ideas on what might appeal to the foodie in your life.
- I didn’t know Earth’s General Store carried crickets. Stocking stuffer, anyone?
- After a meeting in the area, I ended up having lunch at the nearby Sabzy. I haven’t been to the restaurant since they moved from Whyte Avenue, but based on the experience, I’d be looking forward to returning for dinner. The lunch special of ground beef kabobs ($13) wasn’t anything to look at, but the flavour was good, and the serving size deceptively filling.
Kobeedeh at Sabzy
- Mack and I finally made it to The Culture Collective (as guests – thanks, Thomas!). This particular event was organized as an Arts Market, featuring a number of local vendors. We picked up some gifts, enjoyed a drink, and ran into some familiar faces. Fun night! Their next event, a variety showcase, is taking place on January 29, 2015.
Culture Collective at the Yellowhead Brewery
- We met up with Amanda at 97 Hot Pot over the weekend. Service wasn’t as top-notch as my first visit, but we were hidden in the corner. The food, however, was consistent, and I love the atmosphere. Worth considering for gatherings of picky eaters over the holidays!
Mack especially loved the unlimited spring rolls
Only Here for the Food 