- Fifendekel launched their month-long Festival of Tarts on December 1, 2015, offering customers the chance to purchase a variety tray of tarts, chosen from twelve different savoury and sweet flavours just in time for the holidays. Cindy gives us a breakdown of the tastes to expect.
- I love the idea of Little Brick’s Home School – several mini sessions led by local experts. Their next series is all about Christmas, on December 10, 2015, and will teach about festive drinks, Christmas shortbread, and holiday arrangements. Tickets are $100.
- Elaine Wilson is hosting a by-donation bake sale on December 13, 2015, in support of the Wings of Providence. Head to the Abby Road Co-op (10950 82 Avenue) from 10am-3pm to partake in the sweet fun!
- The French Quarter Grand Market has transformed for the season into a Holiday Bazaar. Every Sunday until December 20, 2015, in addition to their core vendors, they are offering “an alternative shopping experience to the mall”, with numerous artisans and other festive perks.
- Blue Rose Vegan is offering another snack pack, this time themed for the holidays. The $50 order feeds four, and includes a vegan-friendly tourtiere, stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and dessert. Order for pick-up on December 19, 2015.
- Winefest will be back February 12-13, 2016, and early bird tickets are already on sale. The discounted admission is available until January 8, 2016.
- Congratulations to Sweet Lollapalooza who just opened up their second location in Calgary!
- The hotly-anticipated Prairie Noodle Shop just released their menu for your viewing pleasure.
- The winter issue of The Yards released the winners of their first annual Best in the Core awards last week. Congrats to Coffee Bureau for the recognition as the Best Coffee Shop and Remedy for the Best Late Night Eats.
- Twyla is the first to review Juniper Café & Bistro in Strathearn, and the dishes look delectable. You can listen to her CBC review here.
- Sambol Kitchen posts another rave review, this time from Chris.
- Eva shared her thoughts on XIX Nineteen’s new St. Albert location.
- Chris took in the most recent Swine and Dine at the Hotel Macdonald – looks like it was a great meal!
- Phil has returned with the third round of the Great Edmonton Perogy Showdown, which will lead to the final throwdown between the top contenders of each previous round.
- Also from Phil, his latest Off Menu podcast is now up, and it features the boys behind The Local Omnivore, Mark Bellows and Ryan Brodziak.
- Karlynn Johnson’s forthcoming Fall 2016 Random House cookbook now has a title: Flapper Pie and a Blue Prairie Sky!
- Are you a #yegfood chef who wants to showcase your skills on the Edmonton Home and Garden Show stage? The organizers are taking applicants now.
- I meant to share this sooner – Julie Van Rosendaal had a great idea for a reverse advent calendar as a way to give back over the holidays. Instead of emptying a slot, you fill one in with an item needed by the Food Bank.
- Calgary’s Fiasco Gelato has put together some charming hot chocolate/marshmallow gift sets for the holidays. We found these at The Italian Centre.
Drinking chocolate and coffee ‘mallows
- For a lunch at Thanh Thanh with colleagues this week, I tried the Bun Bo Hue. Though I felt like I was cheating on King Noodle House, I enjoyed the prominent lemongrass flavour of the broth. I did wish that they used thicker noodles, however!
Bun Bo Hue from Thanh Thanh
Only Here for the Food 