- Marry your love of chocolate and charity – the Red Shoe Society is hosting a tasting of Jacek chocolates on March 5, 2016 that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Alberta. Tickets are $35.
- I’m disappointed that Chef Ben Staley’s new restaurant, The Alder Room, has shifted from its previously announced location in McCauley, but at least it’s moving forward. They announced last week that they’ve secured space at 10328 Jasper Avenue, and it will be home to not one, but two restaurants – Alta will be a natural wine bar and cold kitchen.
- Congratulations to the winners of the third annual Winter City Edmonton Signature Drink Competition.
- Nando’s of peri-peri chicken fame, is opening up its first Edmonton location on February 26, 2016 at 4210 Gateway Boulevard.
- Jonny is the first to review the Northern Chinese eatery Wheat Garden Noodle & Dumpling Bazaar on 107 Avenue.
- Speaking of 107 Avenue, Wheat Garden took over the former Old Szechuan Restaurant digs, which has since relocated to Old Strathcona. Vue Weekly visited their new location.
- Ms. Hangry Foodie checks out The Local Omnivore.
- Phil’s latest Brunch Odyssey took him to Ampersand 27 and Wildflower Grill.
- The Local Grill shines a spotlight on Spencer Thompson and his restaurant, Alberta Hotel Bar & Kitchen.
- Restaurants have to account for rising food costs too – but instead of passing the buck to diners, some chefs are getting creative to manage menu prices by substituting cheaper ingredients for pricier ones, or reducing serving sizes.
- It was disheartening to hear about the fire that razed the Beverly location of the Italian Bakery that prepared 99% of the businesses’ bread.
- Dynasty Century Palace has been fined $42,000 for public health violations.
- Congratulations to Confetti Sweets, which will again be heading down to spread cookie joy at a pre-Oscar party in Hollywood.
- Mel shares that Dial and Dine has shut down.
- Eat Alberta shared some changes they’ve made in 2016: they’ll be launching a series of smaller events this year, and will be postponing the workshop conference until 2017.
- Worried about the rising cost of produce? Support local and family farms by choosing Community Supported Agriculture. Vesta Gardens is currently selling shares for the 2016 growing season.
- There’s a forthcoming bubble tea cafe coming to Downtown in April, called Bohemian Tea Zone at 10173 109 Street.
Bohemian Tea Zone
Only Here for the Food 