Food Notes for April 10, 2017

Let’s hope that today was the last snow of the season, as I am more than ready for spring! On to this week’s food notes:

• Celebrate Easter with the City Market on April 15, 2017 – the first 150 children (12 and under) will receive $5 in City Market bucks and a chocolate lollipop. The market runs 9am-3pm at City Hall.
• Downton Abbey fans will be interested to know that Cally’s Teas will be hosting garden party teas on April 19 (2-4pm), April 20 (7-9pm) and April 23 (2-4pm). Tickets are $50 and include a menu of cucumber and pompadour sandwiches, smoked salmon savouries, scones and cream, apple tartlets, and rhubarb fool. Also expect musical and theatre performances. Call (780) 757-8944 for reservations.
• The latest Dining with Friends event hosted by the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society celebrates Haitian food at Caribbean’s Finest Restaurant on April 27, 2017. Tickets are $43.
• It’s not too early to plan for summer – Foodie Bike Tours are back, offering 4-6 hours of pedal exploration of the city’s culinary scene. Dates start June 1 and run until August 12, 2017 and cost $99 per person not including the bike rental.
• Chocorrant, Edmonton’s latest patisserie addition, had a soft opening on the weekend at 10328 124 Street.
• Tokiwa Ramen, Edmonton’s newest ramen restaurant, opened its doors last week at 11978  104 Avenue. Because they serve only until they run out of soup, it’s best to check their Twitter account before heading over.
• Central Social Hall’s renovated downtown location has reopened, just in time for the playoff run.
• Edmonton’s first cat cafe opened at the end of March, and Linda tells you what to expect.
• I’m not sure why Popeye’s has the following it does, but it looks like their second Edmonton location on Castle Downs Road north of 137 Avenue will be just as busy as the first.
• Urbano Pizza is gearing up for their second location on 124 Street (the branch they had in Orange Market on Whyte has since closed).
• It’s great to hear that the Italian Bakery re-opened their Beverly location today – the building was gutted by a fire in February 2016.
• Can you eat thirty wontons in one minute? Grain of Rice is challenging diners in order to raise funds for Hope Mission until June 30, 2017.
• Baijiu’s atmosphere and food wows the Journal.
• Vue Weekly had a positive experience at Otto.
• Graham is the latest to post a good review of Grandin Fish ‘N’ Chips.
• Crystal recounts her meal at Crash Hotel Lobby Bar during Downtown Dining Week.
• Jonny was pleased with his visit to Saffron Indian Cuisine on the city’s southeast.
• One way to gauge the weather is by the return of food trucks – they’re back! Check the Street Food app for an up-to-date listing near you!
• It’s great to see that the Taste of Edmonton will be welcomed on the Legislature grounds next year. What the Truck?! tried in 2015 to move the needle and failed, so let’s hope this will turn the tide for other festivals as well in the public space.
• Phil’s latest product taste test involves a kitchen staple – butter.
• Valerie shares her newest cooking adventure involving a traditional Italian spring vegetable torte just in time for Easter.
• Best of luck to local company Organic Box as they seek to expand their business across Alberta. Chris is now an ambassador of the Organic Box – check out his blog for a discount code for your first order.
• Looking to get involved in the local food scene? The Edmonton Food Council is recruiting new members – applications are due April 30, 2017.
• We are very fortunate to have people like Doug Visser in Edmonton – he is donating 93 hectares of his property in Horse Hill with the hopes that it can be maintained for community agriculture use.
• Ono Poke Co. on 104 Street now has a sign up!

Ono Poke Co. coming soon

• It’s not often I crave a greasy burger, but on Friday, the Vatican City from Burger’s Priest was needed to commemorate the end of a crazy week.

Vatican City from Burger’s Priest

• Vivo Pizzeria and Taverna are offering a deal so good it’s almost hard to believe – a pizza and a pint (or a pop) for just $12. Mack and I shared the gamberi (prawns, garlic oil, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini) and salsiccia (De Rose Bros Italian sausage, fior di latte, red onion, basil), and a starter Caesar salad and ended up with a bill of just over $30, including tip. We enjoyed the chewy crust and the fresh toppings. The deal is on “until the Oilers raise the Stanley Cup” – so consider it for a pre- or post- game outing!

Gamberi from Vivo Pizzeria