At least we were 1/2 on Sunday – the Raptors were shut out of their series against the Cavs, ending a disappointing run. Hopefully the Oilers can continue! On to this week’s notes:
- The Telus World of Science is hosting Suds and Science on May 11, 2017. Local beer makers and distillers will be on hand with samples alongside a series of hands-on experiments to explore your perception of flavour. Tickets are $15.
- Also on May 11, 2017, the 124 Street Grand Market re-launches at their original location on 124 Street and 108 Avenue. The market runs from 4-8pm every Thursday night until October 5, 2017.
- What the Truck?! is back on Sunday, May 14, 2017, with # food trucks lined up. To plan – make sure you check out some tips for attendees, and of course, take a look at the menus when they’re posted!
- Just in time for summer, Little Brick will be hosting backyard barbecues every Thursday evening starting May 25, 2017.
- The next Swine and Dine will be taking place at Tzin on May 30, 2017. The five-course dinner is on for $55.
- El Mariachi, a Latin restaurant at 10991 124 Street, hosted their grand opening on May 2, 2017 after finally completing their renovations.
- Brittney has an Urban Shabu update: the new owners will be shifting to communal hot pots, replacing the individual pots.
- From Vue Weekly, this year’s Golden Fork Awards are now up.
- Cindy is hoping Tokiwa Ramen continues to improve as the newest ramen spot in the city.
- Twyla is the latest to submit a positive review of Takami Sushi.
- Jonny reviews an easily overlooked restaurant on the southside – Punjab Paratha House.
- Vue Weekly enjoyed the brunch at The Local Omnivore.
- Linda recapped her first experience at the Jubilations Dinner Theatre, and is also giving away tickets to a show.
- Earth’s General Store announced they are closing their Downtown location on October 31, 2017.
- Sandwich and Sons on 104 Street also announced their closure last month.
- Valerie’s latest post in her Cooking with You series features Elyse Chatterton’s oven baked chicken.
- Since my office relocated to 118 Avenue, I’ve been slowly checking out our neighbours. My downfall will probably end up being the Portuguese custard tarts at Handy Bakery, located just a few blocks away.
Portuguese custard tarts from Handy Bakery
- I also returned to T & D Noodle House to sample the pho. While almost nothing can live up to Pho Tau Bay (in my opinion), the broth was good. I could have used a bit more meat, less well done, and a sprinkling of cilantro.
Pho from T & D Noodle House
- Café Linnea launched their dinner menu a few weeks ago, and I finally had the chance to try it last week. We shared a few dishes, but the standout was definitely the beef special – a beautiful braised beef tart topped with roasted bone marrow. Service in the no-tipping establishment was also stellar that night.
Braised beef tart from Café Linnea
- I met up with May for brunch at Match Eatery in the Grand Villa Casino over the weekend. As far as brunch spots go, the atmosphere is anemic, but with $10 mains as the attraction, they’re definitely just hoping for foot traffic. The frittata with goat cheese was all right, but not worth seeking out.
Frittata from Match Eatery
- Good on the boys for stretching out the series to seven games – as a result, there’s still time to indulge in duck dishes before Wednesday. At Cactus Club with friends on Friday, I followed up their classic prawns and ravioli dish and their BBQ duck clubhouse. Let’s go Oilers!
BBQ duck clubhouse from Cactus Club Cafe
Only Here for the Food 
As someone who also works on 118ave, I personally prefer Pho King to T&D. I felt the broth had a better flavour and the meat was a better doneness.
I’ll have to make my way down to Pho King at some point – it’s a bit further down the Ave for me, but I’ll give it a try, thanks!