Food Notes for May 22, 2017

I hope you made the most of a beautiful long weekend! It definitely feels like summer now. On to this week’s food notes:

• The first AfroFest takes place June 3-4, 2017 at Churchill Square. Attendees can look forward to food, craft vendors, and entertainment.
• The annual Lobsterfest, organized by the Edmonton chapter of the Canadian Culinary Federation, is taking place on June 4, 2017. Tickets are $55, which includes a whole lobster, and a buffet of sides.
• The 4th annual Porkapalooza runs June 10-11, 2017 at Northlands. As always, expect great barbecue, cooking competitions, and lots of entertainment. Entrance to the event is free.
• If you’re looking for a quick bite Downtown, it’s worth knowing that Kitchen by Brad’s “meatball madness” is back on Fridays between 11:30am-1pm at 10130 105 Street.
• The Art Gallery of Alberta has introduced All Access Evenings – free admission from 5-8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To accompany this, Zinc has developed a special “tasty Tuesdays” menu with items available under $20 (unfortunately, I couldn’t find a link to the actual menu).
• Sorry to hear Duchess Provisions couldn’t keep their expanded store afloat. The last day at the Holland Plaza location was May 20, 2017. While Duchess Atelier will remain open at the site, Provisions will return to their original location next to Duchess Bakeshop in June.
• Coming soon: Alberta’s first plant-based pizzeria, called Die-Pie, to be found at 11215 Jasper Avenue. Thanks to Cindy for the heads-up!
• Just in time for patio season, Linda has a great list of dog-friendly patios and markets in Edmonton.
• Edmonton has its first poke restaurant in Splash Poke, located at 10079 109 Street. It opened on May 16, 2017. Crystal has a preview of what you can expect.
• The Journal raved about the take-out available at Little Village (14816 Stony Plain Road).
• Vue Weekly had a mixed experience at relative newcomer Soban Sushi and Roll.
• Twyla has a new southside favourite for pho in Old Strathcona’s Phoboy.
• Lillian enjoyed her visit to Juniper Cafe.
• On the brunch side of things, the Journal learns why the Next Act is such a popular spot.
• Athena (aka The Salty Almond) has officially signed off on her food blog.
• A study out of Dalhousie University on the meal habits of Canadians suggests many Canadians are eating lunch at their desks, and are increasingly turning to ready-made or restaurant meals.
• Since our office relocated to 118 Avenue, I’ve been to Coliseum Steaks and Pizza (8015 118 Avenue) a few times. I’m always surprised at how busy it is, though I probably shouldn’t be given it’s been around for 40 years and counting! The pizza is solid, and service is good – I’m sure I’ll find myself back again.

Pepperoni and mushroom at Coliseum Steaks and Pizza

• Also on the pizza front, Mack and I kicked off our long weekend at Love Pizza. I hope they’ll bring back their mac ‘n’ cheeza one day, but until then, the Meatatarian will remain my go-to.

Date night at Love Pizza

• We found ourselves by La Boule again on the weekend, and the croissants called to me again.

Croissant from La Boule

• I’ve been craving the flavours of Pucker’s banh mi burger for a while, so we finally made them again this weekend. So good.

Banh mi burger from Pucker