Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holidays – I know we did. Christmas does seem more magical with a little one around! I am playing a bit of catch up with these notes, however, as I’ve missed a couple of weeks. Regular readers will also notice a slightly new format. I might still tweak the categories here and there in the weeks to come, but I hope these changes will make it easier to read!
Chinatown Dining Week Returns
The second annual Chinatown Dining Week runs from January 17-27, 2019. Like last year, all restaurants are offering 2-course dinners for $15. With 8 participating restaurants, including Kanto 98 St. and Padmanadi, there is something for everyone on the menu! Learn more about the new restaurants on board, and whet your appetite with the menus here.
Openings
- Amore Pasta is opening its second location downtown at 10235 101 Street on January 7, 2019. From the folks behind Cafe Amore and Black Pearl, this quick-serve eatery will offer made-to-order pastas from a selection of sauces, vegetables, and proteins. Interestingly enough, they’ll also be open for breakfast during the week; Amore Pasta is open weekdays from 8am-9pm and on weekends from 11am-9pm. Leduc has a preview of what to expect.
- Pink Gorilla Pizza, which has taken over the space formerly occupied by Parkallen Restaurant, will be aiming to open on January 12, 2019. It’s a new restaurant from the folks behind The Local Omnivore.
- There’s yet another new microbrewery opening called SYC Brewing Co. They’re celebrating their grand opening with a party on January 12, 2018. Tickets are $20 which includes a flight of beers and food from Smokehouse BBQ.
- Gangnam Street Food is a forthcoming addition to the “K-Mall” area, at #15, 9261 34 Avenue. They will be opening on January 14, 2018.
- I’m a huge fan of Todd’s sourdough breads, so am eagerly awaiting Brio Bakery’s brick and mortar storefront, located in the Oliver Exchange Building at 12021 102 Avenue. They’re hoping for a January opening.
- Dauphine has finally opened their new bakery and cafe in Montrose, located at 6005 120 Avenue. Some may remember their beautiful space on 104 Street which closed back in 2016. Linda and Paul have already begun serving brunch, too!
- Copper Branch, the latest plant-based franchise to land in Edmonton, is now open downtown at 10316 Jasper Avenue.
- Curry Vibes is now open in the Mayfair, at 10827 Jasper Avenue.
Closures
- The Sequel Cafe has shuttered, but has announced that they plan to reopen in the core in the future.
- I was sorry to hear about the closing of El Rancho, one of my go-to eateries on Alberta Avenue.
- Holy Roller is currently closed for renovations and will reopen with a new concept.
- Cally’s Teas in Old Strathcona is also now closed.
Upcoming Events
- The first Taste Alberta Prairie on a Plate dinner will take place January 17, 2019 at Under the High Wheel. Tickets for the 4-course meal are $65.
- The Hotel Macdonald is hosting a Grand High Tea Celebration on January 26, 2019 to celebrate the launch of their custom tea blend. A Master Tea Sommelier will be on hand. Tickets are $75 per person.
Reviews
- The Journal finds a lot to like at Three Vikings.
- Crystal shared her thoughts on 104 Street newcomer Aarde, High Street bar Partake, and Sherwood Park restaurant Mexico Lindo.
- Graham is enthusiastic about the breakfasts served at OEB.
- Sharon has a pair of posts about Tokyo Noodle Shop and Sushi Wasabi.
- Leduc posted his experience of the “road trip” tasting menu at RGE RD.
Local News
- Where Edmonton released its 2018 Best Restaurant Awards. Among the honours, they named named Noi Le the best new restaurant.
- The brownie from Sugared and Spiced was officially crowned the winner of the 2018 Snack Checker on CBC!
- Nominations for The Tomato’s annual list of Best Things to Eat or Drink in Edmonton is now open and closes February 5, 2019.
- Liane covered the origins of Eat Local, new food magazine that launched in Edmonton in December.
- Graham is of the opinion that tipping is out of control.
- Linda has a great read on what businesses should consider when working with social media influencers.
- The High Level Diner’s Kim Franklin is retiring from the restaurant.
- Katy Ingraham shared the journey that led her to owning Cartago.
- Avenue Edmonton published profiles of Bloom Cookie Co. and Caffe Sole.
- Did you know that Rogue Wave offers coffee subscriptions?
- Phil’s latest Fast Food webisode features RGE RD’s Chef Davina Moraiko’s recipe for a mushroom burger.
Year in Review
- Liane has a great look back at Edmonton’s 2018 in food.
- CBC Edmonton’s food team selects their favourite dishes and drinks in 2018.
- Graham recalls some of his favourite dishes from the past year.
- Crystal ranked her top 24 Edmonton eateries for 2018.
- Linda rounds up her year of eating out in Edmonton.
- Eat North has a round-up of the 10 most memorable dishes in Alberta.
Urban Agriculture and Farming
- There is currently a wait list for those hoping to raise urban hens in Edmonton.
- The Journal profiled Nisku-based mushroom farm Gruger Family Fungi.
- An Edmonton-based company called Future Fields is working on growing chicken products to feed the need for cultured meat.
Beyond Edmonton
- An obligatory food predictions post from the Times about what we’ll be eating more of in 2019.
What I Ate
- I finally had the chance to order some doughnuts from Apollo Donuts to try (they’re available by pre-order only, for pick-up on their production days at Transcend or The Colombian). I really liked their blackberry yuzu glaze.
Apollo Donuts
- I’m determined to eat my way through OEB’s breakfast poutines, and so far, the confit de canard is my favourite! It was still as busy as ever last week, but as they do offer reservations on weekdays, I’d highly recommend planning ahead if possible.
Confit de Canard at OEB
- Mack, Emily, and I managed to sneak in for the brunch at Northern Chicken at the end of December. Their biscuits are unreal – I really enjoyed the breakfast sandwich featuring a sausage patty, egg, and cheese.
Breakfast sandwich at Northern Chicken
Only Here for the Food 