Filipino Food on the Rise in Edmonton

Just over a year ago, Chef Edgar Gutierrez (of Tres Carnales and Rostizado) opened Kanto 98 St. in Chinatown, making Filipino food trendy in Edmonton in a way it hadn’t been prior to that. Serving up his interpretation of Filipino street food, people took notice, including the prestigious EnRoute Best New Restaurants list who shortlisted Kanto 98 St. in 2018.

In April, Jollibee finally confirmed that construction was underway for their first Edmonton location. The international fast food chain is a gateway for Filipino cuisine, and when open, will help expose many more to some of their signature dishes.

Today, Filistix adds to the city’s Filipino culinary scene with the opening of their new restaurant downtown. Filistix began as a food truck, then became a fixture on several Edmonton post-secondary campuses. Their take on Filipino comfort food was so popular with students and faculty at the University of Alberta that after their lease was unexpectedly cancelled by Aramark last year, the outrage eventually landed them a new space in the Students’ Union Building.

That said, co-owners Ariel Del Rosario and Roel Canafranca wanted to showcase even more of the flavours of home, in a more upscale setting. Cue their restaurant, located at 10621 100 Avenue. While some of the Filistix favourites appear on the menu (their namesake salad, for instance), most of the dishes highlight the grill and the wok. They are also ambitiously serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Mack, Emily, and I had dinner during their grand opening tonight. Their grilled meat skewers were fantastic, but the highlight for me was their Filistix caesar. It incorporates Bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) in place of anchovies, and coupled with the char of the grilled romaine, pork chicharron, and lotus root chips, it’s a salad I’ll be returning for.

It’s also notable that the menu features several Indonesian dishes, a nod to the heritage of some of their kitchen staff. Mack’s favourite dish of the evening was the mee goreng fried noodle.

It’ll be interesting to see how diners will respond to having more Filipino options in Edmonton.

Openings

• It’s been a great week for new restaurants in #yegdt – Bianco, Rosso’s sister restaurant is now open on Rice Howard Way at #120, 10020 101 A Avenue.
• 104 Street Downtown also had two restaurant openings this week: the first was Tiffin Fresh Kitchen, which, after numerous delays, was finally able to throw open their (garage) doors last Tuesday. This second branch is located at 10404 Jasper Avenue.
• Say Uncle, from the folks behind Sandwich and Sons and Northern Chicken, opened last week as well. They took over the space formerly occupied by Aarde at 10184 104 Street. Their menu, as described by Chef Cowan, occupies a space between the neighbourhood pub next door (Kelly’s), and the upscale steakhouse on the other side (DOSC).
• Dagu Rice Noodle, a chain with locations in Ontario, Quebec, and Calgary, will be joining the 104 Street establishments, filling in one of the vacant bays next to Tiffin Fresh Kitchen, at 10408 Jasper Avenue.
• We’ve seen mobile coffee carts and cafe trucks, but a cafe built out of a seacan is new to Edmonton – coming soon, Yeg Coffee Can.
• The folks behind the popular ice cream food truck Scoop N Roll have opened a new food truck called Mish Mash Parfait, focusing on parfait and soft serve. Find them at Kingsway Mall.
• A Lebanese restaurant called Root of Beirut opened this spring at 10208 127 Avenue.

Upcoming Events

• To celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, Formosa Bistro is hosting a workshop on June 2, 2019, with a dumpling lesson, dumpling craft, and information about the history of the Dragon’s Festival. Tickets are $10.
• Rogue Wave Coffee is hosting The Unconventional Brewer’s Cup on June 8, 2019. 4 knockout rounds will determine a winner; the cost of participating is $15 for 16 competition spots.
• Wild Heart is organizing a preview food crawl for Dine the Ave, the new iteration of Eats on the Ave that will see restaurants offering special menus priced at $10, $15, and $20 from June 17-23, 2019. Tickets for this preview on June 12, 2019 are $47, and include meals at 3 restaurants.
• Kevin Kossowan is leading several foraging workshops this summer. The cost is $68 per person.

Reviews

• Lydia turns in a very early review of Say Uncle.
• Twyla found a lot to like at The Writer’s Room.
• Crystal had complimentary comments about the food at Workshop Eatery.

Local News

• Back in February, as a part of the lead-up to the provincial election, Restaurants Canada was pushing for some labour law changes in a campaign called “Restaurant Realities”. The foodservice lobby group had released a video featuring several local restaurant and food business owners vocalizing their desire to roll back holiday pay increases and advocating for a lower wage for youth workers. Delivering on his campaign promise, Premier Jason Kenney announced his proposed labour law changes today.
• Western Living released the list of finalists for the 2019 Foodies of the Year. Local representatives include: Ryan and Roselina Hotchkiss of Bundok, Adam Smith of Strathcona Spirits, Ben Staley of forthcoming restaurant Yarrow, and Shane Chartrand of SC at River Cree. The top 10 winners will be announced on July 12, 2019.
• Duchess now offers a line of ice cream, with three flavours to choose from: tonka bean, passion fruit rasperry, and Valrhona chocolate salted caramel.
• Presale tickets for Taste of Edmonton, which runs this year from July 18-28, 2019 at Capital Plaza are now on sale. Sheets of 40 tickets are $10 off in advance.
• Sharman shared her experience at the Edmonton Expo’s recent Winery Spotlight Series dinner.
• Global News covered the special meal prepared by some local chefs, including Chefs Shane Chartrand, Lindsay Porter, and Nate Henry for clients of The Mustard Seed last week.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• The City Market announced last week that in fact, they will be setting up shop on 104 Street this year. As of June 15, 2019 (so long as LRT construction doesn’t get in the way), they will be back on 104 Street on Saturdays. On Sundays, however, they will still set up adjacent to the GWG Building on 103 Avenue and 97 Street.
• The Edmonton Food Council is recruiting new members. The deadline to apply is June 5, 2019.

What I Ate

• We’ll be eating a lot of asparagus over this next month; nothing says spring like fresh asparagus from Edgar Farms (for those interested in seeing how they grow it, they’re hosting their wonderful Asparagus Festival again on June 2 and 9, 2019).

Edgar Farms asparagus at the City Market

Padmanadi To Open Second Location

The popular vegan restaurant Padmanadi is opening a second branch on the south side. To be located on Gateway Boulevard, north of 68 Avenue, the restaurant is intended to meet their customers’ demands, many of whom reside in south Edmonton.

However, it will be a fraction of the size of their main location, and, as befits the current shift in dining culture, will focus on delivery and take-out business. They hope to open in late July or August.

Openings

• Congratulations to Reinette Cafe for opening a second location in West Edmonton Mall (Phase 1).
• It looks like Farrow will be opening a location on 124 Street, just south of Remedy.
• A new all-you-can-eat sushi joint called Sushi Toshi will be opening at 13619 St. Albert Trail.
• Ono Poke will be adding a second location at South Edmonton Common.
• Tiffin Fresh Kitchen’s Downtown location at 10404 Jasper Avenue may finally be open on May 21, 2019.
• Milk Crate, Chef Steve Brochu’s new cafe/sandwich venture in the Epcor Tower, will open May 29, 2019.
• O’Byrne’s Irish Pub on Whyte Avenue re-opens on May 24, 2019 after restorations.

Upcoming Events

• Seconds, Please!, a locally-produced web show highlighting ethnic foods, will be premiering their latest episode about green onion cakes at the Green Onion Cake Man on June 1, 2019.
• Eats on 118 has changed formats to Dine on the Ave, with participating restaurants offering special menus at $10, $15, and $20 price points. The event runs from June 17-23, 2019.

Reviews

• The Journal is suitably impressed with the elevated pub food at The Writer’s Room.
• Crystal had a mixed experience at The Cave Paleo Beastro.
• Graham is pleasantly surprised with the Turkish fare at Sofra.

Local News

• I am enjoying Liane’s current series featuring walkable, food-centric neighbourhoods. Last week, she wrote about Old Towne Beverly’s charming and delicious gems.
• Also from Liane – she interviewed blogger and author Karlynn Johnson on her latest cookbook, The Prairie Table, to be released May 21, 2019.
• Liquor consumption laws at some provincial parks and at festivals have been relaxed as of this long weekend. It’ll be interesting to see how this manifests itself at events this summer.

What I Ate

• It’s been some time since I’ve been to Cafe Amore. The daily pasta special is no longer available at dinner, but all of the former daily pastas are on for $10 at lunch. So although it wasn’t Thursday, I was able to order my usual pasta alfredo, delicious as always.

Pasta alfredo (with chicken)

• We took Emily to Love Pizza on Friday, one of our #yegdt staples. We had been wanting to try the “Not Just for Breakfast-Za”, featuring our favorite Irvings Farm Fresh bacon. The feature is available until the end of the month!

The Meatatarian and the Not Just for Breakfast-Za

• The City Market’s new location is just short walk away from Chinatown – I hope others take advantage of this as we did on Saturday. I foresee more weekend visits to King Noodle House on the horizon because of it!

Bun Bo Hue at King Noodle House

Bountiful Farmers’ Market Announces Opening Date

Edmonton’s first three-day indoor farmers’ market will open on June 21, 2019. Bountiful Farmers’ Market, located at 3696 97 Street, is planning a grand opening celebration over the summer solstice weekend. They will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm.

In addition to vendors, they will have other activities to appeal to shoppers, including an entertainment stage and children’s play area. A Bountiful Farmers’ Market representative did an interview with Edmonton AM about what people can expect when the market opens.

Openings

• Black Box Hospitality’s new concept, Speedy’s Burritos, is officially opening on May 14, 2019.
• Culina’s To Go location in the Oliver Exchange Building at 12021 102 Avenue will open on May 14, 2019. Find out more about what you can expect in their latest newsletter.
• Loaded Pierogi’s first location outside of Ontario is now open in the Mayfair at 10815 Jasper Avenue.
• Splash Poke’s fourth location is now open at Northgate, #1020, 9499 137 Avenue.
• Ripe Tomato Pizza will be adding a location in Old Strathcona.

Upcoming Events

• The Edmonton Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is hosting a gathering at Smokehouse BBQ. They will be serving up gluten-free smoked meat sandwiches and sides. Tickets are $24 for adults and $10 for children.
• The next Swine and Dine will be held at RGE RD on June 6, 2019. Tickets are $75.
• Food Bike Tours are returning this summer with a new tour – the Doughnut Cycle Crawl. The two hour tour will lead cyclists to “hot spots for savoury doughnuts”.

Reviews

• Twyla was impressed with the beer and the fare at Two Sergeants Brewing Co.
• Crystal hoped for more consistent service, but otherwise, enjoyed the food at River City Revival House.
• Sharon found a good option for pizza in Sherwood Park at Firecrust.
• Graham raved about the English classics he tried at London Local.
• Leduc shared his recent experience with Have Mercy’s “recession proof” menu.

Local News

• Some local restaurants want food courier services like Skip the Dishes and Uber Eats to resolve food delivery issues they’ve experienced.
• Michael Maxxis of Merchant Hospitality will be working with Chefs Nate Henry, Lindsay Porter, and Shane Chartrand to host a full day cooking class with members of the Mustard Seed community. 30 seats will be available to non-Mustard Seed members on a first-come, first-served basis for a donation.
• Leftovers Edmonton is hoping to replicate a similar program in Calgary that sees mobile food markets set up to serve low-income residents.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• The Western Producer featured the family behind Riverbend Gardens.
• Last week, I was pondering some of my own questions about the City Market’s move to The Quarters.

What I Ate

• It was a happy accident that I forgot my lunch one day last week. Deviating from my usual vermicelli bowl at T & D Noodle House, the Bun Bo Hue really helped move my cold along.

Bun Bo Hue at T & D Noodle House

• Mack and Emily took me to a special Mother’s Day dinner held at The Foundry Room in the Oliver Exchange Building, organized and catered by Culina. It’s a beautiful space, with lots of room for kids to wander and explore. We enjoyed the food as well, a family-style meal of Ukrainian classics.

Salad platter (I loved the briny cabbage salad)

Culina Muttart to Close in July

Fans of Culina Muttart will want to head to the restaurant soon. Due to renovations at the Muttart Conservatory to commence this summer, Culina has announced that their last day of service will be July 1, 2019. The Muttart will be closed for 18 months of rehabilitation.

However, Culina will soon be opening up Culina To-Go in the trendy Oliver Exchange Building. In the May issue of Avenue Magazine, chef/owner Brad Lazarenko shared that this concept is inspired by take-out establishments like Pret a Manger, but will feature many local suppliers.

Openings

• Steve Brochu, formerly of Chartier, is taking over the Wild Earth Cafe space in the Epcor Tower and opening his own coffee and sandwich shop called Milk Crate.
• Odd Company Brewing is now open in the Oliver Exchange Building at 12021 102 Avenue. Avenue Magazine has more information about what you can expect.
• Vivo’s new location in the Currents of Windermere is now open at 6143 Currents Drive.
• New Century Buffet opened at the end of April in the former Plates Buffet location at 3975 Calgary Trail (thanks to Brenden for the tip!).
• Congratulations to Calle Mexico, who opened up a kiosk at West Edmonton Mall in March. The business has grown from a food truck and storefront on 107 Avenue.
• Awash Ethiopian Restaurant also opened in March, in the former Lee Garden at 12952 118 Avenue.
• Bubble tea chain The Alley will be expanding to Edmonton.
• Prairie North Cider Co. is a cidery-in-startup hoping to launch this fall.
• Another local brewery is in the works called The Growlery Beer Co.

Upcoming Events

• The next Fruit and Veggie Sale run by Food4Good is on May 16, 2019.
• The second Winery Spotlight Dinner at the Edmonton Expo Centre will take place on May 22, 2019. Tickets are $125.
• Tickets are now available for this year’s Indulgence, taking place on June 10, 2019. Tickets are $100.

Reviews

• Graham heartily recommends checking out Meuwly’s for their quality charcuterie.
• Crystal was pleasantly surprised by the food at Haweli’s new South Common location (in the former Hudson’s).
• The Journal’s review of Von’s has a mostly positive conclusion, in spite of the fact that the writer found most of the food could have been better.

Local News

• Little Brick was named one of the Top Coffee Shop Patios by En Route Magazine.
• Congratulations to local breweries Bent Stick Brewing and Town Square Brewing for their accolades at the Canadian Brewing Awards! Town Square Brewing earned Gold for their Prairie Fire Rauchbier in the Smoked Beer category and Bronze for their Pond Surfer California Common, while Bent Stick earned Bronze for their Baltistar Galactiporter in the Baltic Porter category.
• It’s always great to see local collaborations, like this one between The Colombian and Bent Stick Brewery, to produce “First Pull” Amber Ale.
• Bloom Cookie Co. now offers vegan soft serve.
• Kari shares her five favourite plant-based restaurants in Edmonton.
• Global Edmonton interviewed Chef Shane Chartrand about his upcoming television series Red Chef Revival.
• Chef Ryan Hotchkiss of Bundok shares his recipe for parmigiano soup with shallots, bacon and breadcrumbs.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• Congratulations to Winding Road Cheese, who will no longer be selling at farmers’ markets effective in mid-May because they will be shifting to support wholesale and retail business. Their product will be available in over 20 Sobeys and Safeways in Alberta.
• You may soon see local shrimp on the menus of your favourite restaurants – a shrimp farm based in Calgary called Waterford Farms will be harvesting their first “crop” at the end of the month.
• There is an opportunity to grow the food processing sector in Alberta – this article highlights the successes of the Little Potato Company and Sylvan Star Cheese.

What I Ate

• Any day I can get to Pho Tau Bay is a good day.

My usual at Tau Bay

• Linda introduced Mack, Emily, and I to Jack’s Drive-In in Spruce Grove. It’s a casual little diner with red vinyl booths that was right up our alley, and it’s been around for almost 60 years! The burgers were basic but tasty.

Our spread at Jack’s Drive-In