Local Amateur Baker Wins National Baking Competition
Edmonton-based Nataliia Shevchenko was crowned the winner of the third season of CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show. The show hosts ten amateur bakers from across Canada to compete in themed challenges.
The finale aired on November 6, 2019, although the episode was actually filmed back in June. Although she works as an administrative assistant by day, she learned to love the kitchen by cooking with her mother.
Nataliia plans to launch an online baking channel with Chris Koo, the other Edmonton-based contestant on the show this season.
Openings
- Dorinku Osaka (the sister restaurant to Dorinku in Old Strathcona) is now open at 10328 Jasper Avenue. In addition to the main restaurant, there’s also a ramen bar called Osaka Noodle tucked in the back of the space.
- The first of Century Hospitality Group’s ghost kitchens is now open. Orders for The Flying Dodough (serving pizzas, rotisserie chicken, and salads) are available only through Skip the Dishes and Uber Eats.
- Apparently Tokeo Station, the long-awaited restaurant in the McLeod Building at 10009 101A Avenue, is finally opening on November 12, 2019.
- Pablo (10432 Jasper Avenue), hosted a soft opening last weekend, but hasn’t yet announced an official opening date.
- Doughnut Party has moved the opening date of their Ritchie storefront back to some time in early 2020.
Upcoming Events
- The Christmas tree in Churchill Square will officially be lit on November 15, 2019, with roasted chestnuts, maple taffy on snow, bannock, hot chocolate, and cookies.
- All is Bright returns to 124 Street on November 16 from 4-8pm; expect s’mores, food trucks, and a beverage garden. Thankfully, the organizers have decided to again close 124 Street for the festivities.
Reviews
- Turqaz Kebab House gets more love from local media, this time from Graham.
Local News
- Edmonton business Caramunchies has launched a different kind of crowdfunding campaign – they’re hoping to raise $5,000 to help them host monthly suppers at a local soup kitchen.
- Sweet Lollapalooza is a 2019 finalist in the International Chocolate Awards in two categories: flavoured dark chocolate and milk chocolate ganaches or truffles.
Urban Agriculture and Farming
- The Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market reopened the doors of their indoor location on Saturday after finally resolving their permit issues.
What I Ate
- Mack, Emily, and I finally made it to Woodshed Burgers, encountering a packed house on Friday night. While we had to try their now infamous fish sandwich, it was their namesake burger that we most enjoyed – the tomato jam and the red wine braised onions sealed the deal! Emily, as predicted, preferred the fries.
The Woodshed from Woodshed Burgers
- Although the Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market is open, they still don’t have a coffee purveyor on-site. Thankfully, Peche Cafe is just a half block away. The sister cafe to Die Pie, they also offer an entirely plant-based menus (think soy, almond, and oat milk-based drinks). We tried some oat milk lattes (a first for us!), and a generously-sized dark chocolate scone. With great service and an inviting space, I hope more people discover it!
Dark chocolate scone from Peche Cafe
- Mack, Emily, and I also stopped by Toast Culture on the weekend. The ahi tuna toast was good, but the real surprise was the pizza, featuring Meuwly’s soppressata. I appreciated the crust that was thin but sturdy enough for the toppings. Given pizza makes up approximately half of the evening menu, they could easily be called “Pizza Culture With a Side of Toast”, heh.
Meuwly’s soppressata and pesto pizza from Toast Culture
Only Here for the Food 