Food Notes for August 9, 2021

Fleisch Reopening Indoor Dining to Vaccinated Guests

Fleisch announced on Friday that they will be expanding into the former Cartago space to offer “elevated pub food, craft beer and cocktails” at The Bar at Fleisch. Along with that news, they shared that after closing dine-in services for nearly ten months, they will finally reopen their doors for indoor dining – but only to those who can prove that they’ve received both COVID-19 vaccine doses.

“We will be requiring proof of FULL vaccination (both shots) to dine indoors.  This is non-negotiable and is part of our commitment to keep both our staff and the greater community safe.  We understand that this may be controversial for some, but making this choice was easy for us. Community > everything, and we will continue to do our part in prioritizing your health.”

Fleisch will not require proof of vaccination to dine on their patio, and they will continue to offer take-out and delivery as well.

Earlier this summer, Fleisch had posted that their timeline for re-opening indoor dining would be tied to the date at which their staff acquired full immunity. Co-owner Katy Ingraham has also been a strong advocate for better ventilation and safety measures for hospitality staff throughout the pandemic. Ingraham declined a request to be interviewed for this story.

Although most of the social media response has been positive, there have been some notable detractors, such as comments from Marnie Ashcroft, the founder of Glow Juicery.

Legal precedent in Canada has not yet been established, particularly as the idea of vaccine passports for COVID-19 are new. But legal experts indicate that accommodations may need to be made in certain circumstances.

“There is nothing legally preventing businesses from requiring proof of vaccine. But the human rights code basically demands that people be accommodated if they have a health reason (for why) they can’t be vaccinated,” said Lorain Hardcastle, an associate professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.

An opening date for The Bar at Fleisch has not yet been announced.

COVID-19-related News

• Northern Chicken, which has been closed to indoor dining since late October, resumed dine-in services last week.

Openings

• A second location of the international chain Earl of Sandwich is coming to 109 Street and Jasper Avenue.

Upcoming Events

• A dozen restaurants are participating in the inaugural YEG Hot Dog Fest, run by Meals on Wheels. $1.50 from every hot dog creation sold at restaurants will go directly towards the charity. The festival runs the entire month of August.
• 16 Edmonton-area restaurants are participating in Alberta on the Plate, with special menus showcasing local ingredients. The festival runs from August 6-15, 2021.
• Spruce Grove is hosting the Grove Rotary Ribfest, from August 13-15, 2021.
• Sturgeon County is offering Summer in Sturgeon Picnic Boxes that can be pre-ordered for pick-up at various parks from August 13-22, 2021.
• Savour Strathcona returns on September 12, 2021 to Strathcona County Community Centre Agora. Over a dozen restaurants and food trucks will be on hand.

Reviews

• Sharon reviewed the unique Vietnamese food offerings at Co Chin Saigon in Chinatown, and also ate her way through the menu at Caffe Sole.

Local News

• Some businesses, including the Underground Tap and Grill, have been significantly impacted by the numerous construction projects downtown this year.
• Edify’s Burger Challenge is up and running, with initial votes for round one accepted until August 16.
• Also from Edify – scones and iced coffee from District Cafe and Vietnamese subs from Nhon Hoa have been added to their Best Things To Eat list. They’ve also discovered the hidden gem Jasmine Belle Cafe.
• Linda has a great video put together by Travel Alberta that highlights two must-try Indigenous food experiences in Edmonton with Tee Pee Treats and Pei Pei Chei Ow.
• Also from Linda – her partnered post highlights bike-friendly routes in Edmonton and food stops to check out along the way.

What I Ate

• At the end of July, as a part of Linda’s month-long birthday celebrations, I took part in one of Pei Pei Chei Ow’s cooking classes. I learned how to make Nohtawey’s potato pancakes and a fermented berry drink called Meenishapiy. Chef Scott Iserhoff incorporated history and personal stories throughout the one hour session, so the time went by quickly! The online classes are available to be booked with groups of at least 5 participants.

Chef Scott Iserhoff of Pei Pei Chei Ow

• I met up with some friends last weekend for brunch in Old Strathcona. Our original destination was Pip, but with an hour long wait, we ended up next door at The Next Act instead. The patio was great, with an awning to shield us from the threatening clouds, and service that was friendly and relaxed. I loved the breakfast poutine – who can ever pass up tater tots?

Breakfast poutine from The Next Act

• Our patio plans on Friday were dashed by the weather, but it led to us finally trying Rub’d, a ghost kitchen operating out of Crash Hotel. The brisket sandwich was great, and the huge portion of fries remained crispy even after our walk home (I’m assuming this is by design for a take-out/delivery-only joint). I’d definitely be open to ordering it again!

Brisket sandwich and fries from Rub’d

• Mack and I had an abbreviated date night at Partake. It was ultimately cut short due to rain, but not before we enjoyed some delicious cocktails and appetizers on their beautiful back patio. We ended up ordering the croque mon soubise and poutine to go, so we still had the chance to satisfy that comfort food craving.

No. 11 cocktail from Partake