Openings
- Pizza Garage has opened its second location downtown at Central LRT station, 10020 Jasper Avenue.
- Sherwood Park has a new Korean restaurant called Zigle Korean Bulgogi Restaurant at #900, 800 Broadmoor Blvd.
- Central City Market, offering pizza, pita pies, gelato, and more, is now open at 10508 106 Avenue.
- Crumbl Cookies opened their fourth location in the Edmonton area last week in Namao Centre at 15831 97 Street.
- It looks like Hanjan is adding a third location, partnered with Teapsy Lab, in Old Strathcona at 10536 82 Avenue. Thanks Su for the heads up!
- Okinawa Onigiri will open in the former Sequel Cafe space at 10011 102 Avenue which has been vacant for several years.
- Anejo Restaurant, with locations in Toronto, Calgary, and Banff, will be opening up in the Brewery District in 2024 at 11954 104 Avenue.
Closures
- The cafe side of Awn Kitchen will close on December 23. Owner Kaelin Whittaker posted: “Awn is unique – we’re two businesses in one, and I can close the café and continue to live out the vision for my business – sure a little bit different, but I have that opportunity. I am lucky – even though it’s hard. I don’t want sadness around this decision, it’s a decision that has been months in the making.”
Local News
- Korean restaurant JMT will be moving to a “more spacious location in Whyte Ave” early next year. Until then, the current Downtown space will continue to operate.
- Odd Company Brewing collaborated with Doughnut Party on a limited time chocolate stout, made with “real DP donuts in the brew”.
- Taproot had a story about holiday pop-ups in Dolly’s and Wilfred’s.
- Caffe Sole spoke with Edmonton AM about opening up their second location downtown.
- Edify checked out Maverick’s Donut Co., and also rounded up some places to grab a sweet treat for the holidays.
- On the savoury side, the Journal created a list of holiday dinners for those looking to order in.
- Some businesses will not be able to pay back the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan and may be forced to close. Others, like Meuwly’s, are being creative to repay their loan.
- St. Albert Gazette interviewed Socrates Restaurant, Jack’s Burger Shack, and The Hot Grill who have seen a decline in regulars or order sizes over the last year.
- Bent Stick Brewing has created a new ale that celebrates gender diversity.
What I Ate
This is the last Food Notes for the calendar year – I’m hoping to have some down time over Christmas. Thanks for following along this year! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!
- We finally made it to Hanjan last week (located right on the Oliverbanh, we really should have made it sooner). Ellie loved the spacious dining room, and exploring its nooks and crannies. We also really appreciated, with two hungry kids in tow, how fast the kitchen was! Emily scarfed down two of the bulgogi tacos, and the japchae really hit the spot.
Our spread from Hanjan
- We picked up some pre-ordered scones from The Art of Cake on the weekend, perfect to share over tea with a family member who isn’t as mobile as she once was. The clotted cream and strawberry preserves were a wonderful accompaniment.
Scones from The Art of Cake
Only Here for the Food 