Openings
- The Pampa space Downtown has been vacant for some years, so its nice to see some life back into it. Sang, is a new Korean restaurant from the owners of Dorinku/DOSC/Japonais, offering hanjeongsik for the first time in Edmonton, a “Korean-style full-course meal characterized by the colourful array of side dishes”.
- Aloha Poke and Grill opened its second location in Garneau on June 1. Find it at 8716 109 Street.
- Brew and Bloom will be opening their second location on the south side on June 7, at 1019 Parsons Road SW.
- Machi Machi is the latest Taiwanese bubble tea chain to open in Edmonton, at 3713 Gateway Blvd.
- Doughlicious Donuts is now open in West Edmonton Mall on level one, near the lake.
Closures
- The Grizzlar, which closed their storefront some time ago, posted that it will not be returning: “Well, we thought we could bring it back, but we can’t. It wasn’t our choice and there are some issues which we are working through, but the end result is the same. The GRIZZLAR is done and is not coming back.”
Upcoming Events
- Taco Week, which runs for 10 days from May 31-June 9, will donate $1 from each taco or margarita sold at participating restaurants to Edmonton’s Food Bank and the Leftovers Foundation. 16 restaurants, including Maria, Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina, and El Mero Mero, are participating.
- The Van bLoc Party takes place June 8 and 9, with food, vendors, and entertainment in Chinatown. It should be fun!
Local News
- Rob Filipchuk has sold Glass Monkey after starting the business more than ten years ago. Many of the same staff will remain in the transition.
- From Edify, they interviewed the folks behind La French Taste and the Dining Car Cafe, on their transition from markets and food trucks to brick and mortar storefronts.
- Also from Edify: they visited Sweet Basil Vietnamese Kitchen and Bay Leaf Fresh Indian Bistro, both in Windermere.
- Allan from Counter Culture is a big fan of Pho Hoan Pasteur.
- Meat has commemorated ten years in business!
- Happy first anniversary to May!
- Taste of Edmonton is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and runs July 18-28. The festival will host 11 new restaurants this year, including Ribeye Butcher Shop and Szechuan Paramount. Pre-sale tickets are now available.
- Tee Pee Treats is crowdfunding to purchase a food truck.
- To celebrate Bike Month, some businesses, including restaurants, are offering specials to those who cycle to their business this month.
- Edify featured some craft and cider makers in Central Alberta, including: Snake Lake Brewing in Sylvan Lake, Familia Brewing in Pigeon Lake, Dog Island Brewing in Slave Lake, and True North Cider in Camrose.
What I Ate
- It’s a treat when I get to choose the catering for work events – this week, it was Indigenous lunch boxes from Culina. The three sisters salad and house dressing was amazing.
Lentil fritters on three sisters salad from Culina
- We brought dinner over to my parents’ house after they spent the day with Ellie. It was a chance to order their favourite from Co Do Hue. I do enjoy their vermicelli bowls!
Vermicelli and rice bowls from Co Do Hue
- We also returned to The Art of Cake for a box of their scones to share with Mack’s Grandma for her birthday, who is a fan. Emily is also rapidly becoming a fan of the scones too, especially when dressed with strawberry jam.
Scones from The Art of Cake
- Sosyal Scoops was in our neighbourhood on the weekend as a part of the final day of Downtown Spark festivities. It was a great day for ice cream.
Sosyal Scoops treats
- We also finally got our community garden plot in this weekend. Ellie is already a pro at watering, and Emily is looking forward to the tomatoes and strawberries. Here’s hoping for a good growing season!
At the Alex Decoteau Community Garden
Only Here for the Food 