Food Notes for February 23, 2026

Openings

Jola’s, offering seasonally-inspired Polish dishes, is now open from Wednesday-Saturday in the evenings at Candid Coffee Roasters in Highlands (6419 112 Avenue NW).
Enigma Bar & Kitchen is now open in Old Strathcona, at 10308 81 Avenue NW.
Bowling alley chain Splitsville is opening its first Edmonton location on February 27 at 13543 St. Albert Trail. It will be joined by a second location in South Edmonton Common later this year.

Closures

Central Social Hall’s downtown location is now closed, and has been acquired by restaurant franchisor Foodtastic. It appears Central Social Hall’s Ellerslie and St. Albert locations are still open.

Upcoming Events

Downtown Dining Week returns March 11-22 with over 65 restaurants, including first time participants Atrium, Zymo, Playwright, and TDS Cafe. Check out the menus here.
Chocofest, “Alberta’s Premier Chocolate Tasting Festival”, will take place April 24-25 at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park. Adult admission starts at $16, which does not include tickets required for samples.

Local News

Happy Beer Street officially received its entertainment district designation last week. Folks will be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages in the area, and the surrounding businesses, including Shiddy’s Distilling and Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company, will be planning more collective events.
Some have expressed their concerns about the City’s plans to charge fees for medium and large patios on public spaces, including a former Downtown Business Association Executive Director and a previous City Council candidate.
Edify checked out Lalibela African Restaurant, pasta making at L’OCA, and specialty candy available at YEG Exotic.
Sharon shares her five favourite sushi spots in Edmonton.
Happy first birthday to Kin!
The Journal interviewed several local writers about where they put pen to paper. Spots that came up include Next Act, ACE Coffee Roasters, Dream Tea House.
Ramadan started last week,an important month marked by fasting and reflection. Canada’s first mosque, Al Rashid, will host its annual Taste of Ramadan feast in March.
The latest episode of the Edmonton Community Foundation’s Well Endowed podcast is guest hosted by Jessica Truong and Linda Hoang of Chúng Ta Cùng Nhau (“We Are Together”), and features Mai Mai Vietnamese Street Kitchen’s Linh Vu and her refugee journey to Edmonton.
The Little Potato Company is commemorating 30 years in business.

What I Ate

Tiramisu Bistro was absolutely packed on a cold, blustery Tuesday afternoon, so they must be doing something right! It’s been ages since I’ve been to the restaurant, but our team had a good experience. The Italian gourmet burger was very tasty.

Italian gourmet burger from Tiramisu Bistro

I had another work lunch at Thanh Thanh, and really shouldn’t be surprised by the size of their portions by now. But I always am.

Chicken vermicelli bowl from Thanh Thanh

My go-to Hangover

Published by Sharon Yeo