Openings
- The first Hell’s Kitchen in Canada opened on September 14 at River Cree Resort.
- Lui-Chi’s has opened its fourth location downtown, this time at the Intact Tower on Jasper Avenue and 108 Street.
- Global Ramen, serving up “Nagoya style Taiwan Mazemen”, opened on September 10 at 3318 Gateway Blvd NW.
- Tesoro Caffe and Bar is the new namesake of the cafe formerly known as Bar Oro.
- Pact Coffee will be opening a second location in Edmonton in the Augustana Tower at 9903 107 Street NW.
- Deville Coffee is readying their fourth Edmonton location at Southgate Centre.
- Super Crunch Tanghulu, an Ottawa-based chain specializing in Chinese fresh fruit desserts, is opening in West Edmonton Mall.
- St. Albert will soon be home to a Waves Coffee House, at 100, 809 St. Albert Trail.
Closures
- I’ve been a big fan of Little Bon Bon from the start, after learning about how personal this business was to co-owner Jason Wong because of his family’s connections to Chinatown. So this closure announcement hits hard, especially as Little Bon Bon became a gathering place for our own family (Ellie came to love the pink bon bon crumbs). Get there before the end of September for one last scoop.
- This week had not one, but two Chinatown business closure announcements – One01 Bistro also shared that their last operational date will be September 20. The announcement does mention it will be “temporarily closed”, but with no future re-opening date mentioned.
- Nuttea in Old Strathcona is closing. Their last day will be September 20.
Upcoming Events
- The Edmonton Gluten Free Expo will take place on September 26 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Tickets are $5 plus fees per ticket.
- Nearly three dozen food businesses are featured partners with the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Purchases of an identified menu item at the business will give you a 20% discount off your CFR ticket purchase and the chance to win free tickets.
Local News
- Sawmill Restaurant Group is celebrating 50 years in business with galas to be held in November at four of their restaurants. Proceeds from the tickets will be donated to a charity chosen by attendees.
- Dutch Delicious is celebrating twenty years in business on September 19.
- The Journal highlighted Chartier chef Crystal Higgins’ upcoming International Chef Challenge in PEI, and a commendation won by The Wagon and Co.’s non-alcoholic whisky.
- The Marketing Brief’s first episode interviews Don’ya’s Jorgia Lindquist and Boa and Hare’s Wilson Wong on building community through their restaurants.
- Edify checked out The U-Turn Eatery in Ardrossan.
What I Ate
- I needed a lunch option that would satisfy the diverse dietary needs of a team of 25, and Flavour Agency Catering Co. (formerly Filistix) fit the bill! Everyone appreciated being able to choose from several rice bowl options, and they did not skimp on portion sizes. It was a hit with my colleagues.
Pork adobo rice bowl with slaw
- It has been ten years since I was last in the orbit of the Strathearn Art Walk, back when it was residential volunteers literally preparing food in their own kitchens to feed festivalgoers. Our family checked it out on the weekend, and has it ever grown. It still felt like summer, and a Little Bear gelato puck was definitely in order.
Oreo cream ice cream sandwich from Little Bear
- The kids were over the moon when they learned we were going to the “milkshake store” for dinner. Jack’s Burger Shack never disappoints.
We love Jack’s
Only Here for the Food 