New Bakery Brings Baked Goods to Riverdale

The folks behind Riverdale’s Little Brick are set to open the doors to a new neighbouring business on August 26, 2021. Bread & Butter Bakery is the newest sibling establishment from the River Valley Company, who has participated in the operation of Little Brick since 2015.

Their vision for the river valley is bold, “to create an international tourist destination with beautifully unique buildings, and to provide world-class hospitality businesses and tourist-centric activities for people from all over the world to come to Edmonton to enjoy.” With the addition of the Umphreville Block at 10158 90 Street, which is home not only to Bread & Butter but also a forthcoming pub called Dogpatch, the River Valley Company is making strides towards creating a destination in Riverdale.

Ange Minor, the Bakery Manager at Bread & Butter is keen for people to finally taste the hard work she has put into developing the launch over the last year. “I always wanted to have more of savoury-focused shop, and the wonderful owners [at the River Valley Company] gave me complete free reign of how I wanted to do that,” said Minor. “All the recipes have been tested and tested until they became absolute perfection.”

She feels the savoury nature of the Bread & Butter sets it apart from others in Edmonton’s bakery scene. “We will have a beautiful bread wall stocked full of a variety of from scratch, baked fresh daily breads,” said Minor. “From focaccia, signature sourdough, brioche loaves, multigrain loaves, gluten-free focaccia, and savoury pastries like scones and croissants.”

Those hoping to find the shop’s namesake “butter” for sale will not be disappointed, either. “Our bakery cooler will be filled with signature butters, which are meant to be eaten together with our breads to make a perfect pair,” said Minor.

Bread & Butter will also satisfy those with a sweet tooth, with treats such as brioche Danishes and gluten-free fudgy brownies and granola bars.

Although Bread & Butter won’t have any seating, they will offer drip coffee and locally-sourced tea along with cold drinks, ideal for those looking to grab a snack to accompany a walk through the adjacent river valley paths. The bakery will be open 9am-5pm daily.

Complementing its sister establishments, Bread & Butter will also be supplying scones, cookies, and muffins to Little Brick, and when Dogpatch opens, they will be featuring Bread & Butter-made breads and pies.

Umphreville Block was first announced back in early 2019, so it has been a long time coming for Bread & Butter. “I know how long the neighbourhood has been waiting for a bakery, so my team & I are very excited to serve our neighbours,” said Minor. “But we are also excited to serve the whole city we love!”

Openings

• Wilfred’s, which now also houses a Made by Marcus, has re-opened with a new menu focusing on “handhelds”.
• China Marble Restaurant is now open in the former Pagolac storefront in Chinatown (10566 97 Street).
• Eat Jamaican is now open at 9518 Ellerslie Road.
• The Little Spot, located at 11907 Jasper Avenue, stocks a variety of locally-made products, including Battista’s Calzones, and Da Capo Coffee.
• Lost Dogs is a ghost kitchen operating out of Campio Brewing, serving up hot dogs and sides, with 50 cents from each hot dog supporting the Edmonton Humane Society.
• New York’s The Halal Guys will have franchise locations across Canada, including in Edmonton. A location already opened in Calgary in July.

Closures

• The long-standing Starbucks at Jasper Avenue and 109 Street is now closed.

Upcoming Events

• Taste of Bannock and Beats is being held at Tee Pee Treats Indigenous Cuisine on August 29, 2021 from 1-6pm.

Local News

• On the heels of Good Buddy’s robot server, two other establishments have also jumped on the mechanized bandwagon: Dorinku Osaka and Chili Hot Pot.
• KB & Co. had to pivot to survive the pandemic, and kept their 104 Street location open for the health of the brand long term.
• Jack’s Burger Shack is celebrating their eighth birthday, while Fox Burger is commemorating their second.
• The latest additions to Edify’s Best Things to Eat list are the haricots verts from Chartier and the bannock elk burger from the Indigenous Grill Food Truck.
• Linda wrote a post as an Alberta on the Plate partner recommending 9 restaurants in the Edmonton area for specific occasions.
• Can Made in Alberta labels drive more sales of local products? The folks behind Honest Dumplings and Mojo Jojo Pickles think other types of programs may be more helpful.
• Jason Foster discussed Longroof Brewing on CBC Radioactive, one of the newest craft brewers in Edmonton.
• Local writer Omar Mouallem’s documentary about Burger Barons in Alberta airs on CBC Gem on September 17.
• Need an idea of what to do with a bumper crop of crabapples? TechLife has an idea and a recipe.
• Edmonton’s Food Bank was able to purchase two new forklifts after a successful fundraising campaign.

Beyond Edmonton

• A Calgary-based restaurant Dickens will require proof of vaccine for entry.
• A study published in Nature Food indicates that hot dogs can shorten your life by 36 minutes, while a serving of nuts and seeds can add 25 minutes.

What I Ate

• Our neighbourhood burger joint Wayback Burgers had a great special on in conjunction with the Al Fresco Market on Saturday, so we picked up some take-out for a picnic at the Legislature Grounds with some friends.

Wayback Burgers picnic

• On Sunday, we ventured out in the drizzly conditions to take in an Edmonton Jazz Festival’s Jazz Around Town performance at The Backyard, and enjoyed a Korean BBQ pork wrap from Coast Lunch Box. It’s great to see this otherwise desolate corner animated, but it will be interesting to see how they transform it for the winter.

Coast Lunch Box’s Korean BBQ pork wrap

Wine Bars Liven Up Whyte Avenue

Edmonton might be seeing a resurgence in wine bars. Darling, a wine bar focused on natural wines opened in July, while Culina shared news that they will be re-opening their much loved Bibo later this year.

Darling is the brainchild of Justin and Derrick Jones. Justin is an industry veteran, and is currently the general manager of hospitality at Biera. It was there that he was introduced to the idea of natural wines, as the restaurant wanted to ensure the drinks matched the quality of the food they were pairing. “Natural wines involve no intervention,” said Jones. “It’s making wine but not messing with it.” Jones said mass wine producers prioritize consistency above all else, and as a result, add flavouring components, dye, or animal products to ensure bottles taste similar year over year. For Jones, the beauty of wine is to enjoy the nuances imparted by the inconsistencies of farming. “This really is not a new concept,” said Jones. “It dates way back in Europe, but is now becoming a craze in Canada.”

Jones is passionate about sharing his love of natural wines with guests, and so far, Darling’s customers have run the spectrum of those eager to learn to more seasoned wine drinkers keen to see their inventory. “That’s why it’s fun,” said Jones. “We are not pouring wine and walking away – we want to share the story of the winemaker.”

Justin and Derrick had been thinking about opening a permanent restaurant before the pandemic, but things were put on hold in 2020. However, they were approached by their friends, the owners of Take Care Cafe and Weekly Trim True, who asked if they wanted to test the waters in their space in the evenings. As a result, Darling is currently a pop-up, and runs in the cafe and salon from Thursdays to Sundays from 7-11pm. They have indoor and outdoor seating, but Jones has a preference for the latter. “The courtyard is the best part, with 32 seats in the back under the apple tree,” said Jones. “It’s a nice little oasis.”

Food-wise, without proper ventilation in the current space, they are restricted from preparing hot foods. Still, Jones is happy about the curated menu of locally sourced items, which include breads from Brio Bakery and sustainable mussels from Prince Edward Island. “We don’t have complicated items,” said Jones. “Just high quality and tasty things to pair with wine.”

Since Darling opened in July, the community has embraced their concept, and Jones is hoping to find a more permanent home before the snow flies, with the goal to have a full restaurant with natural wines. As he was born and raised in the Ritchie area, he hopes to secure a space in the same community.

Further west down Whyte Avenue is where Bibo will re-open as early as October (Bibo’s Mill Creek location closed back in 2016). Owner Brad Lazarenko was approached by Beljan Development, developers of the Oliver Exchange Building which houses his Culina To Go location. They wanted him to resurrect Bibo in the lobby of the Old Strathcona Hotel. “We’re working on the concept together,” said Lazarenko. “They have a vision for an atrium lobby bar, with very open, high ceilings.” Lazarenko said the plan is for the space to be a café by day, and wine bar at night.

People shouldn’t expect the same Bibo, however. “The aesthetic will be different,” said Lazarenko. “It’s not going to be the same menu.” He teases that Japanese street foods will make an appearance, along with cheese and charcuterie and the option of picking up some Culina To Go-inspired grab-and-go items. “It’s not going to be a place to get big meals,” said Lazarenko. “It will be a place you go before or after dinner.”

For Lazarenko, this shift into Old Strathcona came as a surprise, but the opportunity to work with Beljan again was too good to pass up. “Ten years ago I never would have come to Whyte Avenue, but the area is going through a renaissance,” said Lazarenko. “It has a good energy about it, with good restaurants and lots of good food.”

Back at Darling, Jones agrees that things seem to be building for the area, and he couldn’t be happier to hear that Bibo will join their neck of the woods soon. “It’s amazing because I remember going to Bibo right before it closed,” said Jones. “It was the coolest place with a really smart sommelier who poured me the perfect glass of wine. It’s time to bring back the wine on Whyte Avenue!”

Openings

• The Bar at Fleisch’s expansion opened over the weekend. As mentioned last week, to dine indoors there, proof of vaccination is required.
• Blue Truck Barbecue opened in June, and “offers smoked meats and traditional barbecue in a modern, family friendly space”. Find them at 16336 111 Avenue.
• Tentador Latin Cuisine opened up two months ago at 15184 127 Street, and serves up Latin American favourites.
• Little Brick’s sister restaurants Bread and Butter and Dogpatch in Riverdale are inching closer to opening.
• No Sugar No Problem is a new bakery and goods shop specializing in keto-friendly, sugar and gluten-free products. They are located at 10230 104 Street.

Closures

• After nearly 10 years in operation, Mercer Tavern is closing its doors on August 31, 2021. It will be replaced by Calgary-based Home and Away in time for the start of the hockey season.

Upcoming Events

• You Need a BBQ in Sherwood Park is celebrating its one year anniversary with the Bangers & Beer YEG Sausage Battle on September 12, 2021. Butchers and chefs will compete for your vote for the best sausage, and ticket proceeds will go towards funding Team Canada’s trip to the World Butcher Challenge in Sacramento. Tickets are $25 plus fees.

Local News

• The Dapper Beaver celebrated its one year roasting anniversary, and in that time, has donated $17,000 in cash or in-kind products to local charities.
• If you’re trying to make the most of summer, consider using the 124 Street Business Improvement Area’s patio guide.
• Additions to Edify’s Best Things to Eat list include jollof rice from Monamie Resto and steak a la tartare from Bistro Praha.
• Phil’s most recent CBC best dishes column focused on products found at The Butchery by RGE RD.
• RGE RD’s Blair Lebsack did an interview with CBC about the ups and downs of operating a restaurant through the pandemic.
• Twyla’s Edmonton AM column continues on the topic of seasonal eating.
• Bodega’s Sherwood Park location has already been embraced by the community.
• This listicle rounds up 15 places for bubble tea in Edmonton.
• The Sari Sari Market highlights Filipinx creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs.
• A liqueur made with distilled Alberta peas from Field Notes is now available throughout Alberta.
• This year’s drought could result in high beef prices for the next two or three years.
• The Edmonton Youth Council released a report recommending ways the city can better address food insecurity through managing food waste.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• The Edmonton Urban Farm (formerly the Northlands Urban Farm) doubled in size this year.
• Annelida was the first worm farm to participate in Open Farm Days.
• The Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Board passed the Regional Agriculture Master Plan last week.

What I Ate

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

Heritage Festival Returns

After being forced to cancel the event in 2020, the Edmonton Heritage Festival returned to Hawrelak Park over the weekend. Introducing timed ticket attendance was one way organizers responded to the pandemic, in addition to eliminating food tickets in favour of direct contactless sales at pavilions. In spite of the changes, the event met its target audience of half a normal year’s turnout.

I was on the grounds on Saturday as a part of the team responsible for judging the food. Alongside head judge Phil Wilson, Councillor Andrew Knack and his wife Jamie, Lorraine Ellis from Partake, and Aditya Raghavan of Fleur Jaune Cheese, we were tasked with eating our way through over thirty pavilions that were offering food this year.

With the delayed green light for this year’s festival, many countries normally represented at the event weren’t present, let alone able to offer food. As such, all of the cultural associations and their volunteers deserve a huge kudos for even getting food on the menu in such trying times.

I was also initially concerned by the concepts of judging and ranking food associated with a specific country or culture. For many of the participating pavilions, the dishes served represent traditions and tastes that are meant to be enjoyed as a window to their world, and not critiqued.

Thankfully, the criteria we were directed to use took into account more than just the food itself, but also the enthusiasm of the volunteers serving the items, the efficiency of the food service, and even signage.

Our process involved the group splitting into two smaller teams, with each assigned to sample fare from half the pavilions. After that, we met up to share our top three pavilions, and headed off separately one last time to try the other team’s short list. The final list came together after discussions in the large group again.

This experience was great for me personally because over the years, it’s been a routine for me to indulge in specific items from the same pavilions – stewed lentils and injera from Eritrea and langos from Hungary, to name a few. But with neither of those countries represented this year, and the wide expanse of pavilions I did have the opportunity to sample, I can safely say I now have several new favourites!

Coming down to Heritage Festival today but don't know where to start? Why not stop at our Food Awards Recipients!🤭
1st – Azerbaijan
2nd – Nicaragua
3rd – Pakistan
Honourable mention – Australia

Photos by Rob Hislop#yeg #yegevents #yegheritagefest #yegfoodie pic.twitter.com/JnuJLffray

— Edmonton Heritage Festival (@EdmHeritageFest) August 2, 2021

The lokma from Azerbaijan in particular were a lovely surprise, the freshly fried doughnuts were coated in a floral syrup that elevated each bite.

Thanks again to Phil for the invitation to be a part of the judging team, and to all of the staff and volunteers behind the Heritage Festival to bring back the event this year.

Openings

• There’s a new wine bar in town that’s now open called Darling, “where Natural Wine flows to old school beats”. It’s located at 9621 82 Avenue.
• Sharon found a new spot specializing in Yunnan rice noodles called Shimiaodao Yunnan Rice Noodle at 8613 109 Street.
• Fleisch will be expanding into the former Cartago space with The Bar at Fleisch.
• Downtown Bistro will be opening in the space formerly occupied by the Free Press Bistro (10024 104 Street).
• Oodle Noodle’s fourteenth location will be opening soon at Kingsway Mall.

Closures

• Typ Top Bakery announced that they will be closing this month: “We don’t know what the future holds. Maybe this is good bye, maybe this is bye for now. Either way, we thank you for all the love and support over the years!” Their final pre-order for cinnamon buns will be accepted this week.

Local News

• The organizers of Taste of Edmonton said its 2021 festival attendance surpassed their numbers from 2019.
• Local restaurant Yokozuna has been adding heartfelt messages to their take-out orders since the start of the pandemic.
• The latest additions to Edify’s Best Things to Eat list are Shanghai 456’s xiaolong bao and Korean fried chicken from It’Dog.
• There’s a new soda available in town created as a drinkable art installation and sound project that was created in part by students from John A. McDougall School.
• If you’re looking for BBQ ideas with seafood, take a listen to this interview with Daniel Letourneau from Ocean Odyssey Inland.
• The Journal has some sponsored content for restaurants to check out in Edmonton and Calgary.
• Drayton Valley’s The White Bull Cafe is celebrating 65 years in business.
• ICYMI: I recapped the Feast in the Field I attended, put on by MilkCrate and Taste Alberta.

What I Ate

• We ended up spending quite a bit of time at Taste of Edmonton this week, one night with tickets purchased ourselves, and another to use up tickets we won through Coast Lunch Box! We had some great eats throughout, including everything from Pikante, the Coast Lunch Box wrap, and gelato from Little Bear.

• Over the weekend, we were in the area so it was a good excuse to finally check out Tito’s Patio and the Botanist’s Garden, run by Geoscapes Events at Snow Valley. The reclaimed pallet furniture and planters were a lovely sight, and Emily loved exploring the surrounding green space. The food menu was somewhat confusing to navigate, but it was very value-forward. I enjoyed my pulled pork sandwich, which could have easily fed two people! The Patio and Garden are open Thursday to Sunday from 12-8pm until the end of August.

Intent Coffee Closes Permanently

Back in September, Intent Coffee opened their cafe in Southgate Centre with such promise. Run by Mavi Tolentino and Reika Herradura, both identifying as queer first-generation Philipinx, Intent Coffee had a grand vision: “By hiring, investing, and empowering marginalized people in coffee, we will create a positive social and economic impact to the marginalized communities here in so-called Edmonton and as well as uplift Indigenous coffee producers in the Philippines.”

In preparation for their opening, they were able to successfully crowdfund over $6,000 to cover start-up costs. Their initial staff were made up of six people from the queer and trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities, with the hope of creating a safe space for queer youth and people of colour.

Unfortunately, Intent Coffee announced that their shop closed permanently last week. In a statement posted to Instagram on July 26, 2021, they disclosed the financial duress they had been under and how their inexperience affected the business:

“In early July, we literally had $1,000 in our checking account. We have also made bad financial decisions over the past two weeks out of desperation to keep our doors open and keep our livelihoods…Going into this, we didn’t have any business background and definitely didn’t have any money. Our lack of experience led us to making mistake after mistake.”

Tolentino and Herrandura go on to say they are hopeful their work might spark some change:

“We might have failed in moving towards our vision but we at least failed forward and we certainly did not fail in trying. We hope that we have inspired at least one of you to be the change or create the change you want to see in the world.”

Openings

• A restaurant called Shoyu Sushi is coming soon to the former Allegro spot downtown, at 10011 109 Street.
• An outpost of The Canadian Brewhouse is now open at the Edmonton International Airport, next to the Central Security.

Closures

• La Boule, the popular Old Strathcona bakery, is announcing that they will be closing their doors on August 22, 2021. But we may see the business again at some point: “Our lease has come to an end and so we must say farewell. This is not goodbye forever, just so long for now.”
• Several restaurants at the Edmonton International Airport closed permanently over the last year, including Wayne Gretzky’s Wine and Whisky, Heineken Lounge, and Brioche Dorée Bakery.

Upcoming Events

• A reminder that the Heritage Festival returns July 31-August 2, 2021. Free timed-entry passes are required for entry.
• Ice District’s plaza hosts ICE Jam every Saturday starting at 5pm, with live music and food and beverages for purchase.
• Concert series Lord of the Wings (which hosts local talent but also offering up a side of wings) continues on August 28 and September 11, 2021 with two dates remaining at ReMax Field. The Journal has a backgrounder on the event.

Local News

• Edify is looking for the best burger in Edmonton in their Edify Burger Challenge. Submissions will be accepted until July 29, 2021.
• Opinions on 124’s newest addition, The Lot, which hosts a rotating roster of food trucks, are mixed.
• According to OpenTable data, Edmonton restaurants have seen an increase in customers in July 2021 when compared with July 2019.
• The Journal has the backstory on Drizzle Ice Cream.
• Seven local breweries located on 99 Street want to rebrand the road to be called “Happy Beer Street”.
• On its first day in operation, the Snickerdoodle booth at Taste of Edmonton was destroyed by a self-contained fire.
• The next item added to Edify’s Best Things to Eat list is the parmesan soup from Bundok.
• Sharman was invited to try the Hotel Macdonald’s patio offerings at the Confederate Lounge.
• Alberta’s craft distilleries continue to grow in numbers, alongside the number of craft breweries.
• The City is conducting a survey about its pilot program of permitting alcohol consumption at select picnic sites in Edmonton.
• Chef Scott Johathan Iserhoff of Pei Pei Chei Ow was featured in a Travel Alberta piece on his recommendations for Indigenous food, art, and storytelling in Edmonton.
• Local restauranteur Morris Klimove, who opened multiple restaurants in Edmonton including Steak Lofts, passed away at the age of 97.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• Edmonton’s Better Business Bureau launched the Diversity, Inclusion and You Farm with produce grown donated to local organizations.
• Edify has a great profile on the family behind Chatwsorth Farm, and their shift to online virtual tours and farm education.

What I Ate

• I’m happy I was able to introduce Rosewood Foods to my two visiting sisters last week – I opted for their bistro chicken salad that day – light but satisfying.

Bistro chicken salad from Rosewood Foods

• Friday was the perfect evening to continue our picnic tradition with Young & Restless Pizza. One pie would have easily fed three adults but we wanted to sample both the pepperoni and meat lovers. The crust was thin and chewy, with a generous amount of toppings. Definitely worth a try, especially if you have the chance to enjoy it outdoors!

Pepperoni pizza from Young & Restless Pizza

• We walked over to the Black Owned Market’s one year anniversary event on Saturday and picked up some great finds! This included the chin chin poppers from Travelling Dishes, a Nigerian food service – immensely addictive, we all couldn’t stop eating them.

Chin chin poppers from Travelling Dishes

Geoscapes Returns to Elevate More Local Chefs

Geoscapes, the brainchild of co-founders Kris Harvey and Trevor Lipton, is returning for a second series of special events. Featuring guest chefs who prepare multi-course menus served up in transparent dining domes, the event runs from July 15-August 28, 2021. This time, they have partnered with Snow Valley who is not only hosting the domes, but also a separate full-service patio and bar.

Back in March, Geoscapes was the latest iteration of domed dining opportunities to appear in Edmonton, similar to the set ups offered at the Courtyard Marriot and Tiramisu Bistro, or during last year’s Dining Under the Stars. Located then at Victoria Golf Course, the domes offered what many guests were looking for at the time – a safe way to dine out indoors. “It was a huge success and was sold out almost every day of the week,” said Harvey. “We created really safe [dining] opportunities, and people said they loved that we brought life to that dark corridor of the river valley.”

It was also a boon to the hospitality professionals involved at a time when indoor dining was limited. “The chefs and businesses were doing double or triple capacity during that time period [because of Geoscapes],” said Harvey. “Over the six weeks, those businesses made over $150,000.”

In addition, unlike other domes that were imported, Geoscapes customized and manufactured their own structures locally. Harvey shared that the polycarbonate panels can hold 300 pounds of weight and can withstand wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour. In fact, Geoscapes is getting so much interest in the domes themselves from tourism boards and resorts abroad that they may be able to grow this aspect of their business as well.

This summer, Geoscapes will highlight the food from eight chefs. While there are some returning chefs from the previous event, including Shane Chartrand and Lindsay Porter, others are new to Geoscapes. “We really wanted to represent Edmonton as best as possible,” said Harvey. “We made sure we had representation from different communities and backgrounds, including women – we have amazing women chefs in Edmonton.”

Chefs Mai Nguyen of Gourmai Dumplings and Eric Hanson (formerly of Prairie Noodle) are participating in Geoscapes for the first time; neither are currently working at restaurants, and Harvey is excited that guests will be able to enjoy their exclusive menus. Chefs Tony Le and Troy Griffith from Century Hospitality Group are also new additions, and will be bringing their cuisine to the domed environment.

Harvey was also happy to invite Rub’d chef Calvin Tuefeld to the event. “We wanted to create opportunities for young chefs who are doing interesting things,” said Harvey. “This event can also open doors for future generations [of chefs].”

Tickets for the event are $125 for adults, with a minimum of four people per dome. While they did introduce the chance to purchase tickets for children at a discounted rate of $25, Harvey admits that the cost may exclude some diners. For this reason, they worked with Snow Valley to create two more approachable outdoor experiences in Tito’s Patio and Botanist Garden.

Tito’s Patio is led by Chef Kevin Ostapek (formerly of Prairie Noodle and Three Boars), and is promising a slice of Austin, Texas in Edmonton. “It’s truly an accessible option,” said Harvey. “You can get everything from hot dogs and burgers as well as amazing smoked brisket and pulled pork.” Sweet tea and lemonade complete the southern experience.

Botanist Garden, on the other hand, aims to transport guests to a garden party with fresh spritzes and flower-filled planters. Both patios are open for walk-ins only from Thursday to Sunday, 12-8pm.

Given restrictions have been fully lifted as of July 1, and summer weather begets outdoor dining, some might be questioning the need to dine in a closed (albeit air-conditioned) dome. But Harvey insists that the personalized nature of Geoscapes is priceless. “[The domes] give people the opportunity to create their own experience,” said Harvey. “At a restaurant, the table next to you is a factor, or the restaurant’s music selection.” And the reality is, many people aren’t fully ready to dine out in public yet. “Some people don’t want others in their space,” said Harvey.

Harvey is also looking towards the future, as the concept travels well. Their first chef in this series, Edmonton ex-pat and Food Network Canada star chef Roger Mooking, has expressed excitement that Geoscapes might tour the country. “We’ll be looking for partnerships,” said Harvey. “And we want to take our local chefs along, too and show the world how good they are.”

Openings

• There’s a new soft serve ice cream purveyor in town called Drizzle Ice Cream, located at 10322 81 Avenue.
• Bodega’s Sherwood Park location, its fifth in the Edmonton area, is opening on July 20, 2021. It is located at 210, 410 Baseline Road.
• The Italian Centre’s fourth location in the Edmonton area is opening in Sherwood Park on July 21, 2021. Find it at 8005 Emerald Drive.
• The Alley is opening its third location in Edmonton at 11966 104 Avenue later this month.
• Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea is now open in West Edmonton Mall, inside T&T.
• New bagel vendor Beb’s Bagels is selling its product at the 124 Grand Market.

Upcoming Events

• Eats on 118 tours are back this summer, running July 21, August 4 + 18, and September 1, 2021. Each event will involve stops at 3 restaurants. Tickets are $40, and act fast, because the first event is already sold out.

Local News

• Buddy Wonton has introduced Edmonton’s first robot server, a motorized cart that is programmed to deliver dishes to tables.
• The latest addition to Edify’s best things to eat list is the whipped ricotta from Corso 32.
• Have you tried the waffle doughnuts from Whoanuts?
• The Taste of Edmonton is still in urgent need of volunteers for gate counters.
• Dream Donair, located at 6230 99 Street, will provide free meals to those in need.
• Omar Mouallem’s documentary titled The Last Baron will premiere on CBC Gem on September 17, 2021.
• James Grant spoke with CBC about how he captured the title of the World’s Best Bartender.
• Signs placed at some parks as a reminder that alcohol consumption is not permitted there is overkill, says one Edmontonian.
• A University of Alberta researcher is seeking food businesses willing to respond to a survey on food waste. The goal will be to better understand how to reduce or redirect food waste.

What I Ate

• • It’s been great to have both my sisters back in town for the first time in 18 months! We’ve been hitting up certain places they’ve missed, including King Noodle House.

Take-out from King Noodle House

• • We had a great time returning to the haskap u-pick at Rosy Farms for a second year! We did not expect it to be as windy and chilly as it was (Mack had the foresight to suggest we bring jackets), but the pickings were even better than last year. Emily had a blast and ate her weight in haskaps (we topped up our pail charge to accommodate). We look forward to eating our way through the berries this week. Rosy Farms will be open for their u-pick for just another week, as a hailstorm unfortunately shortened their season this week.

Haskap picking at Rosy Farms

Taste of Edmonton Returns to Churchill Square

After being forced to cancel the festival in 2020, Taste of Edmonton has not only returned to the summer event calendar, but also to its long-term home at Churchill Square. This year’s iteration runs July 22-August 1, 2021.

In 2018 and 2019, Taste of Edmonton had relocated to Violet King Henry Plaza on the Alberta Legislature grounds, and though some guests and restaurants expressed that they preferred that site, the festival always intended to return to Churchill Square. “[Violet King Henry] Plaza was a temporary home until construction on the Square was finished,” said Leana Santos, Marketing Manager for Events Edmonton, the organization that operates Taste of Edmonton. “The LRT construction will not have any effect on physical distancing at the festival and 2021’s site plan is the largest in the festival’s history to allow for ample physical distancing.”

A number of gates will contain the festival site to manage capacity. However, guests will not have to queue for entrance or restrict their time on the festival grounds, Santos said.

The Heritage Festival announced this year that they have eliminated paper tickets in favour of direct electronic transactions with pavilions. Taste of Edmonton, however, is moving forward with the use of paper tickets. “In 2019 we had the option to purchase digital tickets [through the Taste of Edmonton mobile app],” said Santos. “However, after receiving feedback from our restaurant partners and attendees, we decided to switch back to hardcopy tickets to increase the speed of sale.”

The 2021 festival will feature 51 restaurants and food trucks. The menu as presented in the guide is akin to the Heritage Festival, with items organized by ethnic cuisine. As this is the first event since the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum, I was curious what Events Edmonton might be doing to address systemic inequities in their festival. “Events Edmonton welcomes all cultures at the Taste of Edmonton,” said Santos. “We are celebrating the city’s diverse cultures with over 150 menu items and the menu has everything from Canadian to Jamaican to Indigenous and everything in between.”

Although the website is coy regarding whether live entertainment will take place, Santos confirmed that patrons will be able to expect live entertainment.

Early bird pricing for Taste of Edmonton tickets ends July 21; they can be purchased in-person, online and at special events such as Al Fresco on 4th on July 17.

Openings

• Roasti Coffee has set up a temporary trailer at Snow Valley for the summer, from Thursdays to Sundays.
• After closing Mandarin, their successful University-area restaurant, due to the pandemic, Patrick Wong and his wife opened up 888 Dim Sum and Noodle in Devon.

Upcoming Events

• The dining domes of Geoscapes is returning, but this time at Snow Valley from July 15-August 28, 2021. Chefs involved in this iteration include Eric Hanson (formerly of Prairie Noodle), Lindsay Porter (of The Common), Mai Nguyen (of Gourmai Dumplings), and Toronto-based Roger Mooking. Tickets are $125 per person, with a minimum of 4 persons per dome.
• The Summer Fun Midway in place of K-Days will be running July 23-August 1, 2021, and will feature rides and fair food.
• The Black-Owned Market Edmonton is celebrating their first anniversary with an event on July 24, 2021 at Victoria School. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP.
• Backstairs Burger (still gearing up to open at 5th Street Food Hall), is popping up at the Coals and Cleavers patio on July 24, 2021.
• 17 Edmonton area restaurants are participating in Alberta on a Plate, a festival that celebrates local producers. Running August 6-15, 2021, the menus for the restaurants will be up on August 1.
• Packwood Grand returns on August 28, 2021 at the Century Mile Racetrack. It combines horse racing, fashion, and food and drink.

Local News

• Congratulations to James Grant, who was crowned the 2021 World Class Bartender of the Year. He worked most recently at Little Hong Kong.
• Chef Lindsay Porter is the new chef at The Common, and has revamped their menu. She also shares that a “secret patio” has been added to their lounge, 9910.
• In addition to being women-owned themselves, the owners of Brew and Bloom also house 20-30 products made by local women entrepreneurs.
• CBC interviewed Alan Demachi of Yoshi Express about opening his business in the pandemic, and how the last year has gone.
• Phil’s latest Best Dishes column focuses on Little Bear Gelato.
• On the same theme, DailyHive has a list of different ice creams to try in the city.
• The latest additions to EDify’s Best Things to Eat are the New York striploin from Liquids Kitchen & Bar and the chicken and beef shawarma combo from Shish Shawarma.
• Jason Foster profiles RavenWolf, a new brewery in Spruce Grove.
• Those looking for a patio in the Old Strathcona area can consult this map from the Old Strathcona Business Association for suggestions.
• Heritage Festival Executive Director Jim Gibbon shares what to expect at this year’s event.
• In response to the news that the UCP is trying to rollback nurses’ salaries, Arcadia is offering 10% off to nurses.
• The pandemic has ravaged the restaurant industry, with a number of people lost to suicide this year.
• Twyla’s recent seasonal eating column on CBC focused on greens and herbs.
• The provincial government has created a “Made in Alberta, by Albertans” label to help people quickly identify food at local farmers’ markets or grocery stores.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• The extreme heat may have a long lasting effect on area crops and gardens, says Dieter Kuhlmann of Kuhlmann’s Greenhouses.
• Steve Breum of Alberta Farm to Food Bank near Pigeon Lake has donated 100,000 pounds of fresh food to food banks in the province since 2018.

What I Ate

• Our new daily route takes us by Rosewood Foods, so there will be a lot more patty melts in my future. Such a great sandwich.

Patty melt from Rosewood Foods

• We had take-out from Coals and Cleavers on Friday. It’s a hidden gem only in its second week run by the Alberta BBQ Collective. They’re operating a pop-up patio Downtown behind the Freemasons Hall (10318 100 Avenue). I really enjoyed the whole hog pork, and Emily ate up her share of mac and cheese!

Whole hog plate with collard greens and baked beans from Coals and Cleavers

Black Box Hospitality Embraces Pandemic-Induced Changes

It’s been over ten years since Nate Box opened the modest but mighty Elm Cafe in Oliver, and it’s safe to say that in that decade, he’s seen it all. Now at the helm of Black Box Hospitality Group, made up of four businesses including restaurants and a liquor store, even that experience couldn’t prepare him for the challenges wrought by a global pandemic. “The hardest part was the initial closures in [March] 2020,” said Box, “We laid off nearly 60 staff members overnight.”

Box’s longevity in the hospitality business is no accident, however. He attributes much of their success in navigating the changing restrictions to his strong team and their ability to continuously adapt. He also shared that some of the changes made in the last year may end up being permanent. At June’s Delicatessen, for instance, they expanded the takeaway menu with more transportable food and added shelves for pantry and home items. “It’s strange [be]cause we’re not sure if the plated-style menus we initially came up with will ever return,” said Box. “This grab-and-go style has been so much more accessible and simple to execute.”

Box shared that Highlands Liquor has, like other liquor stores in the province, been busy. However, to overcome the narrow margins in the business, they have been fortunate to build up a loyal clientele who return for their curated selection and staff knowledge. “It’s been encouraging to see people stocking up…on amazing craft Alberta beers, spirits, and small producer natural wines,” said Box.

District, on the other hand, was hit hardest, as it has been closed for nearly ten months in total since March 2020. Reliant on traffic from workers occupying the surrounding corporate and government towers, Box indicated that District won’t resume even partial operations until after Labour Day. In the meantime, the space has since been transformed to a pizzeria from Wednesdays to Sundays, called Young & Restless. “Pizza just makes sense for the District space and the current dining and takeout trends,” said Box. “Not to mention that that neighbourhood is in a bit of a pizza desert.” Box acknowledges (and supports) the success of other pizza concepts that have developed during the pandemic such as Sepp’s and High Dough, but is aiming to be more affordable and accessible than his counterparts.

While previous menus at District included pizza, the pies served at Young & Restless are quite a bit different. “[That pizza] wasn’t the kind you could box up and takeout,” said Box. “So we went back to the drawing board…Erica [Box, chief baker] spent 6 weeks or so figuring out a dough recipe that would work.” The cauliflower and sage pizza has carried over to the new menu, but other topping combinations, such as a mushroom ricotta and meat lovers, are all different.

Their newest establishment, Fox Burger, required the biggest pivot. Pre-pandemic, they relied (as most other restaurants did) on in-person dining. “We learned and adapted new software, websites, and promotions to change on the fly,” said Box. “And the neighbourhood and city rallied behind us to be their go-to choice for burgers and beers.”

The food truck was a fortuitous addition, when an ad for a fair priced, well-equipped truck came up. “Through the pandemic our limitation has been location and size of the kitchen,” said Box. “We didn’t and don’t need a big ass dining room to do what we were doing, we needed a bigger kitchen.” The Fox Burger truck has been in operation since May, with Wednesdays earmarked for service in different areas across the city. “It’s been great fun and also such an amazing way to test and engage with other neighbourhoods,” said Box. “We’ve had block-long line ups and even served 200+ burgers one evening in the pouring rain.” Box sees the truck as an additional revenue stream that will help Black Box recover in the long run.

While he stresses that Black Box has been doing okay, Box isn’t certain of the future, even with the removal of all restrictions as of July 1. “To be frank, I think that small businesses, especially those like ours in hospitality, are unaware of our vulnerability right now,” said Box. “Summer’s here, people are excited about going out, it’s bustling and it feels normal, but we’re forgetting that most businesses have been able to rely on government subsidies that will dry up soon, and that debts will be called, and that the cold slow months are four months away.”

COVID-19-related News

• Since mandatory mask requirements were lifted on July 1, some businesses have continued to require that patrons don a face covering. These include Fleisch and Sugared and Spiced.
• Depending on the community and the approach, restaurants across Alberta, including Campio Brewing and Fleisch, are grappling with the challenges that come with the removal of restrictions.
• Some patrons rang in the occasion of lifted restrictions at BRBN St at West Edmonton Mall at midnight on July 1.

Openings

• It looks like the folks behind Meat, The Next Act, and Pip are getting into the sandwich business with Pal’s.
• Medium Rare Carnivore Club has opened in Chapelle at 6492 Cartmell Road SW.
• Coals & Cleavers, operated by the Alberta BBQ Collective, held their official opening over the weekend. Find their pop-up patio at 10318 100 Avenue.
• Wheet Nothings, a gluten-free restaurant operating in Stony Plain, has gained quite the following for their donairs.
• Twisted Indian Wraps is a Canadian-based chain. They opened their first location outside of Ontario in Edmonton. Find them at 4440 Calgary Trail.

Upcoming Events

• Another Sari Sari Market, highlighting Fillipino businesses, will be held on July 24, 2021 at 9912 72 Avenue. Sosyal Scoops and Filistix will be among the vendors.
• Linda is hosting two cooking classes on July 27 and 28, 2021 with Pei Pei Chei Ow as a part of her month-long birthday celebrations. This comes as a part of her personal reconciliation efforts: “One of those acts includes pledging to spend money intentionally supporting local Indigenous businesses, such as artists and restaurants.” Tickets are $40, and 100% of the ticket fee will go to Pei Pei Chei Ow.

Local News

• On July 1, some businesses including Biera, Kind Ice Cream, Rosewood Foods, and Roasti Coffee chose to donate profits to organizations supporting Indigenous survivors or anti-racism groups.
• The Thursday 124 Street Market has been forced by the City of Edmonton and 124 Street Business Association to reduce their footprint to pre-COVID guidelines. This will mean vendors will not be able to physically distance booths. They are asking patrons to fill out a survey in July and sign a petition to support an expanded footprint. However, organizers are threatening to potentially move the market if a resolution cannot be found: “In the event that the market cannot secure additional space to support 60+ vendors and is found to not be able to operate safely and effectively for customers, we will be forced to move the popular, flagship 124 Grand Market location that has been operating harmoniously in the 124 Street neighborhood the last decade.”
• EDify’s Best Things to Eat series continues with Partake’s beef tartare and the bronzed ribeye from Rigoletto’s.
• Meuwly’s Artisan Food Market just celebrated their third birthday.
• Heat wave or no heat wave, it sounds like the Calle Mexico patio is becoming a popular spot for Edmontonians.
• The Transit Hotel restaurant owner is frustrated with the challenges he’s faced with the City’s permitting process, which has delayed their opening.
• There are consequences to being the last to adopt new service methods: the Edmonton Downtown Famers’ Market is closing their curbside pick-up option after six months in operation (Old Strathcona and Bountiful are continuing their programs).

Beyond Edmonton

• Food Day Canada is asking Canadians to pledge to shop, cook, and dine on Canadian ingredients on July 31, 2021.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• Ceres Solutions is an Olds-based company taking spent grain from the brewing process then reusing it to grow mushrooms, then as protein-enhanced livestock feed.

What I Ate

• • I hit up the Campio Brewing Market that takes place every other week to pick up cinnamon buns from Typ Top Bakery. I have a soft spot for them and with the business also being a social enterprise, it’s a win-win.

Typ Top cinnamon buns

• • Forgetting your lunch isn’t so bad when T & D Noodle House is the fallback!

Grilled chicken and spring roll vermicelli bowl from T & D

• • Mack and I had a breakfast date at OEB last week. We’re still not comfortable dining indoors, so we’re grateful for the restaurants who have preserved their patios even as they’ve more fully opened up their dining rooms.

Breakfast plates from OEB

Some Food-based Businesses Will Continue to Require Masking After July 1

With the Province’s Stage 3 set to launch on Canada Day, Edmonton City Council voted to deactivate the mask bylaw to align with that date. As a result, face coverings will no longer be required indoors (there are some exceptions with public transit, vehicle-for-hire, and long-term care facilities). The Old Strathcona Business Association had sent a letter on behalf of its 500 businesses to urge Council to extend the bylaw, but to no avail.

In response, a couple of food-based businesses will continue to require patrons mask up, even after July 1, 2021. Kind Ice Cream will require masks until at least mid-July in order to protect their staff:

“While we’re eager to see the eventual return to normal, we plan on taking extra precautions while we see how things evolve following reopening and in order to give our team a bit of extra time to get their second doses…Our staff feeling safe at work is our biggest priority as we roll into these next several weeks.”

Earth’s General Store will also be asking customers to continue masking, regardless of vaccination status:

“This means that acceptable well-fitting cloth masks are required by everyone entering the store. There is NO exception for people older than 5 years of age. This extra period of time will allow all of our staff to be fully vaccinated AND the full two-week period after vaccination is observed…If you are fully vaccinated – good for you, and thank you – but you will still need to wear a mask while being in the store and practice social distancing.”

Earlier this month, Fleisch tied its indoor dining opening to the date at which their staff have acquired full immunity.

COVID-19-related News

• The owner of the Whistle Stop Cafe in Mirror, Alberta, which earlier this year defied public health orders by keeping his restaurant open to in-person dining, was found guilty of contempt.

Openings

• Awn Kitchen is now open at 104, 5124 122 Street.
• Namaste India has added a third location to their roster, having opened in Old Strathcona at 10354 82 Avenue.
• Browns Crafthouse’s first Edmonton location is now open at 10141 124 Street.

Upcoming Events

• The Backyard’s opening night is taking place on July 2, 2021. They’ll have food trucks on hand, live painting and performances. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
• MilkCrate is hosting Feast in the Field on July 24, 2021. Expect a family-style meal featuring a whole hog and ice cream cookie troughs for dessert. Tickets are $85 per person.

Local News

• Chef Table Living’s Food Bike Tours are back every weekend from July 3-September 5. 2021. Tickets (excluding bike rental) start at $129 per person, and include 3 stops over the course of 3.5 hours. They’re also continuing to offer Chef Kits in partnership with local chefs, and Linda is offering a discount code for those interested.
• Alternate Route Coffee opened its roastery and distribution centre at the Edmonton International Airport’s Sustainability Campus.
• Northern Chicken has set up a water station available to anyone to access during this heat wave.
• EDify’s latest Best Things to Eat highlights the vermicelli special bowl from An Chay and the cookies and sour cream ice cream from Kind Ice Cream.
• Also from EDify is a profile of Au Chocolat, a Morinville-based business that features bars and bonbons made from cacao sourced from ten different regions.
• Twyla Campbell’s latest series with Edmonton AM will focus on different seasonal ingredient sourced from farmers’ markets. Her most recent story focused on asparagus, coinciding with the last week Edgar Farms’ spears were available at local markets.
• Perhaps during this heat wave, what can get us through are thoughts of Christmas – Duchess is soliciting votes on what they should tackle for their annual gingerbread project this holiday season. The choices are Whoville from The Grinch, Arendelle Castle from Frozen, or the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto.
• The Real Success podcast for entrepreneurs featured an interview with Colleen Heidecker of Colleen’s Chocolates.
• Expect some changes to Taste of Edmonton and the Heritage Festival this summer.
• Jennifer Cockrall is hosting a 5-week food writing lab from July 20-August 18, 2021 through Pandemic University. Registration is $339.
• Since the start of the City of Edmonton’s pilot project for alcohol consumption at certain park sites, over 30 tickets have been issued at parks where alcohol consumption is not permitted.

Beyond Edmonton

• Based on a new report looking at Canadian perceptions of tipping, even with the ups and downs of the pandemic, it looks like the practice of tipping isn’t going anywhere.

Urban Agriculture and Farming

• The Old Red Barn will be resuming their farm dinners and picnic experiences in July. It is located south of Leduc on a dairy and grain farm.
• Freson Bros. and Bonnie Doon Mall are both hosting urban hives.
• The Lakeside Farmstead Cheese retail store opens on June 30, 2021 at 57225 RGE RD 242 in Sturgeon County.

What I Ate

• It’s been some time since we indulged in Bagel Bar, so we picked up an order of bagels and bialys last weekend. It was as good as I remembered; the texture of the bagels is something worth seeking out if you haven’t tried it already!

Bagels and bialys from Bagel Bar

• For my birthday last week, Mack picked up the pasta trio from Cafe Amore, and it was enough food for a couple of days! I’m looking forward to getting onto their patio when we feel more comfortable, but in the meantime, we enjoyed the meal on our balcony!

Pasta trio from Cafe Amore

• We had an impromptu picnic with Fat Franks take-out after running some errands over the weekend. It certainly feels more like summer weather-wise, but the grilled dogs help, too!

Fat Franks picnic

• We were doing our best to keep cool on Saturday; it was handy to have soft serve from Coffee Bureau in the #yegdt ‘hood to turn to!

Mack and Emily with their soft serve from Coffee Bureau