2012 City Market: Week 2

Without a wedding to rush off to this Saturday, Mack and I were able to take our time at the City Market this afternoon. It really was a gorgeous day, sunny with a light, warm breeze – such a difference just one week can make!

Beautiful day

We did treat ourselves to a lazy start, however, which did mean that some sought-after spring produce was already sold out by the time we got downstairs.

Jen’s Organic Garden was sold out

That said, we still encountered a full table of Edgar Farms asparagus, so made sure to snag a bundle. We also picked up an order from Greens, Eggs and Ham – the benefit of being on their Futures Program is that they will set aside some of their coveted produce for members!

Asparagus from Edgar Farms

Sunflower sprouts from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Rhubarb from Sundog Organics

Our leisurely walk down the market aisles also meant we were able to connect with some vendors we likely walked right past last week.

Elaine and Gary of Allium Foodworks

Amy of Ameya Studio

Vendors and shoppers alike are still getting used to the new back-to-back set up, but we really hope it sticks. Change always takes time to adapt to, but as a whole, it seems like the right decision for all involved on the street. And given the growth of the City Market this year, it might also be a good time for the organizers to develop a map app that would help consumers locate their favourite vendor.

Down one aisle

As we were browsing the market around lunch time, the lines at the different food vendors were noticeably long. Today, there were a total of six vendor options: Fork & Spoon Brigade, Medicine Man Bison, Serben Free Range, Fat Franks, Eva Sweet and Carnival Cravings. Lit was also selling burgers and Italian sausages from their patio barbecue.

Fat Franks

Filistix, a popular food truck who has been a mainstay at the City Market for several years, decided not to sign up for the 2012 season to focus on their campus ventures. For that reason, it seemed like an ideal time to usher in other food trucks, especially since they have been such a draw for the market. We know of many people who visit the market not specifically to shop, but to enjoy the outdoors, and people watch. Many of these people may not purchase groceries, but will buy something to eat, whether it be kettle corn, a hot dog, or lemonade. Street food has become an integral part of the market.

Picking up my sweet treat of the day

We know of at least one food truck who applied this year was turned down, but there could be others as well. Though the savoury dishes provided by the Fork & Spoon Brigade are a good start, other more unique options would be a welcome complement, and ultimately, could help entice more people to the market. Hopefully the City Market embraces other food trucks soon – because if they won’t, other markets will.

See you next week!

The Cooking Chronicles: Spilling More Beans

Though we still do have a few cans in the pantry for emergencies, for the most part now, I’ve only been using beans and pulses cooked from their dried form. Prepared in large batches, then frozen in small portions for use in individual recipes, I’ve found the transition a lot easier than I expected.

With thawed pulses in tow, I tried out a few more dishes from Spilling the Beans by Julie Van Rosendaal and Sue Duncan.

White Bean Risotto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach and Parmesan

I loved the idea of incorporating beans into risotto, especially because our usual risotto is mushroom-based, and minus the cheese, is protein-less. As a result, we usually prepare risotto to be consumed as a side dish, instead of the main that we know it can be.

This recipe of white bean risotto is a seamless way of punching up the dish, and really, the beans end up being cloaked and almost disguised in the creamy rice.

White bean risotto with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and parmesan

I appreciated the wilted spinach, but probably could have done with three times the amount of sundried tomato (I already doubled the quantity from the original recipe). Definitely a winner we will make again!

Spaghetti with Garlic, Chickpeas and Braised Kale

Another vegetarian option we tried involved lacing spaghetti with garlic, chickpeas and braised kale. For some reason, pan-roasting the chickpeas didn’t quite work for me, and they didn’t end up with the crispy texture that the recipe intended. Other than that, the kale cooked up nicely, and the garlic flavour was prominent, as expected.

Spaghetti with garlic, chickpeas and braised kale

That said, it wasn’t the easiest dish to eat – it’s difficult to spear chickpeas on a fork already wrapped with spaghetti and kale! A smaller pasta like rotini or penne would have worked a lot better. As well, as most “sauceless” pastas go, it did not reheat well the next day.

But we’re not discouraged! I’m sure we’ll be thumbing through the book for even more inspiration in the next few weeks.

Opening Day: 124 Street Grand Market

Given the 124 Street Grand Market is just a ten minute bus ride from my office, I had no excuses not to check it out on its opening day this evening!

124 Street Grand Market

The weather was the nicest its been since Sunday, perfect conditions for a stroll at an outdoor farmers’ market. It was still very early when I arrived, but shoppers were already out in full force. I have to say I applaud the market for not being afraid to choose a location without a dedicated parking lot nearby, and encouraging folks to use transit and other means of transportation.

Loved Rota’s “built in” tent seating

I had initially thought the Grand Market would be set up in the old bus loop, but it turns out the organizers partially shut down the street. Tents lined both sides, with a narrow thoroughfare in between.

Shoppers

The bus loop, with its picnic tables, formed the perfect outdoor cafe for those looking for a bite to eat from Drift and Nomad who were both on hand.

Food trucks!

Dine al fresco

There were about two dozen vendors total, with a majority of them selling non-food items. I realize it’s still early in the season, but I hope as the months progress, the Grand Market adds many more fresh produce and protein vendors.

Garden Squirrel Soaps

Studio Bloom

Lactuca piqued my interest, an “urban salad green producer” that farms on a city lot in Westmount. They reminded me of Little Shoots Neighbourhood Farm who sold at the City Market last year, a producer who grew everything in an apartment in Edmonton.

Lactuca salad greens

The 124 Grand Market is joining two other Thursday evening markets in the Edmonton area – Salisbury (year-round) and Alberta Avenue (which opens June 7). It’ll be interesting to see how this new addition affects foot traffic at the other two markets, and which market producers will choose. I look forward to returning in the coming weeks to see what other vendors turn up!

The 124 Street Grand Market runs Thursday evenings from 5-9pm at 124 Street and 108 Avenue. Keep up to date on vendor lists at the 124 Grand Market website.

2012 City Market Report: Week 1

Unlike last year, this past Saturday wasn’t actually week one of the City Market, given the downtown farmers’ market has actually just finished its first full year indoors. But City Hall isn’t quite the same as 104 Street, and the market always feels reborn when it returns to the brick and tree-lined promenade.

Looking good!

And with Mack and I residing just over the street, we know it’s officially summer when we can throw open our windows and hear the sounds of the market – the exchanges between producers and shoppers, the sound of a lone saxophone, the voice of Martin Kerr.

Getting their waffle on!

It was no different this Saturday. It could have a been a bit warmer – the sun was out, but so was the wind – though it didn’t seem to matter to the crowds that flocked to the streets. Dogs with Wings was also on-site, with many of their service dogs in training on hand to demonstrate their skills.

Dogs with Wings

This was also the first of the three week pilot that involved vendors setting up back to back on 104 Street from Jasper to 102 Avenues, in order to provide more clear exposure to the businesses that line the street.

In the shade

It might be something market shoppers have to get used to, but Mack and I liked the new layout. There might be some issue for those in strollers and wheelchairs to circle around the median at Jasper Avenue (there wasn’t a lot of room between the barricade and the median), but other than that, it might actually mean that people spend more time at the market walking the entire strip.

Blue sky

Though it is still very early on in the growing season, there was already some colour to be seen in the vending stalls.

South Cooking Lake Greenhouses

Doef’s

Greens, Eggs and Ham

Green Valley Farm

Gull Valley Greenhouses

Sundog Organics

Edgar Farms (the last asparagus bunch of the week!)

I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a great market season. See you on the street.

Food Notes for May 21, 2012

Apologies for being MIA, but there was good reason for it: I was in Toronto visiting my sister for most of last week, then came back to our third Truck Stop on Thursday and Mack’s sister’s wedding on the weekend. Needless to say, I’m still in catch-up mode! So though some of the “news” below is a bit dated, I hope to get back on track this week:

The annual Al Fresco Block Party is just a few weeks away, but to gear up for it, some of the organizers are offering other opportunities to help raise money for the Zebra Child Protection Centre, the charity of choice this year. On May 23, join several local performers for a musical showcase and party at Yellowhead Brewery, or if wine is more up your alley, a Tour of Italy tasting at DeVine’s on May 31.
The 124 Street Farmers’ Market will debut on Thursday, May 24.
Riverbend Gardens is hosting a “plant and play” day on May 27 from 1-4pm. There will be great specials on plants, wagon rides, bouncy castle, make and take planters and free ice cream! Consider checking out one of the most beautiful farms within city limits, and learning more about the Community Supported Agriculture project they would like to start.
It looks like Cococo Chocolatiers will be open at the end of May or beginning of June.
Fantasia Noodle House, who had to leave their long-time location, has been reborn further up the avenue – you can now find them at 11765 Jasper Avenue.
124 Street is really developing fast – with a second location of The Bothy, and now Red Ox, joining Duchess, Cafe Tiramisu and The Clever Rabbit, it is becoming a bit of a restaurant district.
In case you missed it (because I did the first time), Twyla reviewed Crepe Symphony, a new-ish restaurant next to Tres Carnales on Rice Howard Way.
It’s easy to forget that Earls started in Edmonton (especially when in places like Toronto, the line-ups at their relatively new Earls and Joey’s locations are insane), but they’ll be spending $5 million to renovate the very first Earls Tin Palace to help restore it to its former glory. It will close in June and reopen in October.
Vue Weekly published the results of their annual Golden Fork Awards last week. Mack and I were surprised (and honoured!) to see that What the Truck?! was the second runner up in the category of Best Food Festival or Event – thanks to everyone who voted for WTT!
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you may have read about some of the controversy between Drift and Grandma Lees. At the very least, we’re happy that mobile food vendors are now even further in public consciousness, and that this is highlighting the need for firm policy.
Chef Andrew Parker is combining cooking classes with a good cause – all meals prepared by students at the Ronald McDonald House will stay on to feed the families at the residence.
The past two Truck Stops have been really successful, with lines sometimes starting even before the trucks have arrived. One of these days, the weather will be perfect! This Thursday, we’re looking forward to two of Edmonton’s newest food trucks to join us – Battista’s Calzones and The Next Act! Hope to see you there!

Pancake soup from Nomad

My regular from Fat Franks

Mack and I were glad that we were able to be a part of Kim and Shane’s wedding this weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony – congratulations, and we wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

Kim and Shane’s first dance

One of the Best: The Burger Joint

After a South Edmonton Common run on the previous weekend, Mack and I ended up having lunch at the nearby Burger Joint. I had read about the inconspicuous restaurant on Chris’ blog quite some time ago, and honestly, had no one pointed it out, I never would have assumed there was a restaurant buried among the health care services in the strip mall.

Burger Joint

Inside, the interior is boldly coloured but simple, with a combination of modern chairs and small booths. We snagged a table, and started working on our order cards, a system very similar to Fulton Market. Patrons select the type of patty they want, customize it with forty different free toppings, and add, if they wish, fourteen other toppings for an additional fee.

Order cards

In many ways, it’s easy to get carried away with the tickboxes, as Mack found. Why not go for cheese, bacon and egg? Before we knew it, our two combos with fries and a drink added up to over $26 – not exactly your typical fast food price.

Our cards

But then again, the Burger Joint doesn’t provide the typical quick-serve fare. We found that out pretty quickly when our fries were delivered, piping hot, in a cute mini-fryer basket and metal cone. Both the fries and curly fries were not only delectably crispy, but they were accompanied by a house-made tartar sauce. I’m not normally a fan of mayo-based pairings for fries, but I’d make an exception every time for this tangy, toothsome sauce.

Fries

Our burgers arrived a moment later, on plates perhaps a bit too small, given the relative height of the burgers. These were creations, no doubt, and definitely meant to tantalize one’s visual palate first. Mack and I did our best to press our burgers down so we could get a good grasp on it (Guy Fieri-style), and dug in.

My burger

Poster burger boy

The beef patty was remarkably good – well-seasoned, and actually tasted as if it had been made from fresh beef (unlike South St. or Fulton Market). Mack liked the bread a little more than I did (my preference is for the pillowy-soft variety as opposed to the toasted bun), but both of us enjoyed the toppings for the most part.

Yum

In the rising scene of burger bars, we’d rate Burger Joint among the best. Between the stellar fries and excellent burgers, it’s hard to think of another place that gets both components so right.

The Burger Joint
9132 23 Avenue
(780) 435-0008

Recap: Hot Chefs, Cool bEATS

As the date of Hot Chefs, Cool bEATS grew near, I became more and more excited. Although Gurvinder had done his best to explain his vision for the event, I really wanted to see how it would manifest itself in reality. A fundraiser for Culinary Team Canada and the High School Culinary Challenge, a success in its first year would really help boost its profile for future years.

Well, Mack and I were floored by what we encountered in the lobby of the Shaw Conference Centre’s Hall D two weeks ago.

Street fair!

You might think it difficult to transform a carpeted, dimly lit hallway into an outdoor street festival, but they did it. Colourful flag streamers hung from the ceiling, alongside graffiti art and a fenced area meant to replicate a back alley. On this stage, break dancers took to the floor, wowing the crowds with their rhythm and acrobatic moves.

There were even shoes strung up over streamers (though that might be a little too much street for me)

Graffiti artists

Break dancers

Food (and drink) vendors lined the rest of the lobby, serving up different interpretations of street cuisine. To be honest, we actually didn’t sample all of the dishes available – too much chatting, and not enough eating!

We loved Drift’s wooden booth

That said, we particularly enjoyed the Filistix’s sisiq, a roasted pork belly (I’m selfishly hoping Filistix puts it on their What the Truck?! menu in June). Drift’s jerk chicken sandwich had a nice bite to it, and after several meat-heavy offerings, Wild Tangerine’s tofu and vegetable curry was a nice reprieve. And though we’re huge fans of poutine in all its incarnations, Culinary Team Canada’s duck fat fries poutine was a bit too salty for us.

Sisiq from Filistix

Jerk chicken sandwich from Drift

Poutine from Culinary Team Canada

On the drink side, I absolutely loved the St. Germain cocktail made with champagne, lemon and soda water – simple but fantastic. (On a side note, we welcomed the idea of using the wine glass we were provided with upon entry, but most of the beverage purveyors actually handed us their own cups, so it was a bit redundant.)

St. Germain cocktails

The program didn’t include the exact time when festivities would shift to Hall D, and we heard there was some confusion about it, so perhaps for next year the transition between the two parts of the event could be more pre-defined. That said, it was a pretty grand reveal when the hall doors were thrown open.

Hall D

Little India, the French Brasserie and Granville Island/Little Japan each occupied a corner of Hall D, while individual vendors like Elm Café, Duchess and Transcend were sprinkled throughout the rest of the space.

Japanese drummers Kita-No-Taiko started off the entertainment, and because sound easily travelled in the hall, performers traded off with one another. This was quite well organized – there wasn’t a moment when music wasn’t audible.

Allez Ouest

MC Bridget Ryan also provided great commentary on a live Iron Chef-style challenge that saw two Team Canada chefs prepare salmon for a panel of judges selected from the audience. Clearly, there was more than enough to take in that night!

And…go!

The hall easily accommodated three hundred people, and could have held several hundred more. Because of that, it was curious why there wasn’t more seating available. We saw many small parties “reserve” tables for the entire night, and as a result, didn’t get to sit down until the later part of the evening. More cocktail tables also would have been a welcome addition – it was challenging to balance plates and wine glasses.

Ledges helped

Still, we found ways to sample most of the food available at the various stations. Among my favourites was Culinary Team Canada’s take on fish and chips (fried cod with potato foam – I could just see the Top Chef Canada judges frowning), and Duchess Bake Shop’s warm macaron with caramelized chocolate cake and fresh raspberries (I loved that they even brought a tiny chandelier with them to decorate their booth – it’s always the little things).

Fish and chips

Macaron

On the drink side, the novelty of the vodka luge was tough to beat, especially with ice carvers hard at work demonstrating their craft, though a close second was Transcend’s latte.

Cool art

Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Hpnotiq martini

Josh hard at work

At some point, guests were told to make their way to a table in the centre of the hall. This was the only seated portion of the evening, and trays of pre-plated desserts were waiting.

Stage

Dessert

While we satisfied our sweet cravings, we watched a live auction to end the night. Bridget Ryan was a fantastic auctioneer (if she ever loses her Breakfast Television gig, she’ll be fine), but as the numbers for the auction items crept to upwards of $10,000, we couldn’t help but wonder if we were in the wrong place. Was this the same fundraiser that was geared towards the 25-45 crowd? Sure, some in that age group might have the cash to legitimately bid on such items, but I don’t think it was a coincidence that most of the auction winners were 50+. It’ll be interesting to see how this aspect of the event develops, especially if they continue to target patrons in the next gen set.

A sweet takeaway

All in all, Hot Chefs, Cool bEATS lived up to our expectations. It was a great way to spend a Saturday night in Edmonton – dabbling in different food and drinks from some of the city’s most street-savvy chefs, all while benefiting a good cause.

You can see my photoset here.

Food Notes for May 7, 2012

If you missed last week’s Truck Stop, no worries, you still have four other opportunities to swing by McIntyre Park in Old Strathcona for some curbside eats! The vendor list for May 10 is here, and we’ll be updating the site with menus on Tuesday morning. On to this week’s food notes:

Save the date: Ronald McDonald House has announced the date of their second and third Red Shoe Crawls! It will be taking place in Old Strathcona on June 3, and on 124 Street on September 16. Tickets are available here. It was one of the best food events I attended last year, and I’m sure it will be another very well-organized outing.
Looks like we missed a great ramen pop-up in the storefront formerly occupied by Duchess (is there a weekend where something great hasn’t been in that space?!). Hope this comes up again – would love to give it a try!
I was looking for more information on Brad Smoliak’s new enterprise, Kitchen. If you’re curious, the website has more information about the private cooking classes offered.
The website for the 124 Street Farmers’ Market is live! Check out a partial list of vendors here.
Riverbend Gardens is starting a CSA (community supported agriculture)! They need to hit 100 in order to make it viable; the cost is $150 for 6 weeks of delivery.
Annie sent me a link to a robot that makes sushi. I’m sure purists would never allow mechanically-made sushi to get past their lips, but perhaps this is the future?
We knew it was already in the works, but the paper sign makes it official: another pub is coming soon to 104 Street, in Icon II.

Kelly’s Pub

Mack and I helped Thom celebrate his birthday at Olive Garden last night. We were actually looking forward to it, as it has been years since we’ve been exposed to baskets of endless breadsticks. Though I did enjoy the breadsticks, they weren’t as good as I remembered, and the pasta was overly greasy. I know it’s not fair to compare Olive Garden with a place like Corso 32, but it does blow my mind that I hear people remark that Corso is expensive, given their entree pasta price of $17-20 is identical to a big chain.

Lasagna rollata al forno

Shrimp mezzaluna

Truck Stops in Old Strathcona: The Kickoff!

The first of five Truck Stops, our mini-What the Truck?! food truck festivals, was held tonight at McIntyre Park in Old Strathcona. Mack and I joked that between these five events and the several larger WTT festivals planned for this summer, we’re bound by the law of numbers to run into a calm, sunny day.

Truck Stop

But thankfully, in spite of the weather, many hearty Edmontonians came out to enjoy food from Drift, Eva Sweet, Fat Franks and Molly’s Eats. Drift and Molly’s even sold out of a few items!

The line-up at Drift

McIntyre Park really is an ideal location for food trucks – there is ample seating, a bit of rain cover in the form of a gazebo, and some grassy space. As with the two What the Truck?! events last year, Mack and I were happy to see that some people brought their children to the event.

McIntyre Park

The Park is also bordered by a busy thoroughfare, with great visibility. I have to say I was secretly hoping some of the drivers in the passing cars might rethink their destination and come check out all of the activity on the street.

Parked curbside!

In many ways, because it was less busy than some of our previous events, Mack and I were actually able to sample from all of the vendors! For example, we are rarely able to visit Drift at their downtown location during the day, so it was great to have the chance to finally try their falafel sandwich with a manageable line to boot!

Drift’s Falafel sandwich (delicious!)

Fries duo from Molly’s Eats (so crispy)

Huevos rancheros from Molly’s Eats (loved the crispy tortillas and the runny egg)

A meal is not complete without a waffle from Eva Sweet

We really want to thank the Old Strathcona Business Association for their help in arranging these Truck Stops. Their enthusiasm and financial support is much appreciated.

With Stephen Liley of the OSBA

But wait, we’re not done yet – there are still four more Truck Stops to go! Join us for more street eats every Thursday from 5-9pm in May. There will be a different line-up of trucks each time, so you’ll never have to have the same meal twice! We’ll be updating the website every Sunday with the list of vendors for the coming Thursday. Hope to see you there!

Check out Mack’s photoset here.

Culinary Q & A with Carmen Cheng

Occupation: I’m a Corporate Trainer in the area of Leadership & Employee Development. Basically this means on Mondays to Fridays from 8:30am to 5pm I support organizations in developing their culture, employee engagement, corporate communications, and leadership. The rest of my time is spent absorbed in all sorts of food related activities – eating, cooking, watching food related shows, going through food reads, and blogging.

What did you eat today?

Breakfast:

Omelette made with Sunworks farm eggs, pancetta, mozzarella, Gull Valley tomatoes, and Morinville basil
A large cup of DAVIDsTEA Milk Oolong tea

Lunch:

Bowl of frozen yogurt with fruit and mochi balls from Tutti Frutti.

Dinner:

A summery salad of Gull Valley tomatoes, basil, and buffalo mozzarella tossed in a dressing of minced garlic, salt, Volpaia olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon
Homemade tagliatelle tossed with fiddlehead, roasted Irvings Farm pork jowl, and a white wine lemon sauce
Glass of Sassy Saskatoon Berry wine from Birds and Bees Organic Wine Farm

Late Night Snack:

Pears dipped in sea salted caramel sauce

What do you never eat?

I will eat almost anything! However when I was traveling in Asia, I did have to put a caveat to that statement because I can’t bring myself to eating cats or dogs (or rats). But here in North America, very little I won’t eat… ok well maybe not black licorice.

What is your personal specialty?

I like to think it’s tagliatelle al ragu (what the folks from Bologna call Tagliatelle Bolognese). My secret flavour-inducing technique is tossing the rind of Parmigiano Reggiano into the simmering sauce.

Complete this sentence: In my refrigerator, you will always find:

Cheese, greek yogurt, Sunworks farm eggs, and almond milk

What is your weekday meal standby?

Curry over quinoa – I love the MSG-free New Asian Home curry spice packs. We always keep packs on hand, especially the Thai red or green curries and Singapore yellow curry. It’s so easy to toss in some vegetables, chicken, prawns, and coconut milk.

What is your favourite kitchen item?

Probably my Cuisinart Elite 14-cup food processor. With 1000W of power, there’s not much it can’t do. But our Cuisinart hand held blender is a close second favourite.

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

My last meal would be a feast with friends and family. I would want the dishes to showcase the places I’ve lived and loved. In terms of dishes from my hometown of Vancouver – There would be sashimi because there always is at Cheng family gatherings (specifically salmon and toro) and xiaolongbao from Wangs (dumplings filled with pork and soup). I would also request some gelato from James at Bella Gelateria (Vancouver), possibly his salted caramel or Tahitian vanilla gelato.

From Edmonton, I would want to have Daniel Costa’s truffled grilled cheese and pappardelle bolognese.

From Calgary where I spent 8 yrs, I would ask for Charcut’s pig’s head mortadella and duck fat fried poutine. I would also want Aviv from Sidewalk Citizen to supply us with his apple dulce de leche brioche. I’d have the truffled oxtail tortellini from Anju.

From home, my Dad’s prime rib and I would want my grandmother’s “cha goh” dumplings made from a rice flour dough, stuffed with ground pork, Chinese sausage, shitaki mushrooms, water chestnuts, and I’m sure I’m missing about 5 other ingredients. Funny enough, I would also want my childhood favourite – Tuna casserole made with cream of mushroom soup.

Where do you eat out most frequently?

Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt on Whyte Ave. Must get my frozen yogurt fix two-three times a week and I’ve yet to find another company with yogurt as good as Tutti Frutti’s. I’m craving it as I type this and I’ve had a bowl earlier.

Where’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

I’m changing this question to “best placeS in Edmonton” because I can’t choose just one. Corso 32, Tres Carnales, Shanghai 456, and Zaika are probably my favourite food spots in Edmonton. Corso 32 because Daniel and Ben make my favourite pasta dishes in Edmonton and I’m in constant need of their amazing truffled grilled cheese topped with a sunny egg, Tres Carnales because the crew there is so hospitable it always feels like going to over to a good friend’s house. Their tacos are yummy and I never say no to sangria. Chef Wong at Shanghai 456 makes the best xiaolongbao (pork dumplings filled with soup) in Alberta. Not only is Zaika within a 5 minute drive from our house, their fish pakoras, onion naan, butter chicken, bhindi masala, and baingan bharta are absolutely delicious! We always have a great experience at Zaika.

If you weren’t limited by geography, where and what would you eat?

I’d go back to Macau and Italy.

Macau is the Vegas of Asia. It’s located within a 1 hour long ferry ride from Hong Kong. From a culinary standpoint, Macau is a really interesting place. Although technically part of China, Macau was colonized by the Portuguese for 100 years. As a result, many Macanese dishes are a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese influences. I would go to Lord Stowe bakery to have some famous butttery and flaky Portuguese egg tarts – a fusion between the Chinese egg tart and the Portuguese pasteis de nata tarts. I would also go to “Tai Lei Loi Kei” cafe to have one of their famous pork chop buns, a marinated bone in pork chop inside a Portuguese bun. Not to mention a big bowl of braised pig’s feet and curried beef brisket over noodles.

In Italy, I would go back to Tuscany for the five course beef dinner at Dario Cecchini’s famous butcher shop in Panzano. While there, I would have breakfast at Poggerino a quaint B&B in Radda Chianti where one of the owner Benedetta makes THE best omelette and quiche. We would also go back to Luccarelli for the to-die-for pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar). And since geography isn’t a limitation I would hop over to Florence for the butter chicken at Trattoria Sostanza. Unlike Indian butter chicken, this one is roasted chicken breast baked in a lake of brown butter. Then hop over to Bologna for some tagliatelle al ragu and Pear and Cinnamon gelato from Sorbetteria Castiglione.

Carmen blogs at Food Karma.

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