I posted earlier this month about Pizzeria Prego (5860 111 Street), specifically about wanting to try what I have been calling their “breakfast pizza.” The Sunrise, one of their many unique offerings, is advertised as being topped with zesty tomato sauce, mozzarella, bacon, scrambled egg, cheddar and tomatoes.

Mack and I decided to give Prego their due on Friday. I called just after 5:30pm to place an order, and was surprised when told that our pizza would be ready in 20 minutes. Perhaps it was the fact that they were open at all on a holiday, but we thought the supper rush would have had us waiting at least half an hour. Though I opted for the regular crust, I liked the fact that we had a few options to choose from, including whole what, sesame flax, and sunflower & pumpkin seed (they also sell frozen pizza dough for those interested).

We arrived at their Lendrum strip mall location after 6pm. They have a handful of tables set up for those wanting to eat in, but I’m certain the majority of their business is take-out and delivery-based. We were immediately greeted by a staff member, and provided with a plain white box, which appeared to be the only pizza on stand-by. The box had been sitting on what resembled a hot plate, but there were no heat lamps in sight.

Though we’ll gladly take some of the blame for not picking up the pizza more promptly, Mack would have preferred a hotter pie. I was more disappointed in the disparity between what was advertised on their website and flyer and the toppings that we were presented with. The sauce wasn’t “zesty” by any definition, the eggs were of the hard boiled and not scrambled variety, and there wasn’t a tomato in sight. A smattering of herbs (basil or perhaps parsley) would have added some nice color and freshness as well. On the bright side, the bacon was crisp and flavourful, and the crust was crunchy and just lightly oiled. It was also unusual that they decided to cut the slices into squares instead of the more typical triangles; that is something I would specifically request if we were to return to Prego in the future.

Pizzeria Prego does have a few more varieties I’d be interested in trying (the Spudizza for one: pizza dough brushed with garlic parsley butter, seasoned mashed potatoes, cheddar and real bacon bits), but at $22.49 for a large Sunrise, it definitely wouldn’t be an everyday indulgence.

Exterior

In box, will travel

Sunrise pizza

I’ve been wanting to try Ric’s Grill (10190 104 Street) for a while, and a special menu offered in accordance with Edmonton’s Downtown Dining Week was the perfect catalyst to do so. So having made a reservation with enough wiggle room to make it to a show at MacEwan later that evening, Dickson and I headed to the Warehouse District on Saturday.

The Metals Building, in all its stalwart brick glory, always seemed inherently fitting for an upscale steakhouse. The interior offered nothing unexpected – dark wood, leather, and too-dim lighting reminiscent of Ruth’s Chris. While I understand that the booth we were seated in was designed to create a private enclave of sorts, Dickson actually felt borderline claustrophobic in its looming wake.

When I didn’t find a Dining Week menu among the leather-bound folders on the table, I requested one from our server. He replied that the promotion was not available to those who had not mentioned the special menu while making the reservation. As this was not clearly indicated on the website (as it is on Calgary’s Dine-Out Week site), nor was I asked such a question when I spoke to the hostess over the phone, I couldn’t fathom how this could have been their policy. Dickson amounted this to “nominal participation” in Dining Week, though when we heard a similar bottom line delivered to a nearby table who was also interested in the promotional menu, we found some comfort in their consistency.

Not so, it seems. May, who ate at Ric’s Grill the night prior, was immediately given the Dining Week menu upon request, even without “pre-ordering” over the phone beforehand. What boggles my mind is that the options available on the Dining Week menu are no different than what is offered on their regular menu, so a lack of food supply would not be an acceptable excuse. And as one would think the pre-fixe menus are meant to encourage otherwise experimental-shy patrons to dine outside their borders with the hope of reaping return business in the future, why so many hurdles would be in place to ultimately save the restaurant just a few dollars (the 6oz Filet Mignon pre-fixe with dessert was $35, while the same Filet Mignon is regularly priced at $31 without dessert) is beyond me. Though I will continue with this review to be thorough, it’s a safe bet I won’t be back at Ric’s Grill; it is unacceptable for a restaurant of their supposed calibre to be nothing more than a token participant in an event set up to promote the best of Edmonton’s urban cuisine.

I ordered the 6oz Filet Mignon, with a soup to start, while Dickson settled on the 12oz Top Sirloin and a Caesar salad ($31). The spicy beef and vegetable soup was great – the amount of beef was generous, and the vegetables had obviously been simmering for quite some time. Dickson said his salad (made from scratch), was quite enjoyable as well.

As for our entrees – I had no complaints about my steak, though I do think the Filet Mignon I had at Mr. Mike’s a few weeks back was just a touch better, if not only because I’d take a peppercorn cream sauce over Bernaise any day. And I won’t deny it – the fun of onion rings as a side is something I still haven’t gotten over.

Dickson’s sirloin, ordered medium rare, was exceptionally moist. So much so that the red juices that collected on his plate became somewhat unappetizing. I don’t claim to be a steak expert, but perhaps they should have let the meat sit for a while longer before serving it?

Ric’s Grill, I hardly knew ye.