It’s the best time of year – playoff season! It’s even better this year with the Oilers to cheer for, but like many in Canada, I treat the Raptors as my adopted hometown team, too. Go Canada! On to this week’s food notes:

• Mount Royal’s annual Culinary Cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2017. Tastes are just $2! All donations raised go towards the school’s core programming.
• It’s your last chance to snag tickets to Eat Alberta, happening at NAIT on April 23, 2017!
• I love the idea of Bubbles and Bricks, a YEG Date Night event at The Common, which combines a fun evening of Lego building with Prosecco. The next one takes place on April 24, 2017, and costs $90 per couple.
• Mark your calendar: the first What the Truck?! event of the season will take place on May 14, 2017 from 12-7pm at Northlands.
• The next Wild Heart Brunch Club is serving up a Mother’s Day High Tea on May 13, 2017. Tickets are $30.
• ZooFest, a fundraiser for the Valley Zoo and Zebra Child Protection Society, takes place on June 17, 2017. Expect wine and food samples and lots of opportunities to interact with animals! Tickets are $75 for adults and $50 for children.
• Roots for Trees is looking for volunteers to help with their fourth annual planting to expand the River Valley’s food forest – join them on August 26, 2017.
• Sorrentino’s is hosting their 26th annual Garlic Festival in the month of April. Graham has a preview of what to expect.
• Twyla reviews 104 Street’s Bundok.
• Linda is the latest to visit Grandin Fish ‘N’ Chips.
• Crystal recaps the first Culinary Lab that took place at Rostizado in early April.
• New brewery Polar Park has made their first beer available in the spirit of the playoff run, on draught and growler fills.
• Vue Weekly spotlights how the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association supports local businesses.
• This New York Times article mentions a couple of local gems – the High Level Diner and Tony’s Pizza Palace.
• Eater celebrates the art of Lucky Peach and its legacy.
• Iron Chef (yes, you heard that right), is back on TV – Grub Street recaps the premiere.
• My office is relocating north next week, so I’m bidding adieu to walking distance Pho Tau Bay lunches. One last bowl before the move!

I’m going to miss my usual

• I only seem to end up at 1st RND during the Raptors’ playoff runs, but after their atrocious game one play, I really could only find solace in this burger.

Beef dip burger and tater tots

• The skies finally cleared on Sunday, just in time for a walk down to Riverdale. While we’ve been to Little Brick before, this was our first time for brunch. The dishes were as satisfying as the cozy rooms.

Viegas, with scrambled eggs, crispy corn tortilla, vegetables, cheese and hot sauce

Breakfast sandwich, with smoked ham, fried egg, tomato and aioli

Let’s hope that today was the last snow of the season, as I am more than ready for spring! On to this week’s food notes:

• Celebrate Easter with the City Market on April 15, 2017 – the first 150 children (12 and under) will receive $5 in City Market bucks and a chocolate lollipop. The market runs 9am-3pm at City Hall.
• Downton Abbey fans will be interested to know that Cally’s Teas will be hosting garden party teas on April 19 (2-4pm), April 20 (7-9pm) and April 23 (2-4pm). Tickets are $50 and include a menu of cucumber and pompadour sandwiches, smoked salmon savouries, scones and cream, apple tartlets, and rhubarb fool. Also expect musical and theatre performances. Call (780) 757-8944 for reservations.
• The latest Dining with Friends event hosted by the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society celebrates Haitian food at Caribbean’s Finest Restaurant on April 27, 2017. Tickets are $43.
• It’s not too early to plan for summer – Foodie Bike Tours are back, offering 4-6 hours of pedal exploration of the city’s culinary scene. Dates start June 1 and run until August 12, 2017 and cost $99 per person not including the bike rental.
• Chocorrant, Edmonton’s latest patisserie addition, had a soft opening on the weekend at 10328 124 Street.
• Tokiwa Ramen, Edmonton’s newest ramen restaurant, opened its doors last week at 11978  104 Avenue. Because they serve only until they run out of soup, it’s best to check their Twitter account before heading over.
• Central Social Hall’s renovated downtown location has reopened, just in time for the playoff run.
• Edmonton’s first cat cafe opened at the end of March, and Linda tells you what to expect.
• I’m not sure why Popeye’s has the following it does, but it looks like their second Edmonton location on Castle Downs Road north of 137 Avenue will be just as busy as the first.
• Urbano Pizza is gearing up for their second location on 124 Street (the branch they had in Orange Market on Whyte has since closed).
• It’s great to hear that the Italian Bakery re-opened their Beverly location today – the building was gutted by a fire in February 2016.
• Can you eat thirty wontons in one minute? Grain of Rice is challenging diners in order to raise funds for Hope Mission until June 30, 2017.
• Baijiu’s atmosphere and food wows the Journal.
• Vue Weekly had a positive experience at Otto.
• Graham is the latest to post a good review of Grandin Fish ‘N’ Chips.
• Crystal recounts her meal at Crash Hotel Lobby Bar during Downtown Dining Week.
• Jonny was pleased with his visit to Saffron Indian Cuisine on the city’s southeast.
• One way to gauge the weather is by the return of food trucks – they’re back! Check the Street Food app for an up-to-date listing near you!
• It’s great to see that the Taste of Edmonton will be welcomed on the Legislature grounds next year. What the Truck?! tried in 2015 to move the needle and failed, so let’s hope this will turn the tide for other festivals as well in the public space.
• Phil’s latest product taste test involves a kitchen staple – butter.
• Valerie shares her newest cooking adventure involving a traditional Italian spring vegetable torte just in time for Easter.
• Best of luck to local company Organic Box as they seek to expand their business across Alberta. Chris is now an ambassador of the Organic Box – check out his blog for a discount code for your first order.
• Looking to get involved in the local food scene? The Edmonton Food Council is recruiting new members – applications are due April 30, 2017.
• We are very fortunate to have people like Doug Visser in Edmonton – he is donating 93 hectares of his property in Horse Hill with the hopes that it can be maintained for community agriculture use.
• Ono Poke Co. on 104 Street now has a sign up!

Ono Poke Co. coming soon

• It’s not often I crave a greasy burger, but on Friday, the Vatican City from Burger’s Priest was needed to commemorate the end of a crazy week.

Vatican City from Burger’s Priest

• Vivo Pizzeria and Taverna are offering a deal so good it’s almost hard to believe – a pizza and a pint (or a pop) for just $12. Mack and I shared the gamberi (prawns, garlic oil, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini) and salsiccia (De Rose Bros Italian sausage, fior di latte, red onion, basil), and a starter Caesar salad and ended up with a bill of just over $30, including tip. We enjoyed the chewy crust and the fresh toppings. The deal is on “until the Oilers raise the Stanley Cup” – so consider it for a pre- or post- game outing!

Gamberi from Vivo Pizzeria

I had a great time in Montreal and Toronto, but was overwhelmed with a nasty flu when I returned to Edmonton. Though I feel like I’m still recovering, it’s time to get back into routine. On to this week’s food notes:

• Food4Good is screening That Sugar Film on April 7, 2017. Tickets are free and a panel discussion will follow the movie.
• Prairie Pigeon’s next pop-up is scheduled for April 8, 2017 at Evoolution Downtown.
• The next Swine and Dine will take place on April 10, 2017 at Chartier.
• Tickets for this year’s April 22, 2017 Resilience Festival are now on sale. Workshops include an introduction to beekeeping, cheesemaking, and (cheekily), praise the lard!
• Tickets for this year’s Eat Alberta are still available. The event takes place at NAIT on April 23, 2017.
• Eats on 118 is back with tours this spring – their first is on April 26, 2017. Tickets are $42 and include visits to three restaurants.
• It’s all about the pizza lately – Ripe Tomato is the latest chain to invade Edmonton.
• Congratulations to Mayday Dogs on their brick and mortar announcement! You will be able to find them in the former Transcend Coffee space in the Mercer Warehouse. If you can’t wait, their B-52 pizza is available at Love Pizza until April 9, 2017.
• The Art of Cake is now open in the Brewery District at 11807C 105 Avenue.
• Cindy alludes to a second KB & Company location – more taco salad for everyone!
• Lillian is among the first to share her visit to Acme Meat Market’s new home inside Richie Market.
• Cafe Linnea is now open for dinner – check their website for the menu and expanded hours.
• 104 Street continues to welcome new restaurants – here’s a sneak peek into Bottega.
• Jonny is the first to review St. Albert’s Ong Hanoi Style Fried Chicken.
• Andrea sampled a variety of fare from Little Village’s storefront location.
• Twyla offered a mixed review of Grandin Fish and Chips, while Cindy was more positive.
• Also from Twyla, she enjoyed her experience at Bundok.
• Graham wasn’t completely impressed by Baijiu.
• Vue Weekly gave two thumbs up to Tapavino and new Vietnamese restaurant Thiên An in Capilano.
• Clementine snags the latest Globe & Mail review.
• Cindy recapped her latest experience of Comal Taco Therapy.
• With an increase in new bake shops over the past six months, bakery lovers can rejoice, including those who enjoy the “humble” donut, or are seeking out hidden gems.
• Speaking of bakeries, Treats Baked by Stephanie is the latest to seek out crowdfunding.
• I was sorry to hear about the closure of Riz (the final incarnation of L’Azia). Back in high school, L’Azia was one of the first Downtown restaurants that I frequented.
• It was great to hear that Edmonton Food Tours is expanding their offerings to include new Old Strathcona and Downtown tours starting in May! My friend Su recommends signing up for their newsletter for early access and potential deals.
• This is an oldie but a goodie – YEG People’s recommendations for 15 meals under $15.
• Follow along on Valerie’s latest food adventures – she’s cooking with passionate people who are willing to share their secrets!
• I’m excited to see Top Chef Canada back on the air, especially with an All Star cast! New episodes started airing on April 2, but it’s still early enough to hedge your bets.
• The Callingwood Farmers’ Market is launching new hours this spring – Sundays will remain 10am-3pm, but Wednesdays will run from 12-5pm. The season launches on May 7, 2017.
• There are so many reasons to mourn Lucky Peach – pick up the final issue when you can.
• Wandering on foot in Old Strathcona over the weekend, we spotted Snowy Dessert, a Korean cafe, next to Dorinku.

Snowy Dessert

• Mack and I finally made it to La Boule over the weekend. It’s a lovely little spot for something sweet, though the croissants we tried were some of the best in the city.

Pretty pastries at La Boule

I’m heading to Montreal for a conference soon, so a heads up that there will be no Food Notes next week. I’m looking forward to some poutine and smoked meat sandwiches! On to this week’s food notes:

• A reminder that Seedy Sunday takes place on March 19, 2017, at the Central Lions Seniors Centre. Expect demonstrations, presentations, and garden-related exhibitors.
• It’s time for another Honest Dumplings pop-up at Prairie Noodle Shop on March 21, 2017! Tickets are $15.
• The free Second Season Street Party will take over Rice Howard Way on April 1, 2017 with extended patios, wagon rides, and activities for the kids.
• The next Green Drinks is themed around the topic of farm to fork – tickets are now available to the April 2, 2017 event.
• Edmonton Economic Development is organizing a Culinary Lab series, where chefs will experiment with food and flavours as they create custom menus for each event. The first takes place at Rostizado on April 9, 2017. Tickets are $100.
• St. Albert’s Dig In horticultural festival has expanded to include a spring session running April 29-30, 2017. Many of the workshops are free to attend!
• Acme Meats will be opening up in their new home (alongside a brew pub and a new Transcend Coffee location) the week of March 21, 2017 at 9570 76 Avenue.
• Liane applauds the creativity inherent in Nineteen’s new brunch menu – it sounds delicious!
• Linda is the latest to review Takami Sushi.
• Andrea offers her opinion on Grandin Fish & Chips.
• Crystal offers some honest feedback about her experience at Doughnut Party.
• Also from Crystal, she gave south Edmonton’s Wing Chix a try.
• The Journal paid a visit to local institution Coliseum Steaks & Pizza. The review was a reminder of how vehicular transportation is always considered the “norm”, so it’s up to us to include active forms of transportation in the #yegfood conversation.
• Vue Weekly reminds us that Savoy is still offering solid South Indian eats.
• Jonny checked out local favourite Elm Cafe.
• Speaking of Elm Cafe, Alan Suddaby (Executive Chef of Elm Cafe Catering) offers the Ten Sandwich Commandments.
• Meal prep business Simply Supper is hoping to raise $25,000 through Alberta Boostr to open a second location in north Edmonton.
• It’s always interesting to see an outside perspective of Edmonton – in this case, here’s the take on our city from two UK-based travel bloggers.
• Valerie (aka A Canadian Foodie) is looking for people to cook with!
• Speaking of Valerie, one of her recipes is in the new cookbook Feast, by Lindsay Anderson and Dana VanVeller, which recently launched at a local bookstore. Learn more about the cross-Canada trip that inspired the collection.
• Summer seems so far away, but it’s closer than you think – daydream away with tickets to the next RGE RD supper at Nature’s Green Acres on August 19, 2017. Tickets are already half sold.
• Thanks to the Downtown Business Association and to the Art Gallery of Alberta for hosting the kick-off to Downtown Dining Week on Thursday! I’ve already visited two of the thirty-three participating restaurants this weekend. The event runs until March 19, 2017.

Delicious bite of steak from Atlas Steak + Fish

Don’t let the cold weather get you down! There are plenty of new restaurants to try, and ever festival city, lots of events to get you out of the house! On to this week’s food notes:

• The menus from this year’s Downtown Dining Week, which runs March 10 – 19, 2017, are now up, and features prix fixe lunches for $15 and dinner for $28 and $45. I’m looking forward to trying the two newcomers to the list – Atlas Steak + Fish and Crash Lobby Bar.
• Prairie Pigeon’s next pop-up is at Love Pizza from 11am-2pm. What’s better than pizza and pastries?
• Fort Edmonton Park is playing host to a Maple Sugar Carnaval on March 11, 2017, from 12-4pm. Admission is just $5 that will allow you the opportunity to purchase maple sugar taffy and a French Canadian meal.
• The next Comal pop-up event is all about Taco Therapy! It takes place on March 14 and 15, 2017 at Cafe Linnea. Check out the menu here.
• The Yards Spring Salon on March 23, 2017 is all about urban agriculture: balcony gardening, urban beekeeping, and foraging. Tickets are $10 in advance.
• Little Brick is turning two – help them celebrate on March 23, 2017 with a 4-course birthday meal inspired by the 1900s. Tickets are $80.
• Cafe Bicyclette is hosting a Sugar Shack on March 24, 25, 31 and April 1, 7, and 8. Tickets are $75. Call the restaurant for reservations.
• Save the date: the Edmonton Resilience Festival is scheduled for April 22, 2017.
• Eat Alberta is back! The next hands-on conference is taking place on April 23, 2017 at NAIT. Tickets go on sale at 10am on March 7, 2017.
• Board N Brew Cafe brings the trend of board game coffee shops to Downtown – it’s opening on March 15, 2017 at 9929 103 Street.
• The sister restaurant to Three Boars now has a name! Wishbone (taking over the former Market space at 10542 Jasper Avenue) is set to open this spring.
• The Art of Cake will be relocating to the Brewery District in March, at 11807C 105 Avenue. The new space will seat up to 35.
• Cindy spotted a forthcoming restaurant in the Mayfair that will serve Chinese crepes.
• The Downtown renaissance continues with the opening of Alta, Chef Ben Staley’s new 10328 Jasper Avenue outpost. It’ll be interesting to see how people respond to a small menu with cold and room temperature dishes.
• Avenue Edmonton’s 2017 Best Restaurants list is a good place to start if you’re looking for new and exciting restaurants. Congratulations in particular to Chartier, who was named the best new restaurant, and RGE RD, who was named best overall.
• ‘Tis the season for lists, as The Tomato’s fifth annual Top 100 Best Things to Eat or Drink in Edmonton has also been released.
• Lastly, the national Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants ranking came out last week – RGE Rd, Corso 32, Uccellino, Clementine, Bar Bricco and Rostizado were the local entries.
• Phil shares what you can expect from Ong in St. Albert (#110, 15 Perron Street), which will offer the Capital Region’s first taste of Hanoi-style fried chicken.
• Also from Phil – he offers some background for the Brewery District’s Tokiwa Ramen, coming soon to 11978 104 Avenue. It turns out it’s the newest venture from Tatsuo Asai, the man who started Japanese Village and Banzai.
• Cindy is the first to have a review of Takami Sushi up, a restaurant distinguished by a weekly delivery of fresh seafood from Japan.
• Cindy also checked out the savoury and sweet pretzels from Zwick’s.
• Ms. Hangry Foodie satisfies her sweet tooth at Doughnut Party.
• Twyla raves about her visit to Baijiu.
• Elm Cafe has a fan in Athena, who appreciated the personal touches, and of course, the sandwiches.
• Graham revisits some establishments that could have been frozen in time – Billy Budd’s, Flamingo and Saratoga.
• It looks like Stage 104 is the most recent business to shut down in the same space.
• Olds hosted a dinner that brought a diverse number of people together at the beautiful Willow Lane Barn – Mack recapped his experience.
• Fin’s Select Meats & Seafood, which supplies many local restaurants, hosted an event tonight at The Common. They were showcasing some of the new products they now offer, including seafood from Haida Gwaii, wagyu from Brant Lake, and Paradise Valley free range pork. Our favourite bite of the evening was the simmered beef brisket with fermented pineapple served in a potato sope by Chef Edgar Gutierrez of Tres Carnales and Rostizado. Thanks to Fin’s and The Common for having us!

Braised Beef Sope

• Hops & Whisky, a craft beer and whisky tasting, is an event that will be raising funds for The Pride Centre on March 2, 2017. Tickets are $80 and up.
• NAIT is hosting a dinner paired with different Blindman Beers on March 4, 2017. The five course dinner costs for $95 per person.
• Voting for the 2017 Golden Fork Awards is now open! Nominate your favourite eats before March 30, 2017.
• Vivo’s Downtown location, featuring a pizzeria and taverna, is now open at 10505 106 Street!
• Little Village’s storefront location opened last week at 14816 Stony Plain Road. Phil has an overview of what you can expect.
• Alta was delayed a few days, but they will officially open February 28, 2017.
• Sugared & Spiced shared the news of their new location at 10330 Whyte Ave! Expect an opening this spring.
• Phil shares that Chicken on the Way is on its way back to Edmonton, with a franchise to open at 10070 163 Street.
• Grandin Fish & Chips (from the same folks behind The Common) is now open at 9902 109 Street, and Sandy enjoyed their fresh and fried seafood.
• Ms. Hangry Foodie enjoyed the savoury pretzels and pretzel-wiches at Zwick’s Pretzels.
• If you’re looking for a sweet treat, look no further than Doughnut Party – Andrea sampled a half dozen of their flavours.
• The Journal dined out at Saviour, an Ethiopian and Italian restaurant in St. Albert.
• Johnny offers an early review of Pho Boy.
• Linda recommends the food at suburban Grain of Rice.
• Cindy tempts us with photos of the eye-catching dishes at Izakaya Dorinku.
• Have you heard of Seorak Teppan & Bar? Crystal checked it out and had a really great experience.
• Are you looking to start a food truck in Edmonton? Check out Drift’s story for some inspiration.
• This is an interesting thread on bootleg pizza delivery companies operating in Calgary, piggybacking on another local Chicago deep dish business.
• McDonald’s rolled out their all-day breakfast menu in Canada on February 21, 2017.

It sure was nice to have an extra day off from work this weekend – I hope you made the most of it too! On to this week’s food notes:

• FEAST: Recipes & Stories from a Canadian Road Trip is a new book by Lindsay Anderson and Dana Vanveller that spawned from an epic five month journey across the country. The book features over 100 diverse Canadian recipes. The authors are launching their book at Audrey’s on February 27, 2017 from 6-8pm.
• Chef Allan Suddaby (who is the Executive Chef of Elm Catering) will be teaching a series of classes at Metro Continuing Education from March to May 2017 on topics ranging from deep-frying without a deep-fryer, Irish food for St. Patrick’s Day, and the perfect burger. He’s a great instructor, so the sessions are worth considering if you’re wanting to learn a new kitchen skill!
• Chef Travis Petersen (based in Vancouver) is hoping to host a dozen pop-ups across the country. He’ll be making a stop in Edmonton at Northern Chicken on March 8, 2017. Tickets for the local pop-up are $110.
• Barrel Chicken Co. is hosting a pop-up at Solstice Seasonal Cuisine on March 12, 2017. Tickets are $50 for the 5-course meal.
• Alta, one half of Chef Ben Staley’s duo of new restaurants (the other half being The Alder Room) will open on February 24, 2017. Alta is located at 10328 Jasper Avenue.
• A new Thai restaurant, Songkran Thai, is now open in St. Albert at 20 St. Anne Street.
• Takami Sushi opened recently at 10430 61 Avenue.
• Amore Pasta, a pasta bar concept launched by the family behind Cafe Amore and Black Pearl, offers the same quality that we have come to expect at Cafe Amore, writes Jonny.
• Cindy shares her favourite dishes and cocktails off the menu at Baijiu.
• Twyla enjoyed her dinner of comfort food classics at Dogwood Cafe (located at the Victoria Golf Course).
• Rebecca paid a visit to the expanded location of Calle Mexico on 107 Avenue.
• Crystal checked out Old Strathcona’s NongBu.
• Why have so many bakeries opened in Edmonton recently? Vue Weekly looks into the answer.
• It’s always great to hear about the successes that may have started off small, such as Alberta-based food companies that have grown in size in our expanding agri-food industry.
• There seem to be subscription services for all types of food, so I shouldn’t be surprised that a Fudge Club exists with Phil’s Fudge Factory – 3, 6, or 12 month subscriptions are available.
• I was so sorry to read about the burglary that left Sambol Sri Lankan kitchen in shambles – I hope they’re able to re-open soon.
• Wildcard applications for the Canadian Food Championships (held in Edmonton this year July 21-23, 2017) are now open.
• Lillian tried ChocoVine (which blends wine with chocolate) in a recipe for pot de creme. She’s also giving away two bottles to one lucky reader.
• Planet Organic released an ad today apologizing to their customers and promising to do better. It was probably meant to be amusing, but I just found the tone and production values slightly off.
• The Winter Shake-Up Fest coincided with one of the warmest weekends this year, but we still enjoyed ourselves. Stilt-walking is harder than it looks, but it was fun to give it a go – thanks to Lincoln for the photo!

Stilt-walking at the Winter Shake-Up Fest

• Mack and I also wandered over to Hawrelak Park for the Silver Skate Festival. Rain boots were definitely more appropriate than snow boots, but people were making the most of it!

Bannock making at the Silver Skate Festival

• The warm weather means street food may have another prolonged season (as was the case in 2016). It was definitely nice enough for a hot dog from Fat Franks on Saturday in Old Strathcona!

Fat Franks

• When Love Pizza announced their next feature would combine two of our favourite things: pizza and mac and cheese, we knew we had to try it. The mac & cheeza, topped with Irvings Farm Fresh bacon, was everything we hoped it would be.

Mac & cheeza at Love Pizza

• Who doesn’t love a good deal? Look no further than to UberEats, who is offering some great dollar deals from February 13-19, 2017.
• If you’re still looking for a Valentine’s Day reservation – tickets for the Honest Dumplings and Prairie Pigeon pop-up at the Chvrch of John are still available.
• Food4Good is hosting a fruit and veggie sale from 3-8pm February 16, 2017 at the Glenwood Community League.
• Save the date: the 6th annual Culinary Cook-off at Mount Royal School will take place on April 22, 2017.
• Coming soon: Vaticano Cucina, opening at 10310 45 Avenue in March.
• Andrea’s among the first to share her experience at 104 Street addition Bundok.
• Jonny checked out much of the menu at Baijiu.
• One of Old Strathcona’s newest pubs, Malt and Mortar, was reviewed in the Journal over the weekend.
• Graham really enjoyed the sausage and beer at Otto.
• If you haven’t heard of Zwick’s Pretzels, head on over for sweet or savoury pretzels!
• CBC commissioned a “poutine panel” to evaluate the poutine from My Fries and Dixie Lee.
• Highlands Golf Course is getting into the take-out game – they’re offering a take-out option every Friday for orders placed before Thursday at noon.
• Learn the story behind Hansen Distillery, one of Edmonton’s newest distilleries.
• Liane reveals the thought process behind how some restaurants chose their tableware.
• Chef Paul Shufelt is proud of the talented up and coming chefs that call Edmonton/Alberta home!
• Speaking of talented chefs – Chef Eric Hanson shared his bronze medal winning experience at the Gold Medal Plates on Global.
• Vesta Gardens opened up their community supported agriculture for 2017 – the 10-week share is $350.
• Cathy tried her hand at making her mother’s perogies.
• A new study shows that people may perceive healthy foods to be more expensive.
• Merriam-Webster added more than two dozen food-related words to the dictionary this year – check them out (they include EVOO, food truck, and food insecure).
• I had my first experience of Bar Clementine last week. Loved the drinks (the Provence was delicious) and my friend and I enjoyed our share plates.

Bar Clementine

• Custom treats by Donut Pals will be available at Malt and Mortar from 10am-4pm for your sweetheart on February 14, 2017.
• Missed the Honest Dumplings and Prairie Pigeon pop-up at The Chvrch of John last week? Well you’re in luck – the pair are joining forces again for Valentine’s Day! 2 seatings of dumplings and desserts for your valentine on February 14, 2017.
• The next Second Line pop-up is taking place on February 28, 2017 at The Lingnan. Tickets for the seafood boil are $60.
• Congratulations to Darren and Maria of Zwick’s Pretzels, who are finally satisfying the city’s craving for fresh pretzels. They just launched the storefront last week at 12415 107 Avenue.
• Doughnut Party (from the folks behind Moonshine Doughnuts) also had their soft opening last week, and sold out several times over. They’ll be re-opening again on February 9, 2017 at 10938 119 Street.
• I wouldn’t be surprised if the students at the U of A are jealous of their peers at MacEwan – with the addition of Prairie Noodle’s udon-serving Prairie Outpost that opened today, their food options just keep getting better and better.
• Speaking of Prairie Noodle, congratulations to Chef Eric Hanson on capturing bronze in the 2017 Gold Medal Plates competition!
• Baijiu is now open – Twyla previews what you can expect.
• Cindy has one of the first reviews of the restaurant inside the Crash Hotel (formerly the Grand Hotel).
• Jonny visited a new-ish Korean restaurant called Miga on the south side.
• Vue Weekly checked out Wheat Garden Noodle & Dumpling Bazaar.
• Twyla enjoyed her ramen experience at Nudoru.
• Don’t click this if you’re hungry – Cindy presents Cafe Linnea’s new winter menu in pictures.
• It’s so great to hear that the Italian Bakery will not only be fully up and running (after the fire in 2016 that destroyed their bakery), but they’ll still be adding a St. Albert location to their family in July.
• I’m sorry to hear Transcend Coffee wasn’t able to make it work at the Mercer Warehouse – the downtown location will close February 26, 2017.
• The food section in the Edmonton Journal has been whittled down over the past year to a random collection of articles on Wednesdays and small local pieces on Saturdays, so it’s no real surprise that Gastropost is also being eliminated. After 167 missions, this week’s mission will be the last.
• Should you take a chance on higher-end take-out? Avenue explores this question.
• The Toronto Star wrote a nice piece about some of our great local restaurants.
• The latest local business to turn to crowdfunding is Cafe Bel-Air, which is hoping to raise $8,000 towards finishing their popsicle truck in time for summer.
• I missed linking to this last week – congratulations to Fuge Fine Meat, who exceeded their Alberta BoostR campaign goal of $20,000.
• Three Edmontonians are vying to make the Masterchef Canada cut beginning March 2, 2017.
• Will our food one day be prepared by robot chefs?
• I’ve been meaning to visit Macarons and Goodies on my way home, and finally made the time to do so last week. It’s a charming little shop, with a good selection of cakes and pastries, and a very friendly owner.

Macarons and Goodies

• I love seeing local product integrated with other similar products (as opposed to being segregated into a separate “homegrown” section), so it was nice to see a product from Strathcona Spirits Distillery on the shelves (and Eau Claire, too).

At Chateau Louis Liquor Store

• Soup is always my meal of choice, both at home or out and about – so Mack and I stopped at Pho Hoan Pasteur while we were nearby running errands this weekend.

Pho for two

• Food4Good is hosting two events this week: an affordable Fruit & Veggie Market on January 24, 2017 from 11am-4pm (where nothing is priced over $3), and a collective kitchen on January 27, 2017. Both events take place at the Britannia Youngstown Community League.
• Vegan food truck Sailin’ On is popping up at Earth’s General Store downtown for lunch on January 27, 2017 from 11am-2:30pm.
• You can get your Prairie Pigeon fix at downtown’s Evoolution on January 28, 2017 from 11am-2pm and at a pop-up at the Chvrch of John alongside Honest Dumplings on February 2, 2017 at 5pm.
• MacEwan’s Global Awareness Week features a screening of More than Honey, a documentary about bees and beekeepers. The free event takes place on January 30, 2017 from 4-6pm – RSVP here.
• A free event kicks off the Cultivating Connections food conference on February 3, 2017: a moderated panel including Mayors Don Iveson, Lisa Holmes (Morinville) and Tom Flynn (Sturgeon County) will discuss agricultural land preservation, food innovation, and local food production. The reception will feature Alberta ingredients prepared by five local chefs. RSVP here.
• Northern Chicken is partnering with Effing Seafoods on the first Tuesday of every month, starting on February 7pm. On this first occasion you can expect oyster po’ boys and cod and chips.
• The next Swine and Dine dinner takes place at Dogwood Cafe (located at the Victoria Golf Course) on February 8, 2017. The four-course meal is on for $59 per person.
• Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Wild Heart Brunch Club on February 11, 2017, with sides of burlesque and jazz to accompany a 3-course meal prepared by Sailin’ On. Tickets are $30.
• Learn more about Edmonton’s subscription-based Secret Meat Club from their segment on Global, though it appears all of their subscriptions are currently sold out.
• The South Edmonton Common location of Burger’s Priest opened over the weekend at 2125 98 Street.
• Where Edmonton shared that Oil & Vinegar, located in Commerce Place, is closing at the end of February.
• Cindy is one of the first to review XO Bistro Bar, a modern Vietnamese restaurant located in the Ultima Tower downtown.
• Twyla shared her love for Northern Chicken on CBC last week.
• I wish Cindy luck as she aims to cook her way through Edmonton Cooks!
• If you’re too busy to cook, but want to eat healthy, Careit Urban Deli now offers meal plans that can help you meet those goals.
• Liane sheds some light on the mental health challenges that some in the hospitality industry may face due to working conditions and industry pressures.
• Not your grandmother’s apples: an Okanagan orchard has bred the Arctic apple, a GMO variety that does not brown. While it isn’t yet available in Canada, it will be on store shelves in the US next month.
• I haven’t been to Bonjour Bakery since their renovations last summer – though it’s probably a good thing given I always walk away with too many goodies. The expanded bakery and cheese cases looked great!

Bonjour Bakery

• We checked out the new downtown Local Public Eatery (11228 Jasper Avenue) on Friday, urged on somewhat by a gift card Mack had been provided by the restaurant. With the Oilers game on, the atmosphere was quite lively, but the broadcast volume was on the loud side for us. Food-wise, we most enjoyed the nachos, which, unlike other similar dishes we’ve encountered, seemed to have been layered with care, with the chips actually remaining crispy for the most part.

Nachos from Local Public Eatery