• The second SalvagED pop-up is scheduled for July 24, 2015, from 11am-2pm at Earth’s General Store downtown. Taste how some of Edmonton’s best chefs transform produce that would otherwise be designated for the rubbish bin!
• The annual Pupusa Festival is taking place on July 25, 2015 from 12-8pm at the Alberta Avenue Community League.
• The Italian Centre invites you to join them for a Picnic in the Park on July 26, 2015 at Kinsmen Park from 11am-2pm. There will be activities and games for young and old, and of course, goodies from the Italian Centre for sale.
• Local author Kathryn Merrett has written a new book called Why Grow Here, about Edmonton’s horticultural history. The book launch is scheduled for July 27, 2015 at 7:30pm at the Central Lions Seniors Centre (11113 113 Street), with a talk about gardening in Edmonton and a reception.
• Cured Wine Bar (2307 Ellwood Drive), “specializing in cured meats, cheeses and locally sourced vegetables” is now open.
• Buco (Boudreau Road & Bellerose Drive), a Neopolitan pizza concept from the Sorrentino’s Restaurant Group, opens on July 27, 2015.
• It looks like HUMA Mexican Comfort, from the chef who brought us Taco Day at Expressionz Café, might be another solid addition to the city’s Mexican cuisine roster.
• A wave of Japanese restaurants has opened recently, starting with Sushi Park in St. Albert – Jonny had a very positive experience.
• Cindy checked out Ikki Izakaya, the newest restaurant in Oliver, on their first weekend.
• Phil organized a blind fried chicken tasting to find his favourite – who came out on top? I won’t spoil it for you.
• Mother’s Market has closed from July 18, 2015 until a to be determined date in September: “At this point we at Mother’s Market are striving to gain a good foundation, put our best foot forward to make the changes necessary, and give the market a clean break between what was and what will be.”
• Diane shared a Kickstarter Project she would back – twentyfour coffee, a Canadian craft coffee advent calendar. Neat idea!
• Chris tried Soylent – the meal replacement system that is engineered so you wouldn’t have to eat anything else ever again. Too good to be true?
• This was an eye-opening article about how California’s drought has changed some practices in home and restaurant kitchens. It is a reminder about how much more cognizant we could all be about our water use.
• We stopped by the Shaw Conference Centre on the weekend to check out Curtis Comeau’s exhibit “Off the Menu”. They were great photos, but we wished all of them had been labeled with the name of the restaurant or kitchen they were taken in. The free exhibit is on until August 16, 2015.

Off the Menu

• Relish Gourmet Burgers, a New Brunswick-based chain, opened its first western Canadian location on Saturday (10704 124 Street). While we didn’t have a chance to try the burgers yet, we took a look at the menu. All restaurants have one signature burger, and theirs is named after their dearly departed neighbour, The Roxy, because the theatre staff had been so supportive of the business.
  

  Relish Gourmet Burgers

• Mack and I spent a leisurely Saturday exploring some of Edmonton’s newest coffee shops on foot. First up was Rogue Wave Coffee (10517A 114 Street) in Queen Mary Park, the newest roasting business in the city. Their beans are still fairly exclusive to the café, but we enjoyed the single origin iced coffees that we tried that day. Cindy has a more in-depth write-up on the two Davids behind the business.

Rogue Wave Coffee

• We walked on to Barking Buffalo Café (10842 124 Street), a business that combines a love of fashion and coffee. The space is the retail front for Salgado Fenwick, but is also the only Edmonton café to serve up Pilot Coffee Beans from Toronto. We’ll be back!

Barking Buffalo Cafe

• Mack’s been picking up a lot of the dinner prep lately because of my late nights at work. It’s nice to come home to a home cooked supper after a long day at the office!

Yankee Fish Cakes (made with cod from Ocean Odyssey, over Sundog Organic greens and Gull Valley tomatoes)

• I stopped in at Spring Roll Kitchen (2395 111 Street) for lunch last week. Points for the hustle of their kitchen, as it may have been the quickest vermicelli bowl to appear in front of me! The portion was quite decent as well.

Vermicelli bowl with grilled chicken and spring rolls from Spring Roll Kitchen

• On a rainy day, a few coworkers and I were craving soup. So with Pho Tau Bay closed, we headed to King Noodle House for some Bun Bo Hue. It hit the spot.

Bun Bo Hue from King Noodle House

• We’ve been meaning to go back to Corso 32 for some time (shame on us), so we finally made a reservation (way in advance, of course). We didn’t regret it.

Mack when encountering arancini again

It’s that time of summer where I lament at how fast the season is progressing – it’s already mid-July. Hope you’re out making the most of it! On to this week’s food notes:

• Time’s running out to get your discounted Taste of Edmonton tickets – they’re 10% off until July 15 at 6pm. The festival runs July 17-25, 2015.
• Daore is Edmonton’s newest Korean eatery. Both Cindy and Jonny have already paid it a visit.
• Stephanie checked out a new Filipino restaurant in Riverbend, called The Teaket Eatery.
• Twyla is the latest to review St. Albert’s 12 Acres.
• The Journal reviewed a restaurant off the beaten path – Salvadorean Mamenche’s.
• Karlynn and Phil released their latest episode of Sweet Tooth and Meat Tooth, on the topic of what they think Edmonton needs.
• The Downtown location of Hudson’s is closing this week.
• Congratulations to Michelle for her Taste Canada award nomination for The Tiffin Box!
• Genius – local bakery business Sugared and Spiced is starting a Cake Club: pick three special dates in advance and have a cake delivered to you in the city in time for your celebration. Great for those last minute shoppers who need a reminder! Sign up to be notified of the Club’s launch.
• Smokehouse BBQ’s sister business The Pie Eatery is launching this fall! We haven’t seen their associated food truck out and about yet, but hopefully it will happen soon.

The Pie Eatery

• Also in the neighbourhood is the relocated Acquired Taste Tea Company, just a stone’s throw from their previous location, at 10122 124 Street.

Acquired Taste Tea Company

• I’ve been looking forward to peaches all summer – they’re back at Steve & Dan’s!

Peaches for me!

• Weekend breakfasts for us are usually eggy affairs, but we opted to stop by Coffee Bureau instead on our way back home on Saturday morning. It was a good choice: their Leva-baked fontina and ham croissants are worth getting up for.

Coffees and croissants at Coffee Bureau

• We had a partial family dinner at RGE RD tonight. Tonight’s kitchen board was probably the best we’ve had (elk terrine, bison sliders and fish sticks), and Mack and I both couldn’t pass up the Arctic char special with beurre blanc. Of course, an order of perogies was also warranted for the table. Thanks to Blair, Caitlin and team for a great meal! Looking forward to the meat shop and expanded space next door in the fall.

Arctic char with Great Northern beans and beurre blanc

Perogies for the people!

• Hope to see you at out at the next What the Truck?!, taking place Friday, July 10, from 5-10pm at Northlands Park. The menus are now up, and we’re introducing a new system to help us manage lines better.
• Great to see Chinatown is changing it up somewhat, hosting a different type of festival this year in place of their usual East Meets West. The Summer Market is taking place on July 11, 2015, from noon-8pm. Expect food, a fashion show, live entertainment and vendors.
• The fifth Edmonton Food Fight is moving to an even bigger stage at the Taste of Edmonton, involving 4 chefs on July 19, 2015. Tickets are $63.
• It’s already that time of year – the August 1-3, 2015 Heritage Festival’s menu is now online. If you can believe it, they’re celebrating their 40th anniversary!
• I love al fresco dinners, and Chef Brad Smoliak has a unique location for his upcoming events – Elk Island Park. Tickets for the August 22 and September 12 suppers are $145.
• HUMA Mexican Comfort, a new restaurant brought to you by Mariel Montero-Sena formerly of Expressionz Café and Taco Day fame, is now open (9880 63 Avenue). Learn more about her restaurant here.
• Expect a new coffee and beer lounge to open in August called BRU Coffee + Beer House, located in the Pearl (11965 Jasper Avenue).
• It’s the end of an era: Chef Paul Shufelt is leaving Century Hospitality after a decade to open his own restaurant, The Workshop Eatery. Best of luck, Paul!
• I’ve never heard of Nando’s, but apparently they have quite the following. They’re opening an Edmonton branch in the fall.
• Who knew rolled ice cream was a thing? Scoop n Roll has brought this concept to Edmonton. Rebecca and Stephanie have the details.
• Jonny is the latest to give St. Albert’s newest eatery 12 Acres a try.
• Cindy offers a peek at some of the new menu items offered at The Denizen Hall.
• Diane was invited to a pizza party at Urbano Pizza, and shares her favourite creations.
• Phil had to eat his way through a ton of pizza to find the best – check out his final wrap-up Pizza Odyssey post to see which pies ended up at the top of his list.
• Avenue Edmonton’s annual 25 Best Things to Eat list is now live, featuring dishes chosen by local celebrities.
• Mary Bailey is this month’s Edmonton Woman of Vision.
• Congratulations to Alley Kat on winning Beer of the Year for Scona Gold at the 2015 Canadian Beer Awards. Speaking of beer, Jason Foster is optimistic about the city’s craft beer scene.
• You Gotta Eat Here was busy filming in Edmonton last week, with stops at Battista’s Calzones, MEAT and Rostizado. Great to see more local restaurants featured on a national show.
• It’s interesting that the Youth Council decided to make eliminating meat from their catered meals an issue for City Councillors to consider. The vote is Tuesday.
• Another establishment is moving into 124 Street and 107 Avenue – Selam Café.

Selam Cafe

• It was definitely a food truck kind of day at the Legislature on Canada Day, with nearly 40 vendors set up around the grounds. We indulged in our first mini donuts of the summer at Jackie O’s. They were larger and more substantial than the donuts we’re used to, so much so that we could have used a third person to share with!

Mack loves minis

• We also headed to 124 Street’s Mardi Gras festival on Sunday. It wasn’t as well attended as I would have anticipated, but the swing dancers and big band were mighty entertaining! The chicken shawarma we sampled from Dedo’s Food Truck was the delicious cap to the afternoon.

Mack feels like an Avenger

• I had the most intense craving for Izakaya Tomo on the weekend that couldn’t be ignored.

Bring on the carbonara udon!

• The Green and Gold Garden, which raises funds for charitable projects based in Rwanda, is into its seventh year. Located at the U of A South Campus, it opens to the public on June 30, 2015, and will be open the remainder of the summer on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays.
• Staff Meal is back! Their first event of the summer is a stand-up 4-course tasting on July 6, 2015 at Get Cooking. Tickets are $60.
• Did you want to learn more about Ramadan? Al Rashid Mosque is hosting a family-friendly Taste of Ramadan on July 10, 2015, from 6:30-9:30pm at Centennial Plaza. Yes, there will be food!
• Ikki, Edmonton’s newest izakaya at 11931 Jasper Avenue, opens on July 18, 2015 at 6pm.
• Need a way to keep cool during this heat wave? One of Edmonton’s newest food trucks is Scoop n Roll, which serves up rolled ice cream (yes, you read that correctly). Check their social media for updates on their location.
• New restaurant alert – Workshop Eatery, which will feature rooftop beehives, looks like an exciting concept to keep an eye on!
• Prairie Noodle hosted its final ramen pop-up last week – Diane and Cindy recapped what you missed. But don’t worry – the organizers are working on moving into a permanent storefront on 124 Street.
• Liane covered the SalvagED pop-up lunch at Earth’s General Store last Friday featuring reclaimed ingredients donated from local farms. Their next pop-up is slated for Friday, July 24.
• I had to laugh at Liane’s headline for her story that Col. Mustard’s Canteen on 124 Street won’t be returning: Col. Mustard, killed in the kitchen, with a sewer pipe. The owners will be rebuilding on the land, however, and hope to have a restaurant move in.
• K-Days released their annual list of indulgent food to look forward to. Midway treats will include lobster corndogs, glazed donut grilled cheese (I’d try that, yes), and mini-donut popsicles.
• Congratulations to Teresa and the rest of her team ahead of the grand opening of their first Italian Centre in Calgary on July 2, 2015. The location features Western Canada’s largest deli, offering over 600 items. It is located at 9919 Fairmount Drive SE.
• Speaking of neighbours to the south, Gasoline Alley in Red Deer is also home to a branch of Pete’s Drive-in.
• There’s been a lot of debate about the Canada Food Guide. Two Global reporters followed it for a week and shared the experience and challenges. For something completely different, take a look at Brazil’s “guide”, which is simply a series of ten best practices.
• Given Edmonton will be home to a Whole Foods soon, buyer beware: investigators have found that Whole Foods stores in New York and California have routinely overcharged customers by mislabeling packages.
• Mack and I headed to Tzin this week to celebrate my birthday. As always, we were floored by their hospitality, and the food was wonderful. Thanks to Kelsey and Corey for a great night!

An off-menu seared tuna – looked and tasted like art

Tzin’s bacon – the best two bites in Edmonton

June has dwindled so quickly I’m afraid the rest of the summer will go by equally fast. I guess that’s why we should all make the most of it – hope you’re enjoying all Edmonton has to offer! On to this week’s food notes:

• A unique pop-up, to be sure: SalvagED will combine the talents of Get Cooking Chef Eric Hanson and Mercury Room Chefs to  prepare food using ingredients that would have otherwise been discarded. Check it out at Earth’s General Store downtown on June 26, 2015 from 11am-2pm.
• Little Italy is hosting a street festival in conjunction with the Women’s World Cup called Kick It Up on June 27, 2015, from 10am-9pm. There will be food, games, and a street dance party!
• Robert Rogers’ popular river valley medicinal plant walks are taking place in July and August. For $50, learn all of the natural remedies available in our own backyard.
• 124 Street Grand Market is again partnering with Taste Alberta to produce a series of farm tours that will provide a peek into some of your favourite (or soon-to-be-favourite) local producers. The July 10, 2015 tours will end with a catered lunch prepared by Chef Daniel Costa. Tickets are $90 for adults.
• New Korean restaurant alert: Daorae (9334 – 34 Avenue).
• La Mademoiselle Bakery is new to the Oliver neighbourhood, having just opened last week. They took over the space formerly occupied by Fresh Cafe at 10038 116 Street.
• Cindy paid a visit to Barking Buffalo Café (10842 124 Street), one of Edmonton’s newest cafes, tucked in a space alongside Salgado Fenwick’s latest collections.
• Liane has more information about the mobile coffee cart, Nomad Espresso, coming to a caffiene-starved place near you.
• Massimo’s, the restaurant next to the southside Italian Centre, won’t be returning. Instead, the space will be used as a commissary to prepare take-away meals.
• Can you believe it? Phil’s come to the end of his Pizza Odyssey, concluding with a battle between Rosso and Packrat Louie.
• Hurrah for Rostizado, the latest local restaurant to be featured on You Gotta Eat Here. Filming will take place in July.
• I love that Jacek is partnering with other local businesses for their chocolate – with their Credo bar (which in taste reminds me of the Kerstin’s/Transcend Chocophilia), and their beer-infused collection for Father’s Day.
• Speaking of Alley Kat, congratulations to the homegrown brewery, who just celebrated their twentieth anniversary.
• Do you think the green onion cake should be considered Edmonton’s official dish? There’s a petition for that.
• Taste of Edmonton tickets are already on pre-sale – get them for 20% off until July 15, 2015.
• Who doesn’t love photos of food? Curtis Comeau will be releasing an exhibit called “Off the Menu”, documenting the diversity of Edmonton’s food scene. Check it out at the Shaw Conference Centre from July 15 – August 16, 2015.
• Feeling stressed? Then reach for fermented or pickled foods – they might make you feel less anxious, according to a recent study.
• There’s finally something going into the base of the old farmers’ market building on 97 Street.

Massawa Café & Bistro

• Mack and I took in the China vs. Cameroon game on Saturday. Our late arrival meant we missed the flash downpour, but we also didn’t get to see the lone goal in the game. Still, it was an exciting match to watch alongside fervent fans.

Commonwealth Stadium

• On Sunday afternoon, Mack and I took a leisurely stroll across the river and down through Mill Creek. Along the way, we encountered the “Save the Footbridge” pop-up (why aren’t bridges more often used as musical venues?). We stopped at Wild Earth Bakery, which was a welcome rest stop.

Cloverdale Footbridge

Mill Creek Ravine

Wild Earth Bakery

• For Father’s Day, my Dad chose Co Do Hue (12819 140 Avenue), a restaurant that serves up his favourite bun bo Hue in the city. It was a little on the spicy side for me, I have to admit.

Bun bo Hue from Co Do Hue

I was a little under the weather yesterday, so couldn’t get to my notes until today. Lots to catch up on:

• Don’t want to fight the crowds at Porkapalooza this weekend? Solstice is hosting a “backlot bbq” on June 21, 2015 with a pig roast and drinks.
• Get your computers ready: the Prairie Noodle Shop’s last pop-up is taking place on June 27, 2015 at NAIT. Seats will be released on June 20 at 1pm.
• I love the idea of the Sunset Soiree on July 5, 2015 – dinner and a movie outside on the beautiful La Cite Francophone grounds. Tickets are $22 for adults, and include a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres.
• It looks like an izakaya has taken over Jono’s Bar in the Illuminada Building (11931 Jasper Avenue). Looking forward to the opening of Ikki.
• We could have used a coffee vending cart at our brunch What the Truck?! this weekend, but better late than never – great to see Nomad Espresso is going to make great coffee available in unexpected places. Check them out at the Drawing Room (10253 97 Street) the rest of the week from 8am-4pm.
• Evonne reviews the newest Thai option in Strathcona County – Sawaddee (664 Wye Road).
• Stephanie visited Brooklyn Tomato in their new location at 2920 Calgary Trail.
• The Journal reviewed The Black Pearl, the new seafood restaurant downtown opened by the family behind Café Amore.
• Cindy’s love of ramen took her to North 53’s recent ramen pop-up.
• If you didn’t attend Indulgence this year (as I did not), Andrea and Cindy captured what we missed.
• Great to hear that Battista’s Calzones is the latest local restaurant to be featured on Food Network Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here.
• Ever consider making your own croissants from scratch? Then Lillian’s croissant bake-off post is a must-read – she and a few friends tested four different recipes, including the one from Duchess.
• Ramen seems to be increasing in popularity in Edmonton, but I’m not sure we’ll ever have the opportunity to have baths in ramen broth, as they do in Japan.
• I met up with some friends earlier last week at Gui Lin Noodle House (10626 97 Street). If you love preserved vegetables, this is the place to go – the flavours imbue the broth. We also found the portions to be huge and the service unassuming but friendly.

BBQ pork with vermicelli in soup, Gui Lin style

• Our large team of staff descended on Padmanadi for lunch on Wednesday, and it always amazes me how well they handle big groups – all orders were correct and the food was fast. Bravo.

Ginger beef at Padmanadi

• A cancelled Pecha Kucha meant an excuse to linger at Tres Carnales with Annie on Thursday. It’s been too long since I’ve had their fish tacos.

Pescado tacos Tres Carnales

• Mack bought me an early birthday present in the form of tickets to Ed Sheeran’s concert. He was amazing, only backed up on stage by his loop pedal. Thanks, Mack!

Ed Sheeran at Rexall Place

• Our next What the Truck?! is coming up this Sunday, June 14 at Capital Boulevard (108 Street & 99 Avenue) from 11am-3pm. And it’s brunch themed! Check out the menus tomorrow.
• The third Edmonton Food Fight that took place tonight may have sold out, but the fourth is free – check out the battle between Chef Andrew Cowan of Packrat Louie and chef Eric Hanson of Get Cooking at Porkapalooza on June 20, 2015.
• The second annual edition of Baconfest is taking place on June 30, 2015 in the lobby and grounds of the Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets are $55 and include all food and drink samples.
• Urbano Pizza Co., the third restaurant operated by the proprietors of Sabor Divino and Bodega, opened on Friday. It is located on the Boardwalk at 10220 103 Street.
• Is pizza the new burger? Buco is the newest in the Sorrentino’s family, with a location in St. Albert opening soon.
• There’s another Browns Socialhouse in Edmonton already, located at 2, 1010 Webber Green Drive.
• Sailin’ On is taking over the menu at The Buckingham on Whyte, adding another vegan-friendly bar to the list that starts with Arcadia.
• In honour of the FIFA World Cup, a few Edmonton restaurants and bars have created themed dishes and drinks to celebrate.
• Cindy shared her experience sampling the menu at Sofra’s underground Cellar (10345 106 Street).
• Twyla is the latest to review NongBu.
• I loved Liane’s article about diners – there’s just something about comfort food! It also reminded me that I should get out to The Downtown Diner before their feature on the Food Network airs.
• It was so neat to be able to see the Rush take the NLL Championship on Friday. Here’s hoping the team sticks around.

The Rush win the Cup!

• Café Amore has an underrated patio – so much so that for most of our meal last Wednesday night, we were left alone to enjoy it.

My favourite truffle chicken pasta

• Melina and Nathan had a gorgeous dessert bar at their wedding this weekend, furnished by The Art of Cake.

Fabulous dessert bar

• The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival runs this weekend, June 5-6, 2015.
• Latitude 53’s patio series kicks off next week on June 11, 2015.
• The Mac is already looking forward to their Canada Day celebrations, inviting revelers to enjoy their fabulous patio on July 1, 2015.
• Mark your calendar – the annual Savour Strathcona County event will be taking place on July 5, 2015. It’ll be an opportunity to sample from 17 different restaurants and food trucks.
• Everything’s coming up St. Albert, it seems – Liane shared the big news that Nineteen will have a second location in the former Hole’s Greenhouse.
• Tracy shared that Urbano Pizza (10220 103 Street), operated by the folks behind neighbouring Sabour Divino and Bodega, should be open in mid-June.
• More sandwiches, anyone? Calgary’s Chiachi’s Sandwiches is opening up in West Edmonton Mall this summer. They’re aiming to be ready mid-August.
• Some may be familiar with South Street Burger from their Cross Iron Mills location in Southern Alberta, but it’ll be closer to home when a branch opens up at 127 Avenue and 153 Street.
• Summerside residents can look forward to Cured Wine Bar (2307 Ellwood Drive), shooting for a summer opening as well. Cindy’s on top of all of the new places to look for!
• Phil’s latest Pizza Odyssey is a triple-header, featuring Capital Pizza, Chicago Deep Dish and Versatos.
• Vue has a great profile on Upson’s Cordials, a locally-made beverage option perfect for summer cocktails.
• Sayonara, Urban Spoon – Zomato has taken over the brand it purchased, changing the review system, among other things.
• It looks like the Chinatown location of Wong Jung Gak has closed (10023 107 Avenue). In its place, It’ All (which must be related to It’ Dog somehow) is poised to open as a “well being Korean buffet and Japanese all you can eat”. I have to say I’ve never seen gluttony associated with health, but hey, why not?

It’ All

• It was an honour to be recognized as a “True Friend of McCauley” on Saturday, alongside Maria and Roxanne, my Chinatown Night Market co-organizers. It was humbling to be included on a list with some of Edmonton’s prominent social justice advocates and long-time community volunteers. Thanks again to Jane for the acknowledgement.

A True Friend of McCauley!

• Because of the damage done by last year’s hail storms and this year’s dry spring, Edgar Farms has decided to stop picking their early. So there are only two more weeks to enjoy their amazing asparagus – make sure to get to Strathcona or the City Market soon!

Asparagus will make it into many of our meals this week…

• To mark the end of a long day, Mack and I headed over to Parlour on Thursday for an old favourite pizza (the Gamberi) and tried a new favourite (the Sonny Boy, with soppressata and mushrooms).

Double header at The Parlour

• On Sunday, Mack and I helped Gramdma Male celebrate her birthday with brunch at Canteen. It was the best dish I’ve had at Canteen – milk-braised turkey, egg, crispy onions and gravy over thick-cut toast. Delicious.

Milk-braised turkey, egg, crispy onions and gravy over thick-cut toast at Canteen

Who could have predicted this heat wave in May? It’s so unusual to have so many consecutive days of good weather this early that I forget that it’s still technically spring. Hope you’re out enjoying it! On to this week’s food notes:

• Workshop West is hosting a Magical Feast at Lux on May 28, 2015, with a three-course meal and, what else, magical entertainment! Tickets are $150, with a $75 tax receipt to be issued.
• Save the date for the second annual Mercer Super Summer Party, taking place in and around the Mercer Warehouse on June 5 from 5-10pm. There will be live music, art, and food!
• Great to hear that the 124 Street Market is taking over the French Quarter Market, starting June 7.
• 12 Acres, the restaurant concept that has taken over the River House space in St. Albert, opened last week with a farm-to-table philosophy. Linda and Cindy already have reports in.
• Looking forward to see what Chef Ryan O’Flynn has in store with the revamped Share restaurant, due to open in July.
• I was happy to hear that Blue Plate Diner is now serving up breakfast Tuesdays to Fridays, in addition to their weekend brunch. A solid breakfast in the core (outside of hotels) shouldn’t be a rarity.
• Cindy reviewed Tofu House, and loved the soothing nature of the stews.
• Phil’s latest Pizza Odyssey took him to B-Street Bar and Il Forno.
• I know Mack would love this – Farrow’s launching a coffee club, with beans offered exclusively to members only.
• If you ever wanted to learn the history of the donair in Edmonton, read Omar’s piece in The Walrus.
• Congrats to the eight new members of Edmonton’s Food Council. I wish them the best of luck in the Council’s second year.
• Hurrah for France, who just passed laws that will fine big supermarkets for dumping food, and will see them sign agreements with food charities in the next year.
• What if you could have your groceries delivered to you in an hour? Well if you live in select parts of Manhattan, it’s now possible.
• Mack and I stopped by the 124 Street Grand Market in its second week. It was a good excuse to get a double-dose of Drift – first in its truck form and then for some beverages at Dovetail.

Buttermilk chicken sandwich from Drift

Sangrias with apple and mint from Dovetail

• Afterwards, to accompany us on the walk home, we stopped by Cococo for a scoop of gelato each. I love long summer nights.

Cookies and cream and salted caramel gelato from Cococo

• On Friday, we grabbed a late meal from Attila the HUNgry at Night Market Edmonton, which takes place on Jasper and 105 Street every Friday from 7-11pm. I love outdoor movie screenings, so enjoyed the fact that they were showing Breakfast at Tiffany’s so folks could have dinner and a movie.

Duck tots from Attila

Buddha burger from Attila (hash brown, fried egg and patty on brioche – delicious!)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

• Mack and I had a great brunch at Meat – it definitely helps when you have the best company!

Beef brisket benny at Meat

• With said company, we made it back across the river in time to watch the swearing in ceremony. I’d never been in the wading pool before, but it was a good time as any for my first dip!

Great vantage point from the pool

• We also couldn’t pass up food trucks at the Legislature (making it four days in a row of sampling food trucks), and finally had the chance to try Explore India.

Samosas from Explore India

It was perfect timing for a long weekend – hope you enjoyed yours as well! We’re also gearing up for our first What the Truck?! of the season, this Saturday, May 23, from 4-8pm. Hope to see you there! On to this week’s food notes:

• Cravings Gelato is hosting an event showcasing their product on May 20 at Zocalo (10826 95 Street).
• Night Market Edmonton kicks off its season May 22 and runs every Friday night from 7-11pm in Beaver Hills House Park (Jasper Ave & 105 Street).
• I missed the first Dark MEÆT event, where diners were served a dinner blindfolded to highlight the other senses. I’m happy that I snagged some tickets to the second event, taking place on May 27 – there are still a few more up for grabs if you’re interested!
• Want a bit of fashion with your brunch? Manor Bistro is serving up brunch alongside a Thread Hill fashion show on May 31, 2015. Tickets are $40.
• The Chilean Canadian Cultural Society of Edmonton is hosting a Taste of Chile Food, Wine and Culture on June 12 at the Old Timers Cabin (9430 99 Street). Tickets are $65.
• There’s a new café coming soon to the south side – Woodrack Café (7603 109 Street).
• Cindy is the latest to review Cerdos Tacos in St. Albert.
• Linda’s starting an ambitious project to review restaurants or types of food in the order of the alphabet. Looking forward to reading about her quest!
• Cathy shares her experience participating in a three-day Glow Juicery cleanse.
• Curious about the origins of Edmonton Food Fight, the popular series that pits two local chefs against one another? Vue interviews co-founder and host Kathryn Joel for what inspired the events and what to expect in the future.
• The Journal has a few more details about the newest farmers’ market in Edmonton in Miller Crossing, opening June 2 in the parking lot of the Royal Canadian Kingsway Legion (14339 50 Street).
• Congratulations to Alley Kat on their twentieth year in business! They are now brewing 4 million bottles per year.
• If you haven’t seen the beautiful simplicity of 98 cubes of raw food – check it out.
• The weather didn’t exactly co-operate for the City Market’s first day on 104 Street on Saturday, but it can only get better from here! It was nice to see some new vendor additions (Four Whistle Farms, familiar to Old Strathcona Market shoppers, for one), but given the Fork & Spoon Brigade is no longer operating, the lack of new food trucks is going to hurt the market. While the product vendors may be the initial attraction for some, it’s the prepared food that keeps visitors there – I just hope the City Market recognizes this sooner rather than later.

City Market on 104 Street now open!

• If the line-up at Credo is too long on market Saturdays, there are now two other great coffee options just a block away – Coffee Bureau and Lock Stock! I’d never been to Lock Stock before, so Mack and I headed there after picking up our groceries at the City Market. It’s a beautiful spot, all dark wood and brick. And they make great lattes, too!

Lock Stock Coffee

• A few friends and I met up at Tao Garden this week for dinner. The service was a bit brisk this time, but I really enjoy the idea of customizing my noodle soup.

Satay soup with tofu puffs, beef balls and wontons