• Planet Organic on the south side kicks off their Meet the Locals Food Festival this week, with food tasting tables during the week, and a cooking demonstration by Madison Grill’s Blair Lebsack on November 19. The Festival continues December 14-20 and January 11-17.
• Marianne over at Loosen Your Belt and Eat Around Edmonton posted about some changes in the Whyte Avenue area – Arriba Mexico (10768 82 Ave, 780-757-8220), and the Friends and Neighbours (10834 82 Avenue) expansion into the space formerly occupied by Nokomis, called Delight, are now open, while Muddy Waters looks to be closed.
• City Palate reports that chef Paul Tao has opened up a restaurant called Tao Signature on the west end called Tao Signature (10406 Mayfield Road, 780-486-7826).
• Speaking of City Palate, the local publication is looking for a new name. Their royalty agreement with City Palate expires in 2010, and Mary Bailey is looking for “a new name that reflects what we do best: chronicle Edmonton’s food scene.” E-mail Mary your suggestions by November 20 for a chance to win dinner for four at the Hardware Grill.
• Good piece in Vue Weekly about wine corkage in local restaurants.
• I love what Cafe Haven out in Sherwood Park is doing with their Twitter account – offering deals, promoting their products and philosophy – they are evolving into a model for restaurants using Twitter.
• Artisan Resto Cafe in Old Strathcona has a new website, designed by the same company that put Manor’s new site together.
• Here’s an interesting unpublished Gourmet article on “speed dating” for farmers and chefs. Neat idea, and something we’ll likely see more of in coming years.
• I can’t believe Top Chef has their own line of frozen dinners – but I guess nothing is sacred these days.
• First there was the double-ended peanut butter jar, now there is a peanut butter crank to help reconstitute your peanut butter. Who knew?
• Mack and I dropped by Ceili’s on Friday to help Brittney celebrate her birthday. It was too cool that instead of a birthday cake, she had a platter of pain au chocolat from Duchess Bake Shop!

Yum

• En route to the Holiday Light-Up, Mack and I stopped in to check out the new Health Fare. It’s a nice space, accented with a bright green colour scheme and funky light fixtures. We played around with their nutritional guidance system (both Mack and I ended up with nearly the same dish choices), but really, we were interested in when their text messaging ordering system would be up. The clerk said it would be installed sometime over the next two weeks, and the end counter would be dedicated to serving these pick-up orders. Marianne and Zed wrote a review about it already – I’m sure others will start trickling in soon.

Interior

At the Nutritional Information Kiosk

• Needing a quick dinner at Kingsway, I succumbed to A & W’s sirloin twins (I really am a sucker for sliders). I appreciated the fact that the buns were grilled, and the inclusion of sweet red onion, but they were absolutely tiny! Clever name, but not worth the $3.49.

Sirloin Twins

Mack and I watched Broke, the premiere screening for the Global Visions Film Festival at the Paramount on Thursday (a sidebar – I love that the festival affords me one opportunity a year to take advantage of our last functioning theatre on the Avenue. It’s a glorious venue that was saved by the City Centre Church, of which I am grateful, but I would be remiss if I did not say that the city needs more standalone theatres – what’s better than the sight of Paramount’s blazing marquee?). About a pawnshop owner and his unlikely relationship with an ex-convict who decides to volunteer with him, it opened my eyes to how pawnshops work, but other than that, I didn’t enjoy the film. Even the brutally honest character of the owner couldn’t make up for the plodding pace of the movie. Anyway, onto this week’s notes:

• Chris over at Eating is the Hard Part posted about two up-and-coming places last week. Blush Lounge (2940 Calgary Trail, 780-757-0330) replaces the old Ivory Club on the south side, while next to Cora’s, another chain is setting up – this time, a fondue restaurant called Melting Pot. Look for it to open in early 2010 – their most popular item is a four-course meal consisting of a cheese fondue, salad, entree and a fondue dessert.
• Speaking of chocolate, Foodie Suz tweeted about a new chocolatier to come in Commerce Place called Sweet Lollapalooza. With a name like that, how could one not pay them a visit?
• Though brunches at the ARTery are on hiatus (with the City Market in hibernation until the spring), the EATery is now serving light entrees Wednesday to Friday evenings, and from the looks of it, may even start offering Sunday night suppers soon enough.
• Liane posted about the renovated Fantasyland Grill – now named L2 Grill. I’d be interested to see their new decor, but if they hope to compete with the likes of Cactus Club with the revamp, did someone forget to tell them that flambé dishes are no longer de rigueur?
• Vintage on High Street has morphed into it’s third incarnation in as many years – it’s now The Common.
• Valerie posted about a second macaron baking experience she had with Béné, another local foodie.
• Cooking with appliances: the Edmonton Public Library is offering a course on “microwave and toaster oven baking” for teens – Easy Bake for the real world (no, I never had an Easy Bake).
• Also on cooking – Company’s Coming will be holding another Scratch & Dent sale, just in time for the holidays. I went to a sale over the summer, and picked up some cookbooks at great prices.
• This is pretty neat: a very visual “foodshed map” of Vancouver, to guide those seeking to source their food closer to home.
• Something I always wanted to know (but never sought out, of course) – what fruits and vegetables are most susceptible to pesticides? This handy list tells you.
• While not as comprehensive as the hamburger guide I linked to a few months back, I’m a sucker for polished photos that make me hungry – here’s a guide of one eater’s favourite sandwiches.
• Curious about what the last days of Gourmet look like? Wonder no more.
• With less than half the comments generated by the first 50 things, it seems Bruce Buschel’s part 2 of “100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do” is somewhat less controversial. But still worth a glance.
• Starbucks’ Red Cup debuted last week, and the Holiday Drinks followed this week. Bring on the Gingerbread Latte!

Only 45 days until Christmas…

• After brunch at Cora’s, we headed to Whyte Ave to do some shopping and to soak up the lovely afternoon. We stopped by Coney Island Candy, and thought it fitting that we should have our fortunes read by the very aggressive Zoltar. He really reminded me of Mark Meer in Salon of the Talking Turk, even though I’m sure it should have been the other way around.

With Zoltan

• We also passed by the window at Le Papier that was too cute not to snap. Janice even posed in front of it, ready to show Maple Leaf fans her true colours. It was a fun day – we’ll miss you Janice!

Grover’s an Oilers fan!

• Thanks to Chris, I found out that Irie Foods (10152 82 Avenue, 780-757-2022) on Whyte has opened. We passed by it on Friday, and it looks like it is a full-service restaurant, albeit a fairly small one. I hope to visit the Caribbean eatery soon!
• The Journal reviewed Shanghai Grill (16336 111th Ave, 780-930-1828) this weekend, a new Chinese restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Grandma D’s BBQ Cookhouse.
• The Journal also had an article about the struggle faced by the owners of Kai Asian Grill in the economic downturn (I have to say I skipped over the part about the sushi girls), and a piece about the rise in demand for Alberta lamb.
• Liane helped break the news on Wednesday that Culina Highlands was named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants by EnRoute Magazine. Congrats, Cindy! Also on the list was Calgary’s Rush, which Mack and I had the chance to visit in March.
• Hurrah, Soul Soup is finally on Twitter, updating their daily offerings in 140 characters or less.
• Valerie posted an extensive entry about her lesson with Duchess Bakery’s Giselle Beggs in macaron-making. Worth a look if you’re thinking of attempting the treats yourself!
• Chris at Eating is the Hard Part mentioned that his last few visits to Transcend Coffee have been unsatisfactory on the service end of things. I agree with his rationale that being local isn’t reason enough to support a business – both quality of the product and customer service are paramount, and if it is clear that the staff don’t respect you, I wouldn’t expect any right minded person to return – locally owned and operated or not. I do like Transcend, and just hope that they improve this before the Garneau location opens.
• Marianne over at Loosen Your Belt and Eat Around Edmonton wrote about her experience with the local delivery service Dial and Dine last week. I’ve never tried it myself, so it was nice to read about how it works.
• Nice to see Sam Sifton, the new NYT restaurant critic, draw attention to Chinese cuisine with his third review. It surprised many that he ventured out into the boroughs so soon.
• Judging by the 1,158 comments already accrued, this post on “100 Things Restaurant Servers Should Never Do” really hit a nerve. And it’s only Part 1/2.
• A thought-provoking, well-written article by Jonathan Safran Foer billed as a modest proposal for eating dog. Worth a read.
• Congratulations to Ken, (cover boy) Cary and of course, Mack for being included among Avenue Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40, a list recognizing members of the community making a different in the city. The celebratory shindig was held at Sabor Divino on Thursday night, which clearly wasn’t a large enough venue to accommodate winners and their guests. Check out Mack’s post for more photos, but here is one shot from the night:

Me and Mack

• It was pretty late when we left the venue after the event, and the only place we could think of for late night eats nearby was Denny’s. It’s been ages since either of us have been (not that frequent visits would be particularly healthful anyway), but that one greasy plate will set us back for some time.

Mini Burgers and Onion Rings (the burgers were okay, but the cold condiments and toppings made an already warm burger cooler)

Mack’s Grand Slamwich

• On Saturday however, we decided to follow up on Denny’s with a pre-movie meal at Fatburger. Mack and I took my parents out to watch This Is It on Halloween night, and my Mum had been curious about the burger chain. We’d been before, and as with our previous visit, we found the meal to be not economical at all. While of better quality than most fast food chains, we couldn’t justify the $10.99 for a combo.

Fatburger and Onion Rings

Mushroom and Swiss Burger and Fries

• Yay, Starbucks released their annual holiday Red Cup! It’s not as whimsical as previous editions though, but it does help cue me into Christmas mode.

2009 Red Cup

Mack and I just returned from a week away from the city, spent in Calgary and Banff. It was a much needed mini-break, relaxing and restful. And of course, we ate quite well, something we tend to do when we’re away, and I’ll be catching up on posts for the next little while. I hope you all had a good weekend!

• Nate Box, whose Elm Cafe was supposed to have opened by now in the space that formerly housed Hulbert’s, has hit a snag with building negotiations, and is desperately seeking an alternative space.
• Vue Weekly wrote about Backstairs Cafe, Edmonton’s vegan “culinary speakeasy”. I’ve been reading about underground supper clubs in Toronto and other places for a while; it’s nice to see the trend finally reaching Edmonton.
• There was some Chowhound chatter about Bulk Barn, billed as “Canada’s largest bulk food retailer”, carrying over 4000 products. Look for its first Edmonton location to open in November in South Edmonton Common (2077 98 Street, 780-461-4454).
• Liane wrote about the longstanding Fin’s in Bistro last week, which celebrated its fifteenth anniversary this month. I still haven’t made it out to the shop located in Sherwood Park, but intend to at some point.
• The Gold Medal Plates (a fundraiser for Canadian Olympic athletes) took place last Wednesday. Chef Nathin Bye of L’Azia won gold with his Alberta bison prepared three ways, with Blair Lebsack of Madison’s Grill and Sonny Sung of Bistecca rounding out the podium.
• Maki at In My Element attended Savouries, a LitFest event combining food with literary readings. It sounded like a great event; I am sorry I couldn’t attend.
• Bruce at Moments in Digital did a photo shoot to help promote an Edmonton Food Bank campaign to raise awareness of hunger. The Expressions of Hunger photo and literary contest will be open until March 31, 2010, after which the public will be invited to vote for their favourite entries.
• While in a Calgary Starbucks last week, we noticed a Calgary ‘City Mug’ (the branded cups are something I have started to collect). Why no Edmonton mug, Starbucks?

Calgary Starbucks mug

• We also had the, erm, pleasure of visiting CrossIron Mills, the newest example of sprawling shopping centre design (more about it later). In it, however, we discovered South St. Burger Co., a burger chain that seems to be doing its best to source its naturally-raised, hormone-free beef locally. This location proudly serves Spring Creek Ranch beef. We were heading to dinner elsewhere, but I’d be eager to give their food a try.

South St. Burger Co. in CrossIron Mills

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Mack and I were treated to a wonderful dinner at Kim and Shane’s house last night – somehow, turkey just tastes better when it’s cold out, doesn’t it? Anyway, I hope you all had a great holiday weekend as well!

• Though the City Centre Market just celebrated its last weekend, some of the vendors will be taking part in the Olde Time Fair on the Square on October 17, along with traditional carnival games, horse and wagon rides and roving entertainment.
• Also this weekend is the North of Nowhere Expo, which, among other social justice themes, will be examining food security. On their October 16 opening night, which happens to fall on World Food Day, head to the Stanley Milner Library for two food-themed films, a complimentary buffet and a food security and organic trade fair. More information here.
• See Magazine had a great piece about local farms, and whether or not they would be able to feed the city. Definitely worth a read.
• The Green & Gold Garden (which I visited back in August) was a success! The project raised over $16,000 for Tubahumurize, a non-profit organization that helps support marginalized women in Rwanda. Check the website for their plans for 2010.
• I was sad to have missed the Slow Food Edmonton backyard apple pie party – Liane’s writeup made it look like a lot of fun.
• I was happy to see Paula’s review of the new restaurant Urban China (in the retooled Rosie’s, 10604 101 Street) on Yelp. From the looks of it, I may want to take my parents there for dim sum some time.
• If you’re curious about which restaurants in the city serve gluten-free dishes, check out this article in Avenue Magazine’s October issue.
• This is neat – Canon gave 13 celebrity chefs cameras and asked them to create images around the theme of “food for thought” over a 6 month period, and as a result would donate $25,000 to Food Banks Canada. Chefs that participated included Michael Smith, Anthony Sedlak and Susur Lee.
• Speaking of Susur Lee, Eater NY has placed Shang, what was supposed to be Lee’s divine introduction to the Manhattan hoards, on deathwatch.
• What will Ruth Reichl do after Gourmet? Well, write a book of course.
• The online food love the Duchess Bake Shop has been shown is unprecedented – since it opened on October 2, there have been no less than six blog posts about it: Eat My Words, Crazy White Girl with a Kitchen, Brulee Blog, Foodie Suz, Cream and Sugar and well, my own. I am happy to see a local small business get so much press, but who knew macarons could get the city’s bloggers into a tizzy? Anyway, my sister requested a banana cream pie for dessert at our family’s hot pot dinner, so I obliged, and put a pie on hold the day prior. Good thing I did – when we arrived at Duchess on Saturday afternoon, the dessert case was absolutely cleared. We asked for our triumphant hold, and brought the vanilla-bean flecked whipped cream wonder home. The pie received a mixed review though – Mack and I loved the velvety custard and my Mum commented that the sweetness was just right, but Amanda said she wished the crust had been baked a touch further, and my Dad said still preferred his pie from Bee Bell Bakery. So as with most things – you’ll just have to try one and make up your own mind.

Banana Cream Pie from Duchess ($18)