Category: restaurants

Unexpectedly Disappointing: The Keg

After returning to Edmonton on Sunday, Dickson and I decided on dinner at The Keg in South Edmonton Common (1631-102 Street). Besides a Christmas party at the end of one of my student teaching terms many years ago, I haven’t eaten at The Keg since.

Walking in, this location was quite impressive – looming doors enclosed a large waiting area, all dark wood fixtures and flooring, dimly lit to set the desired tone and ambiance. The dining room was large and spacious, a combination of stand alone tables and booths, with the design allowing for several private dining enclaves. Lastly, a fireplace at one end extended the necessary warmth and feeling of comfortable hospitality the chain undoubtedly wants to be known for. In stark contrast with the surroundings though, was the music. For some unexplainable reason, upbeat hits from the 80s streamed from the speakers (e.g. The Jackson 5’s “ABC”) – appropriate for family restaurants perhaps, but not compatible with a muted, sophisticated dining area on a Sunday night.

Our waitress was surprisingly flighty and forgetful throughout the evening, but her cheeriness and genuine nature made her mistakes forgivable. Armed with menus, I chose to go with a lighter supper – a Keg Cesar and French Onion Soup, while Dickson ordered a Keg-sized Grilled Top Sirloin (medium) and a side of Portabella & Button Mushrooms. In an imbibing mood, I also called for a Greyhound (vodka and freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice), which seemed like an intriguing twist on the usual orange-based Screwdriver. The drink was either perfect (with the sourness of the grapefruit tempering the bitterness of the vodka), or just watered down.

The salad came quickly, but was smaller than I had anticipated. The same can be said for the soup, although the broth was quite good – rich and layered with flavor. I can’t say Dickson enjoyed his meal as much, save perhaps the mushroom and baked potato sides. His steak came out downright carcinogenic, and was more accurately labeled well done (and dry) as opposed to medium.

While I didn’t have a bad time, I really expected more from The Keg. Perhaps some of the funding for their television ad campaigns should be diverted to food preparation and music selection classes instead.

Dining room

Greyhound cocktail
Keg Cesar

French Onion Soup

Portabella & Button Mushrooms

Grilled Top Sirloin and Baked Potato

Us (Dickson’s eyes are open!)

Calgary Mini-Break: Recap

Dickson and I went to Calgary this weekend to accompany my sister and her boyfriend. They had tickets to Saturday’s Oilers/Flames tilt (Edmonton lost 3-1. Boo!).

As Amanda and Henry had already purchased Red Arrow tickets long ago, Dickson and I had some flexibility as to when we had to leave. So naturally, we stopped for breakfast at my neighbourhood McDonalds first (pictured below).

Hashbrowns, Sausage Egg McMuffins and Faux-bucks

Yes, you aren’t seeing things – those are actual Starbucks cups (extras gleaned from one of my many previous visits). I’m not normally that cheap, bringing outside drinks into an eating establishment, but in my defense, I had thought we would be eating in the car. Their ease of disposal makes the cups very travel-friendly. Besides, my homemade Folgers produces a much better brew than McDonalds’ coffee (the same can be said of Dickson’s milk-based hot chocolate).

We left the city just after 10am, and though AMA reports had green lighted Calgary commutes, the continuous flurries and windy conditions begged to differ. We passed by several cars that had been abandoned in the ditch, and a few accidents that were even more recent:

Police on the scene

Cars in the ditch

Dickson subsequently concentrating (or is he?)

We arrived in Calgary after 1pm, and drove into the city in search of my first desired stop. Along the way, Dickson realized he had missed a turn, and in a U-turn attempt, nearly slid into a stop sign while trying to avoid an oblivious woman shoveling snow, indifferent to the fact that her life could have been in danger. We were okay, and the Echo had thankfully missed the pole by a few inches.

Without too much difficulty, we found the Buttercream Bake Shoppe (103, 1019-17 Avenue). I was determined to visit one of the cupcake establishments in Calgary (the other being Kensington’s Crave) to compare them with Edmonton’s own.

Buttercream Bake Shoppe exterior

Pricing chart

Cupcake case

Chocolate case

Our purchase

I guess they’re not that much different. The prices are relative to one another (~$2.50 each), and honestly, on a blind taste test, I would not be able to identify the maker of any individual cake. I think it’s more of a novelty thing at this point, for me to visit a bakery if I have the time and means to do so.

After that, we picked up Jen and drove back downtown to check in at our hotel. With the help of the very useful TripAdvisor, I had chosen the Calgary Marriott (110-9 Avenue SE). Located across the street from the Calgary Tower, and within walking distance of urban shopping and a C-Train platform, it was both a convenient and economical option.

Starbucks in the lobby (though I didn’t actually take advantage of it)

Beds

Bathroom (with citrus bath products!)

View of the Calgary Tower (from the 18th floor)

Spacious, with a nice bathroom and a decent view, I didn’t regret my choice. I also found the staff quite courteous and accommodating to requests.

Once we dropped off our luggage, we picked up Violet and headed to Market Mall (3625 Shaganappi Trail NW). Notable was the stationary and gift shop Paper Root Studios, where I picked up a few things. I usually visit the Eaton Centre location, but I found this store had a better selection, and even carried a few Unemployed Philosopher’s Guild items!

Freudian Slippers

Shopped out, the four of us decided on Vietnamese food for dinner. Violet directed us to Pho Kim (1511 Centre B Street NW), a restaurant that has been set up in what appeared to be a converted house. I can’t remember exactly what I ordered, but I found the portion small and broth less flavorful than I would have liked. It definitely paled in comparison to Pagolac and Doan’s in Edmonton.

Pho Kim

My order

The next morning, Dickson and I visited Diner Deluxe (804 Edmonton Trail NE) for a late breakfast. In my planning, I had consulted the “Best of” list published in FFWD Weekly, Calgary’s equivalent to Edmonton’s See Magazine. Diner Deluxe was voted one of the two best places for brunch, so seemed like a safe bet (though really, the place is worth visiting from their very cute website alone). It turns out the Diner is one of five Calgary dining establishments operated by an “inventive culinary couple.” Their other holdings include a bakery, a seafood restaurant, and a cafe. After our experience, I wouldn’t mind heading to Open Range, their steak house, the next time I’m in the city.

Diner Deluxe exterior

Wait sign

Retro TV in the wait area

When we arrived at the restaurant, the place was packed – we were grateful that it was warm out as we waited for the line inside to shift and accommodate us indoors. It seems their brunch is so popular that it warranted the posting of “line etiquette,” including details about line jumping and reminders not to dawdle at the table during busy times. The hostess even wore a shirt with the words “LINE TAMER” on the back.

Diner Deluxe interior

After a not-so-painful 45 minutes, we were seated. With furniture that could have stood in a 50s era, yellow walls, and a wonderful skylight, the dining room was warm and inviting. Part of the kitchen also opened up into the dining area, which is always a reassuring sight. I ordered the frittata (with chicken apple sausage, sundried tomato, and smoked mozza), while Dickson opted for the omelette special.

Mini ketchup bottles

Omelette special with toast and hashbrowns (and orange juice in a goblet!)

Frittata with toast and hashbrowns

My, was the food ever worth the wait – almost even better because of the wait. The frittata was above and beyond Urban Diner’s version – cheesy, and baked to perfection. Dickson similarly enjoyed his omelette.

Comfortably full, we drove to Chinook Centre (6455 Macleod Trail SW), always worth a visit for their large RW & Co. We also managed to stumble upon the Cup-A-Cake cupcake container in Williams Sonoma (or was it in Pottery Barn?). Funny, after all that shopping, I didn’t end up buying anything for myself all weekend.

We left the city just before 6pm, and found the conditions to be markedly better than they had been the day before. Thus, we made good time.

All in all, it was a great break, and a fantastic way to bust up the typical post-holiday blues!

Culinary Q & A with James

Occupation: Employment Counsellor

What did you eat today?

Two deliciously noteworthy treats:
1. My colleague Judith’s home made chocolate chip cookies
2. A great provolone and red pepper omelet made with organic eggs from my folks acerate early this evening.

What do you never eat?

Chicken. Allergy. KFC’s good, but staying alive is better.

What is your personal specialty?

Omelets- see first question

What is your favorite kitchen item?

I couldn’t choose just one. I really like our garlic press, it’s really heavy and sturdy. We use it a lot and we’ve had it for years. Also, my cafetière carries memories of many great weekend mornings.

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

Sushi, with plenty of tuna and crunchy flying fish roe.

Where do you eat out most frequently?

Eating outside of home or work? Honestly, probably at Starbucks; Sundays after a run, I’ll usually get a coffee and piece of carrot cake.

What’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

I really have no idea, I haven’t been to that many places yet. Three recent meals I enjoyed were at 1. Kyoto, 2. Billingsgate Market, 3. Shan-E-Punjab

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

On the beach in Southern Brasil. Fresh fruit salad, a cool glass of caipirinha, and lot’s of coconut popsicles.

“Where Edmonton’s” Most Memorable Meals 2006

When I was younger, and traveling with family on summer vacations, I would always look for Where Magazine. Published in nearly every major North American city, I found it a handy, easily available, and conveniently free guide to use when planning things to do.

Now, with everything so readily accessible on the Internet, I find myself depending less and less on paper media for vacation tips. Still, I can’t entirely pass up the glossy goodness of a magazine, and today, picked up a copy of the latest Where Edmonton – it’s intriguing to see how the City of Champions is portrayed to tourists.

The January/February 2007 issue features a list of “2006’s Most Memorable Meals,” apparently reader-voted (though I like Where, I’m still somewhat skeptical that there isn’t some big advertising puppet that chooses what to feature). Winners by category:

  • Chinese: Blue Willow
  • Bar/Lounge: Brewsters
  • Romantic and French: Creperie
  • Family: Earls Tin Palace
  • Wine List and Fine Dining: Hardware Grill
  • Breakfast/Brunch and Hotel Dining: Harvest Room
  • Italian: Il Portico
  • Service and Steak: The Keg (South)
  • Indian: Khazana
  • Japanese: Mikado
  • Ambiance: Ric’s Grill
  • Business Lunch: Sorrentino’s
  • Best Greek: Yiannis Taverna Greek Restaurant

It’s not a bad list, though it’s interesting how the editor had to specify “Best Greek,” while assuming that one-word ethnic denominations for “Chinese,” “Italian,” “Indian,” and “Japanese” would suffice.

Based on my last experience, I would have to disagree with Mikado’s win, and would opt for Kyoto any day, but that’s likely indicative of the income bracket Where publishers are aiming for. Those who know my dining preferences also know that I despise Earls, but I do find it curious how it ended up in the “Family” category – the chain always struck me as more business-friendly or upscale casual. Lastly, I’ve actually never been to Blue Willow, and certainly had no idea it had been in operation for so long (since 1958!). While lists like this seem to prioritize image over authenticity, it may be worth a try.

Perhaps I should compile my own “Best of” soon…

Culinary Q & A with Sharon

What did you eat today?

A tall mild from Starbucks and my mum’s orange pound cake for breakfast. A fruit & nut granola bar for my midday snack. A container of peach yogurt, another loaf of pound cake, and a box of orange juice for lunch. A mug of Twinings green tea in the afternoon. A decaf, non-fat, no-whip cinnamon dolce latte after work. And chicken fingers and fries at City Centre’s Elephant & Castle for dinner. Whoo, am I ever unhealthy.

What do you never eat?

Blue cheese. I had an awful experience involving preschool-kinders, a cheese tasting, and vomit.

What is your personal specialty?

Anything involving baked eggs, but in particular, mini frittatas.

What is your favorite kitchen item?

I have fallen in love with pepper mills. I can’t believe I lived without fresh ground pepper for so many years!

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

Champagne cocktail. Portobello mushroom puff pastries to start. Medium rare filet mingon with a side of grilled vegetables (zucchini is a must!). Whipped chocolate mousse and strawberry apple Passion Flakie for dessert. Cup of mild coffee to end.

Where do you eat out most frequently?

Pagolac on Edmonton’s southside.

What’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

Blue Plate Diner for the ambiance, Hardware Grill for the food and Madison’s Grill for a premium combination of both.

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

At an outdoor food market in Brunei. I would order a plate of char kway teow and a tall glass of iced desi. An entire meal for about $3. Yum!

Friendly and Efficient: Kyoto Japanese Cuisine

I went to Kyoto Japanese Cuisine (10128-109 Street) for a farewell lunch this afternoon with my workmates. In order to bypass the oft-busy lunchtime crowd, we not only elected to start our meal early (11:30am), but we also pre-ordered our food the day before.

We arrived fashionably late – quarter to noon – to a table already set, with filled glasses and bowls of Miso soup waiting. The restaurant itself is tasteful, with clean decor and muted colors. The chairs were slightly awkward though – made of metal and rather clunky, they weren’t all that comfortable to sit in or shift.

But before we even had the opportunity to really get settled, the waitress came by to deliver our individual bento boxes, which all but one of my coworkers had opted for. As I typically order all-in-one rice bowls, this was my first experience with a bento box. With carefully partitioned food à la a TV dinner, and separate bowls for rice, bean sprouts, and dipping sauce, it was an extremely novel – bordering on OCD – way of consuming a meal. And at $8.95 – it is a great deal. The tempura was light and not greasy while the chicken slightly crispy and tender. The beef, however, left something to be desired – slightly cold, and chewier than I had liked, I suppose it could have been a byproduct of our tardiness. But with the rice and salad, the box was a nicely rounded meal.

Because we had to be in and out in an hour, I didn’t have time to really enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto. It may be worth a return trip.

Sushi bar
Place setting and Miso soup
Bento Box with beef, chicken, and tempura

Culinary Q & A with May

Like my infamous pink and white books that unfailingly trigger hand spasms and internal screams of dread in my friends, I was inspired to create a new questionnaire by a food blog I stumbled upon recently. I decided to ask a few of my readers to contribute to a culinary compilation of sorts by answering a few questions. Responses will be posted over the next few weeks.

To start with – Culinary Q & A with May

Occupation: soon-to-be Chartered Accountant

What did you eat today?

Dim Sum Mirama. I’ve had too much Chinese restaurant food the past holiday and am sick of it.

What do you never eat?

Yams. So tasteless.

What is your personal specialty?

Better Butter Chicken, Grilled Salmon, and Sloppy Joes.

What is your favorite kitchen item?

Measuring cups.

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

Mexican meal at authentic Mexican restaurant. Chicken burrito with rice.

Where do you eat out most frequently?

Saigon Givral on Jasper Ave and 110 Street and Kyoto on Jasper Ave.

What’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

Manor Café.

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

Multiple authentic ethnic cuisine in Los Angeles. Mexican burritos and rice. Pad Thai and Thai Ice Tea. Pho Rice Noodle Soup with Beef.

Charmingly Urban: Blue Plate Diner

I mention Blue Plate Diner (10145-104 Street) so often that you’d think I’d eat there more frequently, so I was more than happy to return on Friday night for dinner with Mack.

Just stepping into the restaurant makes me happy. Located in the warehouse district, the dining room retains some of the original brick, adorned with contemporary art, and accented with aged windows utilized as table dividers. I love the ambiance in the evenings, with swoony ’50s music, the natural buzz of conversation, and dim, candlelit tables.

The menu isn’t anything spectacular, but it’s like my favorite sweater – comfortable and good for all occasions. Something unique that they do offer is their Friday night dinner specials, with two featured dishes every week (and yes, it does remind me of dinner at the Gilmore residence). I ordered one of the two specials, a winter vegetable pie served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. Mack chose the beef burger and regular fries.

I forgot my camera (the photos below are from their website), so you’ll have to bear with text, but the pie was huge! Baked in a large dish and topped off with a puff pastry crust, it was teeming with carrots, mushrooms, and fennel root (to me, tasted like a cross between celery and onions). It was a satisfying dish that wasn’t too heavy, and a great choice on a cold night. Mack’s said his from-scratch fries were good, and polished off his burger in no time!

Needless to say, I’ll be back!

Ambiance
Table for two

Delicious and Economical: Lorenzo’s

In search of a late afternoon lunch today, I wandered over to Zuppa Cafe, but was disappointed to find out that they would be closed until January 2. They have one of the most inexpensive meals I have ever encountered in the city centre area – a bowl of hearty, homemade soup of the day and a side of baked pita chips for $3 – perfect for a light lunch.

Thus, I made my way to my reliable backup – Lorenzo’s in Edmonton City Centre West (10025-102A Avenue). Though they recently moved from the City Centre East food court, they haven’t changed the specials they offer. My staple in high school, they were not only affordable (a pizza, pasta, and drink combo for about $5), but also, the service has always been excellent. The woman who is a mainstay at Lorenzo’s is always friendly, efficient, and sprinkles terms of endearment like “honey” in her speech, making me feel welcome and taken care of.

On this day, I ordered the small lasagna, which came to a measly $3. Though there was only one layer of cheese, there was enough pasta layers for a filling midday snack, rounded out with a generous topping of meat and tomato sauce.

Lorenzo’s is a great place to go for a quick bite!

Small Lasagna

Small on Servings and Service: Rigoletto’s Cafe

A few friends and I had dinner at Rigoletto’s Cafe (10068-108 Street) on Wednesday night. Extremely accessible, this Italian restaurant was located just off of the Corona LRT line.

The dining room was a dark, European-style bistro that looked from the furniture, carpeting, and lighting as if it hadn’t been updated since the late 80s or early 90s. Luckily, we were seated underneath one of the few spot lit tables, otherwise, we would have been eating over a single-flame candle and not much else.

Though I admit it was my fault for a) ordering the small versus the large plate, and b) not ordering a less mundane dish, I was disappointed with my tortellini in cream sauce – its equivalent at Chianti’s would have been several dollars cheaper and of similar quality. I had pasta-envy just looking at my friends’ rigatoni, penne, and lasagna, which were easily three times the size of my selection. Earlier, when we had put in our orders, I had asked our server if we could have separate bills, to which he scoffed, and ultimately didn’t even provide me with an answer. I couldn’t help but get the feeling that my question translated into my ridiculously small serving.

For dessert, I ordered a latte and the chocolate mousse. My coffee was all right (I find I much prefer the sweetened, less authentic varieties available at chain coffee shops), while the mousse had obviously been pre-made and refrigerated – much too rich and dense, the consistency was closer to pot de crème than whipped mousse.

Lastly, the service was spotty throughout the night. They were extremely short staffed, with three servers attending to the entire restaurant (which was surprisingly busy for a downtown location on a random Wednesday). Although our waiter was quite attentive initially, by the end, we had to signal not only to order our entrees, then dessert, but also to request and pay for our bill (which wasn’t, by the way, separated). I suppose Rigoletto’s could be the kind of place one dines at for an evening of uninterrupted conversation, but I would have still appreciated the occasional check-in from a friendly server.

With the abundance of restaurants I have yet to try, I would be hesitant to return to Rigoletto’s Cafe right away. But I do believe in second chances, so though the service received a failing grade from me on this round, I will allow for a retest in the future.