Walking at Work: Better in a Group

I really enjoy walking. It is my preferred means of transportation (within reason), and though there are mornings where I wish I had a vehicle to fall back on, there are worse ways to start off one’s day than a brisk walk.

So when staff at my office expressed interest in participating in a regular walking group, I happily took on the responsibility of coordinating it. A meeting with a representative from the Alberta Centre for Active Living got us going – we established a regular day and time, circulated a poster around the office, and sent around a one-page fact sheet on the benefits of walking. The representative also agreed to initially lead the weekly walks, at least up until the group became self-sufficient.

On a walk through the canopied Central McDougall

We started the walks at the end of June. The preliminary response from staff was better than I anticipated, with ten of my colleagues taking part that first week. Since then, we’ve had wavering participation (as expected with any new initiative), but I’m proud to say that ten weeks in, we are still averaging five walkers every Wednesday. Three weeks ago, we even added an additional day to the schedule, in order to try to further some of that momentum.

Patrick and Chinlong, two well-dressed walkers

Though my innate preference lies with solitary walks, I’ve grown to really look forward to the walking club. It surprises me how much I want to motivate my colleagues, but at the same time, be accountable to them myself. When the weather is lousy, or I’m feeling tired, it’s easy for to stay at my desk for the bulk of the day – but I know it’s not an option when the group is set to meet.

With my colleague Surinder after a walk

In mid-July, we were able to provide pedometers to the group. It helped everyone track the number of steps they were taking, and we were told to shoot for 10,000 steps a day (given that wasn’t too far above our average step count). Though I know walking alone isn’t enough (darn that elusive cardio), it’s helped to make me more conscious of what I need to do to achieve my daily goal.

A good day

I’m not sure how the walking club will fare once the weather goes south (with the dangers of falling a serious concern), but I’m hoping to keep this going as long as possible, and at the very least, start it up again in the spring.

Thanks to my coworkers for their continued support, and for helping to make the walking club a worthwhile initiative!

East Meets West 2010: Karibuni Afrikafest

Last year, the inaugural East Meets West Festival, put on by the Chinatown and Little Italy Business Association, was a great success. So much so that its 2010 incarnation was expanded from one to three days, with an additional cultural group added to the mix. Though I had good intentions to attend the Viva Italia Viva Festival on Sunday (I really wanted to watch the pizza eating contest!), I didn’t make it. Thankfully, we were able to take in the newest portion of the event on Friday – the Karibuni Afrikafest.

East Meets West poster

There really was a lot going on along 107 Avenue that day – Jill and I walked over to McCauley School after checking out the Outdoor Nite Market in Central McDougall, and Mack joined us soon after. A large stage had been set up on one end of the soccer field, with several merchandise booths placed at the opposite end. Food vendors were isolated inside the gymnasium, probably for reasons relating to power needs, but it was unfortunate – nothing draws a crowd like wafting food smells.

Merchandise booths

We took in a few of the acts before attacking the food stands. The entertainment would have benefited from better pacing throughout the evening – we saw three acts in the first fifteen minutes we were there – but in some ways, their enthusiasm and eagerness to showcase their community talent was admirable, if not infectious.

TKO (a young rap group)

A traditional dance from Uganda

Stomachs grumbling, we headed inside to satisfy our hunger. There weren’t many options, but that day at least, it was evident that the focus was quality over quantity. We started off our meal with dessert (the best way to eat, in my opinion), with a mandazi each. The African doughnuts were cakey on the inside, with a very fragrant, aromatic taste, and went very well with the accompanying cup of Chai ($3).

Mandazi

Out of the two entrée options, Rendezvous (10810 95 Street, 780-756-8902), an Ethiopian restaurant in Little Italy, won me over with their absolutely stunning plate of food, in spite of the fact that I’m not the biggest fan of injera. A myriad of colours, the cooked vegetables and lentil and meat stews were as delicious as they looked. It was also a great deal – the entire combo was just $8.

Jill holds up a plate from Rendezvous

Mack was equally buoyed by his plate, filled to the brim with tomato rice, chicken, fried plantain and a samosa (all for $7). He left no grain behind.

Mack before digging in

We also wandered the retail tents, which were selling a variety of imported goods, from clothing to jewelry to creams and decorative items.

Colourful clothing

The turnout was good – it’s always hit or miss for new initiatives – but I was impressed by the number of people who came out. Should it happen again next year (and I hope that it does), I’m sure the crowds will be even larger. Bravo to the organizers of Afrikafest for a great first year!

Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Edmonton Eskimos

As a volunteer appreciation gesture, my fellow board members and I were fortunate enough to receive two free tickets to an Edmonton Eskimos game this year – we even had the opportunity to pick from any of their home games. I offered to take Amanda (who had never before attended an Eskimos match), and she chose last Saturday’s tilt against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Roughriders vs. Eskimos

Though it wasn’t nearly as chilly as my below-zero experience last October, the intermittent rain during the first half and breeze throughout didn’t make it an entirely comfortable three hours either. Then again, we were probably two of the wimpiest spectators in our section – many around us were simply dressed in sweaters and jerseys.

Amanda and me, all bundled up

Amanda’s principal reason for choosing a Saskatchewan game was that she had heard-tell about fervent, zealous Roughriders fans. Between the painted faces, green wigs and costumes, I can now verify those tales firsthand.

Though the majority of the fans to the left of us were cheering for Saskatchewan, there were thankfully still a fair amount of Eskimos fans scattered throughout our section, which made the scoring plays and the ultimate win even more fun to celebrate.

Field action

Though it wasn’t the most entertaining game to watch, scoring-wise, we were both happy that we were able to be a part of their 17-14 victory. The relief on the field (and in the stadium) was palpable.

Esks win!

With a record of 2-6, the Eskimos will try to continue their “streak” in Calgary on Labour Day. Go Esks!

Food Notes for August 30, 2010

In a week, Mack and I will be in San Francisco! I’ve been counting down the days for quite some time – with the move and a busy summer season in Edmonton, I’m more ready than ever to get away. On to this week’s food notes:

The City Market is “exploring extending operations to include an indoor market operated through the winter”, and needs input from patrons on whether or not they would support such an initiative. Take the survey here.
Latitude 53’s annual performance art festival, VISUALEYEZ takes place September 15-21, 2010 with a theme of food this year.
Early bird tickets to the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival are on sale until September 15.
Local actress Sheri Somerville is opening up a new wine bar across from the Roxy Theatre called Somerville Wine Cheese (10723 124th St), with a menu designed by Brad Smoliak. Look for it in December.
A new restaurant called Pacific Buffet Co. is opening up on the southside (5420 Calgary Trail)on September 15.
Oodle Noodle eyes expansion here in Edmonton, and will also be offering a line of packaged products at grocery stores, after opening up a new manufacturing plant.
Want to do your grocery shopping at 3am? Sobeys now makes it possible, at six local stores.
While I never thought I’d ever drink instant coffee, we do have VIA on hand for emergencies. Looks like Starbucks is continuing with the brand, and will start offering flavoured brews this fall.
Not surprising, but still has shock value: a NY photographer has been taking a photo of a McDonald’s happy meal each day for 137 straight days. Besides some patty shrinkage, it looks identical to the photo taken on day one.
A cookbook made up of recipes all 140 characters or less? Say it ain’t so.
I am admittedly not as familiar with Anthony Bourdain as I probably should be, but found this interview to be interesting, particularly his comments on “foodies”.
Mack and I stumbled across a two-week old market while on the southside on Saturday. Tucked away in the Alberta Research Park is the South Common Market. At the moment, there are only about 10 vendors, including Warburg Farms, Pine Haven Farm, a BC fruit vendor, and kettle corn, but they are open both Saturday and Sundays, 9am-3pm. It sounds like they plan on operating until late October though – another great option for those living nearby!

South Common Market

Ellen and I went to the Chinatown Pagolac for lunch last week. I was hoping I wouldn’t be disappointed this time as I was on my last visit, but no dice. This time, while the broth was hot, the noodles were overcooked to the point of mush. I should stick with the southside location.

Beef noodle soup with medium beef and brisket

We had some really ripe peaches from Steve & Dan’s, and craving a warm dessert, I caramelized them and served the slices with Inspired Market Gardens/Pinocchio raspberry tarragon sorbet. Simple and delicious.

Caramelized peaches with sorbet

City Market Report: Week 16

It was one of the coldest Saturdays in recent memory, chilly and gusty, particularly depressing given the fact that it is still August. But I was still looking forward to the City Market, given the penultimate cultural festival would be taking place today.

Roving accordion player!

Pinocchio gelato stand (the weather was really unfortunate)

Edmonton Opera was on hand at the market also to promote their upcoming season. And boy, did they ever – three “flash mobs” were organized throughout the day, with opera singers disguised as market shoppers spontaneously breaking into song, and additional singers joining in as the aria continued.

The aria begins (in the beginning, I had no idea where the sound was coming from – but I followed the line of sight to the singer’s tall white hat)

In full song

A crowd gathers

If you missed it, not to worry – staff were on hand to capture the performances, which should be uploaded to YouTube soon.

Amidst the excitement, we did our shopping. Mack and I had invited Grandma Male for breakfast this morning, and were eager to show her around the market, which she hasn’t visited in some time.

At Kuhlmann’s with Grandma Male

Gladiolas from Kuhlmann’s

She picked up some basil from Sundog Organics, remarking at how fresh and pungent it smelled, while I bought some eggplant.

Parsnips from Sundog Organics

Heirloom and heritage tomatoes from Sundog Organics

Many shoppers were in a frenzy over the fresh corn available – ourselves included.

Corn from Riverbend Gardens

Massive flat cabbage from Riverbend Gardens (we were told they are great for making cabbage rolls)

Next week, the Market gears up for the back-to-school rush, with many family-friendly activities planned, including a petting zoo.

North Edge Outdoor Night Market

Things are slowly, but surely, changing in the neighbourhoods of Queen Mary Park and Central McDougall. Probably not fast enough for some, but it’s happening.

The two communities that make up the “North Edge” are one of the four areas the City has targeted for neighbourhood revitalization. The Queen, a community garden next to the Edmonton Chinese Baptist Church, is a great example of collaboration and connection. The enhancement of McDougall Park, with new light fixtures and two beautiful gazebos was finally finished a few weeks ago, and a gorgeous mural, painted on the side of a problematic convenience store on the Avenue of Nations was completed this week.

The Queen (photo taken by Biviana Velez-Perez)

Gazebo!

Mural (it took students over 80 hours to complete)

The City has also been supporting community gathering events, such as the Safe Streets Fair that took place in June. Though it was a good idea, I had hoped for better execution – more prominent advertisements and more displays, among other things. As a result, I was looking forward to Friday’s Outdoor Night Market, hoping organizers would have learned from past mistakes.

107 Avenue

The event was to start at 5pm, in perfect alignment with the end of our work day. Jill and I walked down the street from our office, excited to see that a few artists had set up on the corner of 107 Avenue and 105 Street. It was strange though that these two artists were so isolated from the rest of the activities taking place down the street – as with the Safe Streets Fair, things seemed to be spread too far apart.

Timeless Photos

As we walked towards 101 Street though, we found more of what we were expecting – artists, jewellers, crafters, rummage sale tables and community business displays. We both thought the granite/stone company was a bit out of place, but others might have appreciated the range of offerings. I will say that it was challenging to navigate the narrow space in between the booths and the end of the sidewalk, given the number of people who were milling about – the fair really would have benefited from closing down 107 Avenue to pedestrian-only traffic.

Booths

The Way We Green display (Mack, who joined us later, was excited to see that the surveys were being done on iPads)

There was food on hand as well – samosas and chicken biryani from Central 101, and very tempting spring rolls and pork skewers from Fat Jaaks (when isn’t meat on a stick tempting?).

Pork on a stick from Fat Jaaks

I am not ashamed to admit that my favourite part of the evening ended up being the hayride. I really didn’t think it would work – only one lane of traffic was closed, and really, I wouldn’t consider Central McDougall to be the most scenic neighbourhood. But it was fantastic.

Overhead canopy

Puppy in the driver’s seat

Jill with the horses

I was happy to see the turnout, and it looked like people were having a great time. Bravo to the North Edge Business Association who sponsored the fair, and to everyone else who contributed to the event. I hope for more such gatherings in the future!

The Cooking Chronicles: No-Grill Burgers

We don’t have a barbeque. It’s something I lament on the days I crave something grilled – steak, fish, or burgers especially – but until I get my act together and buy one, our stove and oven will have to do. Two burgers I made recently didn’t require a grill, or (the usual) ground beef, for that matter.

Black Bean Burgers

I remembered Maki’s recipe for black bean burgers because she had modified the recipe to make the black bean crostini that she had brought to our potluck foodie meetup last year.

My first mistake was choosing the evening after the Wild Boar and Beer BBQ to make them for the first time – exhaustion does not mix well with new recipes. The process of flipping the crumbling burgers was more trying than it had to be, and hoping for a more crispy exterior, I probably cooked them on the stove longer than I should have.

Black bean burgers

The final product was creamy and satisfying – though I think the black bean mixture would have made a better dip (or a spread like Maki’s crostini). More than anything, I learned not to cook when utterly beat.

Turkey Oat Burgers

For a weeknight housewarming with my sisters and Jeff, I wanted a casual but tasty recipe I could prepare in advance, and cook in the oven unattended after their arrival. A recipe for turkey oat burgers fit the bill, and was one that allowed us to incorporate many locally-sourced ingredients – lean ground turkey from Greens, Eggs and Ham, onions from Green Valley Farms, yogurt from Bles Wold, rolled oats from Highwood Crossing, side bacon from Irvings – and lettuce from Kimmi’s garden!

I made the patties and put them in the fridge until I was ready to cook them, which worked well. By the time we had cleared the salad bowls, the main course was ready!

Turkey oat burgers

The burgers came out nice and moist. I have never used rolled oats in burgers before, but it worked well, and punched up the fibre content (in place of breadcrumbs). Amanda commented that bean alfalfa sprouts would have made a good topping addition, and I had to agree.

We will definitely be making these again!

Hot Dogs and Burgers and Fries, Oh My: Delux Burger Bar

Though I’ve been keeping afloat of the series of Celebrity Chef burgers at Delux, none of them have really captured my attention, at least not enough for me to make an effort to trek down to Crestwood to try it. But this month’s poutine burger? Stop the presses.

We took Che Bechard’s creation for the month of August as an excuse to check out Delux’s second location in Edmonton, located on the always-hopping Bourbon Street in West Edmonton Mall (it also worked out that I was also able to satisfy my curiosity at Victoria’s Secret – I wanted to see what the hype was all about).

Though many, if not most, of Bourbon Street eateries offer takeout, Delux is the most aggressive, with an eye-catching D2Go order window.

D2Go

On the other hand, I didn’t find the interior of this Delux appealing at all. Independent of one another, the waiting area with its cocktail tables, a communal seating area, and generous booths are all right, but put together, the entire space lacks a visual flow, apparent especially when compared with the neighbouring Earls. The plaid patterns on the walls and the billboard photos plastered on the ceiling also seem unnecessary, further cluttering the room.

Mack at Delux

We chose to sit at the bar for immediate service, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Alvin was our waiter that night, and boy, was he on the ball. Between drink orders, he managed to take good care of us – consistently refilling my water glass, letting us know about the progress of our food order, checking in on us periodically – just superb service all around.

The Nathan’s Famous hot dog sliders ($10) we had opted to start with were also a great choice. We both remarked that the dogs were some of the best we’ve ever had – moist and bursting with flavour. I wasn’t a fan of the toasted bun, but the chipotle ketchup and caramelized onions were tasty additions. The sliders are on special for $2 on Wednesdays…a dangerous deal if I lived or worked closer to a Delux.

Hot dog sliders

As for the main event? The first few bites of the poutine burger ($10), ripe with special sauce, fries, and curd cheese, were delicious. But as we made our way through it, we realized we would both be ultimately defeated by its richness, and that sharing one between the two of us would have been the better way to go.

Poutine burger

You still have a few days left to try out the poutine burger – but if you miss it, don’t worry – you can find some solace in the hot dog sliders.

Delux Burger Bar
1755 170 Street, West Edmonton Mall (one other location)
(780) 487-3589

We’ll Show You Ours: That’s a Wrap!

It’s not a secret that the Fringe is my favourite summer festival. The shows, the food, the buskers, the atmosphere – it’s a combination that rightly attracts an incredibly diverse crowd. I really admire what the Fringe is doing to try to build their audience from the ground up, tackling the age-old issue of those who wander the grounds, but never step inside a theatre. From their First Time Fringer discount program, to the variety of Fringe apps that were available this year (built by community members), I would hope that their efforts do translate into more tickets sold, or at the very least, a piqued curiosity that may lead to future ticket sales.

Outdoor mainstage

The Fringe should be commended for their green initiatives this year – we watched as Green Team volunteers sorted through the trash for organic material to compost

Mack and I at the Parlour photo booth

I would be lying if I said this Fringe won’t be memorable for a reason entirely unrelated to the festival. That said, I haven’t overlooked the fabulous productions we were fortunate enough to catch during We’ll Show You Ours:

The Lime Tree Bower still lingers in my memory because it reminded me that the core of theatre is storytelling. Vincent Forcier, Jon Lachlan Stewart and Cody Porter were seamless in their delivery, fully embodying the characters, Irish accents unwavering. I was swept up by the vivid language, rich descriptions that nourished my imagination, transforming the immediate setting of a family-owned pub into a shadowy graveyard, a college auditorium, an inhospitable bar. It was also a great choice to have the characters subtly interact and respond to one another during each of their monologues – it added a laid-back air that made the production such a treat to watch. Moreover, I was happy to be finally be able to see the much-buzzed about Lachlan Stewart in action, who lived up to every expectation.
There is no one like TJ Dawe. If you haven’t yet watched this master at work, weaving personal experiences into relatable, thought-provoking anecdotes all while demonstrating his incredible skill with the rhythms of the English language – remember his name for next year. While I didn’t take to Lucky 9 as much as last year’s Totem Figures, it’s difficult not to enjoy Dawe, whatever the content.
The bar was set pretty darn high for BASH’d, with all of the accolades it has received, on top of the fact that the show had a successful off-Broadway run in New York two years ago. It cleared the bar with room to spare. I am still in awe of Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow – not only for their conviction and limitless energy (they barely stopped to breathe over the hour), but also for their ability to compellingly portray the heartbreaking tale of love and tragedy in a single hour.
We picked David Belke’s The Crimson Yak for its plot mention of Coca Cola (and by golly, they even referred to it as Mack has in the past, as “the nectar of the gods”), but it turned out to be a good choice for a host of other reasons. The songs were as hilarious as they were catchy (“Crimson yaa-aa-aa-k”), and Karyn Mott absolutely stole the show as the wide-eyed, fanatical Dhara.

The Fringe turns thirty next year. You can bet it will be a huge party, just as it should be. See you there!

Food Notes for August 23, 2010

The leaves are changing! It’s not even September and the leaves are changing! As much as I love fall, summer always seems to end too soon – I’m going to try to enjoy whatever warm days are left, and I hope you will as well (on a related note – this is a pretty cool way to explore your neighbourhood). On to this week’s food notes:

Central McDougall and Queen Mary Park (aka the “North Edge”) will be hosting an Outdoor Night Market on August 27, 2010. I think it’s great that the BRZ is organizing more events to get the community together! More information here.
Also this weekend is the second annual East Meets West Festival, which has expanded into a full three-day event, celebrating African, Chinese and Italian cultures August 27-29, 2010. Check out the full schedule of events here – I’m so looking forward to the pizza eating contest on Sunday!
The penultimate cultural festival at the City Market is happening this Saturday, August 28, 2010, celebrating Italian culture. There will be chances to win tickets to the Edmonton Opera, a booth offering Pinocchio ice cream, and a roving accordion player. See you there!
I’m really looking forward to the next Slow Food Edmonton event on September 26, 2010, put together by Valerie – an all-inclusive tour of Sylvan Star Cheese, Bles Wold Dairy, and dinner at Eco Cafe. All for $75, including transportation. There are only 50 tickets available – act fast!
Though I haven’t yet purchased any certificates, I have to admit Groupon does have some pretty good deals. One of the best deals last week was a $30 Famoso gift certificate for just $15.
V Sandwiches (10135 – 100 A Street) on Rice Howard Way is now open! It’s only been in business for a few days, and I’ve already had a few people rave about it – I’ll have to check it out soon.
Crepeworks on Whyte (10352 82 Avenue, 780-484-7975) is also now open.
Twyla visited a new restaurant called Dumplings (2431 Ellwood Drive) in southwest southeast Edmonton (they even have a blog and are on Twitter!). I’ve said it before, but the suburbs have a burgeoning food scene indeed.
Will Bistro Praha ever return? It isn’t looking good.
Sorrentino’s is celebrating their 16th annual mushroom harvest September 1-30, 2010.
There’s a new local food blog in town – welcome, Leslie!
Liane’s latest celebrity chef profile subjects were Ryan Jesperson and Kari Skelton – Kari’s brownies sound delicious!
After seeing photos of Callingwood Farmers’ Market in the Journal, I’m even more determined to visit before season’s end.
Valerie toured a chicken farm recently to learn more about the issue of raising backyard chickens. It was a trip initiated by River City Chickens.
Mel Priestly wrote about en Sante’s first annual Saskatoon Stomp – great photos, Mel!
We passed by The Treasury last Thursday, and, surprise, surprise – it’s now open! Has anyone checked it out yet? Does it live up to the swank they promised?

Treasury up and running

We finally got to try out Zaika on Sunday at the Fringe. I had the mango chicken combo ($8) – while I could handle the heat in the subtly spicy, deliciously rich sauce, I was defeated by the samosa. Mack had the beef kabob wrap ($8), and though found it quite messy to eat, thoroughly enjoyed it. We both thought Zaika provided a much better value than Rustixx pizza – I hope they’re back at the grounds next year!

Mango chicken combo from Zaika

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