Coffee Shop Character: Sugar Bowl

After pho, Bettina and I were on the hunt for dessert. Our first choice was Leva Capuccino Bar in the University area, but it turns out to have shut down! It’s currently being renovated under a new name.

Thus, our second choice, thankfully located nearby, was the Sugar Bowl (10922-88 Avenue). I have quite a biased opinion of this cafe, with nostalgic affection connected to my first visit there. It involved a meeting with online (yes, online) fans of Billy Boyd, just prior to his appearance at the Garneau Theatre a few years ago (and no creepy pedophiles showed up).

The Sugar Bowl could be considered a younger, edgier relative of the Blue Plate Diner. I have always loved the decor – exposed brick, aged hardwood floor, roughly sanded tables, pendant lighting. On the downside, I have never been impressed by their service, as it has consistently proved to be mercifully slow, but on most occasions, I am willing to overlook it for its cozy cultivation of conversation.

When we arrived at 8, the room was about half full. By 9:30, however, it was packed, with groups of diners even patiently awaiting a table at the bar. We also found that as the night progressed, the lights were dimmed and the music volume was increased, with the song list switching from rock in favor of more techno-flavored tunes, making the atmosphere more in line with that of a bar.

Keeping it light, I ordered a vanilla hot chocolate and a Sugar Bowl Soufflé (made with Callebeaut chocolate). The hot chocolate came with a bit of a wait, and was lukewarm, but had a creamy, smooth vanilla flavor. The soufflé, on the other hand, took ridiculously long to make. When it finally arrived, more than thirty minutes later, the waitress apologized, saying that the order was tardy because the first one “collapsed.” Seeing the final product, I wondered what the previous creation looked like. Overturned on the centre of a square plate, and dressed with a shake of powdered sugar, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I had never before had soufflé, so I was not a seasoned judge, but to me, the consistency was a cross between a pudding and a half-baked cake. The cocoa flavor was rather weak, actually, and I could have done with more tart confectioner’s sugar to supplement the dull, uninspired taste.

I can’t say I won’t be back, but it would likely be to sample their entrees instead.

Vanilla Hot Chocolate

Sugar Bowl Souffle with Callebeaut Chocolate

Quick but Dirty: Pho Hoa

On Thursday, Bettina and I went to Pho Hoa (9723-106 Avenue) in Chinatown for dinner. It has been years since I dined here, the last time being sometime in high school right after its grand opening. Nothing negative resonates with me from that experience, but this time, I’m sorry to say it left quite the impression.

First of all, trying to enter the restaurant was an ordeal in itself. There were several doors, all but one marked with faded, handwritten signs, or sealed shut with packing tape. Once in the dining room, we were abruptly seated with a curt nod and menus deposited at a random booth – the kind of turn-your-back service seemingly common at Chinese ethnic eateries.

I must say – the owners really let the place deteriorate. The seats and floors were dirty, and table legs were steadied with wads of paper napkins. Lighting was poor, with peripheral seats near the windows left in the dark with poor placement of overhead fluorescent bulbs. And though it must have been the same way all those years ago, I had forgotten about the communal chopstick and soup spoon jar. Still, with one glance at the rest of the place, the utensils begged for a personal scrubbing with the tea, Hong Kong style.

The waitress clearly had a low English proficiency. When asked, with the aid of hand gestures, about the thickness of the steak, her reply was “No.” Similarly, a clarification about the vegetables included in one of the dishes was left unanswered as well. Needless to say, ordering by number came to be quite handy. I did find the menus amusing though, with pictures and descriptions about the types of soup bowls offered; essentially, it was “pho for dummies.” I ordered the Pho Bo Vien (noodle soup with meatballs), while Bettina chose the Pho Tai (noodle soup with eye round steak).

One positive – the food did arrive lightning quick, definitely in less than five minutes. The portion size was noticeably smaller than Pagolac’s version, but even more egregious – the soup base was nearly flavorless. My friend had to resort to hoisin sauce as an additive. To me, the broth had an odd aroma that I couldn’t quite place. And no, I don’t think it had anything to do with beef.

We had chosen Pho Hoa on a whim. Not surprisingly, we won’t make that mistake again.

One shining example of a table in need of repair…

 

Pho for beginners!
Pho Tai

Pho Bo Vien

Glenora Bed & Breakfast Inn

After work on Wednesday, I headed to High Street to finish some of my Christmas shopping. One stop I made was the Glenora Inn Bed & Breakfast. On the corner of 123 Street and 102 Avenue, it is located in a high traffic area, and I know that I’ve passed it by too many times to count.

Walking in, I was led up a winding flight of stairs to a small reception area on the second floor. I inquired about a gift certificate, and the clerk patiently explained how the packages worked, and pointed out the differences between the suites. She ended up even giving me a tour, and opened up a traditional B & B and small and medium studios for me to take a look.

I must admit, a part of me felt like I had been transported to Stars Hollow, the fictional town of Gilmore Girls, and location of Lorelai’s Dragonfly Inn. The Glenora was so quaint, charming, and friendly that I wanted to stay there.

I hope my gift recipients like the present, but at the very least, I’ve discovered another Edmonton treasure that I will make a point to return to.

University of Alberta Holiday Shindig

A few weeks ago, one of my coworkers alerted me to a University of Alberta alumni gathering to take place at LUX Steakhouse & Bar. We quickly RSVP-ed when we found out there were free drinks involved.

A group of us headed down to LUX after work today, and at the door, we each received a coupon redeemable for either a “Golden Bear Martini” or “Peppermint Panda Hot Chocolate” (cheesy, I know). Once inside, we found ourselves rubbing elbows with the chic happy hour business crowd.

I was lucky enough to get to try out both drinks. The Martini, green and lime-flavored with what must have been heaping teaspoons of Kool-aid, was quite tasty, and made me long to return on a Martoonie Thursday. I thought they copped out on the alcohol, as I couldn’t taste it at all, but my coworker set me straight on that (you know what that means…). The hot chocolate was great as well – rich, but not too sweet, though the peppermint flavor was a bit lacking.

There was an article in “ed,” a weekly magazine in the Edmonton Journal on Saturday featuring an interview with Chloe Chalmers, the University’s first ever “young alumni” coordinator, and organizer of tonight’s shindig. She stated that she has three goals, “To increase the awareness amongst alumni of the Alumni Association and what and what we offer; to increase services available; and to increase awareness amongst students.” Events in the new year include debt management and investment seminars.

While true the University may indeed want to provide more support to recent graduates, I’m sure the activities they arrange may be less altruistic than at first glance: ply alumni with free drinks, and they may end up feeling more fiscally generous come collection time. Or, offer financial management seminars, and alumni may have greater savings in their retirement years, and thus more disposable income to donate.

While I can’t say I’m willing to give back to my alma mater just yet, I will accept any and all future invitations to free parties.

Golden Bear Martini

Peppemint Panda Hot Chocolate

Let’s Make a Gingerbread House!

As is the case with pumpkin carving, it seems I only ever partake in gingerbread house decorating at work. But I’m not complaining.

Unlike more organized departments, my group scrambled to complete the project by the 4:30pm deadline this afternoon. As such, it wasn’t as well thought-out as it could be, but I still think we did a bang-up job.

Funny how I feel more like a kid sometimes at work than at any other time during the day.

Our creation!

Deliciously Affordable: New Asian Village Lunch Buffet

A few girlfriends and I went to the new Strathcona Square location of New Asian Village (9808-34 Avenue) to try out their lunch buffet. I’m not a huge fan of buffets (unless I’m not paying) as I typically cannot eat enough to make the cost worthwhile. Thankfully, today’s meal was a mere $9.95; pennies for pounds of food!

Having only been open for three weeks, the restaurant still looked brand spanking new. Accented with Indian antiques, the dining room decor is subtle but effective – dark woods, red drop lamps, and corner booths draped with organza fabric. The buffet area is well designed, occupying one side of the room, and pointed to an obvious directionality. Hot dishes stewed in basins with sliding lids, and were the most functional yet stylish containers I’ve ever seen at a buffet.

There were over fifteen hot dishes available, including naan bread, saffron rice, chicken kadai and beef curry. I can’t remember the name of my favorite dish, but it used the same sweet, flavorful sauce as the butter chicken. Although a few curries were too spicy for my taste, the quality of the food was excellent, and even more amazing when the price is considered.

For dessert, I tried the rice pudding, but quickly put my serving aside, as there was a rather strong hint of ginger mixed in. The mango custard, on the other hand, was quite nice – light, and had a nice cooling effect after ingesting a variety of strongly seasoned meats.

The service was great, though I would caution the waitress about immediately telling about the “plumbing problems,” and out-of-order washrooms, which happened as soon as we sat down at our table. As our glasses of drinking water were delivered soon after, we weren’t sure if we should trust the water quality (we’re paranoid, what can I say?).

Despite the bathroom hindrance, New Asian Village is definitely worth a look. Be sure to check out their lunch and dinner ($14.95) buffet specials before it’s too late!

Cozy booths (with low, sunken cushions)
Table setting
Coconut display
Buffet set up
My (first) plate
Rice pudding dessert
Mango custard
Us!

Theatre: “Oh Susanna!” Christmas Special

On Saturday night, Mack and I watched the Oh Susanna Christmas Special at the Varscona Theatre. I had been looking forward to this since Eros and the Itchy Ant in November, so I’m glad I was actually able to make it. From the website:

“Oh Susanna! is Edmonton’s own Euro-style variety show, playing monthly since 1999 in Strathcona’s improv comedy hot-spot, The Varscona Theatre. Antics, music and spectacle abound, guided by international glamour-gal Susanna Patchouli (Mark Meer) and her co-host Eros, God of Love (Jeff Haslam). Watch as celebrity guests engage in sparkling conversation and high-spirited competition! Delight in the shenanigans of the Compania del Mambo! Thrill to the tunes of the Oh Susanna Jug Band! All this…and cocktails!”

I thoroughly enjoyed the show – it was an evening filled with lighthearted fun and laughs (Susanna came out in a forest green velvet mini-dress, announcing that she was, “A Christmas elf…who also happens to be a prostitute”). Meer and Haslam were fantastic as their alter-egos; both were quick witted and had phenomenal ad-libbing ability.

Susanna and Eros were accompanied by a large supporting cast, and in my opinion, they represented Edmonton’s “Theatre All-Stars.” There were appearances by Davina Stewart, Sheri Somerville, Jocelyn Ahlf, Andrew MacDonald-Smith, Celina Stachow (visiting from L.A.), Farren Timoteo, Dana Andersen, and my personal stage favorite, Andrea House. The who’s who in attendance extended off-stage as well, as I saw Stewart Lemoine flitting about the theatre, and even now Vancouver-based Chris Fassbender in the crowd.

I definitely felt like I received my money’s worth, as the show included many entertaining segments:

  • Cooking with “Girls on the Grill,” where every member of the audience received a sample of turkey buttie, essentially the sandwich equivalent of a full turkey dinner: roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and cheese, all contained within the confines of grilled bread (at intermission, there were glasses of “one arm punch” and eggnog available to drink as well).
  • The talk show element that discussed current events, after which I could not get the image of premier-elect Ed Stelmach-as-Muppet out of my head.
  • Several musical performances, including a beautiful rendition of “First Noel” by House, and a hilarious Wham! tribute of “Last Christmas.”
  • A cute Stewart Lemoine playlet, Christmas in Patagonia, featuring Timoteo, brilliantly cast as “Toddler Jesus.”
  • An interview with two Edmonton expats now living in Toronto, back to reprise familiar roles in A Christmas Carol at the Citadel. One of these men, Larry Yachimec, happens to be the star of the Westjet commercial as the clueless patron who required channel guidance from an observant stewardess (he did the laugh!). Obscure fact: the commercial was filmed in an airport hangar in Hamilton, Ontario.

My only negative comment was in regards to the burlesque performance, which seemed tacked on and out of place (I was even more horrified when I found out there were young children in the crowd…). And though I was disappointed with the lack of “The Game! The Game!”, it provided me with an excuse to return in the new year.

There were many in-jokes for those in-the-know audience members (like the line spoken in raucous unison, “I don’t want to go to jail looking like this!”), as well as numerous self-plugs for projects cast members were involved in. This I didn’t mind, as part of the point of this production was to shamelessly lend support to other artistic endeavors in the community.

I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun at a show. Though Oh Susannah! has been on for seven years, I still feel like I stumbled on one of the city’s best kept secrets.

Christmas Potluck

I’ve been exposed to the concept of potlucks ever since I can remember, with family friend gatherings always centering around the communal sharing of dishes. Just this year though, my peers and workmates have chosen this as a constant alternative to eating out, particularly to celebrate the holidays. Though it’s not exactly a sign of growing up, it is interesting to note that just a few years ago, the thought of holding a potluck with friends was foreign to me. I will, however, have to be careful not to overdose on the idea, as cooking may begin to be a drag.

Anyway, on Saturday night, I got together with a few coworkers for a potluck Christmas party, and might I say it was enjoyable. It seems that as long as the numbers are contained, the gathering can remain a personal event. And yes, the food was great!

Food! Food!

Winter Wonderland at the Legislature

On a toque-optional night, a friend and I headed to the Legislature grounds to tour the holiday lights and decorations. Sadly, though I have been working in a building across the street for more than a year, I had never made the effort before Thursday to check it out.

Still, better late than never. We crossed over via the convenient pedway system, and found a beautiful spectacle. Away from the traffic, the festooned trees and the musical classics that streamed from mounted outdoor speakers made the square a world of its own. In addition to the Christmas lights, there were a few BrightNights displays and several lit ice sculptures, including a horse-drawn sleigh and a mini-version of the Legislature. People even took the time to build several snow people, hats and all.

I have never been to Central Park in New York, and I know Edmonton cannot compare, but the quaint charm of a quiet winter’s night beneath holiday lights is magical. I invite you to explore the Legislature grounds this Christmas.

The Legislature from afar

Snow family!

Horse ice sculpture

Legislature ice sculpture

Legislature steps (where Ed Stelmach was sworn in as the new premier-elect just hours earlier)

BrightNights skiers

Giant Christmas tree

Dickson with snowfriend

Me with snowfriend

“Laguna Beach”: Season 3 Review

I watched the season finale of Laguna Beach this evening, and couldn’t help but be disappointed. Departing from the usual half-hour format, this episode was an hour in length. They should have stuck to a thirty minute time limit, as the content ended up stretched and drawn-out.

With the exception of two cast members, all other characters would be back next season to finish off their senior year in high school, so it seems the editors did their best to frame storylines as cliffhangers: the Tessa-Rocky-Breanna triangle; Alex and his ability to stay true to Rocky despite the temptation of college girls; and Chase’s choice between his band’s future and a diploma. I find it rather odd and voyeuristic in many ways, as unlike a scripted show, Laguna‘s audience will essentially be waiting for life to happen to these people, as opposed to anticipating what writers might decide to plot.

Also, unlike vulnerably honest Lauren, or wickedly entertaining Kristen, Tessa didn’t function well as the show’s narrator. Nicknamed the “wet blanket,” Tessa was often whiny, indecisive, and not much fun to watch. Cameron, the show’s male lead, never measured up to Jason’s player ways or Stephen’s romantic ideals, and thus wasn’t able to act as a stabilizing pillar either. Without a strong emotional centre, Laguna as a whole suffered a downturn in quality.

I found this finale to be less aurally manipulative than past seasons as well, due to the use of a more rock-based soundtrack. I wonder if this was a conscious effort to push the “maturity” level of the show as the audience grows up as well (assuming a shift from pop music can represent such development).

At the very least, I do like the structure of the seasons, with the episodes punctuated by timely school events: winter formal, spring break in Cabo, promposals and prom, graduation, and the start of summer. Within the chaos of teenage drama, the predictability of these occurrences is much appreciated.

I am optimistic for Season 4, but in the meantime, let the countdown to Season 2 of The Hills begin!