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

Spring is (finally) here – hope you’re out and about enjoying the beautiful weather! On to this week’s food notes:

• Get thee to an outdoor farmers’ market – Callingwood was among the first to open on May 3, and the South Common Market this past weekend on May 9 & 10. But my favourites are coming up – the 124 Grand Market on Thursday nights from 4-8pm starting May 14, and of course, the City Market on Saturdays from 9am-3pm beginning May 16. Check out the full list of Alberta Farmers’ Market Association markets here.
• Northlands is kicking off a series of their Urban Farm tours on May 15, with several more being offered throughout the summer. It’s a free look at their farm and beekeeping operations.
• Have you RSVP’d to our first What the Truck?! event of the season yet, taking place at Churchill Square on May 23? There are over 8,000 people expected already.
• The Capital Care Foundation is hosting a unique long table dinner on the field of Commonwealth Stadium called Feast on the Field. Taking place on August 12, it is a fundraiser for seniors in care. Tickets are $140 each.
• Parkallen’s new west end location, located at 10804 170 Street, opened on May 10, 2015.
• I can only hope this is true – Three Boars might be opening up a second location in the space vacated by Moriarty’s downtown (10150 100 Street).
• Phil breaks down what you can expect from Chef Lindsay Porter’s new menu at El Cortez.
• NongBu has been getting a lot of online love: this week, from Jonny.
• Congratulations to Phil (aka Baconhound), who not only won the 2014 Yeggie for Best in Food, but also took home the medal for Best Twitter Persona. Congrats to Phil and to the rest of the winners!
• Speaking of accolades, Vue Weekly released the results of their annual Golden Forks Awards last week – check if your favourites made the cut.
• Also from Vue – did you know that Knifewear offers a knife skills class?
• The rumours have been rampant for a long time, but it’s finally confirmed – south Edmonton is finally getting its own T & T Supermarket, located in the old Future Shop at 3451 Calgary Trail.
• Loblaws will be linking their new rewards program with incentives for purchasing healthy products – though we’ll see how big the net will be in defining “healthy”.
• It’s been a while since we’ve been to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, but we were delighted to come across Mo-Na Food’s booth. They’re still waiting to hear back if they’ll be vending past the end of May.

Mo-Na at OSFM

• I had a hankering for Bun Bo Hue on Friday, and was saddened to encounter a closed King Noodle House that evening. Mack and I eventually had to settle for Pagolac’s version across the street.

Bun Bo Hue from Pagolac

• Before the Yeggies on Saturday, Mack and I had a bite to eat at Café Bicyclette. The serving was as generous as I remembered, though the gravy was a little on the sweet side this time around.

Poutine from Café Bicyclette

See you at the City Market!