Patio Party at the Mac

Last Monday, Mack and I headed over to the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald to help celebrate the launch of their patio. It had opened for the season on the previous Friday, but they wanted to offer the media and other writers a formal opportunity to have a chance to try their outdoor barbecue menu. And although the skies threatened rain, it held off long enough for us to enjoy one of Edmonton’s most beautiful river valley vantage points.

Hotel MacDonald

Mack and I started off with a drink. He chose a Quebec beer by Unibroue, which he liked well enough. I had to try their feature cocktail, the Pimms Cup, perfect given the Queen’s Jubilee celebration was taking place that weekend. Made with Pimms, ginger ale, simple syrup, lime juice and a slice of cucumber, it was a refreshing drink to sip while taking in the view.

Pimms

In terms of food, it was hard to resist the dozen different appetizers that floated by on platters (most of the dishes we tried that night are available on the Confederation Lounge BBQ menu). We were tantalized by the aromas coming off the grill all evening – it was a good reminder that Mack and I have yet to fire up our own barbecue yet this season.

My favourite bites included the Moroccan-spiced lamb kofta kebab, served on warmed pita bread with feta and a cucumber yogurt sauce. The lamb was moist and so flavourful; I am certain that those who typically shy away from lamb would see the light with this dish.

Moroccan-spiced lamb kofta

The Alberta beef sliders also caught my attention with their whimsical presentation. The Canadian whisky BBQ sauce had been portioned into individual pipettes that not only held the sliders together, but also allowed guests to garnish their own burgers! Although we were told that these mini syringes were special for the event, I am hoping they will reconsider this given how much of a frenzy they caused!

Alberta beef sliders

Mack liked the spicy chipotle and honey-glazed chicken skewers with roasted mango. Chicken satay are a staple at my parents’ house in the summer, so it was an interesting version lightened up with fruit.

Chicken skewers with roasted mango

Mack also enjoyed the chocolate-dipped cheesecake lollipops. With the rising popularity of cake pops, I could see this dessert being requested in lieu of cupcakes at any weddings hosted at the hotel.

Cheesecake lollipops

The only appetizer that we really didn’t enjoy was the lime and ginger shrimp ceviche. By the time it reached us, it was mottled grey in colour.

Shrimp ceviche with tomato water caesar

We took some time to take in the patio itself. Although it wasn’t quite in full bloom yet, there were many colourful containers to admire, and Chef Andrew Ihasz had planted an herb garden on the deck below the week prior.

In all its glory

Herb garden

Parting shot

Thanks again to the staff of Hotel Macdonald for the invitation, and for their warm hospitality that evening. Although it may not be the patio that is top of mind for most Edmontonians, it should be, with its spectacular views and approachable menu. Make the most of our short patio season and plan to visit this summer!

Confederation Lounge @ Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
10065 100 Street
(780) 424-5181
Monday-Saturday 11am-1am, Sunday 11am-midnight

Ramen In No Man’s Land: Nomiya

After picking up some gardening supplies at Canadian Tire two weekends ago, we thought it might be a good opportunity to finally try Nomiya, which has made mostly positive impressions in the blogosphere.

We headed inside to take a closer look at the menu. Though Mack wasn’t initially in the mood for Japanese, I won him over by pointing out that Nomiya had a teriyaki rice bowl on the menu (ever-present on local Japanese restaurant menus, but for good reason).

Just after we were seated, we found out that we were nearing the last call for lunch, so we quickly scanned the menu and ordered. Nomiya’s focus seemed to be on ramen, but they also had a healthy selection of appetizers, sushi, and a few rice-based bowls. Featuring colour photos, it was also easy for those new to this type of cuisine to choose based on pictures alone. Mack decided on the aforementioned teriyaki chicken donburi ($10.95), which came with either miso soup or salad, while I chose the buta kakuni ($11), a miso-based ramen with marinated Japanese pork belly.

While we waited for our food, we admired the modest but charming interior. I liked the dark wood framing around several of the booths, while the small sushi prep station was aglow in a burst of light, a visual reminder to diners that sushi is also available to them.

Mack at Nomiya

Mack enjoyed his lunch well enough. The chicken, lightly breaded, was tender and tasty, while the vegetables were mostly cooked well. Sweet potato was the one exception, hard and inedible as it was.

Teriyaki chicken bowl

My friend Annie had mentioned that she preferred Nomiya’s ramen to Meguro’s, and for the most part, I agree with her. The soup base was nicely balanced and well-seasoned, while the noodles held their own with a chewy perfection. What I could have done without was the pork belly – with a ratio of fat to meat close to 3:1, I couldn’t bring myself to eat more than one piece. Perhaps this is just personal preference, but the fat layers were an unappetizing shade of grey.

Buta kakuni ramen

On the bright side, the service was polite and attentive, and in spite of the fact that we were the last party in the restaurant before their dinner break, we never felt rushed. And if we were in this no-man’s land of good food options again, we would certainly not hesitate to stop in. I would just know to select a different protein on the next occasion.

Nomiya
646, 3803 Calgary Trail
(780) 462-1300

Grand Opening: Highlands Farmers’ Market

Though the City Market is our neighbourhood farmers’ market, Mack and I love exploring other markets. Edmonton’s newest market in Highlands debuted tonight, and we wanted to see what it was all about.

Highlands Farmers’ Market

Located in a small parking lot on 112 Avenue and 65 Street, the Highlands Market is a modest, community-based gathering of vendors. It seems to be less ambitious than the 124 Street Grand Market, but is a good size for the neighbourhood. We asked about the time of the market (short in duration, only 7-9pm, and the only market to start at so late an hour), and it turns out the business next door that lends the use of the parking lot agreed to those terms. Though we initially weren’t sure about such a brief time frame, it might work well for customers who desire being the early bird without skipping dinner first, and for vendors who need to get back to the farm.

Small but lots of heart

With just over a dozen vendors, the selection of products isn’t extensive, but there are a number of solid vendors. Sundog Organics and Tree Stone in particular are draws, each cultivating devotees from other parts of the city.

Sundog Organics

Tree Stone (without signage, curiously)

Creole Envie, a new catering business and restaurant (which opens its physical location tomorrow at 15120 Stony Plain Road) offering up Creole and Cajun flavours, will also be a consistent presence, as will Sugared & Spiced a new home-based bakery that specializes in cookies. We tried the blueberry oatmeal cookie (soft with just the right amount of sweetness) and the cinnamon bun (good texture and loved the icing!). I can imagine they will do business like gangbusters for the after-dinner crowd!

Danielle from Creole Envie

Jeff from Sugared & Spiced

The weekly vendor lists (with all dates until the end of September) are online, a great tool for shoppers deciding which of the four Thursday night markets to visit (124 Street, Alberta Avenue and Salisbury are the other three). I imagine with this competition, it will be even more imperative for markets to keep this information up to date. Highlands also steps it up a notch with a “Lovin’ the Market” button, which patrons can purchase for $10. The proceeds support the market, but the button provides shoppers with discounts on specific items from five vendors each week (for example, Tree Stone’s baguette was on special for button holders). It’s an interesting way to reward loyal visitors.

We also took the opportunity to peruse some of the area’s shops (open late as a part of Late Night on the Ave), as I think many market patrons did as well. All in all, it was a great way to spend a beautiful summer evening –I encourage you to check it out in the weeks to come!

Highlands Farmers’ Market, open from June 7 – September 27, 7-9pm, 112 Avenue & 65 Street

2012 City Market Report: Week 3

The skies started out as overcast this morning, but weather decided to cooperate at the City Market in the end, with the sun revealing itself for the last half of the day.

Overhead

Today marked the end of the official three week trial period for the back-to-back stalls on the south end of the market. We didn’t hear if moving forward this will be the continued set-up, but it seems like everyone – shoppers and vendors alike – have adjusted well to the change. I for one hope they adopt this orientation for the remainder of the season!

South end

Mack and I aren’t typically early birds on the weekends, but forced ourselves into an early start to make sure we could have the pick of the crop today. We were having my family over for dinner later to celebrate my Mum’s birthday, so I wanted to make sure we could get everything we needed. Also on our list: sweet baby girl tomato plants from Sundog Organic. They thrived on our balcony last year (in spite of the fact that I tend to kill most plants), so we didn’t want to miss out!

Success!

We were also early enough to have our pick of greens from a multitude of vendors!

Radishes from Sundog Organic

Baby lettuce from Green Valley Farm

Bedding plants from Kuhlmann’s

Fiddleheads from Mo-Na

Serben Free Range had their grill cart up and running today (menu here). Given there are now several non-truck vendors, perhaps the market should consider publishing a list of food options available, since the carts are easily missed in and amongst the tents.

Serbens’ Local Eatery

We didn’t stay at the market too long this morning, as we had a few other errands to run before dinner. Still, I’m glad we were able to make it early to fill our fridge! Among the dishes we made – roasted Edgar Farms asparagus, and a caprese salad with a rainbow of Gull Valley Tomatoes.

Roasted asparagus and caprese salad

See you at the market next week!

What the Truck?! @ Al Fresco: June 9, 2012

It’s that time of year in Edmonton – because our summer is so short and precious, every weekend is an opportunity to take in something outdoors. Next weekend, the place to do this will be downtown, with numerous events and three festivals colliding on the same day.

Downtown Edmonton Community League is kicking things off at 8:30-11am, with its annual Pancake Breakfast (all proceeds benefit charity). The 4th Street Promenade summer mainstay, the City Market, will be running from 9am-3pm. Midway through at noon, the Pride Parade will wind down 102 Avenue from 108 Street all the way to Churchill Square. And to round off the night from 5-11pm, the 4th Annual Al Fresco Block Party will take over the Promenade from Jasper to 103 Avenue. Expect a wine and spirits tasting tent, extended patios, a great musical line-up, fashion show, and a kids zone.

One of the extended patios in 2011

Mack and I are two of the members of this year’s Al Fresco organizing committee. After attending the festival in 2009, 2010 and 2011, we thought it was time to give back, especially because we now live on the street and love events where neighbours can get to know one another. On the committee, Mack represents our condo (The Century), while I represent the Downtown Edmonton Community League (of which I volunteer as a Board member).

Volunteering for the 2011 DECL Pancake Breakfast

That said, we’re also involved in another capacity – Al Fresco was looking for a different way to feed hungry festival goers. Last year, the food component was expanded by hosting several downtown restaurants on the street – you may remember Tres Carnales in particular, because their Rice Howard Way digs weren’t yet complete at the time.

Tacos to the people!

Given the rise of food trucks in Edmonton over the last year, the committee thought they would be a wonderful addition to the festival. Mack and I might be a bit biased, but we agreed with them.

As a result, our first What the Truck?! extravaganza this year will be taking place in conjunction with the Al Fresco Block Party.

What: What the Truck?! Edmonton’s Food Truck Extravaganza
Where: 104 Street, north of 102 Avenue
When: June 9, 2012
Time: 5-11 p.m.

This will be the largest What the Truck?! we’ve ever organized, with ten of Edmonton’s premier food trucks ready to show the city why street cuisine is here to stay:

Best of all – the trucks will all be donating a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Zebra Child Protection Centre, Al Fresco’s charity of choice this year. A non-profit, community-based organization that improves the lives of children who have suffered abuse, the Zebra Centre is able to provide children and their families with essential social, medical and mental health services and supports.

We will be updating the website with menus on Tuesday – so check back then to whet your appetite. Hope to see you there!

Check out the Facebook event here, and follow us on Twitter! Read more about last year’s What the Truck?! events here and here.

A Reason to Cross the River: Three Boars

Three Boars hasn’t been open for very long, but they’ve already gained quite a loyal following. With a restaurant the size equivalent of a postage stamp, this usually means a lengthy delay for hungry patrons. But after two visits, it’s clear the food is worth the wait and many repeat meals.

Photo bomb!

Three Boars took over what was formerly a small pizza parlour, transforming the tiny main floor into a bar with a stand-up counter, and the equally cozy second floor into seating for thirty (no question, this trend of elbow-to-elbow dining seems to picking up in Edmonton, but at Three Boars, it does complement their philosophy of sharing). We were told the spaces had been designed by the same people behind Tres Carnales, which seemed to hold true – the wood finishing promoted the same kind of comfortable, laid-back vibe. I liked the Edison bulbs as well, though on the two occasions we dined, they weren’t necessary, given the amount of natural light in the room.

The menu at Three Boars changes almost daily – on our first visit, just over two weeks after their opening day, they were already on menu #8. One week later, it was menu #12. Between the two, there were a few items with similar in nature but featuring different proteins, such as meat-topped poutine and banh mi. The constant change reflects the commitment of Three Boars to seasonal ingredients, but also speaks to the flexibility and creativity of the chefs. It’s an approach I like, as there are a few restaurants whose menus I’d be eager to see change more often – as much as I enjoy having a “go-to” dish, it’s exciting to encounter different plates, and thus encourages visits in short succession.

Loved the chalkboard wall

I have also mentioned before that small plates are our favourite way of eating, and in groups, it meant that Mack and I were able to try numerous different dishes on two separate occasions. Here are some of the standouts:

The poutines ($12) were an easy favourite. One, topped with beef brisket and a luscious gravy, didn’t last long at our table. The second, with lamb neck, was similarly in shards, each bite a triumph with accompanying squeaky cheese.

Beef brisket poutine

Lamb neck poutine

Similarly, their take on banh mi ($10), which we tried with chicken fried steak and beef cheek, were excellent. Crusty bread, tender meat, and just the right amount of pickled vegetables, it was another dish that was hard to share.

Chicken fried steak banh mi

Beef cheek banh mi

The mushrooms and egg yolk on toast ($12) was perfection – a runny yolk over crispy toast and earthy wild mushrooms. My recommendation is to order at least two per table, but I’d probably snag one for myself next time.

Mushrooms and egg yolk on toast

The pork neck terrine ($14) was a surprise. I am not usually a fan (especially when the texture veers into pate consistency), but here, there were visible flakes of meat that maintained themselves even after spread on oil rubbed crostini.

One night, the dessert was lemon curd, blueberry compote and granola served in too-cute mason jars. It was so simple, but was one of the best desserts I’ve had in recent memory. Each separate layer was great on its own, but it was even better together.

Lemon curd, blueberry compote, granola

There were a few dishes that I didn’t enjoy as much, but only relative to the raves. The Spring Creek Ranch flat iron steak ($16) was cooked a little too raw for my liking, but the rest of the table disagreed with me. The patatas bravas ($8) with sriracha mayo was well-cooked, but I couldn’t help but compare it to Ox & Angela’s version, which I liked better.

Flat iron steak

Patatas bravas

Service was familiar and low-key, and for me, as a water-guzzler, my glass was always promptly topped up. Dishes also arrived at a comfortable pace.

We elected to walk home after our second visit, just to give us a chance to walk off all of what we’d consumed. Timed at half an hour, I’d wager we’ll be crossing the river again soon for Three Boars.

Three Boars
8424 109 Street
780-757-2600
Monday-Sunday 4pm-late

A Taste of Oils and Vinegars: Evoolution

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – it’s such an exciting time for 104 Street! Cask & Barrel opened earlier this year, Pangea continues to improve its inventory, and Roast Coffeehouse is well on its way – the Promenade is really becoming the place to be for Edmontonians who appreciate good food and drink. The newest shop on the street, Evoolution, is another great addition home cooks will want to visit. It opened on May 18, but Mack and I finally had some time to explore the shop last week.

Evoolution

Evoolution took over a storefront previously occupied by a tanning salon, and replaced it with an oasis of fine oils and vinegars. Their renovations have transformed the space into an inviting room where tasting products is not only welcome, but encouraged.

Tasting vocabulary!

Gorgeous tins from Italy line the shelves, housing a dozen different single-origin varietals of extra virgin olive oil and vinegars, as well as flavoured oils and vinegars. Tasting notes, pairings, and the crush dates are written clearly above each vessel, but patrons are encouraged to give them a try themselves. We were advised not to test more than four varietals, lest we overwhelm our palate.

Olive oil varietals

Mack and I tried a few, and had to admit that we never really noticed the grassy and peppery notes in olive oil before. We settled on a small bottle of the organic Chemlali from Tunisia, which seemed milder than some of the others we had sampled.

Bottles

We liked the pricing scheme, which was uniform regardless of the evoo or vinegar chosen – $12 for 200mL, $18 for 375mL and $29 for 750mL. Evoolution offers a 10% discount if patrons bring a bottle back for a refill (though I can imagine getting those narrow bottles clean would be no easy task).

Pricing

Evoolution also sells other specialty oils (such as walnut and truffle), salts, and very soon, will start to carry spices from Calgary-based Silk Road.

Salts

Always interested in programming, I asked if Evoolution would be organizing more formal tasting classes soon. It sounds like small private tastings are available to be booked, but nothing yet for the public. I also hope they consider collaborating with other businesses in the area – I think a natural pairing would be a tasting of their oils with breads from Dauphine across the street.

I also asked if Evoolution would consider carrying locally-sourced, cold-pressed canola oils (or even Mighty Trio, which makes some fine hemp and flaxseed oils). It sounds like they want to maintain their focus on extra virgin olive oils, but perhaps they might reconsider this in the future!

Given Evoolution is just down the street from where we live, we will be back to give some of their vinegars a taste on another day. If you’re in the neighbourhood, definitely consider paying them a visit.

Evoolution
10130 104 Street
(587) 521-3445
Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 12-5pm

2012 City Market: Week 2

Without a wedding to rush off to this Saturday, Mack and I were able to take our time at the City Market this afternoon. It really was a gorgeous day, sunny with a light, warm breeze – such a difference just one week can make!

Beautiful day

We did treat ourselves to a lazy start, however, which did mean that some sought-after spring produce was already sold out by the time we got downstairs.

Jen’s Organic Garden was sold out

That said, we still encountered a full table of Edgar Farms asparagus, so made sure to snag a bundle. We also picked up an order from Greens, Eggs and Ham – the benefit of being on their Futures Program is that they will set aside some of their coveted produce for members!

Asparagus from Edgar Farms

Sunflower sprouts from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Rhubarb from Sundog Organics

Our leisurely walk down the market aisles also meant we were able to connect with some vendors we likely walked right past last week.

Elaine and Gary of Allium Foodworks

Amy of Ameya Studio

Vendors and shoppers alike are still getting used to the new back-to-back set up, but we really hope it sticks. Change always takes time to adapt to, but as a whole, it seems like the right decision for all involved on the street. And given the growth of the City Market this year, it might also be a good time for the organizers to develop a map app that would help consumers locate their favourite vendor.

Down one aisle

As we were browsing the market around lunch time, the lines at the different food vendors were noticeably long. Today, there were a total of six vendor options: Fork & Spoon Brigade, Medicine Man Bison, Serben Free Range, Fat Franks, Eva Sweet and Carnival Cravings. Lit was also selling burgers and Italian sausages from their patio barbecue.

Fat Franks

Filistix, a popular food truck who has been a mainstay at the City Market for several years, decided not to sign up for the 2012 season to focus on their campus ventures. For that reason, it seemed like an ideal time to usher in other food trucks, especially since they have been such a draw for the market. We know of many people who visit the market not specifically to shop, but to enjoy the outdoors, and people watch. Many of these people may not purchase groceries, but will buy something to eat, whether it be kettle corn, a hot dog, or lemonade. Street food has become an integral part of the market.

Picking up my sweet treat of the day

We know of at least one food truck who applied this year was turned down, but there could be others as well. Though the savoury dishes provided by the Fork & Spoon Brigade are a good start, other more unique options would be a welcome complement, and ultimately, could help entice more people to the market. Hopefully the City Market embraces other food trucks soon – because if they won’t, other markets will.

See you next week!

Opening Day: 124 Street Grand Market

Given the 124 Street Grand Market is just a ten minute bus ride from my office, I had no excuses not to check it out on its opening day this evening!

124 Street Grand Market

The weather was the nicest its been since Sunday, perfect conditions for a stroll at an outdoor farmers’ market. It was still very early when I arrived, but shoppers were already out in full force. I have to say I applaud the market for not being afraid to choose a location without a dedicated parking lot nearby, and encouraging folks to use transit and other means of transportation.

Loved Rota’s “built in” tent seating

I had initially thought the Grand Market would be set up in the old bus loop, but it turns out the organizers partially shut down the street. Tents lined both sides, with a narrow thoroughfare in between.

Shoppers

The bus loop, with its picnic tables, formed the perfect outdoor cafe for those looking for a bite to eat from Drift and Nomad who were both on hand.

Food trucks!

Dine al fresco

There were about two dozen vendors total, with a majority of them selling non-food items. I realize it’s still early in the season, but I hope as the months progress, the Grand Market adds many more fresh produce and protein vendors.

Garden Squirrel Soaps

Studio Bloom

Lactuca piqued my interest, an “urban salad green producer” that farms on a city lot in Westmount. They reminded me of Little Shoots Neighbourhood Farm who sold at the City Market last year, a producer who grew everything in an apartment in Edmonton.

Lactuca salad greens

The 124 Grand Market is joining two other Thursday evening markets in the Edmonton area – Salisbury (year-round) and Alberta Avenue (which opens June 7). It’ll be interesting to see how this new addition affects foot traffic at the other two markets, and which market producers will choose. I look forward to returning in the coming weeks to see what other vendors turn up!

The 124 Street Grand Market runs Thursday evenings from 5-9pm at 124 Street and 108 Avenue. Keep up to date on vendor lists at the 124 Grand Market website.

2012 City Market Report: Week 1

Unlike last year, this past Saturday wasn’t actually week one of the City Market, given the downtown farmers’ market has actually just finished its first full year indoors. But City Hall isn’t quite the same as 104 Street, and the market always feels reborn when it returns to the brick and tree-lined promenade.

Looking good!

And with Mack and I residing just over the street, we know it’s officially summer when we can throw open our windows and hear the sounds of the market – the exchanges between producers and shoppers, the sound of a lone saxophone, the voice of Martin Kerr.

Getting their waffle on!

It was no different this Saturday. It could have a been a bit warmer – the sun was out, but so was the wind – though it didn’t seem to matter to the crowds that flocked to the streets. Dogs with Wings was also on-site, with many of their service dogs in training on hand to demonstrate their skills.

Dogs with Wings

This was also the first of the three week pilot that involved vendors setting up back to back on 104 Street from Jasper to 102 Avenues, in order to provide more clear exposure to the businesses that line the street.

In the shade

It might be something market shoppers have to get used to, but Mack and I liked the new layout. There might be some issue for those in strollers and wheelchairs to circle around the median at Jasper Avenue (there wasn’t a lot of room between the barricade and the median), but other than that, it might actually mean that people spend more time at the market walking the entire strip.