Tag: Edmonton

2009 Chili Cook Off

This guest post was written by Mack, an Edmonton-based geek who fancies himself a part-time foodie. You can find him online at his blog, and on Twitter.

Scotia Place hosted the 19th Annual Chili Cook Off yesterday during lunch time. Eighteen teams competed for the title of “Ultimate Chili”. Anyone could buy a “bowl” of chili for $2, with all proceeds going to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. Yes, bowl in quotations. I realize the event is for charity, but the bowls were more like Dixie cups. You could barely fit a plastic spoon inside to scoop out the chili!

Chili Cook Off
Scotia Place packed with chili lovers

I decided to buy two. The first chili I tried was from Tantus Solutions Group. Theirs consisted of ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, brown beans, pepperoni, garlic, chili peppers, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, chili powder, parsley, and salt/pepper. They served it with grated cheese and few small tortilla chips. It was tasty, but it didn’t blow me away or anything.

Chili Cook Off
Chili from Tantus

Chili Cook Off
The Mexican-themed Tantus cooks

The second bowl I bought was from the Delta Edmonton Centre Suite Hotel. Their chili was made of bison sirloin, black beans, kernel corn, onions, red peppers, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, fresh chopped jalapenos, paprika, cayenne, crushed chilis, garlic, honey, and apple wood smoked cheddar. They served it with a cheese biscuit on top. I’m so glad they had printed copies of the recipe to take, because the chili was absolutely delicious! Definitely worth the $2.

Chili Cook Off
“Ultimate Chili” from Delta

I didn’t stick around long enough to find out who won the title of “Ultimate Chili” but Jerry told me today that it was Delta! Well-deserved, in my opinion.

I had never been to the Chili Cook Off before, but I’ll be back next year.

November in Edmonton Gears up for the Holidays!

Mack launched ShareEdmonton a few weeks ago, a local aggregator and events calendar! So if none of the following events appeal to you (I usually only include ones I find interesting or would attend myself), check his website out. I may be biased, but in my opinion, it is the most comprehensive guide out there. Click here for the November calendar.

  • November is Shop Local Month in Edmonton. Join Councillor Iveson and Keep Edmonton Original business owners at the Walterdale Theatre on November 2 for the City’s proclamation.
  • The Puppetry of the Penis boys from Down Under are back with their world renowned show on November 4. I had the chance to go last year – all I can say is, be prepared.
  • Shaw Conference Centre will host the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival on November 5-7. I attended the event two years ago, and will try to go again this year.
  • The 28th annual Global Visions Film Festival runs November 5-8. Mack and I just picked up our tickets for the opening gala film, Broke, today. We’re also thinking about seeing Prom Night in Mississippi.
  • The Downtown Business Association is hosting their annual Chili Cook Off on November 6 at Scotia Place. Bowls of chili can be had for just $2, and of course, one of them will be declared the “ultimate chili”.
  • The monthly craft show dubbed the Handmade Mafia will take place on November 7 at Orange Hall and Savoy – check it out for unique goods if you’re in the neighbourhood that day.
  • The Canadian Finals Rodeo rolls into town on November 11-15.
  • Over 50 vendors will gather at the TransAlta Arts Barns from November 13-15 for Pizzazz, yet another holiday handmade craft and gift show.
  • This year will see the third year of Exposure: Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival. And as Festival Chair Jennifer Alabiso notes in her welcome message, “We’re no longer an emerging festival, we’ve come into our own.” Check out the festivities November 13-21.
  • Churchill Square will play host to Christmas on the Square, with entertainment, family-friendly activities, and City Market vendors on November 14. At 5pm, Mayor Mandel will be on hand to light up the tree and BrightNights displays. We went last year, and would highly recommend it!
  • I’m looking forward to attending an Evening with Jim Diers (see page 2), from November 17-19. Diers, the former Director of Seattle’s Department of Neighbourhoods for 20 years, shares his insight into community engagement. Pick the location closest to you and RSVP by November 12.
  • The Taboo: Naughty but Nice Sex Show, described as “an upscale consumer trade show dedicated to romance and self-improvement”, takes over one of the halls at the Northlands Agricom from November 20-22.
  • The launch of a new local cookbook called We Eat Together, which has collected stories and recipes from area farmers, takes place on November 25 at the Artery. I hope to attend!
  • A seasonal tradition for many is the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for the University of Alberta Hospital. This year, it runs November 26-28 at the Shaw Conference Centre.
  • Just Christmas is another opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping, with the criteria for merchants being that all goods sold must promote fair trade. Check it out at the Alberta Ave Community Hall, November 27-28.
  • After Just Christmas, you may as well stop by the Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse for their annual Carrot Christmas Arts Bazaar, which also runs November 27-28.
  • The biannual Royal Bison Craft & Art Fair is back on November 28-29. We checked it out earlier this year, and found it to be a great show to pick up unique gifts.

Fringe Theatre Adventures: “The Bone House”

Marty Chan’s The Bone House was the first play I ever watched, introducing me to the wild world of live theatre back in my high school days. I haven’t looked back since, immersing myself in the Fringe Festival every summer, subscribing to Teatro la Quindicina, and partaking in many other productions throughout the year. When I heard Fringe Theatre Adventures was bringing back the play that started it all for me, I couldn’t wait to watch the remount.

Mack and I headed to the Arts Barns on Friday night, and joined a relatively intimate crowd in the PCL Studio Theatre. One of the coolest things about this incarnation was that Chris Fassbender, who played assistant Jacob in the past production, took on the lead role of “mind hunter” Eugene Crowley this time around – it was great to see him on stage in Edmonton again, as Fassbender has since relocated to Vancouver.

The play, set up as being a lecture on serial killers (and on the Midnight Cowboy in particular, who has not yet been caught), is psychologically unnerving. Though having seen it before prepared me for some of the twists, my memory could not protect me from other frights. Crowley shifted random members of the audience (including me) twice, ensuring that a majority of the attendees were sitting among unfamiliar peers. Moreover, the build up towards the unexpected ending is subtle and so well done, gradually encouraging unsaid possibilities to multiply in the audience’s mind. Tracey Power’s turn as the frail Gabrielle halfway through manages to heighten the terror even further, ensuring the audience is vividly aware of the Midnight Cowboy’s brutality, as Gabrielle recounts the murder of her parents.

The Bone House is one of those productions that you have to experience yourself – any more detail shared would ruin it. Even after my second viewing, I would still name it as one of the best plays I have ever seen. Go while you still can.

The Bone House runs at the TransAlta Arts Barns until November 7.

Olde Time Fair on the Square

En route to Stanley Milner on Saturday, I passed through the Olde Time Fair that was taking place at Churchill Square.

Juggler

The family-friendly outdoor event was blessed with beautiful weather – such a difference from the winter chill felt just a week prior. There were “roving entertainers” (a stilt walker and juggler, among them), carnival games, face painting, pumpkin carving and hay rides.

Pumpkins!

Hay Rides

Carnival Games

Though the City Centre Market officially concluded for the year last week, there were a few vendors on hand (in walled tents to keep out the wind had their been any). There were no produce or meat vendors present (save Medicine Man Bison), but there were accessories, candied treats, baked goods, and pickled items available for sale.

Vendors

It was a lovely way to spend some time outside. I hope we get a few more weekends like that one!

Food Notes for October 19, 2009

I’ve been looking forward to this week for a while – on Wednesday, I’m heading down to a conference in Calgary, and after that, Mack and I will be spending the weekend in Banff. Nothing like a mini-break in the fall to rejuvenate our spirits! On to this week’s food notes:

  • Congrats to Chad Moss of Transcend Coffee for placing third in the Canadian National Barista Championships held this weekend in Vancouver! Check the Transcend website for photos of the competition.
  • The Journal filed an early review for the sparkly-new Indian eatery, Zaika, tucked on the city’s burgeoning southwest side.
  • See Magazine published a positive review for Nyala (10875-98 Street, 780-761-2000) this week, the relatively new Ethiopian eatery that took over the space previously occupied by the Blue Nile.
  • Original Fare has a new contest to encourage patrons to visit independent eateries (or, alternatively, to reward those who do already): experience 10 different Original Fare restaurants before December 31, 2009, and you can enter a draw to win a $250 gift certificate!
  • The Manor Bistro (formerly known as the Manor Cafe) as a new website!
  • The Duchess Bake Shop received more online food love this week, with a post by Twyla at It’s a Weird, Wild and Wonderful Life. A note to anyone looking to visit the bakery – Duchess just changed their hours to hopefully allow Garner and Giselle some breathing room: closed Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.
  • Liane blogged about the launch of an exciting new cookbook called We Eat Together, filled with recipes, photos and stories from nine local farming families. It is being launched at the Artery on November 25.
  • Thanks to Valerie (aka A Canadian Foodie) for writing about her experience in hunting down the ingredients (and of course, subsequently pulling them all together) for Julia Child’s boeuf bourguignon. I’d like to attempt it someday…
  • In recent weeks, Mack and I hit up two of our favourite restaurants in Edmonton. Before the final City Centre Market day, we just had to have brunch at Blue Plate Diner.

It was full when we sat down, but cleared out by the time we were done

Mack in weekend-mode

Mack’s Pancake Breakfast

My Big Breakfast

  • A quick meal at Route 99 prior to a show in the nearby theatre district has become standard for us. Or, we just need an excuse to indulge in poutine. Yum.

Poutine!

Pepperoni & Mushroom Pizza (as always, so generous with cheese)

Fish & Chips

Enjoy the return of fall!

Teatro La Quindicina: “Everybody Goes to Mitzi’s!”

Last Wednesday, Mack and I attended the last Teatro La Quindicina performance of the season, a spirited musical comedy titled Everybody Goes to Mitzi’s! As with the last few years, the final play of their season highlights other local playwrights.

Mitzi’s was written as a tribute to the Edmonton supper club scene in the 1960s, cataloguing the romantic hijinx of staff in one particular establishment. The cast, made up of Teatro regulars and one recent graduate (Robyn Wallis) was solid, and the group definitely looked like they were having fun.

A band was up on stage and played through most of the production, which really helped to set the lighthearted tone. The songs were catchy and upbeat, and instead of simply being musical interludes, actually helped move the plot forward. My favourite was the duet featuring Tippi (Wallis) and Jack (Ryan Parker), if not only because it was the song most pleasing to my ear. The clever will-they-or-won’t-they duet between Mitzi’s staff Mitch (Andrew MacDonald Smith) and ‘Numbers’ (Jocelyn Ahlf) was also enjoyable.

The 60s-inspired costumes deserve a special mention as well <insert ubiquitous Mad Men reference here>, and in particular I thought Tippi’s wardrobe stole the show (she seemed to change outfits after every scene).

The play ended on a very optimistic note – one that sees the characters adopt a forward-looking stance on the city’s development, which is not unlike the outlook many citizens have on the current state of Edmonton. It was a fitting ending, and left me smiling as I left the theatre.

Everybody Goes to Mitzi’s runs until October 24.

Creations Grand Opening

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Sawridge Inn inviting me to the grand opening of their new dining space, Creations. Located in the former Holiday Inn on Gateway Boulevard, I was interested to see what they had done – the photos on the website seemed promising.

We were greeted with a jam-packed parking lot on Thursday evening about halfway through the event. I think we were both expecting a more intimate, personable opening, so we did not anticipate the crowd that was present. We are also among the youngest in the room, and definitely underdressed in jeans, as most of the attendees were in business attire. We didn’t recognize anyone, though I found out after the fact that Foodie Suz was also there!

Creations Lounge

We were made to feel welcome though as we walked into the hotel, directed to the coat check and oriented to the layout of the space. The Creations Gallery features art work by Canadian artists, with new pieces presented on an ongoing basis. The water feature separating the exhibition from the lounge was lovely.

Creations Gallery

The art theme continued in the dining space, with a focus on Aboriginal pieces. I loved the wood and stone accents, which helps separate the room from the bustling freeway outside. And though Creations isn’t large, the high ceiling helps make the space seem bigger.

Welcoming dream catcher

Dining room

Stunning 12 foot fireplace

Several food and drink stations were scattered throughout. Not only was wine poured, but champagne and spirits as well! We also helped ourselves to bite-size samples of several of their regular menu items. Mack’s favourite was the teriyaki scallops, while I loved the pork tenderloin with a blueberry and port compote.

Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry and Port Compote and Sherried Beef Caprese

Almond-encrusted Sole, Cranberry Chicken Breast and Flat Iron Steak

Dungeness Crab and Spinach Dip and Pistachio Lamb with Rhubarb Chutney

On the whole, I was impressed with the food. Considering everything had to be prepared in large batches and kept warm either with burners or heat lamps, I could still taste the quality.

Before we left, we were each given at $25 gift card. Even if they hadn’t provided us with this generous gift, I would have considered returning for a full meal anyway – the entrees are intriguing, and the menu prices are reasonable. We’ll be back, and I look forward to experiencing Creations on a regular night.

Creations (in Sawridge Inn Edmonton South)
4235 Gateway Blvd.
(780) 989-4439

The Last of the Fall Harvest: City Centre Market 2009

Making the most of the last two City Centre Market days, I was amazed at how much difference a week could make. While the first weekend of October was crisp, the snow had not yet arrived. And though the frost meant subsequent harvests of the majority produce were over, most of the farmers had picked what they could, with nearly the last of their fall bounty up for grabs.

Lots of corn!

Rainbow chard from Kuhlmann’s

Enormous zucchini and squash are a universal sign of fall

Ornamental gourds

Gorgeous flower arrangements (I couldn’t resist a bouquet)

Tomatoes from Sundog Organic Farm

Fruit from Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit

Many of the usual vendors were missing, with large gaps on 104 Street where booths typically stood. Between that and a smaller cold weather-crowd, it definitely felt like the market was winding down.

Shoppers on the penultimate market day

We picked up our staples – eggs from Sunshine Organic, onions and carrots from Green Valley Farms, tomatoes and bell peppers from Gull Valley Greenhouses, and a bag of greens from Greens, Eggs and Ham.

Picking up onions from Green Valley Farms

We had also reserved two of the Greens, Eggs and Ham turkey bombs – turkey breasts stuffed with cranberry orange bread stuffing – for whatever reason, I thought they would be small enough to be served as individual portions, but we found that one would be more than enough for the two of us! As we were a part of their Community Supported Agriculture program this year, we found it so convenient to shop with them, as our “deposit” got us through the market season and then some. Of course, it was great to know that our money helped Mary Ellen and Andres expand some of their operations.

Turkey bombs

This past weekend, the winter chill was definitely in the air, the streets lined with leaves that weren’t yet ready to fall.

Last market day

As expected, the produce pickings were slim, with most of the vegetable vendors absent already. Mack and I made the most of our visit and loaded up on hearty cabbage, potatoes, carrots and onions, and some broccoli and kale for good measure. We also swung by Irvings Farm Fresh for some ground pork for the freezer stash.

Sundog Organic’s veggies were in their van!

Kohlrabi

Green tomatoes, anyone?

Mack and I consciously shifted most of our grocery spending to the market this summer, and made it a point to integrate a visit to the market into our weekends. But because I’m not one of those cooks who can buy random ingredients and make a dish out of them, it did require some meal planning. And while I wish I was a little more experimental with our recipes (kale was about as far out of our comfort zone as I got), I’m certain that it will only get better from here.

Though I know that I treat the City Centre Market like the be all-end all of local farmers’ markets, I recognize that other markets will continue where 104th Street left off.

I will stop by the winter markets from time to time, but there’s just nothing like having a market within walking distance of your home. Until next year, City Centre Market.

Solo Lunch: Holt’s Cafe

Sometimes I am forced to be timely with my restaurant reviews, particularly when new establishments open up. Other times, my good intentions never pan out, and reviews are pushed back in favour of different posts. My recap of a solo weekday lunch at Holt’s Café falls into this latter category.

In late summer, when the weather was more reasonable than it is now, my first choice of lunch at Fo Guang Tea House was dashed with the temple’s closure for a special event. I thought about my nearby options, and settled on Holt’s Cafe inside Holt Renfrew, which like Fo Guang, is essentially only open for lunch. I had been there once before several years ago, and though I found the meal satisfactory, haven’t been able to return because of their limited operating hours.

So book in hand, I settled down at my table and watched as the downtown lunch crowd trickled in after me. I should note that the waitress was particularly great – she was warm, and made conversation without ever overstepping her boundaries (for example, she saw that I was reading My Life in France and asked if I had seen the movie). At the end of my meal, when I requested more water, she brought me a  pretty wine glass filled with ice water – a nice touch.

The menu had changed since my last visit, featuring some more upscale fare (and changed again in October). Though the vegetable fritters sounded like an interesting appetizer, my waitress steered me away from them, stating that they were dry. So instead, I chose the truffle potato chips ($6). For my main, the spring pea and lemon risotto with mascarpone and shiitake mushrooms ($15) sounded like the comforting dish I was looking for.

The truffle potato chips were merely fried potato crisps drenched in oil and sprinkled with salt. Unfortunately, the simplicity didn’t mean perfect execution, and it was overdressed in every way – the potato was barely discernable underneath it all.

Truffle Potato Chips

Thankfully, the risotto fared much better. The rice was creamy, accented nicely by the mascarpone with additional texture from the crisp peas and silky mushrooms.

Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone and Shiitake Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a restaurant in the heart of downtown for a solo lunch, or for a quiet place to catch up with a friend, Holt’s Cafe is worth a try.

Holt’s Cafe (inside Holt Renfrew)
10180-101st Street NW
(780) 425-5300

Friday Night Football: BC Lions vs. Edmonton Eskimos

When I told my family I had complimentary tickets to the football game on Friday, they laughed – they wouldn’t subject themselves to inclement weather even if provided with the opportunity free of charge. At half time, I started to agree with them.

Mack and I “bundled up” (in quotation marks because we did not have the a) winter boots, b) blanket, or c) long underwear that those sitting around us clearly did) and headed to Commonwealth Stadium after work on Friday to watch the Eskimos play against the BC Lions. I am not a football fan, but I haven’t been to a game in several years, so we went.

Before the start of the game, when we could still feel our extremities

The snow that fell just before the opening kickoff soon relented, but the wind did not, constantly reminding us about our mistake of under-dressing for the game.

Esks’ introductions

A flurried opening kickoff

At the end of the first quarter, we ducked into a heated concession area for a hot chocolate and a strange cheese-stuffed pretzel (enduring the cold translated into free reign when it came to greasy food, at least in my mind). The “mozzarella” had a consistency in between liquid and solid, and wasn’t all that pleasant to eat.

Mack with the pretzel

Half time meant hot dogs, and we made sure to take our time warming up. Though it was only around –10 with the wind chill, it felt much colder, sitting stationary and at mercy to the wind.

Other cold fans get warm at half-time

As for the football? The Eskimos trailed for most of the night, but with a minute left in the fourth quarter, managed to score a touchdown which vaulted them 31 to BC’s 27. If the Eskimos won, we figured the cold would have been worth it.

De-fence!

With 22 seconds left however, the Lions managed to deflate the whole of Commonwealth Stadium, with a touchdown that won them the game, 34-31.

Will the Eskimos make the playoffs? You’ll have to stay tuned. As for whether we’ll be back to another game soon – maybe, but a toque will definitely not be required at that time.