Tag: food

Not My Cup of Tea: Mikado Restaurant

As any restaurateur is well aware, lunch is the best way to more inexpensively sample an eatery’s fare. So although I am not a fan of Japanese food, I thought I’d give the southside Mikado (1903-98 Street) a shot this afternoon with my Mum.

I have to admit to being impressed by their decor. Designed to reflect a simple elegance, the dark wood and leather furniture, accented by cream-colored square and geometric lanterns aspired to offer Asian cuisine within a Western framework and expectations. Fronting the kitchen lay a full-service sushi bar, with uniformed chefs visibly at work. The waitresses too were costumed, complete with satin kimonos and tatami sandals. Non-descript flute and piano-heavy instrumentals streamed from the speakers.

In addition to regular tables and booths, patrons also had the option of renting private rooms. Before we left, my Mum and I asked for a brief tour, which they willingly obliged to. I must confess the kitschy part of me was enthused at the idea of eating at a low table, seated on the floor in a traditional manner. But that’s to buy into cookie-cutter culture, right?

We had heard that Mikado served lunch specials, but when questioned about these, the waitress merely pointed to the menu she had given us, and said that the specials were the Bento Boxes, priced lower than they would be at dinner. Balking at the idea of eating sushi, I settled on the Beef Teriyaki (beef slices, vegetable stir fry, rice), while my Mum decided on the A-1 Bento Box (sushi, sashimi, mix tempura, chicken teriyaki, salad, rice).

While we waited for our food, we enjoyed several cups of brown rice tea. Stronger than the jasmine tea they typically serve in Chinese restaurants, we marveled later on at how hot the brew stayed throughout our meal in the seemingly magically-insulated plastic teapot.

My Mum’s order came rather quickly, although I had to wait at least another five minutes for my own dish to arrive. Needless to say, for the price ($12.95), she wasn’t floored with her Bento Box. She said she much preferred the version available at Banzai (4608 Calgary Trail).

As for the Beef Teriyaki – to begin with, I was expecting a larger portion for $12.95. Although the beef itself was tender, the slices were bathed in oil, whereas I was hoping for more teriyaki sauce. The chopped cabbage, carrots, and broccolli were fine, but lacked pizzazz. And like my Mum, I knew of a better deal sold elsewhere – the Tokyo Express beef bowl.

Yes, I acknowledge that the higher prices paid at Mikado are for the atmosphere, but personally, I favor the dine and dash variety of Japanese cuisine offered at Tokyo Express.

Sushi bar

Booths

Cup and teapot

Bento Box

Beef Teriyaki

Upright Consistency: Doan’s Restaurant

I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to “repeat post” about restaurants I’ve already reviewed, but in this case, I do have some new pictures, so it is worth blogging about.

Following the Festival, a few friends and I went to Doan’s Restaurant, which I first wrote about in October. I’m quite uninspired about what to add to my previous review, but I do think this translates to a positive remark about Doan’s, as the service, food quality, and ambiance all remained consistent.

However, even though the dining room itself is better taken care of, and the portions are larger, I still consider the southside Pagolac my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Edmonton. Pagolac is like a friend’s basement – I feel comfortable sitting back, and enjoy the conversation that flows and is facilitated by a casual atmosphere. Because of the decor at Doan’s, I am conscious of the need to sit upright, as the environment dictates more formal behavior.

Perhaps the way to go is Pagolac for dining in and Doan’s for take out?

Dining room

Tea (still a rip off, but I used my “emergency tea bag” to make the pot stronger, without just asking for free hot water)

Wonton Soup for one (isn’t it cute?)

Combination Grilled Beef Plate

Pho Tai for me (as always)

Dinner & a Movie: 4th and Vine

Following Superskills last night, my friend and I went to 4th and Vine (11358-104 Avenue) for supper. I read about the restaurant in Vue Weekly a few months ago, and was particularly drawn to their weekly “dinner & a movie” event. That Sunday, both An Inconvenient Truth and Who Killed the Electric Car? were featured, but we elected to sit for the second movie, as we had already watched the first.

The lengthy, rectangular-shaped dining room was an interesting design, one not often seen in Edmonton. Instead, it reminded me of space conscious restaurants in Toronto. The high-back, black leather chairs and dark mahogany tables, accentuated by the glow from nearby lamps, oozed an air of sophistication not unlike that from a pristine, upscale furniture showroom. Furthermore, it seemed as if these events had been offered long enough to warrant the purchase of a ceiling-mounted projector and pull-down screen located at the far end of the room.

As anticipated, 4th and Vine had an extensive wine and spirits list, complete with suggested entree wine pairings. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the imbibing mood, but my friend did have a Stella. Their food menu, on the other hand, was sparse in comparison. However, it seems the focus on few dishes was to their advantage.

I ordered the chicken breast (pan-flashed chicken breast basted in their signature garlic hazelnut butter, served with daily starch and seasonal vegetables), while my friend decided on the penne jambalaya (spicy Italian sausage, chicken breast, and prawns sauteed with bell peppers and red onion in a zesty sun-dried tomato sauce). Though the serving was not as generous as I had hoped, it more than made up for size with flavor. The signature butter was superb, with the hazlenuts providing great texture and crunch, and complemented the tender, juicy chicken well. I also have a weak spot for grilled vegetables, so I was happy to see them on my plate. My friend commented that his pasta was “hotter than Gore’s anger over global warming, but not hotter than Gore’s anger over losing to Bush.”

We split a chocolate mousse for dessert (hurrah for coupons!). Gosh, was the aftertaste ever potent. There was no mention of liqueur used in the mousse, but after several spoonfuls, I had to cry for water. Needless to say, I did not finish dessert that night.

We finished dinner right on time to focus on the Electric Car. Thanking our lucky stars, we had access to the best spot in the house, as the patrons who had originally reserved the COUCH didn’t show. I’m still tickled by the experience of watching a movie in a public restaurant from the comfort of a couch. Moreover, the kitchen even delivered a free bowl of “gourmet” popcorn (air-popped, slightly burnt kernels drizzled with garlic butter) to each table!

With great food and a novel concept, I must say I was quite enamored with 4th and Vine, and will be back in the not too distant future.

Restaurant interior

Penne jambalaya (pictures are blurry because I didn’t want the flash to distract patrons from the movie)

Chicken breast

Movie screen

Couch!

Cooly Authentic: El Rancho Spanish Restaurant

A few friends and I had supper at El Rancho Spanish Restaurant (11810-87 Street) on Saturday night to celebrate one friend’s professional milestone.

Both the covert location (tucked away in a northside neighborhood) and the authenticity of the food can lead one to label El Rancho with the coveted “gem” status. With salmon-colored walls, a small dining room, and cozy burnished tables, the thought of being in grandma’s kitchen was not far away. Upbeat Spanish-language music played in the background, functioning well as festive background noise (at least until they switched to Shakira. Blech).

The menu prices were very reasonable, and encourage the sampling and sharing of dishes. Still, I think my entree, the Enchilada Mexicana (corn tortilla filled with chicken garnished with tomato sauce), served with both rice and salad proved to be the largest dish out of all we ordered and hence the best deal. Also, on my next trip, I should make a note to ask about the dressing – probably olive-oil based, it had a nutty flavor unlike anything else I’ve ever had. My only nitpick – I wanted the dish to be served warmer, if not only to combat the cold air streaming in from the poorly insulated walls and window!

Hands down, best part of our meal that night was the dessert! We split a Tres Leches (three milks cake) and the Pan del Dia (pastry of the day), which happened to be Choco Flan (isn’t that fun to say?!). The Tres Leches, soaked in milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk, was my favorite. Not as sweet as the waitress had warned, the cake was moist and light, the perfect partner to the round of Abuelita Hot Chocolate we had ordered as well. It was probably the cold talking, but the cocoa-based concoction was delicious!

El Rancho will be having a “Latino Christmas” celebration on December 1, with a set dinner for $25 per person. Whether you head to the restaurant on that occasion or on another day, it is definitely worth a try!

El Rancho Spanish Restaurant

Dining room

Flautas Mexicanas (three rolled golden fried tortillas stuffed with chicken, carrots and onions, topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and El Rancho sauce)

Burrito al Carbon (a flour tortilla stuffed with grilled beef with fried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, garnished with salad)

Enchilada Mexicana

Tres Leches and Choco Flan

Abuelita Hot Chocolate

Fresh Start Bakery

I decided to check out Fresh Start Bakery (484 Riverbend Square) with my parents while we were in the area this afternoon. I had originally read about the cafe in Vue Weekly, and noticing the apparent hunger in Edmonton for upscale breads and treats (Fresh Start joins Cobbs Bread and the more established Bon Ton and Bee Bell Bakeries), it seemed time to try the city’s latest.

Catering to the wealthy and idle, the cafe was clean and spacious, with stone accents and marble counters to boot. Atop the hearth sat a flat-panel television screen, listing the country songs being played on the digital radio station. The bakery counter was located to the left of the entrance, displaying fresh loaves and desserts too saccharine for a late lunch. My dieter’s sensibility drove me instead to the bistro showcase.

Given the location of this cafe, expensive dishes were to be expected. The bistro side offered some freshly-prepared goods, including paninis, rice bowls, and pizza, but also some heat-from-the-cooler standard coffee shop fare, such as quiche and shepherd’s pie. I opted for the latter, while my Mum ordered a large bowl of beef and vegetable soup.

The pie was nicely plated, but sadly, I couldn’t tell if it had been microwaved or oven-heated (usually indicative of the former). Still, the beef was well-seasoned, with a reasonable quantity of vegetables, and the cookie-pressed mashed potato florets created a distinctive presentation. My Mum’s soup was disappointing in size ($5.99 for the bowl), but she did appreciate the low sodium flavored broth and generous portion of beef included.

Before heading home, we opted to take home some baked goods. I chose a Montreal-style cheese bagel, and after a frustrating “Who’s on first?” type exchange with the clerk (“No, we want the goosen, NOT the cinnamon bun!”), my mum ended up with a cinnamon bun (don’t ask). I found the bagel to be worth a return trip – crunchy with a sumptuous cheesy essence. My Dad commented that the cinnamon bun was good, but inferior to Mum’s own.

Fresh Start can be considered an alternative to the run of the mill coffee chain, and if I happen to be in Riverbend in the future, I wouldn’t overlook dropping by for a cup of coffee. But I’d be sure to load up on a heartier meal elsewhere first.

Fresh Start Bakery (I neglected to bring my camera, so I was forced to take an image from the website).

High Level Diner

A friend and I had supper at High Level Diner (10912-88 Avenue) last night. I had previously sampled their daytime fare, but this was my first dinner visit.

The Diner is located near the University of Alberta campus, just off the busy 109 thoroughfare, so parking can be an issue. Luckily, as we pulled in, there were a few curbside spaces free. We expected a thin crowd, as the temperature was easily twenty below. To our surprise, the restaurant was nearly full.

The dining room was dimly lit, furnished with aged wooden tables and chairs. Paintings by local artists adorned the walls, available for customer perusal and purchase. It was evident that there was a lot of care behind the restaurant as many personal touches were observed, such as the vase of real flowers in the bathroom. Overall, the decor evoked a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The evening menu boasted ethnic-inspired diner favorites, seemingly more creative and unique than the comparable Blue Plate Diner. I would name sample dishes, but as my memory is shoddy, and there is no website to refer to, I will abandon specifics in this case. I opted for the Ural Burger (lean ground beef patty, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar and sprouts on a whole wheat bun) with fries while my friend ordered the daily special (which for that night was pan-fried shrimp, spinach, and mushrooms tossed with fettuccine in a cream sauce).

Our food arrived in no time, although we were in no rush, enjoying the air that buzzed with tones of hushed conversation. My friend said the pasta was disappointing – not bad, but uninspired, and easily surpassed by our favorite pasta hangout, Olive Garden. The burger was generously sized, but a tad too greasy for my taste, and I found the sprouts actually overpowered all other toppings. The fries were homemade from whole potatoes, so naturally, they had less shape and crunch than those made and processed from potato flour. Still, the thinner slices tasted best, crispy and reminiscent of fried potato skins.

With exceptionally friendly servers, comfort food and ambiance typically found only in intimate coffee shops, High Level Diner is a great place to have dinner and catch up with friends.

Table with a view – “Untitled” painting and twinkle lights
Daily special pasta dish
Ural Burger
Table with a view deux – we let the car warm up as long as we could!

Real men make quiche, too

It seems that I am on a baked egg kick. On the heels of my frittata experiment last month, I enlisted the help of a friend and his spacious kitchen (in that order, of course) to test out a Better Homes and Gardens quiche recipe.

We opted to use frozen pie shells (why make from scratch what can be purchased “off the shelf?”) and chose smoked turkey breast as our filling ingredient. Like frittatas, “mix then bake” was the order of the day. Everything on the recipe was straightforward, even though we did prematurely combine the cheese and the flour with the wet mixture. Honestly, the most difficult part was waiting for the quiche to cook; nearly fifty minutes passed until we decided the egg had set enough to eat.

A photo of the finished product is below; it’s safe to say I’m pretty proud of our creation! We paired the quiche with a simple romaine salad (it seems that grape tomatoes taste infinitely better when you know the pint cost $4), but I think a vegetable or tomato soup would have worked just as well as a side. Next time, I would also consider adding a layer of cheese on top of the quiche before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Needless to say, I can now add quiche to my growing repertoire of cookery.

Quiche x 2

Plated and ready to eat! (Disclaimer for foodies: we knew white would have been the more appropriate wine pairing, but we only had red on hand…)

Urban Diner

Just returned from brunch with a few of my girlfriends in celebration of a birthday. We went to Urban Diner (12427 102 Avenue), located in the upscale High Street district. I have been there for dinner on several occasions, but this was my first taste of their breakfast menu.

We went in without reservations, so we had to wait about twenty minutes for a table. Although the time went by fairly quickly, I would advise calling ahead to book a table, as there isn’t really a proper waiting area set up in the restaurant.

I love the feel of the place – the staff are friendly, the dining room is clean and bright, and the food is comfort-oriented. Above the cash counter hangs a chalkboard advertising their daily specials, ‘shakes, and wine; I think it’s a nice touch.

Besides coffee (a must!), I ordered the frittata (with sausage, bacon, spinach, portabella, peppers, tomatoes, leeks, swiss & mozza, served with Diner potatoes and toast). My friends chose the smoked salmon bennie (with basil pesto, roasted bell pepper, spinach, cheddar & cream, served with grilled French bread and Diner potatoes).

Given that the restaurant seemed especially busy, the food was quite prompt. I’m a sucker for novelties: the frittata arrived in its own mini cast iron pan! I’m not sure how many eggs they used, but I can say I was rather stuffed at the end of it. Still, I wouldn’t really call the dish a ‘frittata’ per se; it is more aptly termed ‘scrambled eggs and then some.’ I am also happy to report that thankfully, I did not taste the leek!

Urban Diner never disappoints; I highly recommend it for brunch or dinner!

The quaint view from the window

Smoked salmon bennie

Frittata

Doan’s Restaurant

Vietnamese pho has long been a favorite of mine, with southside’s Pagolac (9642 54 Avenue) claiming my vote for pho supremacy in Edmonton. However, I decided to put that title to the test when I visited Doan’s Restaurant (10130 107 Street) with a friend on Friday night.
Doan’s has consistently won See Magazine‘s annual readers poll for “Best Vietnamese.” And though I once sampled their pho in a take-out order, this was my first dine-in experience to date.

The decor is a classic case of Asian misinterpretation of Western flair. Although the pink walls, solid wooden tables and seat covers are nice enough, the palm trees (yes, I said palm trees) and Oriental art accents create an apperance of trying too hard. To underscore this point, the water was served in wine glasses.

To eat at an Asian restaurant without tea is a foreign idea to me, so we ordered a pot of green tea ($2). We were surprised to find they used a tea bag instead of loose leaves or steeped tea. Pagolac, on the other hand, offers a brewed variety, and doesn’t charge for their tea.

We decided to start with a half plate of cha gio (spring rolls) while for the main course, my friend settled on Pho Dac Biet (special beef noodle soup with brisket, medium rare beef, well done beef, and beef balls) and I ordered my usual Pho Tai (medium rare beef noodle soup).

The food arrived promptly. The sping rolls were crispy and not greasy, but my friend noted that they were smaller than their Pagolac counterparts. As for the pho – it was simply delicious. The broth was rich and flavorful, with enough cilantro garnish to keep me happy. They were also extremely generous with the portions – the bowl contained noticeably more noodles and beef than Pagolac’s version. So for approximately $1 more, Doan’s offers the better value.

Though I enjoy Pagolac’s laid back atmosphere and free tea refills, the quality of the food at Doan’s gives Pagolac a run for their money. I’ll definitely be back for another round.

Palm trees!

Pho Dac Biet

Pho Tai

Tim Hortons’ Breakfast Sandwich

On Sunday morning, I finally made it to Tim Hortons to try their new hot breakfast sandwich, which I haven’t stopped talking about since seeing the advertisement (it appears that they allow their Canadian customers to have their sleep and eat too, offering the sandwich until noon on weekends but only until 11am in the States).

I have always been a fan of the Sausage McMuffin at McDonald’s, but if I had to compare English muffins with biscuits as a base, the latter would win every time. For this reason, Tim’s sausage sandwich is my clear favorite. It is marginally bigger than the McDonald’s version (with 60 more calories), but at $2.49 plus tax, it’s fairly pricey; for that amount you could almost buy an entire meal at McDonalds. Still, it would be well worth the occasional “splurge” when you’re craving a cheesy, egg-tastic treat to start out your day.

For the record, my dining companion consumed both the sausage and bacon versions, and claimed he felt “sick” afterwards. Weak.

Understand that I never intended on taking a photo that seems to undercut the appeal of the sandwich…