And just like that, it’s fall. Make sure you enjoy the golden trees while they’re still around to be admired. On to this week’s food notes:

• Little Brick is hosting a Fall Festival on September 21, 2016 from 5-9pm. Check out their seasonal menu featuring mulled wine.
• Lexus South Pointe is hosting a Fall Food Festival on September 22, 2016. Linda previews what you can expect and is also giving out some tickets to the festival.
• The final What the Truck?! event takes place this Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Churchill Square from 2-7pm. Say goodbye to summer with 25 trucks – plan your visit with these menus.
• The Edmonton Oktoberfest runs September 30 – October 1, 2016 at Northlands, with beer and food samples.
• Bar Clementine is now open at 11957 Jasper Avenue.
• Northern Chicken will be moving into the spot vacated by Relish, at 10704 124 Street. They hope to open in mid-October.
• The Journal reviewed Cafe Linnea.
• The Sun and Vue Weekly both enjoyed Have Mercy to varying degrees.
• Jonny put forth a spate of reviews, for LETS Grill, Karlen Cafe & Smokehouse, Soy & Pepper, Quickly, and Afra BBQ & Grill.
• S’wich, one of Edmonton’s longer-standing food trucks, has ceased operations. Lex will be moving on to lead the kitchen at Baijiu.
• The Tomato reports that Chef Nathin Bye has moved on from Ampersand 27.
• Phil’s latest Community Table Project features Inspiration Gnocchi.
• Congratulations to Reclaim Urban Farm founders Ryan Mason and Cathryn Sprague on their Alumni Innovation Awards from the University of Alberta. The two met at the university while studying environmental sociology.
• Though we’re never quite as far along as New York, there is still some truth to Eater’s “What’s Wrong with Restaurants Today”.
• A toast to Tina Faiz and Leanne Brown, the authors of Edmonton Cooks! I attended a lovely book launch this evening at Duchess Provisions (where we were treated to lovely bites from the book, and generous drinks poured by bartenders from North 53 and Baijiu). The public launch of Edmonton Cooks is taking place at Provisions on September 24 at 1pm.

Cognac West cocktail served at tonight’s book launch

It’s wonderful to live in a city where your entertainment choices over the weekend are countless; I hope you were able to make the most of the break too! On to this week’s food notes:

• Tickets for the first Meals on Wheels Beers & Bands fundraiser at Yellowhead Brewery are still available. Chefs from Meals on Wheels will be preparing the food, and brewery tours are on tap. Tickets are $40. As a side note, the organization has served over 1 million meals since 2010.
• Chinatown will be hosting a Moonlight Carnival on September 16, 2016 from 5-11pm as a part of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. If you ever wanted to learn how to make moon cakes (the traditional baked treat enjoyed during this holiday), consider taking a class at Garden Bakery on September 17. Tickets are $18 for adults.
• The insanely-popular Hip Hop Brunch at The Common will be taking place September 18, 2016, from 11am-3pm. Go early.
• The next Food 4 Good Collective Kitchen will run on September 23, 2016 from 1-3pm. The cost is $5 for 4 servings of food.
• Beercade, located at 10544 82 Avenue, boasts 50 beers on tap and 80 vintage pinball machines and arcade games – they’re hosting their grand opening party on September 16-17, 2016. (Thanks to Su for the heads up!)
• The latest arena-related restaurant announcement is Vivo Ristorante’s expansion into a vacant two-story building at 10505 106 Street.
• There’s also activity in the former Starbucks storefront in Quest (104 Avenue & 105 Street), with signage advertising Montreal Hot Dogs, a franchise of The Montreal Smoked Meat Original.
• The Journal has an overview of what will be available at Rogers Place. Although I visited during the open house on Saturday, most of their specialty items weren’t on display. Basic concession items, including hot dogs ($5.25), cheeseburgers ($9) and water ($5) were being sold.
• Choped Canada winner Chef Shelley Robinson will be heading up the restaurants of the neighbouring Grand Villa Casino.
• Arena-goers shouldn’t forget about Sofra, or its underground sister restaurant The Cellar, which was just reviewed by the Journal.
• Jonny stopped by Little Brick to try some of their lunch dishes.
• Sugared and Spiced just launched their BoostR campaign today, with the hopes of raising $20,000 towards opening a storefront bakery. As I’m typing this, they’ve already raised nearly $15,000 of that goal.
• Although Eats on 118 is already sold out, hopefully the success means even more events in the future! Vue Weekly highlights this initiative to encourage more foot traffic on Alberta Avenue.
• Avenue wrote a retrospective on the last ten years of dining in Edmonton, as a part of their decade in print.
• Congratulations to The Tomato, who just celebrated 20 years in print.
• Will the Whole Foods in Edmonton ever open? Liane investigated but didn’t find any concrete answers.
• In related news, Sherwood Park will be getting a Planet Organic store.
• A belated happy 25 year anniversary to Earth’s General Store!
• Phil’s newest Community Table Project is Parkallen Kitchen Jacquie’s Grand-Maman’s baked beans.
• Elyse tried Chefs Plate meal kits, and found it to be a nice break from meal planning.
• I’m not sure the world really needed Chalet sauce flavoured Lays chips, but to each their own.
• The Chinese Benevolent Association put on a beautiful Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Churchill Square on Saturday, which ended with a wish boat launch in the City Hall pool. This year, Mack and I were early enough to purchase boats to make wishes too!

Mid-Autumn Festival wishing boat launch

• I neglected to include a photo of the gorgeous Duchess Atelier teaching kitchen last week. It’s separated by a glass wall from Duchess Provisions, so you might be able to spy on some aspiring bakers during your next visit.

Duchess Atelier

• Public announcement: Pho Tau Bay reopened from their annual summer vacation after the September long weekend.

My usual

The weather held out for most of the long weekend – I hoped you managed to make the most if it, too! On to this week’s food notes:

• Sorrentino’s is hosting their annual Mushroom Harvest in the month of September, which features special dishes on their menus, mushroom cooking classes, a mushroom walk, and wine dinner.
• The annual Kaleido Festival takes place on Alberta Avenue from September 9-11, 2016. In addition to 17 venues hosting a variety of artists, dancers and musicians, they’ll also have a full line-up of food vendors!
• The Italian Centre is celebrating ten years of their southside Edmonton location on September 10, 2016 from 11am-3pm. They’ll have food samples and demonstrations and activities for the kids.
• A reminder that the Red Shoe Crawl is taking place on 124 Street on September 10, 2016 from 1-5pm. Adult tickets are $35 and all proceeds go towards the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern Alberta.
• The 7th annual Bacon Day fundraiser, headed by Chef Paul Shufelt, is taking place on September 10, 2016. Tickets are $90 and include food and some drinks. 100% of the ticket price will go to Youth Empowerment and Support Services.
• Nomiya is taking their downtown noodle bar for a spin on September 23 and 24, 2016. Tickets for their soft launch are $20.
• Vignettes Does Dining is a collaboration between restaurants on 104 Street and local designers. They’re creating 4 pop-up restaurants on September 24, 2016. Tickets for the dining experience are $200 each.
• Thanks to Stephanie for the heads up about a new Japanese restaurant in the south side – Me 2 Japanese Sizzling Restaurant at 9314 34 Avenue.
• Little Brick is experimenting with evening hours – check them out on September 21 from 5-9pm for a taste of their fall plates and mulled wine.
• Hundred Bar and Kitchen is currently under renovations and will be rebranded as McLeod’s Tavern.
• The Mongolie Grill at 10104 109 Street has now closed.
• The Journal had a great time at Have Mercy.
• Phil’s latest Community Table Project is a recipe for vegetarian Greek perogies.
• The “ugly food” movement is finally hitting Alberta on a larger scale, with Medicine Hat-based RedHat Cooperative’s The Misfits being introduced into 35 Save-On Foods stores on September 24.
• Mack and I finally had the chance to visit the new location of Duchess Provisions. It’s a beautiful store, as you would expect, and with the increased square footage, they’re able to carry even more products.

Duchess Provisions

• I’m excited Pho Tau Bay is back from vacation tomorrow! A few coworkers and I headed to Pho Hoan Pasteur last week, which is our go-to when Tau Bay is closed.

Pho from Pho Hoan Pasteur

• I met up with a few friends at Rostizado, sharing a platter for two. It meant we had more than enough room to spring for the churros.

Chicken and pork platter for two from Rostizado

• Over the weekend, Mack, Grandma Male and I had lunch at Chutney’s Indian Grill, a new quick serve Indian restaurant at 4316 17 Street. They’re similar to Mucho Burrito or Chipotle that you can build a bowl or burrito, except the flavours and ingredients are Indian-inspired. Which meant our burroti had a base of rice and chutneys, to which you add proteins and sauces. We liked it well enough, and service was stellar – you can sample the sauces and chutneys before deciding. It’s healthier than other nearby fast food options, so it’s worth considering if you’re in the neighbourhood.

Chutney’s Indian Grill

• Next Saturday, September 10 will be a loaded day on the Edmonton calendar, with a ton of activities to choose from. One of them is the fifth annual Strathearn Art Walk, a community league-run event that will feature more than 120 artists, entertainment, and of course, food. Volunteers help develop and prep the menu which features their signature pulled pork sandwich, vegetarian curry, and local beer. Mack and I were invited to taste some of the food options last week – you won’t be disappointed; a lot of love has gone into the food. The Strathearn Art Walk takes place on September 10 from 12-7pm on Strathearn Drive from 89 to 91 Street. Thanks again to Linda for the invitation – you can see her own preview of the Art Walk here.

The signature Strathearn pulled pork sandwich

Mack and I had a great time in Rocky Mountain House over the weekend, trying our best to make the most of this dwindling summer. Enjoy the rest of August while you can! On to this week’s food notes:

• I love this idea of a pop-up fruit and vegetable stand, selling rescued produce. Check it out on August 30, 2016 at 153 Street and 102 Avenue.
• The next Prairie on a Plate dinner takes place at Red Ox Inn on August 31, 2016. The 4-course meal costs $60.
• Meals on Wheels is hosting their inaugural Beers & Bands on September 15, 2016 at Yellowhead Brewery. Tickets are $40.
• Say farewell to summer with Comal Mexican Table Dinners on September 24 and 25, 2016. Tickets for the 3-course menu are $55.
• Wine seems to make learning all the merrier: the Valley Zoo’s series of Wine and Wildlife continues on October 14, 2016. The topic: “awesome invertebrates”. Tickets are $50.
• You can now buy tickets for LitFest, which includes a feature on the Edmonton food scene on October 22, 2016: “For Love or Money: 10 years of food writing in YEG”. Tickets are $25, and includes wine and nibbles.
• There’s a new smokehouse in town: Karlen Smokehouse is located at 14618 118 Avenue.
• L’Azia is rebranding as RIZ Asian Kitchen – they’re hosting a grand opening on September 6, 2016.
• Twyla raved about Cafe Linnea on CBC Radio and her blog.
• Uccellino has another convert in Jonny.
• The Journal reviewed Saffron Indian Cuisine in the south.
• Athena shares her recent pop-up dinner experience at Get Cooking.
• Vue Weekly profiles Edmonton Food Bike Tour and their desire to combine culinary exploration with physical activity.
• Learn more about the new Joey’s Bell Tower location, and see some of the dishes you can expect.
• Phil’s latest Community Table Project features a generational chocolate angel cake.
• We walked over to Chinatown for dinner last week, and ended up at Lee House. We always order the jap chae, and it didn’t disappoint.

Jap chae from Lee House

Time for the Olympic hangover, but it’s been a great run, Canada. On to this week’s food notes:

• The annual Viva Italia Viva Edmonton Festival takes place in Giovanni Caboto Park on August 28, 2016 from 12-9:30pm. Expect food, cooking demonstrations, music and more.
• There are still some spots available for a Foodie Bike Tour through some great central Edmonton establishments in September. Tickets are $99, excluding the cost of a bike rental.
• Nomiya will be opening up a third location in Oliver Square – great news for ramen lovers in the core.
• Watch out for a second location of Nando’s to open up in Clareview (13324 50 Street) in September.
• It’s heartbreaking that 104 Street is losing Dauphine Bistro this month. While you can still pick up Linda’s wonderful pastries at the City and 124 Street Markets for the rest of the season, this week will be the last chance for their breads, as the ovens are remaining in the space they are vacating. Pay them one last visit in their existing space before August 27, but Paul hopes they can re-open elsewhere downtown.
• The Druid raised its last glass this past Saturday, and will make way for a refreshed, rebranded concept.
• If you needed more convincing that Cafe Linnea is a must-visit spot, Jonny has that covered.
• Linda and Cindy both reviewed Dorinku Izakaya on Whyte Avenue.
• The Journal ventured out to SandyView Farms restaurant in Spruce Grove for their brunch.
• Ever been curious about Saigon Taste and whether it holds up against other Vietnamese restaurants in Chinatown? Vue paid it a visit.
• Feast on the Field took place last week – check out some of the amazing photos of the fundraiser at Commonwealth Stadium.
• Vue explores the bean-to-bar process with Jacek Chocolate Couture.
• Phil’s latest Community Table recipes feature lasagne and pork verde tacos.
• If you’re hoping to be one of the first few into Duchess’s new teaching kitchen, Duchess Atelier, keep an eye on their website on August 30, when they will be releasing the details and tickets to their fall workshops. Thanks to Su for this heads up!
• The Globe & Mail shared their complete list of the most influential people in Canadian food.
• Felicia and I attended a preview dinner at Joey’s Bell Tower (10310 101 Street) last week. I have no doubt the restaurant will busy even before the arena officially opens. The spicy chicken banh mi was respectable, and hit the spot that day. We had a great server that night – personable and attentive – I hope they can keep it up. The location opened to the public on August 18, 2016.

Spicy chicken banh mi from Joey’s

• The penultimate What the Truck?! took place at the Edmonton Ballpark over the weekend. The weather was beautiful for a day in the outfield. If you missed it, mark your calendar for the last event of the year on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Churchill Square.

Mack and I both enjoyed burgers from Jack’s Mobile Burger Shack

I was also happy to finally try satay from Sizzling Stick (I loved the branded sticks)

An ice cream sandwich from One Cool Cookie was my must-have treat; I can’t say no to salted caramel ice cream

Has anyone else fallen into the Olympic hole? It sneaks up on me every two years like clockwork, even when I try to avoid it. But only a week left – let’s hope Canada finishes up strong! Onto this week’s food notes:

• A reminder that What the Truck?! is taking place this Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Edmonton Ballpark. It’ll be a great chance to check out some relative newcomers to the Edmonton food truck scene, including satay vendor Sizzling Stick, St. Albert favourite Jack’s Mobile Burger Shack, and the city’s very own steamed bun truck, KaBao. Start planning with the menus here.
• Alberta Open Farm Days runs all weekend, August 20-21, 2016. It’s your chance to connect with food producers all over the province. Linda has some helpful tips on how to plan your visits.
• Sustainable Food Edmonton is hosting its 5th annual Community Garden Bike Tour on August 20, 2016. Learn about the stories behind the gardens, and discover how community gardens can impact a neighbourhood.
• Help the Harvest Room at the Hotel Mac commemorate 101 years with a 6-course meal priced at, you guessed it, $101. The dinner takes place on August 29, 2016.
• Packrat Louie’s tenth annual Pig Roast is scheduled for August 31, 2016. Tickets are $60.
• This year’s Red Shoe Crawl on 124 Street will happen on September 10, 2016. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for kids, and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Alberta.
• Have you ever been curious about the culinary gems on Alberta Avenue but didn’t know where to start? Eats on 118 can help point you in the right direction – four food crawls in September will showcase some of the diversity in the area. Tickets are just $30.
• In support of the High School Culinary Challenge, the Shaw Conference Centre is hosting a dinner out on their Hall D balcony on September 15, 2016. Tickets are $100.
• The forth Browns Social House is opening up in the Edmonton area, this time in Sherwood Park (55 Salisbury Way).
• It looks like Cobs Bread is adding a location in Oliver, in the Brewery District.
• Liv raved about Ikki Izakaya in The Globe and Mail last week.
• Liane previews what you can expect at Cafe Linnea, the breakfast and brunch spot brought to you by the folks behind Duchess.
• If you’re looking for a different bubble tea joint to sample (or Coco’s is lined up around the block), check out The Purple Bubble, as Vue did.
• Twyla shares why she loves Have Mercy in Old Strathcona.
• Enroute’s list of Best New Restaurant nominees has been released, and Edmonton has one spot on the list: Daniel Costa’s Uccellino. Make sure to vote for your favourite!
• After similar editions in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg, Edmonton finally gets its own version of Edmonton Cooks, written by Leanne Brown and Tina Faiz. It hits shelves September 2, 2016.
• I had to make the following salad at least once this week: at home, I call it “Olympic salad”, so-named because I remember hiding in my office at work over the lunch hour two years ago, munching on it while listening to the radio feed of the women’s gold medal hockey game, and stifling screams when we tied, then won it in overtime. It’s the salad I’ll be eating tomorrow during the women’s soccer semifinal. Go Canada!

Olympic salad (actually, a lentil and farro salad adapted from Julie van Rosendaal’s Spilling the Beans)

• Every Thursday until the end of August, the Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park is screening vintage movies with the option of adding a picnic for dinner and a movie.
• The next What the Truck?! takes place on August 20, 2016 from 4-8pm at the Edmonton Ballpark. Check out the vendor line-up.
• NightJar is hosting a New Orleans-style pop-up called Tickets to Dixie on August 22, 2016. Tickets are $55 and include three courses.
• F.A.R.R.M. Animal Rescue is hosting a vegan bake sale at Earth’s General Store on Whyte Avenue on August 27, 2016 from 10am-3pm.
• It seems a little strange to me to learn about how to cook bison in a park that functions to preserve and nurture bison herds, but to each their own: Elk Island National Park is hosting a festival of all things bison on August 13, 2016, including cooking demonstrations.
• The Edmonton and Area Land Trust’s annual Nature’s Nourishment fundraiser takes place on September 1, 2016. Tickets are $100 and include food and wine, and the opportunity to learn about conservation efforts.
• Sustainable Food Edmonton’s second annual Harvest Reception is scheduled for October 15, 2016. Expect locally-sourced food amongst discussion about the future of Edmonton’s urban agriculture. Tickets are $35.
• District is now serving up brunch on Saturdays from 9am-4pm.
• Cathy checked out Chutney’s Indian Grill, a quick serve addition to southeast Edmonton at 4316 17 Street.
• The Journal is the latest to review Daniel Costa’s Uccellino.
• Vue Weekly has more information about Edmonton’s newest brewery, Bent Stick Brewery.
• Phil started a new series on his blog called The Community Table Project. He’s soliciting signature recipes from home cooks. His first post features CBC’s Mark Connolly and his homemade pizza.
• Welcome to Edmonton Food Tours, the new division of Alberta Food Tours, which will be offering culinary tours of our city. Edmonton tour leaders include Liane Faulder and Cindy Lazarenko. The first tour being offered focuses on 104 Street, and costs $115 per adult.
• The University of Alberta is now home to a second volunteer-run community farm, called Prairie Urban Farm. The one acre mixed crop is located near South Campus, and their goals are “to demonstrate and provide skill-building opportunities in alternative, regenerative ways of growing food within the city and to grow food security: access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.” They sell their veggies every Thursday from 5-7pm.
• The first volunteer-run campus community farm on is the Green & Gold Community Garden. Mack and I haven’t been in several years, so took advantage of a free evening last week to hop on the LRT and walk over. It was bustling with activity (they sell their produce by donation on Tuesdays and Saturdays), and it was great to see all of the kids wandering the crops.

Green & Gold Community Garden

I hope you all had a great long weekend! Only a month left of summer, so make the most of it if you can! On to this week’s food notes:

• A reminder that Sturgeon County Bounty takes place on August 5, 2016 from 4-9pm. Participating restaurants include Nineteen, Jack’s Burger Shack, and Urbano Pizza.
• Slowly but surely, announcements of new Ice District eateries are being made. The latest is from Match Eatery & Public House, to be located in the new casino.
• Vue Weekly checked out Namaste India, a relative newcomer to the city’s restaurant scene, located at 10049 156 Street.
• The Journal’s latest patio review features Workshop Eatery.
• Nightjar is one of the newest bars to open in Edmonton, and embraced a speakeasy concept.
• The third annual Diner en Blanc took place on 104 Street last week.
• Ever considered hosting a home sushi party? Linda did recently and it looked like a great, stress-free way to entertain.
• Athena shared a recent cooking demonstration experience at La Oliva, a gluten free kitchen.
• The Journal profiles Kenzi Food, which sells pie pops at the St. Albert Farmers’ Market and City Market.
• Why does salad have the reputation it does, as a “healthy”, “feminine” dish (or as Mack always suggests, is a side and not a meal)? The Atlantic sheds some light on this.
• Avenue Edmonton profiled some vertical farming initiatives in Edmonton, as well as the expansion of Northlands’ agricultural practices.
• For a pre-Esks game meal last week, we stopped at Love Pizza. It was just as satisfying as I remembered!

Meatatarian

• One of our go-to restaurants for work lunches is Viphalay, and they didn’t disappoint. I can never pass up the opportunity to order pad thai!

Pad thai at Viphalay

• Mack and I took in Heritage Days on Sunday. It was probably the most comfortable I’ve ever been at the festival, with mostly overcast skies and a steady breeze. The rain also stayed away until we were ready to leave! It was also the first year where lines weren’t apparent at a vast majority of the booths – to purchase food tickets or to buy food itself. We wondered if the economy was a factor in this, along with the significant drop in Food Bank donations collected over the weekend. At any rate, we enjoyed ourselves as we sampled some dishes that were new to us.

The chot poti from Bangladesh was one of the best values we encountered (just 4 tickets), a satisfying bowl of chickpeas with a spicy tamarind-based sauce. Based on the description, we were expecting egg instead of tortilla chips, but we did appreciate the added crunch.

The pupusa from Guatemala was the perfect combination of cheese, beans, pork, and a hint of spice.

Mack and I were also satisfied with the couscous and beef from Morocco, which featured a decent portion of meat for 6 tickets.

The chicha morada from Peru, a purple concoction said to be made from boiled purple corn, pineapple, cinnamon and lime, tasted like none of those ingredients to us, but was still refreshing to drink on a warm day. And, well, one can’t fault them for great marketing.

The only real line up we encountered was at the Hungary pavilion. But it was worth the wait for langos (even if the icing sugar-topped version isn’t the most authentic).

• Food4Good is hosting a Collective Kitchen on July 28, 2016 at the Brittania-Youngstown Community League (15927 105 Avenue). Contribute $3 to help put together 4 servings of food to take home.
• Ever wanted to see how chocolate is made? Jacek Chocolate Couture is opening up their chocolate studio on July 28, 2016, from 5-8pm. You can RSVP on Facebook.
• The second location of Bodega Edmonton is now open in Highlands at 6509 112 Avenue. Learn more about Christian Mena and Lino Oliveira, the duo behind this growing local chain, on The Local Good.
• Another local expansion to report: the Crudo family will be doubling their restaurant foothold in Edmonton, with the takeaway-focused Bottega on 104 Street and a quick-service version of Cafe Amore in Terwillegar.
• Sorrentino’s announced that Buco will be opening up in Epcor Tower. The company also celebrated their newest Sorrentino’s outpost in Stony Plain.
• Twyla raved about Have Mercy’s Southern food and perfectly gritty decor.
• Vue Weekly checked out Walia on 124 Street, one of the city’s newest Ethiopian restaurants.
• Congratulations to all of the winners of the Canadian Food Championships over the weekend!
• The K-Days New Food Contest winners are in: take a look at the results before heading out onto the midway.
• It was a shock to hear about the sudden passing of Ernesto Rizzi. He was the friendly and engaging operator behind Dolce & Banana food truck. He will be missed.
• The Journal’s latest market vendor profile is Urban Pierogies, which creates organic, uniquely flavoured perogies.
• If you’re interested in learning more about urban beekeeping, check out a City-hosted event called Honey Harvest, happening October 14, 2016. There will be panel discussions, tastings, and networking opportunities. The cost is $40.
• It’s not surprising that the term “community supported agriculture” has been co-opted by big business in the States.
• David Chang puts forth his unified theory of deliciousness.
• I neglected to post about the new Olly Fresco’s located at 10030 107 Street. It’s a Calgary-based company specializing in prepared food.

Olly Fresco’s

• A reminder that the last day to buy discounted Taste of Edmonton tickets is July 20, 2016.
• Workshop Eatery is hosting A Garden Party on August 11, 2016. Tickets for the four-course al fresco meal are $100, with proceeds going to the Canadian Culinary Fund.
• A modern speakeasy, Nightjar, is now open at 8130 Gateway Boulevard.
• Jonny visited Curry Corner in Riverbend and shared the great lunch special they offer for $11.
• Linda was invited to dine at the Highlands Golf Club, which is open to non-members.
• The Globe is the latest to review Beaumont’s Chartier.
• El Cortez’s patio received the spotlight from the Journal this week.
• The Journal covered the local interpretation of the trend towards no tipping: Cafe Linnea will be Edmonton’s first, though Chartier has a model that pools and redistributes tips.
• SpeakTiki is the latest cocktail collective that is making waves, with a focus on promoting Tiki cocktail culture.
• Speaking of booze, Edmonton has a new brewery in town, called Bent Stick Brewing.They just released their first two beers.
• This is a great piece in The Walrus about the place of bannock in Aboriginal cuisine.
• Do you ever just want to watch people cook without all of the commentary? Then these Silently Cooking videos are for you.
• You can now get Tim Horton’s iced capps in a bottle. But isn’t the beauty of iced cap the…ice?

Iced capps

• I met up with a few friends at Daravara on Friday to catch up over some food. The Southern fried chicken sandwich was delicious!

Southern fried chicken sandwich and parm garlic fries

• Before King Noodle House’s vacation (July 18-26), Mack and I made sure to swing by for a pho/bun bo hue fix.

I love me some bun bo hue

• Mack and I joined Linda and some of her friends at the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Alberta for our first Meals that Mend experience on Saturday. It was very rewarding experience being able to cook for families whose children are receiving treatment at local hospitals. It was a lot of fun, and the families were so appreciative of the small gesture. Thanks Linda for having us!

With the birthday girl!