Thanks to those who voted this blog as “Best Food Blog” on Vue Weekly’s Best of 2013! Crazy to think Only Here for the Food is nearly seven years old – thanks for reading! Mack and I were also thrilled that What the Truck?! was voted the “Best Pop-Up Event” – with some help, we’ll do our best to keep that streak alive! On to this week’s food notes:

• Dishcrawl’s first ever Battledish is this Saturday, October 5, 2013. I’m looking forward to tasting six dishes being put forward by Downtown area chefs for their chance to win diners’ votes. Tickets are going fast, but here’s a tip – enter the code “yegbattle” for free admission!
• The Sturgeon Valley Food and Wine Festival is taking place October 5, 2013 at The Enjoy Centre. I attended the inaugural event last year, and found it to be a nice alternative to the larger Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival.
• Creole Envie is hosting a Live Local dinner on October 20, 2013. The menu looks great! Tickets are $60 each.
• Nomiya has opened a second location in southwest Edmonton, at 11160 Ellerslie Road.
• Phil has a pretty exhaustive review of the dishes at Tavern 1903.
• Mack wrote about the first meeting of the Edmonton Food Council, which took place last week.
• If you have a bit of time, consider completing this online survey which will be used to investigate “food deserts” in Edmonton.
• Barilla Pasta is backtracking this week after their Chairman made comments about his unwillingness to cast a gay family in their advertisements, instead, favouring what he views as a “classic family.” Let these Twitter responses speak for themselves.
• This is a little late, but I loved this series of NYT videos featuring five of their food reviewers, as they speak out on everything from trade secrets to overused adjectives.
• Mack wasn’t the champion this time at Cookie Love’s Cookie Eating Classic, held at the 124 Street Market on Thursday, but he had fun squaring off against other media personalities! Congratulations to CISN’s Chris Sheetz for taking home the title, by eating 9 cookies in 4 minutes.

Mack was disappointed in his effort (for the record – 3.5 cookies in 2 minutes)

• I had a great time at the Edmonton kick off of Alberta Culture Days on 104 Street on Friday. The weather held out for the al fresco event, though I think many appreciated the hot, buttered popcorn the Downtown Edmonton Community League was distributing!

Larissa and I handed out free popcorn

• Mack and I met up with some friends at Café Amore for dinner on Saturday. The room was full as usual, but service didn’t fall by the wayside – I love the personal touch of being greeted at the door and genuinely thanked on the way out. Oh, and the food’s great too.

Truffle chicken pasta

Pasta pescatore

We’ve had such a beautiful transition from summer to fall that it’s hard to imagine that we’re already at the end of September! Hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather! On to this week’s food notes:

• To commemorate the first anniversary of their shop, Cookie Love will be hosting the Cookie Eating Classic at the 124 Street Market on September 26, 2013 at 7pm. Mack will be among the media personalities competing for bragging rights, as well as collecting donations for a variety of local charities.
• Alberta Culture Days kicks off on September 27, 2013 with an al fresco party on 104 Street. There will be music, an artisan market and food trucks. I’ll be there with the Downtown Edmonton Community League handing out free popcorn – hope to see you there!
• The Italian Centre is celebrating its newest location in the west end (17010 90 Avenue) on September 28, 2013 from 11am-4pm. Expect food, entertainment, car displays and a tango flash mob at 2:45pm.
• The Edmonton Community Foundation and Edmonton Social Planning Council are releasing Vital Signs, a report on food security in Edmonton, on October 1, 2013.
• Choklat, the only Alberta “bean to bar” chocolate shop, is now open in Old Strathcona.
• Liv reviews one of the newest food trucks to hit Edmonton’s streets: Orbitz.
• Vue Weekly profiles Mealshare, a relatively new program to Edmonton that partners with local restaurants. For every Mealshare item purchased from participating restaurants, a meal will be donated to a local charity.
• I was so sad to have missed the Long Table Dinner in Calgary, but Valerie’s post recaps what looked like an amazing event.
• Dead tired on Saturday, neither Mack or I were in the mood to cook supper. Our go-to that night? Our reliable standby, Route 99.

Poutine from Route 99

I felt a bit overdue for a break after this whirlwind summer, so we took advantage of a weekend wedding in Calgary and stayed on an additional night. As a result, a delayed set of food notes:

• Join us for our biggest What the Truck?! ever, with 16 trucks in Churchill Square on September 20, from 4-8pm. Check out the menus here.
• Elm Café and the Oliver Community League are teaming up again for a delightful outdoor brunch on a tree-lined street on September 21, 2013 from 11am-1pm.
• Dishcrawl’s newest event series, Battledish, takes place on October 5, 2013 from 2-6pm. Six local chefs will be competing for your vote. It’s neat to see that Edmonton is the only Canadian city that is a part of this event!
• The deadline to pick up early bird tickets to the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is September 20, 2013. The event is taking place on October 25-26, 2013 at the Shaw Conference Centre.
• Did you know there’s a new juicery in town? Glow Juicery in Sherwood Park promises drinks that are “designed as a convenient way to nourish your body, increase your energy and add a little more ‘glow’ to your day!”
• Andrea checks out Tavern 1903’s tempting mozzarella bar.
• RGE RD gets a rave review from Vue Weekly.
• It looks like we will be getting Meat for Dinner in Old Strathcona after all! Congrats to the team for this progress – looking forward to the restaurant!
• Val’s fourth round-up of the Canadian Food Experience Project features the participants’ most cherished Canadian recipes.
• In Calgary this past weekend, we made sure to hit up some old favourites, along with some new restaurants. It was a scorcher, so we couldn’t think of a better way to cool off than with some Village Ice Cream.

We all scream for ice cream!

• We did make it out to the last Find It Night Market on Friday evening in Inglewood. It was a pretty eclectic range of vendors, from familiar local businesses like Rosso and Spice Market to more random sellers of Persian rugs. They also had an interesting “trunk sale” component, where vendors were literally selling out of the back of their vehicles. One of these vendors was Bruce’s Beez, who has seven urban hives in Calgary. We picked up some of his raw honey and lip balm for the road!

Inglewood Night Market

Bruce’s Beez

• Our original intent was for brunch at Blue Star Diner on Sunday, but already late into the afternoon, we decided we couldn’t stomach the proposed 1.5 hour wait, and headed next door to DeVille Café. We both ordered the stuffed ham and cheese French toast, but were disappointed to find that it was more sandwich than stuffed, and more panini-pressed than French toast.

Braised ham and double-smoked cheese stuffed French toast

• Work was calling, otherwise, it would have been glorious to have stayed for the Long Table Dinner outdoors on Stephen Avenue. We did check out the set-up before leaving for Edmonton, though – too cool.

Long table on Stephen Avenue

• Of course, the reason behind our trip was to help Dickson and Tammy celebrate their marriage. It was Mack’s turn to be a part of the wedding party this time, as he was one of the groomsmen. The ceremony was beautiful, and there was no doubt how happy the newlyweds were. Congrats to the both of you!

With the happy couple

Save the date for the last What the Truck?! of the year: 16 vendors, an all-star line-up of DJs, and the biggest food truck party of the year. See you at Churchill Square on September 20! On to this week’s food notes:

• I’m sad to miss it this year (due to being out of town for a wedding), but the Downtown Edmonton Community League’s annual Corn Fest runs this Saturday, September 14, from 11am-3pm. Come on down to Beaver Hills House Park on Jasper Avenue & 105 Street for some free corn!
• The Mirepoix Trio, a chef collaborative, is hosting another vegan pop-up, this time at Accent Lounge, on September 15, 2013. Check out the menu here.
• Mosh Burger’s next pop-up, under the theme of the “Dirty South”, is taking place on September 16, 2013. 5 courses and a drink pairing for $100.
• The Friends of the Royal Alberta Museum has planned another hosted Chinese meal. The spotlight at the September 19, 2013 dinner falls on Peking duck, prepared by Beijing Beijing. Tickets are $40 per person.
• Liane wrote about the new Café Bicyclette, now open at La Cite Francophone, which has freshened up the space formerly occupied by Bistro La Persaud.
• Plow & Harvest has not been getting good reviews – this time, from CBC’s Twyla Campbell.
• Hurrah for food trucks – Calgary’s fleet will be operating soon on a permanent bylaw, voted in on September 6, 2013.
• Congratulations to May and Antony on their wedding this past weekend! I was honoured to be May’s Maid of Honour. Though it was a bit disappointing that the weather didn’t hold up to allow for outdoor photos, she didn’t let that dampen her spirits and still enjoyed the milestone day.

Happy day!

What a beautiful long weekend! It feels nothing like September – let’s hope this weather continues on into the month. On to this week’s food notes:

• A reminder that the 124 Street Red Shoe Crawl is on September 8, 2013. Tickets are still available!
• Tavern 103, Larry Stewart’s venture in the Alberta Hotel (9802 Jasper Avenue), is now open!
• Su alerted me to the forthcoming The Italian Place that looks to fill the vacancy left by That’s Aroma (11010 101 Street). Anyone know more?
• Vue Weekly reviewed Japonais Bistro last week.
• Chris wrote about the most recent 10 Mile Meal that took place in August. Sorry to have missed it!
• I love reading about some of things being done to try and direct people to pick up more produce items at the grocery store.
• I’ve always ordered pho when it is offered on a Vietnamese menu, but last week at Mama Pizza, opted for a vermicelli bowl instead. On a day when I wasn’t up for soup, it hit the spot!

Grilled chicken and spring roll vermicelli bowl from Mama Pizza

• Mack and I had dinner at our neighbourhood Blue Plate Diner on Friday. The shepherd’s pie was delicious, and their sweet potato fries are among the best in the city.

Shepherd’s pie from Blue Plate Diner

This has probably been the worst August on record for this blog – my apologies for the lack of posting – but after foolishly committing myself to running events three Saturdays in a row, I had to prioritize! The last of this month’s festivities takes place on August 31, and I hope to write a bit more about it tomorrow. In the meantime, on to this week’s food notes:

• State & Main, the newest Calgary-based pub/restaurant franchise to hit Edmonton, opens its first location in our city at Southgate Centre on September 1, 2013.
• Liane has a few more details about North 53, a forthcoming locally-themed restaurant in the 124 Street area. When it opens, it will inevitably draw comparisons to its similarly- named Toronto establishment, Mark McEwan’s North 44.
• Vue wrote a nice profile on one of our newest neighbours, The Cavern.
• I realize I don’t have an accompanying photo, but over the weekend at the Fringe, we were quite disappointed with the food options. So much so that we ended up at Zaika two days in a row, as nothing else really appealed to us. It was a little surprising that there was not a single non-special event food truck at the event, given they’ve been popping up at so many of the city’s festivals.
• While strolling through the neighbourhood, we encountered Budding Rose Teas (10728 82 Avenue), a two-month old tea shop on Whyte. They sell loose teas, but also offer edibles, including vegan, soy-free and gluten-reduced options.

Budding Rose Teas

• It looks like Calgary’s Choklat (Alberta’s only bean-to-bar maker) will be opening up an Edmonton location on Whyte on September 7, 2013 at 8111 Calgary Trail. We checked out the Inglewood shop in Calgary several years back.

Choklat

• Another meeting over food, this time at De Dutch over the weekend.

Denver Omelette

Have you had a chance to check out the menus for Saturday’s What the Truck?! It’s our second last event of the year – hope to see you there! On to this week’s food notes:

• Kerstin’s Chocolates is having a liquidation sale on August 22, 2013 of the items in their old shop.
• To celebrate the Valley Zoo’s newest exhibit, the Urban Farm, the site is also hosting a special mini farmers’ market outside the zoo’s gates on August 24 and 31, 2013. Proceeds raised will support Hope Mission and the Edmonton & Area Land Trust.
• Blue Plate Diner is hosting another Farm to Fork dinner on September 5, 2013. Tickets are $75 each.
• The big news this week is undoubtedly Daniel Costa’s expansion, taking over not one, but two spaces adjacent to Corso 32.
• The Journal reviewed Belgravia Hub last week.
• Twyla wrote about her recent experience at Rge Rd – I’m salivating at the photos alone.
• Liv reviewed Knosh, the British-themed food truck that took over Nomad’s wheels.
• I didn’t end up attending the preview of Plow & Harvest, Edmonton’s newest restaurant, but perhaps I didn’t miss too much. I have to agree with Liane’s take on its ambiguously “local” philosophy.
• I had no idea the person behind the Lay’s Perogy Platter flavour is from Edmonton! I haven’t yet tried it, but the fact that this is the hometown favourite is another reason to do so!
• Valerie’s latest round-up of the Canadian Food Experience Project is all about regional food heroes. Click on to read some inspiring stories!
• I was so ready for a glass of wine on Friday. I couldn’t think of a better place to unwind than at The Cavern, over a cheese and charcuterie plate, and of course, a cold glass of vino.

The Cavern

It’s been a whirlwind to plan, but it’s finally here – I hope to see you at the 97 Street Night Market on Saturday! On to this week’s food notes:

• The Edmonton Latin Festival is coming up this weekend, August 17-18, 2013 in Churchill Square.
• The next Ten Mile Meal will be taking place on August 24, 2013. Check out the activities and menu here.
• Also that day is the 4th annual Bacon Day at Lux Steakhouse & Bar. Tickets are $70, with $25 from each ticket going to support of the Youth Empowerment & Support Services.
• Sabor Divino’s tapas and wine bar is now open.
• For the first time, En Route Magazine is offering readers the opportunity to vote for the “Best New Restaurant” category. Edmonton’s Canteen is among the restaurants being considered – so support your local favourite!
• The Journal asks, “What is local?”
• The City of Edmonton released their new food truck operating guidelines this week – it’ll be interesting to see if more trucks do take advantage of the longer service hours.
• Phil blogged about some of his unsung local food heroes, recognizing Joveena Holmes, Su Dennis and Cynthia Strawson. I heartily concur!
• Would you eat meat grown in a lab?
• Yes, Taco Bell is now offering waffle tacos for your breakfast pleasure.
• Three Amigos is opening up a second location downtown at 10247 Jasper Avenue.

Three Amigos

• Lays is currently running a contest where Canadians can choose the next feature flavour. For your consideration: Maple Moose, Perogy Platter, Grilled Cheese and Ketchup and Creamy Caesar Salad. Mack and I tried the last two – they taste disappointingly like ketchup and ranch chips, respectively.

Choose your Lays

• Cask & Barrel has been a great post-work meeting place, and even better last Wednesday when we found out they offer free wine tastings on the first Wednesday of every month. Score!

Free wine tasting @ Cask & Barrel

• Mack and I were in Calgary over the weekend for a Jack and Jill party. We managed a few food stops, including Kingsland Market, Phil & Sebastian and Village Ice Cream. I’d highly recommend the latter – my salted caramel and Mack’s spiced banana were among some of the best ice creams we’ve ever had.

Phil & Sebastian’s bottled cold brew coffee

Village Ice Cream

It was such a gorgeous long weekend, I’m a little sad it’s coming to an end! I hope you made the most of it also. On to this week’s food notes:

• The 10th annual Summer Latin Fest is taking place on August 11, 2013 from 10am-5pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (11310 111Avenue). Expect food and entertainment by over 15 Latin American cultures found in Edmonton.
• A group called Mirepoix (“dedicated to the values of good cooking and sustainable living, with culinary experience from all walks of life around the city and around the world”) is hosting a 5-course vegan pop-up dinner on August 19, 2013 at Noorish.
• Plow & Harvest is a new restaurant opening up at 10041 170 Street. They seek to redefine the art of comfort food while sourcing ingredients from local producers. They are hosting a Sneak Peek Tasting event on August 13, 2013 from 5-8pm, to which I have a double guest pass to give away. To enter, simply leave a comment below (with a valid e-mail address) that indicates you would like to attend the event by 11:59pm on August 7. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by e-mail. Good luck! (August 9 EDIT: Congratulations to Ronnie, Glenda and Ashley – enjoy the sneak peek!)
• Bannock Burger seems to have found a new location at 10704 124 Street, opening soon.
• Also in that neighbourhood, the forthcoming North 53 restaurant at 10240 124 Street.
• Yes, there is another new food truck on the streets, though it might seem familiar at first glance. Knosh, specializing in British comfort food, has taken over Nomad’s truck.
• Sabzy is moving from its Old Strathcona location  to 9314 34 Avenue.
• Liv reviewed RGE RD last week.
• Linda e-mailed me raving about Pita Hut (4916 50 Ave), a relatively new family-run business in Leduc. She says, “It’s a tiny place, with a few tables (most of their business is take-out), friendly staff, and delicious food.”
• Remedy’s new Whyte Avenue location at 10404 Whyte Avenue is now open!

Remedy Café

• This has been a month of dinner meetings – last week, it was over pho at Xu Hue in Chinatown.

Pho with beef balls

Where has the summer gone?! We’re already into August this week, and the hours of daylight seem to be slipping away ever so slowly. To help you make the most of what’s left of the season, I’m almost ready to share more about some of the exciting projects I’m involved in (besides What the Truck?!). Stay tuned! On to this week’s food notes:

• A reminder that Fork Fest finishes up this week on August 1, 2013. Check out the menus here.
• Dishcrawl announced a new event series last week, called Neighbourfood, an “an afternoon celebration of food, family, and the community we live in.” The August 25, 2013 inaugural Neighbourfood centres on 124 Street, and part of the proceeds will support the Youth Empowerment and Support Services. A $15 advanced ticket will give you the opportunity to take in a food or drink at one of the eight participating locations, while you can purchase additional tickets for $5. It sounds a bit like the Red Shoe Crawl to me, but with less detail about exactly how much goes to the charity in question.
• The next Writer’s Corner focuses on food writing! Join Mary Bailey, Jennifer Cockrall-King and Tina Faiz at Stanley Milner Library on August 25, 2013 at 1:30pm.
• I walked past a new food trailer, the Blue Giraffe Creamery, the other day, but didn’t have a chance to stop. Thanks to Marlow Moo’s post, I now know what I missed – liquid nitrogen ice cream!
• Also new to the food truck scene, Liv reviewed the Black Bull Grill.
• Phil and Robyn went on a tasting tour of Central Alberta – what’s better than dining in a caboose?
• Valerie shared her gorgeous photos of what looked to be another amazing RGE RD 135 dinner at Nature’s Green Acres.
• Vue Weekly profiled Lactuca, the extremely local greens you’ve seen at the 124 Grand Market and on menus around town.
• Congratulations to the members of the new Edmonton Food Council! They begin meeting this fall.
• Did you know Yellowhead Brewery serves lunch? I had heard something to that effect, but could never find anything on their website. Though that is still true, I can now confirm that the Brewery serves up a “wurst lunch” from 11am-2pm, Monday to Friday in the Tasting Room. I was invited to a drop in tasting on Friday, and sampled the lamb wurst and fabulous housemade soft pretzels myself. Check out the menu here.

Wurst lunch tasting

• It’s been a chilly summer, made apparent to me last week on the Cask & Barrel patio. As soon as the sun disappeared, we were all shivering in our summer wear! Hence the order of fall-appropriate comfort food.

The Heritage meatloaf

• A group of us celebrated May’s bachelorette party at her favourite restaurant, Café Amore. I hadn’t been to the new location yet, but I’m happy to say the food is just as good!

Truffle chicken pasta

Tiramisu