Author: Rebecca

Plow & Harvest “Sneak a Peek” Event

Plow & Harvest “Sneak a Peek” Event

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Their Story:

“Plow & Harvest is proud to redefine the art of comfort food.  Each day our chefs prepare handcrafted dishes using refined techniques and culinary traditions, continuing to hand down the stories of our farming partners’ rich, Canadian heritage.

An expertly assembled and chef-driven menu centered on classics we all know and love – not fast-casual, but fresh-casual.  We focus on the total guest experience, where our Brand Ambassadors attend to every need of our guests, sharing even more about our unique, locally-sourced menu offerings and seasonal specials.

We value doing what’s best for the community, from supporting regional and national farmers, to providing a supportive and mentoring environment where our team can grow and prosper. “

This was a “Sneak a Peek” event where Plow & Harvest opened their doors to the public to get the buzz going about the restaurant.  The Grand Opening is August 16th.  There is a VIP Media event that will be happening on the 15th, which I was unfortunately unable to attend due to Fringe commitments.

I have had my eye on this restaurant concept for some time now.  I love the fact that they use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.  I was very excited at the opportunity to be able to see and try the restaurant before the doors were officially opened.

Welcome
We were welcomed in a reception-style where our names were checked off a list and we were to seat ourselves.  We were given a menu at the door.  We arrived fairly early so we were easily able to find seating and browse the menu at leisure.  There weren’t many details given in the invitation so we just had to observe what was going on around us to get the gist of things.

Inside view of the menu
Inside view of the menu
Outside view of the menu.
Outside view of the menu.

As you can see by the menu selections there are some mouth-watering choices that are available.  I liked that there was no “crap” on the menu.  Even the soda is cane-sugar sweetened.

Non-pretentious seating.
Non-pretentious seating.
View from the right hand side of the front of house.
View from the right hand side of the front of house.

Our server explained the restaurant concept to us and took our drink orders.  I was happy to hear that they had some of my local micro-brewery favourites.

Now here is where the chaos came in… I am always one of the first people in the door when I really think I am going to like a new restaurant.  I eat out way too much.  I have learned through experience that when a restaurant is opening their doors, the patrons need to be patient.  There are always going to be bugs to iron out and there will often need to be a second visit when they have had a few days to get their feet underneath them.

P&H was very good at keeping their Twitter posts up to date and apologizing for the bumps in the road.  I heard a lot of complaining, and I saw the Chefs and the hosts personally coming out and speaking to to the guests to get feedback.

We were unfortunately sitting in an awkward place on the seating map and often got passed by for the sample food items that were being served.  What we were able to try was very tasty.

Baked Potato Soup Creamy potato soup topped with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream and green onions.
Baked Potato Soup
Creamy potato soup topped with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream and green onions.

Creamy it was!  This would be fantastic on a crisp Fall evening as a starter.

Hand Cut Plank Fries
Hand Cut Plank Fries

Our server explained to us that these are fried twice.  Once at a warm temperature and once at a hot temperature.  This makes them crispy on the outside and still tender on the inside.  Served with ketchup that I was surprised was from a bottle and not made in house.

Baked Mac-N-Cheese with bacon breadcrumbs.
Baked Mac-N-Cheese with bacon breadcrumbs.

They had me at Bacon!  This had a really smooth and creamy texture to it.  Nice and cheesy.  The bacon breadcrumbs were a great taste pairing.  I could have done without the green onions though – they were too strong and distracting from the taste.

Albacore Tuna Melt. Pole-caught albacore tuna salad, lemon herb creme fraiche, melted sharp cheddar, and roasted tomatoes on toasted whole grain bun.
Albacore Tuna Melt.
Pole-caught albacore tuna salad, lemon herb creme fraiche, melted sharp cheddar, and roasted tomatoes on toasted whole grain bun.

Our server warned us that it was a very lemony taste experience with this item.  It was lemony, but very good.  The samples were all presented on white buns.  This item would rock with the whole grain bun in the full portion size.

Vegan Deviled Eggless Salad. A picnic favourite made with tofu, veganaise, P&H pickles, lettuce and tomato on toasted gluten-free bread.
Vegan Deviled Eggless Salad.
A picnic favourite made with tofu, veganaise, P&H pickles, lettuce and tomato on toasted gluten-free bread.

This was my least favourite experience of the night.  One of the hosts had noticed that I had not finished it and asked for feedback.  Please note; it is still a work in progress.   It was very bland, even with the pickles.  It just needed something to give it a bit more flavour.  I suggested roasted sweet peppers.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. P&H original recipe fried chicken breast topped with Dijon mustard slaw, pickled red onions, and jalapenos. Served on artisan bread.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich.
P&H original recipe fried chicken breast topped with Dijon mustard slaw, pickled red onions, and jalapenos. Served on artisan bread.

As you can see, mine wasn’t so pretty, but this was the star of the show for the evening that everyone was rightly raving about.  The chicken was crispy and tender.  The jalapenos gave the taste experience a pleasant after-burn.   Again, this was not the bread that was intended.  The full plate experience would be an even better one.

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken is also available as a “Big Plate” served with an additional side and artisan bread.

So, congratulations to Plow & Harvest on opening a new restaurant here in Edmonton.  I am sure you will take the feedback from last night and run with it as I suspect.  What my fiance and I were able to try, we really enjoyed and will be back in a few weeks to try again.  Thanks for the invitation!

If you like comfort food, please support local farmers and give Plow & Harvest a taste.

**Do you use Twitter?  Follow me @yegfoodie

Plow & Harvest on Urbanspoon

A Taste of Canadian Derby

A Taste of Canadian Derby

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The Canadian Derby has been the foremost social and fashion event of the season in Edmonton since 1957.  This is a chance for the ladies to display beautiful hats and fascinators. When I think of “Derby”, images of Julia Roberts dressed for the Kentucky Derby dance through my imagination.

Some Derby Trivia; this event is considered to be a “marathon” for the horses at 1 and 3/8 miles.  Only three year old horses are entered into the race.  It is the largest purse west of Ontario at $200,000.

Besides the racing and fashion, there is also the food.

This year, the 84th Canadian Derby will take place on August 17th.  The lucky folks who purchased tickets for the Colours Dining experience will be able to indulge in some very tasty meal options while they watch the races from their tiered restaurant seating.

For $130 you get:

• A delicious three-course meal including non-alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary commemorative Canadian Derby race program
• Television monitors on every table
• Live entertainment
• Contest entry to win a new car courtesy of Londonderry Dodge/Chrysler

Your menu choices for the Colours Dining Experience are scrumptious.  Chef Chris McMaster has hit it out of the park with this year’s lineup.

For starters:

Roasted Apple and Parsnip Soup with Saffron Petals
Roasted Apple and Parsnip Soup with Saffron Petals

This option wasn’t available at the tasting event, but it did smell divine!

Summer Beet Salad with goat cheese, candied pecans and fresh raspberry tossed in poppy seed dressing
Summer Beet Salad with goat cheese, candied pecans and fresh raspberry tossed in poppy seed dressing

If you read my blog, or my Twitter feed, you know that I am not a huge salad person.  This was very light and refreshing.  The roasted beets went really well with the mix of flavours in the salad.  A big thumbs up for this one.

Crispy Beef Dumpling with cucumber carrot slaw and horseradish dipping sauce
Crispy Beef Dumpling with cucumber carrot slaw and horseradish dipping sauce

I really enjoyed this one as well.  Not the traditional Chinese Potsticker that you would expect. The beef inside is tender and full of flavour.  Pairs very well with the horseradish dipping sauce.

Your choices for Main Course:

Grilled Chicken Breast with mushroom Dauphinoise potato, sweet corn puree, thyme crepe and seasonal vegetables
Grilled Chicken Breast with mushroom Dauphinoise potato, sweet corn puree, thyme crepe and seasonal vegetables

Another pairing of some great flavours.  The Dauphinoise potato was tender and firm.  The sweet corn puree was a lovely partner to the tender chicken.

Slow roasted Alberta Prime Rib with chive mashed potato, seasonal vegetables and Rosemary Jus
Slow roasted Alberta Prime Rib with chive mashed potato, seasonal vegetables and Rosemary Jus

Another teaser that wasn’t available for the tasters but looked and smelled divine.

Dungeness Crab Cakes with butter poached lobster, smoked tomato relish and fresh arugula salad
Dungeness Crab Cakes with butter poached lobster, smoked tomato relish and fresh arugula salad

Who doesn’t enjoy crab AND lobster? The smoked tomato relish was a nice touch.

Roasted garlic Portobello Wellington with balsamic glaze and seasonal vegetables.
Roasted garlic Portobello Wellington with balsamic glaze and seasonal vegetables.

This is the vegetarian main course choice for the event.  Not available for tasting but I think I may have actually enjoyed this one.

And lastly, my favourite, the desserts:

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with poached strawberry and rhubarb
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with poached strawberry and rhubarb

This was my absolute favourite out of all of the options.  I have a friend that is an amazing pastry chef and Panna Cotta is one of her favourites for breakfast.  This is topped with both strawberry and rhubarb, so a nice mixture of sweet and tart.  Vanilla bean is used in the Panna Cotta which is just lovely.

Chunks of brownie folded into bread pudding with salted caramel sauce.
Chunks of brownie folded into bread pudding with salted caramel sauce.

This is a great spin on an old favourite.  Chunks of brownie are folded into a traditional bread pudding recipe.  It is then garnished with salted caramel sauce and real whipped cream.

Phew!  That was a tasting marathon.

The In-Field Hospitality Tent is another option available for guests for the ticket price of $90. The infield presents the most unique setting to watch the Canadian Derby. Once a year guests received the opportunity to dine, lounge and enjoy all of the days exciting thoroughbred racing from the in-field.   You have exclusive access to a relaxing garden setting with lounge chairs on the lawn.

Included:

• Premium lunch buffet with coffee/tea included
• Complimentary commemorative Canadian Derby race program
• Full service cash bar
• Easy access to pari-mutuel tellers and self service terminals to cover all your betting requirements
• Live entertainment between races
• Televisions displaying the races and betting information throughout the Tent and in-field
• Contest entry to win a new car courtesy of Londonderry Dodge/Chrysler

Private box seating is sold out already for this year but is normally available for $100/box.  Boxes seat 4 guests.  Nothing fancy.  Food and drink is available at the grandstand.

There are birthdays, anniversaries, stagettes and a number of other social events being celebrated by attending the Canadian Derby.  This would be a unique way to celebrate a milestone.  It is also your only chance all year to be able to view the race from the in-field.

Many thanks to the Northlands Park team for the tasting event.  It was nice to meet the team and Chef Chris.

**Do you have Twitter?  Follow me @yegfoodie

K-Days is Nigh!

K-Days is Nigh!

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K-Days is something that I always look forward to every year.  Having not grown up in Edmonton, it was a big treat when we came in for the midway and it always brings back happy childhood memories.

K-Days has evolved into so much more than the “deep fried flavour of the year” for me.  This year includes traditional offerings, vegetarian, gluten-free options and local Canadian cuisine.  Only four more sleeps away!

“We’ve taken the traditional fair food lineup, fried it, dipped it in chocolate, sprinkled it with bacon and then fried it again to create a roster of savory, sweet and ooey-gooey goodness. Why not dig in to a deep fried caramel apple pie, Idaho Taco or some Pulled Pork Poutine. If you live on the edge, delve in to our Jalapeño Fudge and a Japanese Hot Dog. For those who prefer the basics, we haven’t forgotten to include mini donuts, corndogs and elephant ears – all with a bit more pizzazz.

This year’s fair food lineup goes gourmet! We are what we eat and if you like to know where your food came from, celebrate all the things that make our country taste great at A Taste of Canada inside the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Here you’ll find a mouth-watering selection of homegrown delicacies, including a wide selection of Canadian beers and wines. With dishes representing four of Canada’s diverse regions—East, West, Prairies and Maritimes—every taste bud will have a chance to be delighted. Lobster rolls, smoked meat, bison sliders and salmon wraps are only a small selection of what you will be able to expect!

Every taste bud gets its due at The Grand’s amazing international food court inside the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Pick almost any flavor and it’ll be there waiting for you in a variety of exciting options – designed to appeal to both adventurous eaters and those who stick to what they like. Take a trip around the globe and choose from Vietnamese, Ukrainian, East Indian Chinese, Italian and more at The Grand!”

They had me at chocolate and bacon!

The K-Days Facebook page has given us some photos to tantalize our tastebuds as well:

Broccoli Cheese Ribbon Fries - A heaping pile of ribbon fries smothered in scrumptious broccoli and cheese and topped with smoky bacon awaits you—the perfect combination of flavours to satisfy your palate. After the first bite, you might not want to share.
Broccoli Cheese Ribbon Fries – A heaping pile of ribbon fries smothered in scrumptious broccoli and cheese and topped with smoky bacon awaits you—the perfect combination of flavours to satisfy your palate. After the first bite, you might not want to share.
Japanese Hot Dog - The classic hot dog gets a tasty Japanese facelift. An Angus Beef hot dog is topped with perfectly sautéed onions, teriyaki sauce, japanese cream sauce, Japanese Nori (Japanese Seaweed) and a hint of wasabi mayo to bring you the juicy delectable Japanese Hot Dog.
Japanese Hot Dog – The classic hot dog gets a tasty Japanese facelift. An Angus Beef hot dog is topped with perfectly sautéed onions, teriyaki sauce, japanese cream sauce, Japanese Nori (Japanese Seaweed) and a hint of wasabi mayo to bring you the juicy delectable Japanese Hot Dog.
The Works Cube Fries - A densely packed cube of perfectly fried curly fries—you might want to share when you see just how many fries there are! As you pick apart this delectable cube topped with chili, cheese, tomato, green onion, sour cream and bacon bits, all you’ll be able to say is “Mmmm.”
The Works Cube Fries – A densely packed cube of perfectly fried curly fries—you might want to share when you see just how many fries there are! As you pick apart this delectable cube topped with chili, cheese, tomato, green onion, sour cream and bacon bits, all you’ll be able to say is “Mmmm.”
Chocolate Bacon Caramel Apple - The sugary sweetness of chocolate and caramel tangos with the smoky addiction of bacon bits. When you bite into this “sweet tooth’s delight,” your taste buds will burst with enlightenment at the combination of sweet and smoky with a ripe crunchy Granny Smith apple on a stick.
Chocolate Bacon Caramel Apple – The sugary sweetness of chocolate and caramel tangos with the smoky addiction of bacon bits. When you bite into this “sweet tooth’s delight,” your taste buds will burst with enlightenment at the combination of sweet and smoky with a ripe crunchy Granny Smith apple on a stick.
Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie - Just like mom never made! This Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie is made from homemade pie crust stuffed with tasty apple pie filling and deep-fried until crispy and warm. The pie is then covered with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with caramel sauce and served with vanilla soft serve ice cream for a sweet and savoury experience.
Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie – Just like mom never made! This Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie is made from homemade pie crust stuffed with tasty apple pie filling and deep-fried until crispy and warm. The pie is then covered with cinnamon sugar, drizzled with caramel sauce and served with vanilla soft serve ice cream for a sweet and savoury experience.
Chimney Cake - Break through the sweet crunchy coating to discover the soft sumptuous interior of this Hungarian festival treat. A Chimney Cake is made of a milk-based raised dough comprised of vanilla, butter, and sugar and topped with a variety of savory toppings including cinnamon, walnuts, coconuts and chocolate. This sweet dough is rolled around a stainless steel roll and then dipped in sugar which caramelizes as it bakes in a special charcoal oven to yield a delectable sensation.
Chimney Cake – Break through the sweet crunchy coating to discover the soft sumptuous interior of this Hungarian festival treat. A Chimney Cake is made of a milk-based raised dough comprised of vanilla, butter, and sugar and topped with a variety of savory toppings including cinnamon, walnuts, coconuts and chocolate. This sweet dough is rolled around a stainless steel roll and then dipped in sugar which caramelizes as it bakes in a special charcoal oven to yield a delectable sensation.

Now that you are probably drooling a little…

You will have to check back with me and follow me on Twitter (@yegfoodie) and Instagram to get the latest on the many food experiences that await you at K-Days 2013!

In the meantime – check out the other photos and news available on Facebook and on their website:  K-Days Official Website

Happy K-Days Edmonton!

Eden’s Market/Jaime’s Corner

Eden’s Market/Jaime’s Corner

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The grand opening of Eden’s Market was Sunday June 23, 2013.  It was a beautiful and sunny afternoon and many of the vendors sold out.

I have been following Patricia and the market since inception.  My alter ego is in a dance troupe that supports Y.E.S.S. so of course I was excited to see another organization helping them out! Eden’s combines two of my passions; food and charity.

It was wonderful to finally meet Patricia in person.  She is a lovely, bubbly lady that just emanates “happy”.  Putting together a market is a big job and it is the only one of its kind in Edmonton.  Since the market is called “Eden’s” I suspected there was a story behind it – and I would love to share that with you here.

Eden happens to be Patricia’s daughter.  They were driving to the Strathcona Farmer’s  Market one day about two years ago and were having a discussion about a US documentary on the economic downturn.  The documentary was discussing families that had to give up their homes and live in their cars.  These children had no place to do  homework, stretch out,  or sleep properly.  They did not go to their friends houses in fear that their friends might want to go to their house and find out they were living out of their cars.  They also could not afford to have social services find out or the parents would risk losing their children. The picture Eden saw was very difficult for her to reconcile with, as it is difficult for even us adults to swallow.  Patricia had images of Eden having to go through this and decided that they wanted to do something about the local homeless youth situation.

The family faced many hurdles to bring you what Eden’s Market is today.  They had to get zoning changes done, scramble for vendors due to time of year, and face the elements.  Friends and family were supportive every step of the way and work their butts off to make the market happen every Sunday.

So Patricia has learned many new lessons – including how to use Twitter and Facebook to promote the new market.  So be nice to her – she’s still new!  <3

On to the grand opening…

I had a monthly brunch to attend so unfortunately I couldn’t stay to see the Chinese Dragon Dancers, but was able to sample some really good eats and bring them to the brunch to share with the other guests.

THE MALLOW FELLOW

ImageArtisan Marshmallows FTW!  This wonderful company hand crafts marshmallows in many different flavours for your palate to enjoy.  I sampled the root beer and I was sold!

They make microwaveable SMORES kits with different kinds of chocolate to choose from.  The marshmallows that come in the kit are flat  – which is very handy for the melting.

HOUSE OF THE RISING BUN

House of the Rising Bun

Nothing but compliments for this vendor! House of the Rising Bun had many of the cakes that you would see your Grandmother cooking – which is a high compliment because my Grandmother was a very good cook! I was able to try the Red Velvet Cinnamon Buns and the Coca Cola Chocolate Cake.

The Red Velvet Cinnamon buns were moist and not overpoweringly sweet with a hint of chocolate.  The other guests eyes were rolling into the back of their heads on the first bite.  The Coca Cola Chocolate Cake was a hit as well.  Moist, rich and chocolatey without being too heavy.

ANDY’S BEEF JERKY

Andy's Beef Jerky

Hot and Spicy FTW!  Slightly sweet with a nice mellow after-burn.  Andy’s is always a good choice!

CHEF MON’S

Chef Mon's

I tried the Jerk Pork Spring Rolls and the Jamaican Rum Cake from these folks.  Just the right amount of spice in the Spring Rolls.  The Rum Cake was rich and delightful.

I do need to add that there is a face painting and activity tent run by Jamie.  There is always a balloon animal twister professional and always activities going on.  If you are a food truck that would like to participate – please make sure you get in touch!

So many thanks to Patricia and Eden for your vision.  Your family and friends deserve a big “high five” as well!   Thank you for sharing your caring and your hard work with the youth of Edmonton!

Please help support Eden’s vision by following the market on Twitter and Facebook.

Twitter: EdenMarketon124

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EdensMarketJamiesCorner?fref=ts

Decadence – The Cafvino Experience

Decadence – The Cafvino Experience

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When I told my co-workers that I was going to sample a “coffee-wine” the looks on their faces were absolutely priceless. They were a mixture of disgust and curiosity.

In 2006, a lovely lady by the name of Ingrid was visiting her family in Columbia. She discovered a coffee infused wine called “Cafvino”. It was unlike anything that she had ever experienced. She wanted to share her passion with the world. Six years later, she was finally able to bring Cafvino to St. Albert, Alberta and share her treasure with Canada.

It was an honour and a pleasure to be able to share in Ingrid’s passion at the Cafvino VIP event. I was able to meet both Ingrid and Carlin and a number of Twitter folk from Edmonton and area. Great product – great company!

Cafvino Promo

The goal of the event was to show the versatility of the product. What exactly does coffee infused Cafvino pair with? Absolutely everything! Executive Chef Harjeet Mehdwan was able to strut his stuff and show off exactly what Cafvino can do to create savoury meatballs and decadent desserts.

Cafvino Nibbles

The meatballs are a customer favourite on the menu at the Ramada Kingsway.  Cafvino’s balanced flavours make it very versatile to use in savoury sauces.  The desserts are that much more decadent with the hints of coffee flavour enticing your tastebuds.  Cupcakes were made by “Cakes by Candace”.  Chocolate, wine and coffee.  Perfection.

We were also treated to three cocktails made with Cafvino; the Paralyzer, the Raspberry, Cafvino and Cola.

Cafvino Beverages

As our lovely hostess was making her rounds, she made sure that I got to try a sample straight. I may not be that educated about wine, but I do know my coffee. Even the aroma is decadent. You can smell the sweetness of the wine and the darker smells of the Colombian coffee. The taste is something that is difficult to express in words. The wine is sweet, but not overly so. It reminded me of a really good ice wine.  The coffee infusion is just right. It is a marriage made in foodie heaven. As I was chatting with Carlin later on – he asked me which of the cocktails was my favourite, I could honestly answer him with “straight”.

I was delighted to discover while doing my reading before attending the event that Cafvino is carried at my favourite liquor store – Sherbrooke. (The only liquor store in Edmonton in my opinion!) Sherbrooke was one of the very first liquor stores on board to help spread the Cafvino love!

I have a new addiction and it is called Cafvino! <3

So you need to go and visit their website, read Ingrid’s story and find out where you can purchase this decadent taste experience.  They have cocktail recipes listed on the website, but I would encourage you to use your imagination and experiment.  Cafvino truly is like nothing else.

Cafvino Official Website

Keep your eye on Schifer imports.  I know I am excited to see what they are able to tantalize us with next!

Mercer Tavern – A Series of Unfortunate Events

Mercer Tavern – A Series of Unfortunate Events

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I know I haven’t written a review on WordPress in a very long time.  I have been enjoying some great food experiences and will have to catch up at some point!

I really don’t enjoy having to write about a negative experience.  I would much rather leave it in the past and move onto something more positive.  Really. On the other hand, I would not want someone to have to experience the same thing if it can be avoided. 

Here is a bit of the back story:

We are a group of friends that started getting together once a week on Tuesdays.  There can be as few as 6 of us, or as many as 20.  We are very laid back.  When we see that the restaurant is busy, we are patient with our server.  I would like to think that we are a pretty fun group to have in your restaurant.  We tip well for good service.  We have been doing this for a little over two years now. 

We are currently looking for our next “Cheers” – It was Social Modern Pub, which is alas, no longer. 

Our friend Paul was the kitchen manager at Social Modern.  We LOVED his food.  It has been a while since SMP closed its doors and we really missed Paul and his cooking.  Paul started working at the Mercer Tavern and asked if we would be interested in stopping by. I made it happen the following Tuesday.

Everyone that knew Paul was excited to try Mercer, because if Paul works there, it has got to be good, right? I had one bad experience there about a month or two after they had opened. The food was bland and the service was extremely slow.  I decided that I would give them another try. 

 We had a group of 17 people.  As the server started to seat us she told us about the beer bucket Tuesday special and informed us that groups of ten or more people are charged an automatic gratuity of 18%.  My guests were instantly not impressed.  We had never been to a pub in our two years of doing this that charged an automatic gratuity.  I can understand in a restaurant – but not in a pub. 

 Looking at the menu and trying to decide what we wanted to drink turned out to be a chore.  The menu had not been updated.  What was listed as being on tap was not what they had. A pint runs you a minimum of $6. Yes that is correct – the draught is expensive.  The bottled beer was also expensive and surprisingly didn’t have a lot of the “local” breweries to choose from. 

 On to the menu…  The time that I had visited previously,  there was some decent selection on the menu.  This time around it was your basic gastro-pub fare with appies, burgers and a small amount of entrees.  Fish and chips $20?  I checked the menu to see if it said “Sawmill”anywhere – nope!

 One of my guests asked if there was a food special and he was told “no”.  There was a steak sandwich special listed on the board coming into the tavern as well as on the chalkboard specials overhead. Disappointing.

 I had ordered the Reuben with fries.  It was nothing spectacular, but at least my choice was edible.  Not so much for my other guests.  The one guest that did order the steak sandwich – it was cold when it finally came out.  The burgers were charred.  The chicken burgers were also charred so badly that one of my guests only took a couple of bites of her burger and couldn’t eat any more. 

 There was nothing at all spectacular about the food.  The one positive thing I can say is that the presentation of the one steak sandwich at our table was beautiful. 

 Now the service… I have worked as a server in a high end steakhouse once-upon-a-time.  I know how it feels to deal with difficult and demanding clientele.  I always tried to smile and go the extra mile for the folks that I was serving.  I wanted a great tip and I wanted for them to come back and ask to be seated in my section! 

 Our server was awful. The drinks were so slow that you had to order the next one while she was dropping off your current one.  One of my guests went to the washroom to refill her water after she had already requested a refill twice.  The couple of guests that arrived a little bit later than the rest were watching what was going on and decided not to order food at all.

 The one pickier guest decided he would test the bar and order a Manhattan.  Although he said it tasted good, it was served in a rocks glass with ice! 

 I am sure near the end of our stay the server could hear at least someone complaining about the experience. Did she ask any of us if there was anything she could do – nope! 

 We were done and out of there by about 8:15.  This never happens with our group.  We like to keep the beer flowing until at least 9 with the stragglers staying until around 10.  Unusual for this bunch. 

 When Paul came out to say hello, I gave him a big hug and told him “I love you – we are never coming back!”.  The look of horror on his face said it all.  We asked him about the food special and he told us “steak sandwich”. I told him what had happened and he was angry he went to back of house to speak with someone but again – no management came out to speak with us and no one (besides Paul) apologized for the bad experience.

 Now here is the kicker; at about 10 pm I get a text message from one of my friends that reads that her roomie has her head in the toilet and can’t stop vomiting.  My heart sank.  I asked what she ate and kept it in mind just in case someone else ended up getting sick as well.  Thankfully that did not happen. 

 So the next morning I did my homework on Urban Spoon and Yelp, reading most of the reviews that had been posted and started to see a theme.  The service and the price points seem to be the biggest complaints. Everyone loves the building – it is stunning! 

 So my suggestions; if you want to charge that much for your food and beverages the service has to be of the highest standard.  If you wish to enforce an automatic gratuity,please make sure that your servers aren’t “coasting” like ours was.  I can see 10% or 15% but 18%… really??  

 Please ensure that you have a cocktail recipe book under the bar to make sure that you have it right when you have newer staff behind the bar. 

 Please make sure your grill cook has taken the food safety course.  Internal food temperatures are important so that your patrons don’t get food poisoning from eating something that is charred on the outside and raw in the middle. 

Tres Carnales – Tacos for the People!

Tres Carnales – Tacos for the People!

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You know when you have friends that continually bring up a specific restaurant several times that you should probably take their word for it and just go! It took me a little over two years to finally try out the infamous “Tres Carnales”.

They are neatly tucked into Rice Howard Way in downtown Edmonton. Finding parking is always a chore – I guarantee you they are worth the effort.

You walk into the restaurant and you line up to give your order. The menus are on overhead chalkboards. I check in on Foursquare and the tip was “I don’t normally like guacamole – but you have to try the stuff here”. Noted. Done. Their menu is also online so you can prepare yourself for the experience.

Along with the guacamole, I ordered the fish tacos and a sangria to wash it all down.

When you are done ordering your food, you are given a table card which kind of looks like a Mexican tarot card. You are then directed to seat yourself.

The restaurant is designed to have that Mexican Barrio feel to it. The wooden tables have famous Mexican actors laminated into the table tops. The walls are full of sacred hearts and luchadores. There is also a nook wall filled with calaveras and various knick-knacks. I just happen to collect calaveras so I had to take a few photos. Love!

Your food and drinks are delivered to your table when they are ready. The tip on Foursquare was completely correct – I am not usually a fan of guacamole either but this stuff is to die for! Garlicky, creamy goodness!

The sangria is freshly made by the ever friendly staff of Tres Carnales. It is a nice refreshing companion to the meals.

The fish tacos were also really good. Lightly battered red snapper on a bed of coleslaw, served on a soft tortilla. Very tender and full of flavour.

Many thanks to Jake for recommending Tres Carnales – and many thanks to the staff for making a great dining experience!

** This place is always busy so to have a great experience as well, please give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the food and the atmosphere!

Tres Carnales Taqueria Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Coffee and Bacon FTW!

Coffee and Bacon FTW!

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The Mercer Warehouse downtown and I have had a love affair that has been going on for years.  From the art installments, to the Halloween Parties and Ghost Tours to the building being empty for years.  When I was at the City Market downtown one weekend, I saw that they were restoring the building and it looked like maybe some new tenants.  I hoped that they were businesses and that they were not turning it into condos.

My prayers were answered and Roast Coffeehouse and Mercer Tavern were soon to be opened.

You would think that with my food obsession I would be one of the first people in on opening day…  Due to the busy summer I did not get to visit Roast until almost the end of August.  I had saw a tweet about a Maple Bacon Latte and knew I would have to drop in to see what they were all about.

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This is a Maple Latte – it is garnished with whipped cream and then a couple of pieces of caramelized Bacon.

The Bacon is fantastic! Crispy and gooey at the same time – it stuck to my teeth. Bacon lovers would love this taste experience.

If you want the latte to have any Bacon flavour in it you need to dunk one of your pieces of Bacon into the latte and let it float – that is, if you can resist eating it!

The Baristas at Roast took a while to get the latte out but it looked like they were having problems with one of the spouts on the espresso machine pulling shots. It was worth the wait – the shots were perfect.

The atmosphere and decor in Roast make for a very comfortable experience. The hardwood floors and open beamed ceiling are the originals from the warehouse. It has a rustic feel while the fireplaces give the atmosphere warmth and the stainless steel bar type chairs give it a touch of modern class. There are overstuffed leather chairs by the fireplaces so there are “homey” feels to certain areas as well. Sure to please many different types of customer.

Currently Roast’s kitchen is not open, but the Barista assured me that it would be soon.

If you like to avoid the hustle and bustle that the “Green Giant” offers – then you should give Roast a try. I can see myself curling up in front of a fireplace with a good book and a great cup of coffee for an hour or two.

Kudos Roast!

Roast Coffeehouse + Wine Bar on Urbanspoon

It’s All About the Bacon…

It’s All About the Bacon…

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Part of the reason that I love Social Modern Pub so much is that the Kitchen Manager, Paul Hoshowski, likes to try his menu items with actual customers before they end up on the menu.  He likes to get honest feedback on his items and is constantly striving to improve the experience.

Our Tuesday Shenanigans group adores Bacon.  It’s all about the Bacon…  Rumour has it that this lovely appetizer is going to end up on the next menu:

Bacon Wrapped Bacon

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On a bamboo skewer you have six pieces of Canadian Back Bacon drizzled in maple syrup and then rolled in brown sugar.  This is then wrapped with Bacon strips and drizzled in some more maple syrup.  The skewer is then put under the broiler until the bacon is nice and crispy.

Bacon lovers rejoice!  The angelic choir sings as you bite into this succulent creation!

Seriously though – for fellow Bacon lovers biting into one of these is a marriage of flavours that are perfect for one another.  Maple and Bacon already pair well together – so adding the back bacon just makes the experience that much better!  The crispy outside makes the Back Bacon inside tender and juicy.  The sweet hint of Maple is not overpowering and would go well with a Voodoo Bacon Maple Ale (which Social Modern does not have on the menu – just sayin’!).

So as soon as the new menu is out – I will be sure to share it with you all.  Until then…  It’s all mine!

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