[noodlenoodle]

I finally had a chance to hit up Delux BB on Bourbon St.

Nice enough looking location, though the whole Stripmall of Upscale Dining that Bourbon St stretches any attempt pretty thin.

Veggie burger was cold and fries were overdone. Still reasonably tasty, but not woo. Servers were unenthused and slightly underwhelming.

I give it a 2/5

[240glt]

Took my honey out for dinner on Saturday night to Cafe Select on 106st. Loved the atmosphere, great date restaurant. Had the three peppercorn steak done rare, it was one of the better steaks I'd had in a while. Service was great (My partner is an after work regular to the bar as he lives right around the corner so we did get a little preferential treatment) Great booze list. Two dinners, two martinis and a bottle of Merlot came in just shy of $100, well worth it IMO. I'll be back, hoepfuly when the cute little patio is open

[rapid_business]

Skimming it, I read it as: ...Had three peppercorn steaks done rare,...:haha: :worship:

It looks like they couldn't make a go of it at the old Turtle Creek location, correct? I haven't been by there in awhile, but it seems to me it is something else there now, no?

[noodlenoodle]

Skimming it, I read it as: :worship:

It looks like they couldn't make a go of it at the old Turtle Creek location, correct? I haven't been by there in awhile, but it seems to me it is something else there now, no?

Original Joes Varsity is in the old TC spot on 109th.

[Coldrsx]

Not sure why the 2nd location of cafe select didnt work out there, but i am happy to have the one downtown nearby. It rarely disappoints and has a great spectrum of menu choices.

[Airboy]

The D'lish wine bar looks ready to open.

And Sherry Summerviles Place had someone working on it Saturday.

[ABF]

Also, a new wine and tapas place is opening up downtown St. Albert. Not exactly Edmonton, but what the hell.

[Airboy]

Nice to here, After trying to find a good pub ( Bad Country Music and Even worse Karaoke) this might be the spot.

And ST Al has some great Restaurants that even Edmontoners would like.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Note to downtown Sunterra - please shut up that town crier selling "hot fresh cookies". Highly annoying.

Meanwhile over at City Centre, the newly-opened Pressd and Fatburger had huge lineups at lunchtime.

[Xelebes]

Note to downtown Sunterra - please shut up that town crier selling "hot fresh cookies". Highly annoying.

I noticed that too. Sets me in a tourettic fit.

[240glt]

Went to Il Pasticcio this past Saturday after trying to get in the week before without reservations and being told we'd have to wait an hour. I'd been here before years ago so we thought that it was time for another visit.

It was clear that our server was very inexperienced and made several faux pas that you would not expect in a higher end Italian restaurant. We ordered wine, and our server was not familiar with their wine list and came back to tell us that they were out of that particular vintage, and in fact were out of about 1/2 of their red wine list. My partner was not impressed but we settled for a nice Merlot and ordered.

It took a while for our entrees but that was fine as we were told it might be a bit, the waitress became overly chatty when it was pretty clear that we wanted to be left alone. Finally dinner arrived, it was very good and made up for the rest of the experience.

To summarize, meal was terrific, service was mediocre to poor, the lack of wine was not impressive at all and I wasn't overly impressed with the ambience... the tables are too tight together for any type of intimate talk without being evesdropped on by neighboring tables.

Wine, two salads and two entrees came to about $120. I give this restaurant a fairly generous 3 out of 5

[Coldrsx]

My gf and I hit up 'the Juction eatery' (formally Garage Burger) last night. Slightly reno'd but the biggest difference is the meat patty.

One word - WOW!

I had the bacon mozza burger, she had the garlic mushroom, we shared fries, had pops.

The fries were almost a perfect balance between crispy and velvety insides.

The burgers were paired with fresh buns, bright red tomatoes, freshly cut spanish onions, and lettuce that was still crisp.

The staff was friendly, welcoming, and interactive.

$20.25 for all of that deliciousness...

I cannot wait to go back!

[etown]

Went to Il Pasticcio this past Saturday after trying to get in the week before without reservations and being told we'd have to wait an hour. I'd been here before years ago so we thought that it was time for another visit.

It was clear that our server was very inexperienced and made several faux pas that you would not expect in a higher end Italian restaurant. We ordered wine, and our server was not familiar with their wine list and came back to tell us that they were out of that particular vintage, and in fact were out of about 1/2 of their red wine list. My partner was not impressed but we settled for a nice Merlot and ordered.

It took a while for our entrees but that was fine as we were told it might be a bit, the waitress became overly chatty when it was pretty clear that we wanted to be left alone. Finally dinner arrived, it was very good and made up for the rest of the experience.

To summarize, meal was terrific, service was mediocre to poor, the lack of wine was not impressive at all and I wasn't overly impressed with the ambience... the tables are too tight together for any type of intimate talk without being evesdropped on by neighboring tables.

Wine, two salads and two entrees came to about $120. I give this restaurant a fairly generous 3 out of 5

Ive gone a couple of times and that has been my experience as well. Good food - terrible service. We took guests from out of town last time and it was embarrassing. I won't be back.

[240glt]

@ Cold, I will be sure to let Deb & Tracy know you were impressed!

[Coldrsx]

@ Cold, I will be sure to let Deb & Tracy know you were impressed!

Thanks 240, although I believe both were in the restaurant that night and I did let the staff know how solid a fare that was at a fair price.

I want another burger right now

[SHOFEAR]

A bunch of us from the office hit up The junction for lunch today. Despite totally screwing up two of our orders...it was great.

Those double beef and double bacon burgers are good. The beef almost tasts like A&W...just much thicker.

[Coldrsx]

^yah... my mozza bacon was very 'mozza-esque' but for $2 WAY better.

[Xelebes]

My gf and I hit up 'the Juction eatery' (formally Garage Burger) last night. Slightly reno'd but the biggest difference is the meat patty.

One word - WOW!

I had the bacon mozza burger, she had the garlic mushroom, we shared fries, had pops.

The fries were almost a perfect balance between crispy and velvety insides.

The burgers were paired with fresh buns, bright red tomatoes, freshly cut spanish onions, and lettuce that was still crisp.

The staff was friendly, welcoming, and interactive.

$20.25 for all of that deliciousness...

I cannot wait to go back!

Yeah, as I stated on C2E, the patties are big improvement save for the fact that the cook needed to work on the form of the patties. I will assume he has gotten that down to at least acceptable now.

[Harrison]

Whats the address of The Junction Eatery? Wouldn't mind checkin this place out at all!

[CMD UW]

106 Street bet'n 102 and 103 Ave (immediately south of Metro Billiards).

[codeman9669]

Ive gone a couple of times and that has been my experience as well. Good food - terrible service. We took guests from out of town last time and it was embarrassing. I won't be back.

I used to go quite regularly as the food was fantastic. We were there a few weeks ago and things just seemed a little off...service was worse than usual, food was a little different, etc. In speaking with our server - it turns out that the ownership has recently changed, and everything became clear.

It used to be one of my favorites - now I question whether I will return...

[Coldrsx]

checked out 'black sheep pub' last night

not bad

kind like if the pint and black dog had a kid

[SHOFEAR]

/\ you took the words right out of my mouth.

[CanadianCentaur]

Cold, glad you managed to check out the Black Sheep last night.

And yes, it's more or less like Black Dog/Pint hybrid.

While I've already been to that place a few times before, I didn't really go there last night, as I was a bit tired. I had a b-day dinner earlier last night at the Keg in SEC (sounds damn far, but my sister lives way down in the southern 'burbs of Edmonton!) and later had a few pints at the Brewsters near Century Park before taking the LRT back up north. I hadn't been to a Keg in Alberta in quite awhile - ironically, until last night, I've been to the Keg only in Metro Vancouver in recent years. I wasn't disappointed at all last night, as both the food and the service were pretty good.

[1ajs]

bassnectar Edmonton Events Centre ??

[Xelebes]

Lorin Bassnectar has been here several times before, almost coming on a semi-monthly basis back in 2005-2007. Never been really into his music, but there is a following here.

[DRan]

I was dissapointed with Black Sheep (foodwise), had the Chorizo Club, definatly wouldn't order it again.

Good deals on beer, $4 pints on some nights, any beer.

I would go back to have some beers/watch the game, but probably stick to the wings.

[1ajs]

Lorin Bassnectar has been here several times before, almost coming on a semi-monthly basis back in 2005-2007. Never been really into his music, but there is a following here.
just curious if anyone was going got a part time gig shooting just need to find more gigs o well i should be in edmonton in late november aparently

[Coldrsx]

I was dissapointed with Black Sheep (foodwise), had the Chorizo Club, definatly wouldn't order it again.

Good deals on beer, $4 pints on some nights, any beer.

I would go back to have some beers/watch the game, but probably stick to the wings.

yup... that place has never had very good food, whatever the name.

[CanadianCentaur]

Tried the wings at the Black Sheep a week ago, but while they were nice and large (I couldn't even finish all 10!), they were a bit on the dry side like they'd been in the oven a bit too long. I've never had anything from the main course, but I've had the potstickers from the appy menu, but nothing wow about them.

I tried the wings at Overtime last night - and they are better-tasting and moister than what Black Sheep offers, IMO. In fact, they were some of the tastiest I've had in quite awhile.

[240glt]

It was my birthday on friday so my honey took me out to the Wildflower Grill on 107st at the Matrix.

The place has a very nice contemporary atmosphere. The service was absolutely impecable, I have never had such good service in any restaurant, anywhere. Had bison tenderloin with a garden salad to start, once again impecable. The wine list was fantastic and we were even treated to a few little extras brought to our table by the chef.

I don't do fine dining often but this was an exemplary experience. I don't know what the tab was but it was worth whatever it cost. 5/5

[Coldrsx]

^I agree. The couple of times I have been there the ambiance and service were top notch. Food is quite good but smaller portions.

[bulliver]

Couple friends and I stopped at The Junction on Wednesday. Two of us had burgers, and yeah...they were great, I also had the Bacon Mozza. The other guy had the turkey clubhouse and said it was the best clubhouse he ever had.

And yes, the server was very friendly and attended to us very well.

Recommend for casual lunch or beer and burger anytime.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Bistro Praha to reopen in Empire Building

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Bistro+Praha+finds+home+Empire+Building/3646355/story.html

Doesn't say which space. The Vietnamese restaurant? Quiznos? the employment temp agency? The old restaurant space down at the LRT level, where Genghis Grill used to be?

[Coldrsx]

^^great to hear!

Interesting for I was told they had worked things out with Icon II.

Empire Building will be good as well, although not as nice a setting.

[Coldrsx]

So 'Corso32' on jasper and 103st is another venture by Daniel Costa.

He hits on the head one element of Edmonton that is just starting to evolve and grow but currently lacking...

"Restaurants should be the new nightlife. When you’re older, don’t go to a club. Why does everyone have to eat at six, watch lost at eight and then go to bed!? Go out to a restaurant; socialize, drink and eat till midnight. That’s what we are going to try and do at Corso. We want that crowd of people that want to experience life and culture, and eat a great meal."

[mcc16]

Don't know if its been mentioned already but there is an opening soon sign in the old Mirabelle? (i think this is the one that was on 109st). Its for a restaurant called pampa. No website yet but all i found were job postings for a Brazilian Churrascaria... Not sure if it will be like the ones in Brazil where sometimes you pay by weight and other times they just put a huge skillet of meat in front of you and charge you for what you eat or a set price like a buffet...

[CanadianCentaur]

Bistro Praha to reopen in Empire Building

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Bistro+Praha+finds+home+Empire+Building/3646355/story.html

Doesn't say which space. The Vietnamese restaurant? Quiznos? the employment temp agency? The old restaurant space down at the LRT level, where Genghis Grill used to be?

The Vietnamese restaurant (A Garden aka The Moon Garden).

That Vietnamese place is already shut down, with the windows covered with white paper on the inside, stating that Bistro Praha is supposed open this December.

[Coldrsx]

Don't know if its been mentioned already but there is an opening soon sign in the old Mirabelle? (i think this is the one that was on 109st). Its for a restaurant called pampa. No website yet but all i found were job postings for a Brazilian Churrascaria... Not sure if it will be like the ones in Brazil where sometimes you pay by weight and other times they just put a huge skillet of meat in front of you and charge you for what you eat or a set price like a buffet...

AWESOME... so the rumours were true.

I hope it is off of a large sword.

That should be a nice addition to the spectrum of downtown offerings.

[mcc16]

i read it wrong...it says opening early 2011...not soon. Same thing i guess though

[Hallsy's Toupee]

New place is now open in the Kai Asian Grill spot. I think it's called Jade Dragon.

[Coldrsx]

4 months.

maybe 3

[Hallsy's Toupee]

4 months.

maybe 3

We'll see.

BTW, I've noticed that the Indian place at 116 St and 102 Ave has been open for a couple of months now. Can't recall the name.

[feepa]

^ lets see if it lasts any longer than the other failed restaurants that have been in the location. (116/102)

I'll take first guess at 6 months before its closed.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

New place is now open in the Kai Asian Grill spot. I think it's called Jade Dragon.

Correction:

http://static.flickr.com/5246/5219800085_2ceeafc9bd.jpg

[SHOFEAR]

Ruby Dragons website is down. One can only assume they have closed.

[noodlenoodle]

It's up for me? www.rubydragon.ca

(It's a giant flash movie)

As an aside I just checked their menu & there's not a single vegetarian entree that I can see. Lovely. Guess I've got no reason to visit then.

[SHOFEAR]

Checked it out for lunch. One of the guys described it as higher quality food court food...which is a pretty fair comparison.

It will be put on our lunch rotation.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

At least they now have hot & sour soup on the dinner menu. That was one thing that kept me away from Kai. Looks they'll be going into nightclub mode on weekend nights.

[rapid_business]

/\ I can't say I'm a fan of Chinese Hot & Sour soup, but I do love Viet Hot & Sour soup. IMO, the best is at The House of Oritental Noodle (Pho Hoa An) right beside Lucky 97 in Chinatown.

[240glt]

^ or a block down at Pagolac. is very good too

[Coldrsx]

Best viet soups can be found at the place beside Mirama on 95st and jasper.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I'll have to try the Viet Hot and Sour Soup sometime.

I still love me the Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup, although I can do without the tofu. I usually judge the quality of a Chinese restaurant by its Hot and Sour - if it's delicious, good meat/veggie/fungal content, and packs a spicy kick, then I figure the kitchen knows what they're doing. If it's anything but...see Lingnan, Blue Willow, etc...I find that the rest of their menu is barely better than what I can get at a mall food court.

[Coldrsx]

Bun bo hue

nuff said

[mcc16]

ruby dragon

http://www.icx.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=9746870&PidKey=1709663668

[itom 987]

Chinese food court food is not chinese food. If you are looking for real chinese food you might have better luck finding it at the T&T supermarket deli.

[Coldrsx]

Promising write up today...

http://www.lapersaud.com/

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/food/bistro+impressive+menu+demands+return+visit/3976369/story.html

[CMD UW]

Corso32 on Jasper and 104th (old Kabsa spot) is now open.

[SHOFEAR]

Had a Calzone from Battista's on 118 ave for lunch....tasty tasty tasty. one of those within walking distance of teh office would be sexy.

[240glt]

^ there have been a few good places springing up on 118 lately. Loving that we're seeing places like this locating in my neighborhood

[Coldrsx]

^^

I am planning on hitting that up next week.

[naidoo]

IMO, the best is at The House of Oritental Noodle (Pho Hoa An) right beside Lucky 97 in Chinatown.

The best pho in the city could be this place. Although Jenny will sometimes feel the urge to charge you and your friends $2 per glass of water, or tell you that the "pho has been sold out" during a lunch rush - depending on her mood of course.

Could also put up Narayanni's to the list, located just off Whyte. Most Indian restaurants in the city (and really western Canada) are primarily north Indian/Punjabi. This place is owned and operated by South African Indians (the same people who used to own Block 1912). South African Indian cuisine is different, and I'd argue a lot more flavorful and sophisticated than just being heavy, oily and spicy.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/131/1530383/restaurant/Narayannis-Edmonton

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Most Indian restaurants in the city (and really western Canada) are primarily north Indian/Punjabi.
I kinda prefer the south Indian cuisine myself. The only south Indian places I'm aware of are Masalaz, Savoy Cafe and Shudh. That said, most Indian joints do serve some south Indian dishes like vindaloo.

[DRan]

Had the turkey dinner poutine at the sugarbowl tonight. Epic!

Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing with the cheese curds and turkey gravy. Perfect proportions of all the ingredients, one of the mist satisfying meals I have had in a while!

[Coldrsx]

DOH... saw that on the wall but opted for the lamb burger.

[DRan]

Good reason for you to go back asap, I'm sure they will have it for the rest of the holiday season.

[SHOFEAR]

does anybody know if Zen closed? no answer, voice mail full....

[Coldrsx]

Odd... but no, have not heard.

[sdimedru]

does anybody know if Zen closed? no answer, voice mail full....

dang that would suck, was planning to go for some all you can eat sushi next week for lunch

[240glt]

So as some of you are aware I have been known to enjoy the occasional beer.


Last night I decided to pick up some beer on the way to the condo so as DeVines is close by I went to see what they had... originally went in for a 6pack of Stella but decided to try Charlie Flints' from Ally Kat instead, and have to say I was very impressed.

[Coldrsx]

Love Devine's

friendly, ridiculously knowledgeable, decent prices

[SHOFEAR]

Charlie flints is awesome.


Perhaps zen was closed due to the crane today?

[Coldrsx]

Health Fare soup and sand... delicious

[Coldrsx]

Axis Cafe closing at the end of the month... sad but a ton more competition in the immediate area now.

[CMD UW]

Axis Cafe closing at the end of the month... sad but a ton more competition in the immediate area now.That's my thoughts as well. I think Credo was able to capture a large portion of the market and foot traffic.

[mcc16]

anyone tried corso 32? is it mostly appetizers/tapas type deal, or full menu? Any veggie options?

[Coldrsx]

Full menu, although smaller, with local ingredients for the most part. I believe they have veggie

[Coldrsx]

Bistro Praha has apparently and finally reopened!!!

SCHNITZEL TIME BABY

[CanadianCentaur]

Bistro Praha has apparently and finally reopened!!!

SCHNITZEL TIME BABY

Yeah, I noticed that as I was walking by Saturday night.

Mmmmm....wiener schnitzel and steak tartare.

[Coldrsx]

Just called... EMPRESS' patio is snow free and OPEN for those interested!!!

[EdmTrekker]

Yeah, I noticed that as I was walking by Saturday night. Mmmmm....wiener schnitzel and steak tartare.

Stopped in with a friend for 1/2 litre of the very excellent and reasonably priced (ok its a steal) Fr Cab house wine with a plate of assorted cold cuts and cheeses at 4:30 yesterday. The menu is the same plus or minus an item...I think the rack of lamb is new. What is great of course is how they managed to turn a dismal space into a very comfortable room - its all about design, furnishings etc. Ceiling is great...I wonder who designed it. That said, they have GREAT staff...great food...and so reasonably priced so likely where ever they went...we would all follow :). The phone rang non-stop for reservations btw...scared the hell out of me. I want it all for moi :)

Oh and about the new Pampas Brazilian Restaurant...I am salivating right now. http://www.pampasteakhouse.com/

Downtown living is getting better and better. Now all we need is a few more pubs in the core. Can't we get Elephant and Castle move street level from City Centre...but that would only be a start.

[EdmTrekker]

anyone tried corso 32? is it mostly appetizers/tapas type deal, or full menu? Any veggie options?

Full menu. Menu is up on UrbanSpoon. IMO this is THE place to eat great food right now. Enjoy it while you can as the Chef is turning out amazing dishes and how long his passion and stamina can last is anyones guess. Call for a reservation and ask for a veggie dish (I can not recall - but then I am a carnivore and my peripheral vision can not see the forest for the beef) This is casual dining...and Chef is very responsive and will likely jump at the chance or at least inform you of choices.

[SHOFEAR]

Stopped in with a friend for 1/2 litre of the very excellent and reasonably priced (ok its a steal) Fr Cab house wine with a plate of assorted cold cuts and cheeses at 4:30 yesterday. The menu is the same plus or minus an item...I think the rack of lamb is new. What is great of course is how they managed to turn a dismal space into a very comfortable room - its all about design, furnishings etc. Ceiling is great...I wonder who designed it. That said, they have GREAT staff...great food...and so reasonably priced so likely where ever they went...we would all follow :). The phone rang non-stop for reservations btw...scared the hell out of me. I want it all for moi :)

Oh and about the new Pampas Brazilian Restaurant...I am salivating right now. http://www.pampasteakhouse.com/

Downtown living is getting better and better. Now all we need is a few more pubs in the core. Can't we get Elephant and Castle move street level from City Centre...but that would only be a start.

I notice the former AON (??) space beside Pampa is being gutted... hopefully another restaurant....but I'm not sure if it was ever built to handle a kitchen.

[Coldrsx]

Cannot wait to green plate/red plate Pampa.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Someone from Transcend was just on Global Morning News (to promote their coffee origin tour in Costa Rica) and mentioned that tomorrow he is going to announce a new location on Jasper Ave.

I'm going to guess that he's taking over the Axis Cafe space.

[Coldrsx]

^guessed right

[EdmTrekker]

Anyone know of any new pubs opening downtown?

[bigcitydude]

i like Dante's on Stony Plain Road....mmmmmmm......getting hungry just thinking about it!! :tomato: :dancingtaco :pepper: :banana: :cheers:

[Xelebes]

i like Dante's on Stony Plain Road....mmmmmmm......getting hungry just thinking about it!! :tomato: :dancingtaco :pepper: :banana: :cheers:

Dante's is gone, dude. It's now a Sharks club.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Dante's is gone, dude. It's now a Sharks club.

Shark Club is gone, dude. It's now the Twisted Kilt.

[EdmTrekker]

And not downtown...

[CMD UW]

Anyone know of any new pubs opening downtown?I've heard Hudsons is looking for a downtown location.

[Xelebes]

Shark Club is gone, dude. It's now the Twisted Kilt.

It's obvious I haven't gone in that neighbourhood much after I stopped working at Dante's.

[Coldrsx]

Brazilian steak house to open in Edmonton

Pampa could bring competition to city's restaurant scene

BY LIANE FAULDER, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM FEBRUARY 1, 2011 11:03 AM BE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT


STORYPHOTOS ( 2 )



More Images »

Accompanied by Pampa co-owner, Oscar Mauricio Lopez, left, David Adjey, right, places a beef rib on the Brazilian charcoal rotisserie at the new Pampa restaurant.
Photograph by: Chris Schwarz, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON — I’m really excited about the upcoming opening of the new Brazilian steak house, Pampa, run by co-owners Oscar Mauricio Lopez (the grill master) and Joao Antonio Dachery (the Brazilian chef in charge of the kitchen). I heard about it last week, when Toronto celebrity chef David Adjey was in town to profile Pampa for his Food Network series, The Opener.

Pampa is a concept restaurant, featuring fixed-price dining called “rodizio,” a continuous tableside service of 10 different select cuts of beef, pork, lamb, poultry and wild game, plus a unique salad bar. The food is roasted over charcoal in the restaurant (much ventilation here) and patrons can watch the whole business from their seats. Wait staff dressed in colourful Brazilian garb bring the meat, artfully skewered, directly to your table.

Lopez says he’s aiming for a Feb. 15 opening.



Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Brazilian+steak+house+open+Edmonton/4204102/story.html#ixzz1CjSfc8Cm

[EdmTrekker]

I've heard Hudsons is looking for a downtown location.

That would be great. Hudsons has an urban vibe - wish they were on Rice Howard but only if they improve quality of their "kitchen".

[Coldrsx]

Not a fan of them, but RHW would be a great location for them to add to the draw of hundred, mor, sher, etc.

[SHOFEAR]

Hudsons would work very well in a renovated KR building...

[240glt]

Quite like Hudsons actually, we've started going to the 104 ave one once a week or so. Decent pub style food, good atmosphere, enjoy their Jumberjack beer.

[Coldrsx]

^One thing downtown is truly lacking is a 'biere market' type place with a decent menu and 200 beers catering to the business and hotel crowd.

[EdmTrekker]

^One thing downtown is truly lacking is a 'biere market' type place with a decent menu and 200 beers catering to the business and hotel crowd.

concur...I would be there often.