[Xelebes]

Serving staff and music. Not sure if Zinc is a danceclub or a bar, but if it's a bar, it's nice to have a bar that is quiet enough to hold a conversation. Also calling the staff member essentially a fat blob is very petty. I haven't been inside it so I don't know what kind of bar it is.

[dancinb]

As unfortunate as it may be, many people choose a restaurant that have girls that are nice to look at. It sells. Why do you think the Keg/Earl's/Joey's have lineups on weekends? Many guys I know of choose those places for the eye candy, not the food.

I can't count the number of times I choose a restaurant because I want to try the food, and my friends look at me like I'm from another planet because I didn't choose a place that had girls to look at.

Re: music....

All because music is louder doesn't mean that it can't be classy and manageable to have a conversation over.

[SHOFEAR]

I keep hearing wonderfull things about Zinc's lunch menu.

[SHOFEAR]

Hit up Corso 32 last night. Food was fantastic, but the service sucked. How about some professional waiters and not some snobby hipster. When your paying 75 bucks a person for wine and food it would be nice to have staff who add to the experience. I'm sorry, but getting fustrated at us asking questions about how big the side dishes are and about wine selections is not what I expect.

[rapid_business]

Same advise I gave dancinb above. Write an email. You have no idea how big an impact feedback has at the managerial/owner level in the food industry. As these boutique establishments compete to establish a name and slice of the marketplace, the last thing they want is bad press, bad reviews and unsatisfied customers.

[Coldrsx]

^^ That's too bad but what I have heard as well.... more of a fancy dinner lounge for friends than fine dinning.

But yes, do send them an email.

[240glt]

@ Dancinb, Basically what Xelebes said.

If the place is a restaurant I do not want to have loud music, I want to hold a conversation, preferrably without having to raise my voice so the entire restaurant can hear.

And the fat slob comment was the most petty.... you want servers with bleached hair and big boobs go to Joey Tomatoes.

The rest of your comments I think are fair criticism

[Coldrsx]

Heading to Manor Bistro this weekend, havent been in years, but recall it being pretty spot on.

[Harrison]

I have some friends that say Vinyl Dance Pub/Lounge is pretty good. Then again, they are quite young. Anyone here have had any experiences there or just heard reviews about it?

[Coldrsx]

Been there once or twice and it is what it is... nothing amazing but not bad either. Younger crowd though.

[hilman]

I am to the Marc tonight, any dish suggestions?

[Coldrsx]

^how did you like it? I would have said pork, chicken, or fish.

[hilman]

We loved it, the food and service was amazing. We were very surprised how inexpensive it was, we had two drinks, two appys, two entrees (the duck confit was tasty) and two desserts (creme caramel and beignets were awesome) for $86, we will definitely will be going back.

[Coldrsx]

^"beignets" there are UNREAL...

Pricing is very good, but people complain about portion size (hence price). I think it is great value and an appropriate portion, but can see what people mean.

It is so nice to have something like that 50 steps from my condo though.

[hilman]

I am known for eating a lot (once ate a burger with a 4 lb patty in 28 minutes) and found the portions to be a good size.

[Airboy]

Got to Niche on Saturday.

Quite impressed. $110.00- App( Shared), 2 mains, dessert (shared) and a good bottle of wine. Salmon with brown butter and maple, ahhhhhhhh. The price was in our moderate range for dinning.

High being 300, average 150-180, low pizza at 20. Dinning in YEG

Will have to try Marc next.

[Coldrsx]

Madisons for breakfast today. Such a nice little spot.

The good:

-price $26 for two with coffee
-portions were perfect
-quality of the food was very high

The Bad:

-Jasper avenue entrance is now locked because they dont want street people coming in.
-Service was just ok

[Hallsy's Toupee]

-Jasper avenue entrance is now locked because they dont want street people coming in.

How stupid. If every business in every urban downtown did this, there would be no lively downtowns at all.

[CanadianCentaur]

Madison's - isn't that the restaurant in the Union Bank Inn?

[CMD UW]

Madisons for breakfast today. Such a nice little spot.

The good:

-price $26 for two with coffee
-portions were perfect
-quality of the food was very high

The Bad:

-Jasper avenue entrance is now locked because they dont want street people coming in.
-Service was just ok
When did they do that? I was there a little over a month ago and the Jasper Ave entrance was open. Perhaps this is just on weekends?

[Coldrsx]

Not sure, but still... many many people tried to come in the front and had to walk around and enter through the hotel.

I dont like it.

[Coldrsx]

Went back to Madison's Grill yesterday for breakfast.

Even worse service, terribly slow, all 3 meals came incorrect. Embarrassing considering this is where many from out of town on business stay and eat.

1... ONE server for much of the time, she was run off her feet.

Letter time

[Coldrsx]

Hit up 'La Poutine' today at lunch, THANKS BRUCE!

Cute little store, incredibly nice owners, great little PATIO, and good poutine. They have a nice variety of choices and even 2 different gravies (Beef or quebec style). Curds were awesome, fries cooked perfectly. Gravy was a little light for me, but not overly salty like most which was a nice change.

Wait a second... what's this?
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/misc%20photos/DSC00870-1.jpg

Haha, awesome! May I present the 'Canadian'
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/misc%20photos/DSC00871.jpg

We ate from 1145-1230 and it was PACKED the entire time.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/misc%20photos/DSC00872.jpg

I am looking forward to trying it again once I burn this one off... I recommend a small.

[Xelebes]

Where is this?

[hilman]

Where the Garneau theater is/was on 109 Street.

[Coldrsx]

109st and 87ave

[CanadianCentaur]

Yum yum! Too bad I'm in Grande Prairie this weekend though!

[SHOFEAR]

the gf and I hit up garage burger last night....I have no idea why I wait so long between visits to that place...I haven't been since just afte they reopened.

it's rediculously tasty.

[Coldrsx]

... you mean 'The Junction'. - 106st/102ave beside metro.

Yup, killer burgers, cheap compared to most places, and wicked side options.

[DRan]

Has anyone been to Rodeo Burger?? Went last night and had the Western Burger - Bacon, Cheese, Caramelized Onion, Mushrooms, Lettuce, Tomato, Guacamole...

BEST BURGER ever.. And awesome fries..

[ue]

God, that 'Canadian' looks so unhealthy.

[Coldrsx]

Hit pourhouse tonight. Great interior, nice little patio. Service was decent. Food was just ok... A little flavorless. But great beer selection.

Might not be back for dinner, but will be back for beers and nachos.

[CanadianCentaur]

Went to the Pourhouse Bier Bistro last night. Interestingly, while the Gin Mill was practically empty of customers (but it did get busier later on), the Pourhouse was busy. No trouble getting a spot at the bar though. I had a couple of Innis & Gunns - one regular one and a Rum Cask. I was lucky, as the Rum Cask I&G was the very last bottle they had in stock. Didn't have any food there, though.

[Innersoul1]

Hey All, greetings from Calgary. Coming up to your fair city for the U2 Concert on June 1. It would appear that all of the hotels downtown are booked solid. I am wondering if anyone can suggest a hotel that is on your LRT line for easy transportation to the show.

Please feel free to PM me!

Thanks in advance.

[Coldrsx]

Maybe check around whyte... Quick bus to the uni for lrt.

It's going to be one wicked concert. Fray will be cool to see.

[Innersoul1]

Maybe check around whyte... Quick bus to the uni for lrt.

It's going to be one wicked concert. Fray will be cool to see.

Thanks Coldrsx. It's crazy, it would appear that everthing downtown and on Whyte is booked. I even tried the Campus Tower Hotel on the UofA campus. Oh well, guess I won't be greening it to the concert.

Should be an impressive show for sure. Really looking forward to it!

[ABF]

Thanks Coldrsx. It's crazy, it would appear that everthing downtown and on Whyte is booked. I even tried the Campus Tower Hotel on the UofA campus. Oh well, guess I won't be greening it to the concert.

Should be an impressive show for sure. Really looking forward to it!

There's also a hotel in Clareview right along the LRT line and south of the station, but a bit far and out of the way.

[Airboy]

Ramada and Nova at CCA, but......

Try anything on the south side QE2 area, you're close to the south LRT Century Park area

[EdmTrekker]

Hey All, greetings from Calgary. Coming up to your fair city for the U2 Concert on June 1. It would appear that all of the hotels downtown are booked solid. I am wondering if anyone can suggest a hotel that is on your LRT line for easy transportation to the show.

Please feel free to PM me!

Thanks in advance.

Comfort Inn and Suites downtown on 104 St and 100 Ave shows vacancy - 1 block to LRT

[Coldrsx]

For Immediate Release

The Al Fresco Block Party summer celebration returns

Edmonton, AB - Its on! The Al Fresco Block Party returns to celebrate downtown, locally owned businesses and the spirit of giving. The event takes place on June 11, 2011 from 8 am to midnight along Edmonton's 4th Street Promenade (Jasper Avenue and 104th Street).

Now in its third year, Al Fresco was conceived and developed as a community event and fundraiser. The benefiting charity for Al Fresco 2011 is E4C's School Lunch Program, which feeds hungry children in high-needs schools. In 2010, roughly 8,000 people came out to support the event and more than $23,000 was raised in support of E4C. This year, Al Fresco will be bigger and better than ever.

"The businesses and residents along 104th Street are excited to share the vibrancy of our growing community," says Al Fresco Committee Chair Ed Fong. "Al Fresco celebrates the start of summer and locally owned businesses by hosting a uniquely Edmonton event in support of a worthy cause."

To create the atmosphere of a true block party, there will be extended patios; two stages of performers, musicians and DJs; a fashion show; an outdoor wine-tasting tent; the Al Fresco Bistro featuring food from participating restaurants; a mercantile area featuring wares by local artists and merchants; and much more.

The day kicks off with the Downtown Edmonton Community League pancake breakfast at 8 am, the City Market Farmers' Market from 9 am to 3 pm, the Edmonton Pride Parade along 102nd Avenue starting at noon, and the sights, sounds and tastes of Al Fresco on 104th Street into the evening.

A key component of the Al Fresco fundraiser is the silent auction. Through the generous support of donors and bidders, last year's auction raised more than $10,000 for E4C's School Lunch Program. The goal this year is to raise $12,000. Items and current bidding can be viewed by visiting http://devinewines.ca/eventAuctions/...o_auction.html

"E4C's School Lunch Program enables more than 2,000 children to concentrate on their school work, and not their hunger, each day," says Kris Morra, Fund Development and Communications Manager, E4C. "This would not be possible without the generous support of partners like the businesses of the 4th Street Promenade and community-based initiatives like Al Fresco."

For more information on Al Fresco and a complete listing of participants, visit the Facebook event listing by clicking here <https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175093075876530> .

[Xelebes]

A link to the announcement? (You know, so people can have more details.)

[Coldrsx]

dont you have the facebook?

[Xelebes]

Actually, I don't anymore. Haven't had it for a year or two now.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Chopped Leaf is now open in Commerce Place

[Coldrsx]

Healthfare on 103st/Jasper has closed...

[SHOFEAR]

never went, never had the intent. it would be a sweet spot for a pizza lounge.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Healthfare on 103st/Jasper has closed...

Really? That place always seemed busy at lunchtime.

[Coldrsx]

^quite busy at lunch, quite quiet otherwise and never found its feet on ordering, wait times, and menu.

[240glt]

Hmm. We were going to try it for lunch soon. Too bad.

Another thing that is too bad is that it took me six years to finally walk through the doors at Smokin' Iron Farms Deli at 112th Ave & 50th Street. Almost all local, fantastic meat selection and the best smoked pork chops I have had ever... Prices good as well. I highly recommend this place for high quality meats.

[Coldrsx]

^concur in full... i try to pop by when in the area.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

^quite busy at lunch, quite quiet otherwise and never found its feet on ordering, wait times, and menu.

Is the other location still open?

[Coldrsx]

Not sure, but with 4 locations (assuming all corporate), I wonder how healthy cash flow is.

[Coldrsx]

Don't forget it is 'Al Fresco' tomorrow!

8-11am - DECL pankcake breakfast sponsored by Sobeys with collections going to E4C.

ALSO.... very cool event coming up June 24 from 4-8pm in Beaver Hills Park.

Edmonton's 1st Food Truck Extravaganza

http://www.whatthetruck.ca/

[ExcaliburKid]

That food truck thing is an awesome idea, hope it does well!

[Coldrsx]

... and expands with a few more meat trucks to balance off the other. But either way a great 1st effort.

I wonder how long until we see the 1st poutine truck.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Saw a note on the door of the downtown Health Fare by Procura saying that they defaulted on their rent. So maybe they'll reopen once that's settled, as per Java Express?

[Coldrsx]

^I don't think so...

[Airboy]

What is the Best deck for a beer after work today.

[rapid_business]

What area of the city? I love the patio at Black Dog on Whyte, but that is more of a summer evening place to hang out.

[Airboy]

I'm on 124
Have been on the Joes patio but looking for something else.

[Coldrsx]

Pint patio is honestly very good, great people watching.

Sherlock's is always good as is Moriarty's

3 Bananas is shaded, with beer or wine, and while quiet itself, great people watching in the square.

Free Press has a nice patio out finally.

Kelly's is small but decent for traffic watching.

BlackSheep has a much better patio setup, I go there quite a bit.

Lit, T'Zin both have great little patios on 104st.

[Airboy]

Thanks all.

[CMD UW]

Montana's on Gateway....ha!

[Coldrsx]

^ha.

So it sounds like Cactus Club will be taking 1/2 of the Devonian...

[Hallsy's Toupee]

^ha.

So it sounds like Cactus Club will be taking 1/2 of the Devonian...

Please tell me there will be a patio.

[Coldrsx]

I would have to think that wicked west wall would fit a linear patio.

It is ideal for it.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

West and south patio, thank you very much! The south part give J-Ave more life.

[Harrison]

Any opinions on what the best Irish and/or English pub is downtown??

[Coldrsx]

Druid if younger, sherlocks for patio, rose and crown for socializing.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Ceili's might be another option. Mind you, I haven't been there in a long long time, so I don't know if it's still worth checking out.

[rapid_business]

^ha.

So it sounds like Cactus Club will be taking 1/2 of the Devonian...

Fantastic location for Stantec employees! :tup:

[tallisgood]

Didn't someone on here say Cactus Club was going on the BP lands? Is that not going to happyen now?

[Coldrsx]

^I am guessing it was between the 2.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

downtown Health Fare - I still see the open signs left on, and furnishings and whatnot still there.

Press'd in Allard Block - when is this opening? Interior construction seems to be taking forever.

[rapid_business]

Did Taco Del Mar move out on 104th?

[Coldrsx]

Did Taco Del Mar move out on 104th?

A while ago, most of the City's locations closed... bankrupt.

That space will soon become 'Bubble Buzz', my buddy is opening it. 3 weeks away.

[Coldrsx]

downtown Health Fare - I still see the open signs left on, and furnishings and whatnot still there.

Normal for it bankrupt, these assets will be sold by the lessor to cover some of the arrears.

[hilman]

A while ago, most of the City's locations closed... bankrupt.

That space will soon become 'Bubble Buzz', my buddy is opening it. 3 weeks away.

What is a Bubble Buzz?

[SHOFEAR]

That space will soon become 'Bubble Buzz', my buddy is opening it. 3 weeks away.

They were installing the millwork and trim this morning when I walked by.

[CanadianCentaur]

Bubble Buzz? Sounds like a bubble tea place!

[Coldrsx]

Fresh take, more fruit less powder, take on BBT along with some other unique drinks and tapas/dessert.

[tallisgood]

^I am guessing it was between the 2.

I much prefer the Devonian location: 1) it finally fills some space in the damn thing, and 2) it leaves the BP lands available for something grander

[ciudad_del_norte]

Because their current space shall be no more... Icon II

Job No 110832659-001: To change the Use from a Specialty Food Service to a Restaurant (minors allowed) for up to 103 occupants, and to construct interior alterations
10152 - 104 STREET NW
Condo Common Area (Plan 1024741)
TASTE OF UKRAINE RESTAURANT

DOWNTOWN

[SHOFEAR]

sweet. I was so confused when we got the notice a few weeks ago. I figured the grocery store was changing to a restaurant.

[Coldrsx]

That's excellent news... 104st needed 1 more restaurant and that will diversify the offerings nicely!

[TimB09]

Because their current space shall be no more... Icon II

Job No 110832659-001: To change the Use from a Specialty Food Service to a Restaurant (minors allowed) for up to 103 occupants, and to construct interior alterations
10152 - 104 STREET NW
Condo Common Area (Plan 1024741)
TASTE OF UKRAINE RESTAURANT

DOWNTOWN

What's happening with the current place for Taste of Ukraine? Did I miss that memo?

[Coldrsx]

Demo with new tower, townhouses, and retail fronting jasper.

[Coldrsx]

"BTW - the former Treats location on Jasper Ave and 105 st (beside the Subway) is a new location of Flirt Cupcakes (Whyte Ave will remain open). They should be providing sugar rushes to the locals by the end of June."

According to Gord Lacey on C2E.

[CMD UW]

^Great news on both Taste of Ukraine and Flirt...

[itom 987]

Demo with new tower, townhouses, and retail fronting jasper.

Any renderings available for viewing?

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Any truth about the rumors of Oliver Square Sawmill closing?
http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21027

[rapid_business]

Rumours abound of them looking for downtown space for years. I thought I heard they were looking at space in the Mayfair?

[SHOFEAR]

/\ That would be great. With the Bank supposedly turning into a restaurant I wonder if they are starting their own or bringing somebody in...

[Hallsy's Toupee]

The Bank turning into a restaurant? Can't say I'm surprised...the place has looked dead for the past year or so.
I wonder if the shutdown of the Indy party tent is playing a part in that.

[Coldrsx]

^nail in coffin.

[Coldrsx]

BUBBLE BUZZ in icon 1 ( old taco del mar) will be open next week. I was at the soft opening last night and it is quite good, not too sweet. Their desserts are delicious, we had the gai don zai... Think waffles.

[CMD UW]

Good to see a different type of use opening up on 4th. I wish them all the best.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Looks like The Bank has shut down. Yeah I know the source is The Dirty, but still...
http://thedirty.com/2011/06/the-bank-is-broke/

[EdmTrekker]

I wonder whether Good Earth Coffee/ Bakery will do well when it opens in its new location on RHW. It is great to see another resto on RHW but with Starbucks visibly entrenched on 101 and Jasper and Tmmies 50 meters west on Jasper - can the core handle another coffee shop?

Peaked into Tres Carnales today - looks like it is a few weeks from opening (if that).

[CMD UW]

^I think Good Earth will do well considering there is a couple hundred thousand square feet of office space above them and it is a different place other than Starbucks or Second Cup to choose.