local - belonging to or relating to

Local local local, it really counts. Recently I filled my day with all things local.
We started the day off at Duchess Bakeshop (http://duchessbakeshop.com) for breakfast. I enjoyed the Quiche Lorraine which was highlighted by creamy gruyere and wonderful, flaky pastry. I also treated myself to the chocolate raspberry brioche. Also very yummy. My friend enjoyed her favourite, the hearty Cheddar Pepper scone.

It was busy and our seats were surely going to be snapped up as soon as we left, so we headed on our way. Next stop was to be a Local Designers sale being hosted by Red Pony Consignment on 101 street and Whyte Avenue. But approaching Treestone Bakery on 99th street I decided to stop to get some bagels. Sadly they were already sold out of what I was seeking (it wasn't even noon!) but I picked up a loaf of bread instead.

Arriving at the sale we were greeted by familiar faces and browsed through the selection of handmade clothing and jewelry. I knew what I was looking for and after trying it on happily purchased it from Bridget of Fridget Apparel (http://iamfridget.blogspot.com/). Find her at the Royal Bison Craft Fair in 2 weeks or at another sale at Red Pony on December 10th and 11th.

After satisfying my need for a new piece of clothing we headed down Whyte Ave to see what else we could find - I was specifically hoping to find a miracle at Gravity Pope, but the highlight was turned out to be stumbling upon the new Greenwoods Bookstore space at 10309 Whyte Avenue (http://www.greenwoods.com). After browsing, making a purchase and placing a special order we continued on our way.

The last stop on our journey was Churchill Square to check out the Olde Time Fair. My sister wanted to get poutine from Drift Food Truck and we couldn't resist the roasted chicken and butternut squash sandwich. After enjoying our lunch we warmed up with some cranberry apple cider from Molly's Eats and perused the Farmer's Market. I picked up some veggies and my friend got tips on how to knit mittens. Maybe she'll make me a pair (hint hint..)

Well after all our travels we were tuckered out and headed back to my place for a macaron and cup of tea.. and after a few hours of down time and a stop at Credo for a cappucinno, it was off to a girls night gathering with treats from Duchess, Queen of Tarts, and even Corso32.

What a lovely, local day I had. And yes, this is in Edmonton. Aaah, it's really happening here at home where I belong.

every day

I haven't posted for awhile. You see I haven't really been anywhere new to me lately. I return to my favourite spots. I am a creature of habit.

Last weekend I did visit the "new" Highlands Kitchen - formerly Culina Highlands, formerly Bacon. Not a lot seems to have changed. I still enjoy the ambience and the food is still good enough for me to be sure I will return again. I had the Kalyna Platter, which came with 3 pyrohy, 1 sausage and lazy cabbage rolls. At first glance it seemed not a very large portion for $15, however I was very full as I polished off my final bite. Highlands focuses on quality over quantity, which in my opinion, is always a good idea.

Thanks friends - till next time, happy eating!

Summer in the city.. farmers market bruschetta

Thanks to my sister for contributing to this post.

On a sunny Saturday morning, my sister and I headed to the Downtown Farmers Market to pick up some fresh veggies and fruit, including the ingredients for bruschetta.

The essential ingredients:
tomatoes
garlic
basil
olive oil
baguette (we recommend baking fresh bread or picking a loaf up from a local bakery but in a pinch a grocery store baguette will do)

One of us thought grape tomatoes would be better and the other thought cocktail, so we got both. After collecting other goodies such as carrots, onions and a tasty coffee to fuel us for our cooking adventure, we walked back to my place.

We diced the tomatoes, keeping both kinds separate so we'd be able to compare the two varieties. After adding a small amount of olive oil to the bowls containing the tomatoes and finely chopped garlic and basil we heated the tomato mixture in a frying pan for just a bit. We prepared the baguette by slicing and buttering on one side and then toasting slightly in the oven. We then topped each piece with the tomatoes mixture.

We plated one kind first and tasted.. yum.. the first kind was very good. Very tasty. We proceeded to the second kind.. also very good. We both decided that the cocktail tomatoes worked the best. Bruschetta is a fairly simple and healthy snack and when all the ingredients are available locally it seems like a fantastic way to enjoy summer.

Guru

On a Sunday afternoon a friend and I headed to the west end to fulfill a random craving I knew Guru could fulfill. It was just after noon and we were seated in an empty dining room. We ordered the butter chicken, a side of plain rice and an order of garlic naan to share.

As we waited for our food a few more diners were seated. Our dishes arrived quickly and we filled our bellies with the warm chicken in its rich red sauce, rice and yummy, buttery garlic naan. After we were more than satisfied there was still enough to pack up for my sister to try.

For a slightly high end dining experience I recommend giving Guru a try. Located amidst many chain restaurants I hope people notice Guru and enjoy what it has to offer.

Lan's Asian Grill

I was recently told Lan's had great pad thai so I headed there for an impromptu fix of one of my favourite dishes. It was almost 7 but there were only a few other diners. We were seated and decided what to order quickly as were very hungry.

We ordered a large size pad thai with chicken to share and four vegetarian salad rolls as well. We went with spice level one out of three. The food arrived and we dug in, quickly discovering the pad thai to be very spicy (I do have a low tolerance for spice). But the flavour was very good and we enjoyed it, despite the unexpected heat. The salad rolls were nice and fresh with peanut sauce on the side. I like my peanut sauce a little thicker and slightly more "peanuty".

Tom is a great host and I was pleased to see the restaurant fill up as we ate our meal. I will return again to explore the menu further.

Tres Carnales

On this hot Wednesday evening I headed to Rice Howard Way to try a taco or four at the newly opened Tres Carnales Taqueria. We went in and the place was buzzing with happy diners. We went to the counter to order our food and first posed a few questions to one of the three "carnales". We ended up choosing 4 pork carnitas tacos and 4 chicken tacos, a side of guacomole and a pitcher of sangria. I was a bit surprised by the bill coming to almost $40 (the tacos are a deal at four for $10) but reasoned that wasn't bad for dinner for two with drinks. We proceeded to our table to wait for our food. It came after a short wait and looked delish.

Our tacos were quite tasty. The food is authentic and the atmosphere fun. I will be back again soon.

Battista's Calzones

On a chilly Saturday in June a friend and I headed from the downtown market to Battista's on 118th avenue. We walked into the brightly painted building which set the tone for the trip.

We took a quick look at the menu board:

I chose the Classico and my companion chose the Spicy Italian. Our calzones arrived shortly and the portion size was generous and accompanied with a side of tomato sauce. The first bite did not disappoint and was worth the wait (I have been wanting to get there for ages). The dough was tasty and surprisingly light - none of the greasiness I have experienced at other establishments. The flavours combined well and I was stuffed after finishing just half of my calzone. My friend also thoroughly enjoyed her calzone and had to pack up the other half as well - so really we could have shared but why not have some leftovers to enjoy later!

Battista is a phenomanelly warm host. He chatted with us for awhile and I felt like we were in his home. I definitely recommend making the trip to Battista's Calzones soon.