Culina Millcreek

On a windy Wednesday evening I headed to Culina Millcreek for a 5pm dinner reservation. The room is so inviting and comfortable but sophisticated at the same time. I had enjoyed my last visit a few months ago and had been looking forward to coming back. I thought I would have the chophouse salad again as I had enjoyed it very much (substituting the blue cheese for feta). However the cold wind made me want some warmth, so I decided to explore the menu.




We decided to share an appetizer and chose the applewood smoked cheddar and goat cheese with grilled garlic toasts. Our server graciously checked on whether the cheese was from one of their local suppliers and confirmed that the chevre was from Crystal Spring Farm in Coalhurst (southern Alberta). The smoked cheddar was not as they have not secured a local supplier yet. The dip was delicious and the toasted bread a good companion for it.

One of my friends selected the vegetarian special for their main course which was vegan spring rolls served with a miso tofu soup and the other chose the quinoa salad and added prawns. They both enjoyed their selections.

After some debate over the sable fish special, I chose the line caught wild salmon served with a goat cheese almond sauce and cucumber tomato salsa on orzo pasta. The salmon and salsa were very flavourful and the orzo pasta went nicely with it, however the goat cheese sauce kind of wrecked it for me. It was too "goatey" for my taste, but still a beautifully executed dish, and a good sized portion.

By the time dessert was offered we were all too full to think about partaking. I will return again soon - the weekend brunch menus sound yummy!

Z is for Zocalo

Zocalo had been on my "to get to" list for quite awhile and though I often drive north on 97th street, I always forgot to skip over to 10826 95 street to check it out. Finally last week I changed that and discovered  among other items, many beautifully bright bouquets and blossoms! I love flowers- and have been particularly missing them lately as I reminisce to springs spent in Portland a few years back.

Zocalo is celebrating the arrival of spring (this week it should actually arrive I believe) with "Tulipmania". From now until April 3 there are special prices on all things tulip, with a five-stem bunch specially priced at $4 and a 6" plant at $10.

The bouquets are not cheap - but if you are looking for something amazing, you can find it at Zocalo. The arrangement shown above was $60 and I believe most of the bouquets below were about $35. They are large and would fill a vase nicely. I resisted buying myself a bouquet but will certainly return for one in the future.

Besides the breathtaking flowers Zocalo offers a variety of retail items, ranging from mugs to greeting cards. You can also grab a tea, coffee or treat while you are there. On Saturday mornings they boast fresh cinnamon rolls.

Swing on by on your way to or from downtown or make a special trip if you need a bouquet for a special occasion. The shops hours are Monday to Wednesday 9-6, Thursday 9-8, Friday and Saturday 9-6 and Sundays 11-5. If you are looking for a specific flower you may want to call ahead, their number is 780-428-0754.

Queen of Tarts.. now open!

Queen of Tarts opened somewhat quietly on Thursday, March 3. With several delays fans didn't know when the lovely new bakery and bistro would open. Well they are now open for business Tuesday to Saturday. I apologize, I am not aware of their hours, I believe they are opening at 10 or 11 in the morning until about 6 and staying open into the evening Thursday and Friday.

When you open the door you walk down the stairs past 29 Armstrong and are amazed by how much light fills the space. The white marble certainly helps to create a sense of royalty among us (many of the offerings are fit for a queen I'd say).

I must admit I am amazed at how much they are doing from the get-go. Not only do they have a generous assortment of cakes, tarts and other treats, as well as savoury items such as quiche and soup, they are also producing several types of pain levain bread.

I enjoyed take out quiche for lunch on opening day. It was delicious. The filling was creamy and the pastry so flaky, it almost seemed to be a puff pastry masquerading as a pie pastry. I also enjoyed a carrot tulip which is topped with an amazing cream cheese icing that is so good I could almost eat it by itself.

After getting sweet treats and even soup to go a few times, I finally got to sit down and enjoy the cafe space the other day. I decide to order the brownie and the Yorkshire tea. The brownie was decadent. I even offered a bite to my friend as it was so rich I felt I could spare some. The tea was good although steeped a bit to strong by the time I was able to take the tea bag out (perhaps I was too busy snapping photos on my phone or chattering to my companion).

They are still working out some kinks, such as where to order what,  and the sizes and prices of items. I suggest avoiding Saturday afternoons for now as I have heard it can quite busy and chaotic. I am sure  they will figure everything out soon. They already have some loyal followers - I count myself among them. What a lovely new addition the Edmonton food scene!

so much

Tonight I quietly reflect on the abundance I have. I ate so many meals out this past week. There is no lack in my life.. yes I don't drive the fanciest car or wear the fanciest clothing.. but life must be simple in some ways.. I am thankful that I don't have to worry where my next meal is coming from. I am sorry so many people do find this their main concern in life. While I have few suggestions on how to solve world hunger, tonight I will remind myself how much I have to be thankful for and pray that somehow the hungry can be filled and the thirsty refreshed.

Oh Duchess...

On my first Saturday off in over a month I scheduled a trip to Duchess Bake Shop.  We arrived around 11:45 on this snowy February day. It was quite full but we managed to get one of the tables for two and borrowed a chair from another table to seat our party of three.
I already knew I wanted to order the ham and cheese croissant and have it warmed up, but wasn't sure what sweet ending to go with. After devouring the wonderfully tasty croissant I decided to go with the bakery's signature dessert, the Duchess.

Garner sold me on it by explaining they use marzipan imported from Germany. I also ordered a Buckingham Palace tea, which is my default beverage choice every time I go to Duchess ever since my sister recommended it to me. The Duchess was so beautiful that I almost felt guilty to eat it. The white cake was moist and the layer of raspberry along with the layer of pastry cream was quite sweet - but the marzipan provided a pleasant zing.

There was a steady flow of people coming and going the entire time we were there and I was pleased to give our table up to a familiar face when we finally decided to leave over an hour after arriving.
Duchess never disappoints and offers a wide selection of reasonably priced, beautifully crafted cakes, cookies, croissants, and of course, macarons. A visit to Duchess is sure to bring joy to anyone's day!

another week of culinary exploration

This week I ate out more than my fair share. Such goes the life of a busy single gal like me. I got Blue Plate Diner take out on my lunch break the other day and enjoyed my favourite dish there- the mac and cheese with a side Mediterranean salad. 

presentation of mac and cheese when dining in

I also dined at Corso32 for the third time - and again enjoyed an amazing meal. My friends were unsure about the goat cheese ricotta crostini but we shared it between the three of us and they both loved it.

the amazing crostini (taken on my phone)

the bacon cinnamon bun cut into three 

Over the weekend I enjoyed brunch at Culina Highlands. First we shared one of the specials- a cinnamon bun with bacon. The salty sweet combo was great-  we were glad to split it three-ways as one to myself would have been too much! While my friends both chose the special- a strata, I went with the Ukrainian Breakfast, a cheddar caraway omlette with kubassa and perogies on the side.

I always enjoy brunch at Culina Highlands. Though the servers are busy they are easy going and attentive to fill your coffee mug and water (they leave a wine bottle full of water at your table and fill it as needed).  I will definitely be back! Where to next- I'm not sure but you'll find out soon!

Brunch at Blue Plate Diner

I enjoyed weekend brunch at Blue Plate Diner the other day. We arrived at 11 and were seated quickly (well my friend was seated and I joined her five minutes late!) We were both okay with water (I enjoyed a home made americano on the drive there) and decided on the eggs benny (friend) and the breakfast burrito (for me). (I ate half the burrito before taking the photo below).

Both of us enjoyed our meals and ate up every bite although I needed to cover  my potatoes with  ketchup to enjoy them fully. My friend opted to substitute fruit instead of potatoes (beware there is an upcharge for this).

As we left an hour later we walked past the lineup that had formed all the way to the door and were pleased that we had come at 11.

I couldn't resist going across the street to Credo for a coffee and chose a tasty Columbian single origin and then decided I would have a Jacek chocolate too. The spring like weather had drawn quite a crowd at Credo as well. I left after finishing the last drop of my coffee and purchasing a few more chocolates to share.