the week that was and is - december 31th, 2009

Happy New Year's Everyone. With 2009 just hours from being over, I wanted to wish you all the best in the upcoming year. Play safe tonight, and if you have any crazy stories, come back and share! I mean we are the sharing kind around here. ;)

• If you haven't had a chance to read some of my thoughts about the decade in food, do have a read when you get a chance. I would love to hear your thoughts about the decade.

• Are you hoping to see a particular style of restaurant or trend for 2010 in your city?

• Pizza Hut in the US of A is starting 2010 with a bang, and a hell of a pizza deal - "customers can order any size pizza, with any crust and any toppings for $10"

• I hope you are ready for more Guy Fieri. That famous bleached head is going to be part of a new game show on NBC called Perfect 10.

• Speaking of TV shows. Food Network is finally broadcasting Top Chef Masters. having already watched the show, I can tell you it's an enjoyable break-off from Top Chef and may help non-foodies put a face to a few world-class chefs.

• Keeping with the Top Chef theme, the Voltaggio Brothers of Top Chef Las Vegas fame, are starting 2010 by starring in a "web series focusing on their favorite ingredients, techniques and gadgets".

• Seeing as it's New Year's, check out this lady in South Dakota who recently rocked a blood alcohol content of .708 (.o8 is the legal limit). Can you believe that!! I think that is the second highest record BAC in US history. "A blood-alcohol level of over .40 is considered extremely dangerous."

• Drinking and driving is stupid!! So I have no idea what a funeral home in Georgia is offering free funeral services for anyone who is high/drunk and dies on New Year's. WTF.

• Instead, why not watch this handy Chow video for Preventing a Hangover before heading out. And if you do tie one off, catch a ride with your designated driver, friendly cabbie, or metro bus.
  

• 2009 was a hell of a year for giant food records. From the largest hamburger to the largest cupcake. Check out this interesting list of giant foods.
  

• I'll leave you with the National Restaurant Association’s list of the Top 20 Food Trends for 2010:

1. Locally grown produce
2. Locally sourced meats and seafood
3. Sustainability
4. Bite-size/mini desserts
5. Locally produced wine and beer
6. Nutritionally balanced children's dishes
7. Half-portions/smaller portion for a smaller price
8. Farm-/estate-branded ingredients
9. Gluten-free/food-allergy conscious
10. Sustainable seafood
11. Superfruits (e.g., acai, goji berry, mangosteen)
12. Organic produce
13. Culinary cocktails (e.g., savory, fresh ingredients)
14. Micro-distilled/artisan liquor
15. Nutrition/health
16. Simplicity/back to basics
17. Regional ethnic cuisine
18. Nontraditional fish (e.g., branzino, Arctic char, barramundi)
19. Newly fabricated cuts of meat (e.g., Denver steak, pork flatiron, Petite Tender)
20. Fruit/vegetable children's side items

Stay Safe Everyone! I Wish You The Best in 2010

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union bank inn - edmonton, ab

Wedding time. Not for me silly, but for the lovely Yarmen and Elleker families. With the lucky families deciding to have both the ceremony and reception at Union Bank Inn, I was pretty excited to be Sarah's guest. The wedding would be held in the UB's largest room, (giverny) and the meal would be catered in-house. Nothing like a plated service to get the foodie in me excited.

The room was beautiful and created a very pleasant backdrop for the actual service. Quick and too the point, the actual wedding was a breeze. Everyone was quickly whisked out of the room while pictures took place and the room was torn down and set up for dinner. I couldn't help but wonder how they would get all of us seated for dinner.

Menu cards were already located on the tables when we arrived for cocktails, and after a few twoonie priced beverages, the show was ready to roll. Up front, I should say the one thing I really like about this plated service was the seamless inclusion of food throughout the event. The staff were absolutely amazing. From serving all the ladies at the table first, to water and wine refills, to replacing dropped cutlery at an instant. Very professional, very discreet and very happy to be working and catering. What a customer service treat!

For the starter we received an Organic Baby Greens Salad w/ Crispy Noodles, Candied Pecans, Sweet & Spicy Vinaigrette. The noodles were indeed crispy, the pecans were candied, and the dressing was both sweet and spicy. A solid salad, my only issue was with the pile of pecans everyone seemed to receive. Nothing like eating 10-15 sugar coated pecans to shun any health benefits.

Next the main. For the meat eaters, Chicken Supreme with Roasted Shallot Relish w/ Wild Mushroom Quinoa, Fresh Herb Beurre Blanc & Market Vegetables. The chicken was cooked to a solid result. A mix of slightly dry and slightly moist, it was riding the perfectly cooked chicken line. Cooked with the skin on, I couldn't help but notice every diner at my table removing it. So while it may help with falvour, it obviously isn't a crowd favorite. The shallot relish was sweet and very tasty. The vegetables were OK, bordering on soft, while the quinoa (which I happen to cook at home) was very blah. The only thing that kept it from totally failing were the mushrooms, which added a great level of earthy tones.

And for the vegetarians, a tomato and wild mushroom quinoa base topped with goat cheese and market vegetables. I was lucky enough to have two vegetarians located next to me, making the photo op a lot easier. They seemed to enjoy the dish.

Dessert was a Petites Fours Trio, Chocolate Truffle, Lemon Curd Tartlet, White Chocolate Pecan Brownie & Fresh Seasonal Berries. Easily the weakest part of the night in my mind. The truffle was good. The brownie was dry, lacking any pecan, and the tartlet was rock hard with what seemed like canned lemon curd. I was unaware that blackberries and gooseberries were seasonal fruits around here, and it didn't surprise me that the blackberry was terrible. Something brought up by others at the table as well. I suppose a selection of small desserts is a good option, as many diners didn't finish the trip, instead choosing their favorites and even trading.

Soon enough, it was time to dance and for the first time in my wedding experience, the entire dance was taken care of by an iPod. A great way to save money, it did show how a well thought out play list will do more than suffice.

About an hour after digesting supper, the light lunch-style offerings started to appear. Far from the basic meat and cheese platters, the quality of food carried over here as well. Great looking platters of assorted fruits and vegetables along with meal sized wraps, bagels and buns.

Finally the cake, or should I say cupcakes. It seems to be a very common thread at most of the weddings I've been to as of late. The biggest difference on this occaision was that these were made by a family member. Tasting exactly like a store bought generic cake mix, I suppose the family bakers played it safe and the final result showed just that.

Overall, the entire experience was great. Besides a beautiful wedding, the service was fantastic, and the food, while having hits and misses, wouldn't stop me from suggesting or recommending this venue.

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new traditions with a side of chrismas eve

Seasonal traditions. Everyone has them I think, whether you know it or not. Maybe you sit by yourself eating Kraft dinner or maybe you fill the kitchen of a family elder with 25 people. Having virtually nothing to do on Christmas Eve, and my family traditions a thing of past, I accepted an invite to spend a few hours at Sarah's parents house.

With open doors, Christmas Eve at this house is full of food and laughter and people. Between the cousins, sisters, brothers, parents, and family friends, conversations were varied and, at times, very strange (in a good way).

Munchies get put out early in the evening and are continually refreshed; shrimp, assorted sausage, collections of crackers, cheeses, dips, chips, pickles, olives, hot items and more. Of course Christmas treats are out at all times with, I guarantee, something for everyone. Tarts, shortbread cookies, Skor cookies, Mexican wedding cakes, gingerbread and candy canes along with actual dessert offerings. Seriously, enough delicious food to fill your belly and some.

Supper was vegetarian lasagna, to comply with certain dietary requests, and was accompanied by caesar salad and garlic bread. The lasagna, which was a kitchen sink variety, included everything from broccoli to spinach and was very good and very cheesy.

How good...good enough that Sarah didn't know where it all went! The highlight of the night was when we 'attempted' to off Sarah's cousins husband who, unfortunately for him, has a seafood allergy. Not having the product packaging, and the purchasers away at Christmas Eve mass, we were unaware that EVERY single hot item included seafood. Thank our lucky stars, we figured it out relatively early (after he ate a couple) and were able to bring the situation to a happy ending. Nothing says Christmas like a scare!

While very different from my Christmas celebrations of the past, I couldn't have asked for a nicer or more heart warming time. A big thank you goes out to everyone at the house!

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the week that was and is - december 22nd, 2009

Merry Christmas everyone. I know it's a couple of days early, but this update will obviously be the last one before the eventful night. I hope everyone stays safe and warm. Don't forget to leave a cookie or two out for Santa, because really, he never goes on a diet and doesn't need those low-fat wafers.

• As a bread making man, I'm a little sad that Treestone Bakery has been sold. The plus side of things though, is that we may get our first taste of proper Montreal bagels...but will they be kosher?

• Sharon (Only Here for the Food) recently attended a twitter based food night. A great way to combine technology and hungry stomachs.

• It looks like Kai Asian Grill has made the news with their Naked Geisha sushi nights. I for one, as a big fan of sushi, can think of better ways (and places) to eat my raw fish.
  

• "Want an easy way to sum up how Americans ate during the first 10 years of the new century? Three words should do it - Sushi at 7-Eleven"

• While I'm talking about sushi. It's headed to space for the first time thanks to a Japanese astronaut.
  

• Jaime Oliver wins the $100,000 TED prize for 2010.

• The cutest gingerbread houses around!

• Finally, never say it doesn't pay to enter those silly draw boxes. Especially at liquor stores around Christmas. Thanks to Sobeys liquor store, the homestead received this lovely Gran Marnier gift basket. Included were two glass, a bottle of grand Marnier, and a bottle Navan, which my friends is deadly good.

One last thing. If you have some time off this week, why not go see Avatar. I saw the movie this weekend in 3D, and it was unbelievable. Maybe not life changing, but damn did it look good. Bring some snacks though, as it starts to creep up on 3 hours in length.

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woodvale facility and golf clubhouse - statusfirm christmas party

woodvale facility and golf clubhouse
4540 - 50 St
780.462.2101

Surprisingly late in the year, but better late-than-never, I accompanied Sarah to her staff party this past Friday. Located on the south side of our city, the banquet facilitles are actually on the the Millwoods Golf Course.

Having a look at the menu, I'm 99% certain we were dining on option D#2. Which besides the standard items; Ceasar Salad, Tossed Salad, Coleslaw, Marinated Pasta Salad, Chef's Choice Salad, Greek Salad, Assorted Pickles, Raw Vegetable Tray & Dip, Assorted Tortes, Cheese Cakes, Pastries, Fresh Fruit, Dinner Buns, Butter, Coffee & Tea also included

Roast Baron of Beef, Chicken with White Wine Sauce, Cabbage Rolls, Perogies, Fresh Vegetables and Roast Potatoes. *note the actually website lists the veggies as Vegatables. The standard items were exactly that. Yet, as a big fan of pickled beets, I couldn't help but smile when I saw a little bowl.

But really, what about the main options right! The potatoes were good. A bit of something on the outside, my only wish was that they were crispier (like breakfast potatoes). More vegetables, steamed this time instead of raw. The cabbage rolls were filled with rice, and while the cabbage had retained a bit of chew (I like) the rice was mush. The chicken, which looks juicy when it's covered in sauce, was hit and miss. Pieces of it were excellent while others were dry, requiring the need for that creamy, waist expanding sauce.

Finally the Baron of Beef. Our table was selected to eat first, and strangely enough, I was the first person at the carver. The main problem, and something I hadn't ever considered, was that I was now being sliced the end pieces. Sure you might like that if you want your meat cooked beyond pink, but not this guy. I want my piece of roast to be bloody. So alas, I was left with a few pieces of overcooked beef, requiring a scoop or three of horseradish to bring alive. Eventually I even gave up. I did also notice, the beef was quite oily, and had a sheen in the light of a gas in water (I've seen this before even on fresh deli meat, is there an answer?) With such a small group of people, It took a full round of second helpings to come close to the center where I could see a bit of juicy meat. Even then though, I was too full to head back into savory beef land. I wish they had split the roast in half, instead of just cutting from my end to the other.

Of course, no buffet is complete with out a sample of fruits and sweets. The fruit was sub-par at best, with the melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon) all far from ripe and sweet. The pineapple was good though, making up for the disappointing grapes. I didn't step into the cheese cakes and torts, as I was full, but there was still a fair amount left when the staff took the food. Either everyone is watching their weight, or things weren't anything to write home about.

The staff were very good with our small party. Always there to fill your water or clean your plate, or serve you a adult beverage. All while putting a smile on and making you feel welcome. Woodvale has few rooms, ranging from 50-200 people, so even though the beef (and maybe the dessert) was a fail, I'd be willing to try another menu selection in the future.

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kerstin’s chocolates - edmonton, ab

kerstin’s chocolates
10139 112 Street
780.990.0011

After Sharon's valiant attempt to successfully conquer the 'name that origin' contest currently running at Kerstin's Chocolates, I decided to pull up the britches and test my palate today.

It was relatively easy to persuade Sarah in joining me, so this way we could support or celebrate depending on the result. A couple of regulars were in the tiny store when we arrived, so it gave us a few minutes to look around. The store isn't a lot bigger than some bedrooms, but then again chocolate doesn't take up a lot of space. With varieties from all over the world, different flavours, and even drinking chocolate, I'm sure you will find something for the chocolate lover.

Finally stepping up to the chocolate plate, we signed our consent form and looked at the goods. 4 piles of chocolate, with 5 possible origins. Hmm. After a brief description of how to eat and develop the taste (this is like fine wine it seems), we were off. I was able to pick out the distinct characteristic in each chocolate, something that surprised me for sure. Two out of the four were straight forward and I was correct with my placement. The final two were close enough (similar profiles), so I flip flopped a bit before deciding. Unfortunately I had it backwards. If only I had gone with the 'she loves me not' choice, I would be right there with 4 out of 4.

Sarah picked out 2 correctly as well, the two I flipped, and we settled into a sample of warm and spicy drinking chocolate. While I like the aspects of chili in chocolate, it's definitely something I couldn't drink on a regular basis. Sarah finished our visit by picking up some Christmas gifts and we were off. What a great little spot to warm the heart and sweet tooth.

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the week that was, oh no, i've been busy

December! Where have you come from? And why did you bring your -25 degree friends. You know what this means. Snow Angels and falling behind on weekly updates.

• Just like the Duchess hoopla, I have a feeling that the Bothy is about to experience a wave of Edmonton's food devotees.

• It seems (via twitter) that my favorite food show No Reservations is back with new episodes in January! I'm super excited for that.

• And speaking of shows, Top Chef Las Vegas finished and they only way I would have been happier with the ending is if Kevin had won.
  

• It appears Edmonton's infamous Motoraunt may finally be on it's last legs, as the restaurant is facing a huge rent increase.

• Wendy's 71 burger joints are pulling out of Japan.

• Oh bacon. You can appear anywhere.

• Looking for a few gift ideas. Why not make a collection of spice blends.

• "The first official recommendations for a diet that is both healthy and good for the environment are published today, and they are likely to be seen as an assault on the UK's current food system"

• I love apples so much. Heck I eat 3 or 4 a day, so I don't think I could sacrifice them to make Snow White art.
  

• Another week, and another package of goodies from Bulk Barn. I've now introduced my father to the store, who is in love I think. This time; nuts, drink mix, candy, sesame seeds, cheezies, powdered milk, and Belgium chocolate. Yum Yum!
  

• Stopping in at the Royal Bison Craft Sale a few weeks back, Sarah and I bumped into Mack and Sharon (seriously, they are everywhere in the city) which was fantastic. Always nice to see them. Sarah picked up a collection of gnome hats for additional Christmas fun times.

• On the way to the craft fair, I also noticed a new addition to the exterior of Furusato; a mural and advertisement for their lunch hours.

• I was the recipient of Mexican kinder surprises last week. I'm not a fan of the chocolate really, but I was really hoping there would be something loco inside. There was a strange crayon, shield, and a top. Of course, the top was the coolest of all three.

Oh and just in case you were unaware of my John Mayer love, I've picked up tickets to his Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon shows. Crazy right, but you do what you gotta do when your musical influences rarely come. Any food suggestions for Saskatoon?

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tin tin restaurant - edmonton, ab

tin tin restaurant

3338 Parsons Road

780.450.4900‎

The old stomping grounds. Tin Tin, which I think is actuall A A A Tin Tin, was home to plenty of childhood memories. Always packed with Asian clientele, we first discovered this place via an old coworker of my dad's, and have been going back ever since. With my father craving a takeout feast, I thought it would be good to go back and test out a few new options.

Stepping into Tin Tin isn't going to impress you. I often think it's a Chinese version of my favorite pho shop, but if the food is good. I was handed a menu, and inquired about a traditional menu. I was soon handed a menu with NOTHING in english. That's right, nothing. This is actually my first time looking at a traditional menu with no translations at all. Obviously this didn't help my situation, so I asked for some help. The staff were willing to help but swore I should be eating the pineapple chicken balls and sweet and sour pork.

Sure there is a place for those dishes but I wanted something else. At this point I might have just asked for 3 or 4 untypical white plates, but I knew my father would be eating and his tastes aren't as varied and he requires no spicy heat. After a handful of minutes, we had settled on a 'typical' meal. Daily soup, a seafood dish, chicken, rice, and prawns.

The soup didn't look like much more than broth to begin with, as all the bits were hidden at the bottom. Full of bones, meat and some veggies, the soup was fantastic. It's hard to explain from the looks, but the broth was rich and flavourful. I drank the leftovers!

Peaches and prawns are almost always a success in my experience, so it was an easy inclusion, and didn't let the homestead down. The shrimp were done well, and the batter was really light. The sauce was scooped out and eaten with rice by my fellow diners.

I don't know the name of this dish, but it was shrimp, squid, and scallops with mixed vegetables. My favorite of the night, I'm a sucker for seafood like this. So simple, clean and good. The seafood was cooked very well, with only one piece of squid sacrficing itself to the chewy gods.

And our last dish, I was told was just called crispy chicken. Done very nicely, the skin was indeed crispy with all but the edges of the white meat being dry. They also included a ginger and onion sauce which he suggested to dip or pour on. This was the favorite dish of the homestead, which was good because it left me with the seafood!

All in all, my first experience with Tin Tin's more traditional menu was good. With a base of things to start, hopefully I can try a few more dishes one day. My question to you, besides the A A A in the name of Chinese establishments, is why are these dishes not offered to the regular folk? My experience around Edmonton is the same as here with regards to a different menu, but who wouldn't love peachy prawns or crispy chicken?

*oh and seriously, what person needs 3 pounds of rice. We had it for days!

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caution may contain nuts (live) - edmonton, ab

The second season of Caution: May Contain Nuts finished shooting recently, and they decided to tape 3 days of live scenes to work in through out the season. Sarah, who just so happens to edit Caution, acquired some tickets and invited a group of us to tag along.

If you don't know anything about Caution, I would probably describe it as adult sketch comedy. Airing on APTN; it may make you laugh or cringe I suppose. The cast is made up of Mark Meer, Dana Andersen, Aimée Beaudoin, Sheldon Elter, Ryan Parker, Matt Alden, Howie Miller, James Higuchi, and Jeff Halaby.

Ann keeping us entertained in the down time

Videos on the screen.

Filming inside the Alberta Film Studios on Allard Way, it took the better part of 3 hours for night one to wrap. While they did film a decent amount of footage, it does take its toll on the clapping and laughing ability of an audience. In between filmed scenes, they previewed bits of season two footage on a screen inside the room. Taping everything from stand up comedy to music videos, it sure was an interesting night. I look forward to seeing how it looks on TV next year.

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roar of the rings - edmonton, ab

Had a chance to check out the 2009 Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings tournament this morning at Rexall. Having been to the Brier on many occasions, I'd never witnessed women's curling before, so today was a new experience. The early morning start had Rexall Place quite empty, and it seemed the crowd was really waiting for the men to take center stage at 1 pm. The ladies did not disappoint though, and provided some entertaining ends.

I think I was one of 6 or 7 people under 60, which is a shame because I think for the price it's a fairly reasonable family activity. Although, it might hurt that the games are played during the day. Along with being a good deal in your pocket, you get to see Olympic qualifying, and the best competitors in Canada do their thing. There is a few more days left, so you still have a chance to see a few rocks being hurled if you so choose.

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soul soup - edmonton, ab

soul soup
140-10020 101A Ave
780.409.8272

Soul Soup has occupied a cozy little spot on Rice Howard Way for some time now. I'd first heard about the venture through a close friend, who had worked with the mind behind this restaurant, yet for what ever reason (location, time, I make soup) I'd never stopped in until last week.

With Sarah having a short lunch break, and wanting soup, I seized the opportunity to drive across the river and see what Soul Soup was all about. Tucked just off the street, it could easily be missed by those driving and took us a moment to find it, and another lap to find parking (a definite premium downtown). Opening the doors we were greeted by a small space and only a handful of chairs, which were all occupied.

I imagine this setup plays well into the downtown clientele, as most customers probably take the soup back to the office. Working just as well for us, as we were only there for pickup, we were now faced with the selection. Offering 3, rotating and changing, soups each day, one meat, one fish, one vegetarian, we asked for the staff their suggestion. On this day, borscht won out.

Opening the bag, we saw a warm whole wheat bun nestled beside the soup. Being raised around Ukrainians, I like to think I've had my fair share of borscht. I know many have their personal preference with regards to meat, vegetables, sour cream or not, so I can only speak for myself here. The soup was delicious. Lots of veggies, in various sizes filled the bowl of beet goodness. A solid version of borscht in my mind. The bun was a nice addition, as Sarah and I both agreed, in today's world of food eating, many people may look for a sandwich to go with their soup.

After you're done your soup, don't forget to check the bag. In case you missed it, there should be a little candy of some sort. A cute and sweet way to finish your meal. Besides you don't need a slice of cake after every meal do you. I don't know when I'll be coming back, but Soul Soup has made my list of great additions to Edmonton's core.

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