Friday Fun
With both The Forbidden Phoenix serial story and play waiting for notes, I'm done what I needed to do this week. Time to get back on the research treadmill for the China non-fiction book, but I thought today I'd just post some tidbits about my Edmonton experiences. As always, food is on my mind, and I've had more than my fair share of restaurants over the last month. Here are the highlights.
Noodle Noodle - Best place for dim sum in the city, but it's not cheap. The great thing is that you can order dim sum any time of the day off the menu, so everything arrives hot. Avoid the dinner menu. Stick with dim sum.
B-Bim-Baap - Used to be Korean Gardens, but new owners have taken over. The decor isn't great, but the food is and it's cheap. Try the signature dish, which is rice in a bowl with veggies and a fried egg. If you go for Dolsot B-Bim-Baap, the food is served in a piping hot stone bowl that keeps cooking the rice until it's crunchy. And if you love Korean barbecue ribs, you have to try the ones at this restaurant.
Three Amigos - The decor isn't much to look at, but the food is fresh and pretty tasty. Get past the fact that you feel like you're in a donair shop and try some of the authentic Mexican food. Loved the tostadas and the empandas reminded me of the time I was in Mexico. And you can't go wrong with the price. If you can't decide, they have sampler plates.
Mikado - Very pricy Japanese food, but it was pretty tasty. Mango Tango roll was the best. It had eel, avocado and mango. The deluxe bento will fill you up.
Furusato - Still my favourite Japanese restaurant in Edmonton. The place is small and the prices affordable. Be prepared to wait in line. The salmon bits appetizers are a must. If you don't like waiting, order take out.
Bacon - I'm not sure how to describe this place. Ukrainian fusion? The food is fresh and made from local produce. It's expensive for dinner, but the pulled pork wontons were to die for. I'd definitely go back, but maybe for their lunch specials.
Soul Soup - Hidden gem in downtown. Nothing but soups and only open during office hours. You can order soup to go... fresh or frozen.
Three Bananas - Only restaurant on Churchill Square. Paninis are good, but I always go for their smoothies.
Next on my list are Red Ox Inn and Continental Treat. I figured I've lived in Edmonton long enough; I should be trying new local restaurants instead of hitting the franchise restaurants. If you have any recommendations, give me a shout.
Comments
My favourite for my non-adventurous family members is the Upper Crust Cafe on 109 St. For something a little odder, go for the chicken and spinach on waffles at the Sugarbowl. They have a bunch of Belgian beers on tap and make a mean chai latte. Also have the best lamburger in town. Also try the Cafe de Vill for your next special occasion. Not cheap, but very very tasty.
Posted by Steph on July 04, 2008
Did you say chicken and spinach on waffles!!?? Very cool. When I was in LA many years ago, I wanted to go to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles. I chickened out at the last minute and have regretted it ever since.
Posted by Marty on July 04, 2008
mmm hmm. With maple butter, too! It sounded a little weird to me, and you should eat it quickly before the spinach becomes too wilted, but it's surprisingly good.
Posted by Steph on July 04, 2008