Wolfing it down: Edmonton Styles

27/04/2022

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31/03/2022

Went back to CLEMENTINE just for a few cocktails and their steak tartar which again was very good, couple of pics and I'll go back again I'm sure love this spot. Last few pictures are of that short visit.

Today's review however, is for DOSC in downtown Edmonton. Decided to try out their brunch, Edify magazine recommended it, but unfortunately the experience didn't meet our expectations.

We arrived without reservations (didn't see the option on the website) so the wait was to be expected, about 15 minutes. Once at the table however, one expects things to run a little more smoothly. We waited about 15 more minutes for a cappuccino and a pot of tea and another 15 for the meal. We ordered 2 different types of egg benny and although they looked great both arrived cold. Thankfully the customer service at this point was great and they hurried a refire which arrived about 10 minutes later. The flavors were good but nothing out of this world, I really was expecting more (MEAT's bennys blow these out of the water). I really enjoyed their Salad Verte and the crispy hashbrowns had a great texture as well, so it wasn't a total disappintment. The brisket on the Benny was chewy and overcooked, that was unfortunate but they properly poached the eggs at least which is so important.

We'll have to try DOSC at night, see if all the hype is really deserved. 5/10 for this experience.

24/03/2022

Just a quick stop at WOODWORK but it was wonderful. Excellent selection of cocktails and the brussel sprouts were amazing. The tartar was just ok, a bit bland but still tasty. Will be back to try more, nice looking menu and a great bar. 7.5/10

19/03/2022

Will have to check some of these out!! Although I really do prefer to make my own menu choices...hmmm, what to do🤔🤔🤣🤣🤷🏼‍♀️

Dining Week Edmonton Downtown Dining Week March 30 – April 10, 2022 Treat your tastebuds to something exciting during Downtown Dining Week. Get great deals on $20, $35, $50 and $65 multi-course meals at Edmonton’s best restaurants. From steakhouses to sushi shops, there’s always something for ...

06/03/2022

Just go!!! Pick up the phone and make a reservation for SABOR. jesus everything was so delicious Haha!

So my friend Manuel booked our reservation late in the week and they had to squeeze us in. This was evident once they took us to our first table that was in the back room beside the coat closet 🤦🏼‍♀️But I was excited about the menu so we sat and began to enjoy our night. Our waitress was Ching and I found her to be in too much of a rush with everything and when asked for recommendations wasn't very helpful in that she just read me the menu essentially rather than relying on her our knowledge or clients' experiences.

AAAAAAAnyway, we ordered the house red Cab Sav Grand Reserve from Chile and it was quite nice. Along with that we asked for the bacon wrapped dates, stuffed piquillo peppers and an assortment of empanadillas. The flavors in all of these were so different and close your eyes and moan delicious.

By the time ordering our main course came I had tired of the noise coming from the adjoining club battling the restaurant's music as well as the strong vibration and Express style service so we asked to be moved to a better table. Wish granted!! We ended up in what I would think is the best spot in the house, near the entrance overlooking their bar and the rest of the restaurant. Now my evening of culinary bliss could continue!!

Sooooo we ordered not only the Seafood Platter but also the full rack of lamb 🤤🤤🤤🤤oh em ji...everything was cooked perfectly, so tasty and the sauces provided were just wow. I loved it all and of course a bunch had to be packed up because we ALWAYS we leave space for dessert. The passionfruit (maracuya) cheesecake recommended by our new funny, personable and attentive waiter Richard was on point as it wasn't too heavy, sp fresh and delicious. The pastel de nata was also a creamy crispy delight and paired with our digestive (fernet and cant remember) plus our coffee and mint tea rounded off the night nicely. Even danced a short merengue before heading home. We will be back to Sabor for sure, I need their charcuterie and tapas in my life...can't wait to try them all!! Bravo!!!! 9.5/10

27/02/2022

Well, going out to eat is one thing but having to prepare it yourself is another!! It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end! We will go back for sure to the SORRENTINO'S COOKING CLASSES.

The menu was AMAZING!!!! We prepared the dessert first, cheesecake, as it had to cook for a while to be ready on time, it was quick and easy to prepare and turned out delicious! The soup was a bit more involved but still a simple preparation and yummmmmm, important to know jot to overcook the fish and mussels in the soup but otherwise a very simple yet scrumptious treat! We got to enjoy that right in the kitchen. Then went on to prepare the final course which was the roasted potatoes and the sirloin grilled steak with chimichurri.....I'll just say this....I suddenly feel like steak should not be eaten without chimichurri anymore!!! So effing yum!!!!

So either we are amazing chefs or the ingredients are top shelf or both but it was all so awesome. They even let us take out own wine which made the prepping even more fun and delectable! We will be back for a pasta or pizza class for sure!!! Thank you! 9/10 only because it felt like we were being rushed out a bit by the end and they had no bajativos or the waitresses didn't know where to look for them (digestives?? Like mint, amaretto, fernet, limoncello etc.). We weren't offered coffee or tea or anything either. Otherwise a really awesome experience 💛🙌 can't wait to try it out again!!

21/02/2022

A visit to Costco in Sherwood Park took us to MEXICO LINDO for a late lunch and we enjoyed it. We had the Queso Fundido with mushrooms, chorizo and peppers to start, the strechiness was epic lol tasty too although La Patrona's version tops it for sure. We then had the Shrimp Tacos and the Green Enchiladas. Tacos were delicious and the enchiladas were just ok but maybe because by the time we got to them they had cooled. We were so full though, portions are well sized. We made room for the Tres Leches cake and it was moist and tasty. Ambience was decent, as was the service. I want to go back to try their specialty which I can't remember the name of but it's like a grilling pot full of yummy goodness. Molcajetes! That's what it was! Anyway. Want to try that one day. Will go back, 7/10. :)

20/02/2022

Last night I was treated to an amazing meal at downtown's RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE.

You're greeted by a very friendly and efficient team of hosts and then led into a beautiful dining room with incredibly high ceilings, big comfy booths, an enormous and gorgeous fireplace with Ruth hanging overhead and another lovely team of servers ready to take care of you.

The menu is amazing.....had I not looked at it before arriving it would have taken me forever to choose as everything looks amazing. The wine list is extensive, surprised me to see no Chilean wines on the menu but the midrange Malbec we chose was delicious so no love lost. We picked the spicy shrimp and crab stuffed mushroom caps as our appys, the shrimp were very good and the mushrooms were tasty but you couldn't really taste the crab which was a little disappointing. We were then served, on sizzling hot plates which apparently their signature style of serving, a 16oz ribeye for him and the lambchops for me. Oh my God....I had my eyes closed for most of the time just savoring....so good. As our sides the brusselsprouts with bacon and the grilled asparagus were a perfect match and cooked to perfection in both cases. Yum yum yum. Couldn't leave without trying dessert of course, he had the raspberry gelato and I downed a huge and delicious creme brulee. Ah, forgot to mention that my date had mentioned it was a belated Vday dinner and the hostess sprinkled hearts all over the centre of the table as we sat down, nice touches lile that definitely make all the difference. Appreciated!!
All in all the meal, the service and the ambience were all fantastic. I would go back in a heart beat and only take off one point for not having one Carmenere (or even just a Chilean red wine in general) on their huge wine list. 9/10...can't wait to return and next time will reserve a booth!! Enjoy!!

18/02/2022

Last night was an amazing 3 hours. We started at CLEMENTINE on Jasper ave and 119st and oh my, my, my. Margaritas were on point and our server Mitch had no problem making it the way I like with no sugar and a spicy rim. The chef's choice charcuterie board, the pork ribs and the beef tartar were all SO SO SO delicious. A little bit of cartilage in the ribs but nothing too overwhelming. I would have liked more cheese on the board but it was the small version so I'm guessing the large might have more variety.

The only complaint I had, and made, was a server who was just a disaster. Rude, inattentive, no eye contact, fast and short answers to any questions about the food or future events etc Just make sure you're served by Mitch and not the bald guy and you'll be golden lol someone like him normally could have ruined the evening but considering Mitch was wonderful, the ambience and music were great and the food was phenomenal he quickly faded into the background.

We ended up at the Candlelight Concerts night of Queen at Allard hall and it was just wonderful. I recommend that experience wholly and it's happening again on April 16th, enjoy!

14/02/2022

We headed over to VIOLINOS just off 124st today for a late lunch. They had just opened apparently when we arrived so we weren't greeted right away and they were getting themselves sorted out so that wasn't the best way to begin but the service improved throughout the meal thankfully.

We started with the lobster artichoke dip and so that my daughter could see the "show" ordered the chicken alfredo flambé that they are known for. They light the huge asiago cheese wheel on fire essentially and then toss the already prepared pasta in there for some extra creaminess. My little one loved the process so it was worth trying for sure. The flavor of that dish was good but was missing something and I discovered what by adding some of the lobster dip to it...yummmmm. That dip was really yummy although I preferred it on it's own or in the pasta or even on the house bread over the pita it came with. Just preference I guess. We then ordered the surf and turf special Eugenia told us about that came with a 12oz steak (I forget the cut sorry!), a lobster tail and some other seafood. That plate was very good. The steak was cooked rare and to perfection. The tail was small but tasty and the shrimp and scallops although they were few were flavorful as well. With that we were stuffed but HAD to try their desserts. The molten lava cake and the tiramisu came and my daughter DEVOURED the chocolate cake and vanilla icecream. The tiramisu left a lot to be desired, you'll have a much better version at Bianco or Tiramisu on 124st for sure.

I would go back to Violinos as the menu has many amazing looking dishes. I'd love to try their take on lamb and kind of wish I had tried one of their interesting looking salads as well. I wasn't overly impressed but enjoyed the meal for sure as the ambience is quite comfortable and quiet considering it's in what used to be a house. I did feel quite a draft though so if we come back during the winter I would likely ask for a table upstairs. Go try Violinos, I think you'll enjoy your meal :)

13/02/2022

Last night we hit BRASSERIE BARDOT for supper before going to meet with more friends for drinks. The house is lovely and has been made into a truly beautiful shrine for that incredible beauty. We didnt check out the upstairs but chose to take a table in the main dining area as it seemed a bit cramped in their other small section on the main floor.

We ordered the French onion soup, the baked brie and the scallops as appetizers. The soup was tasty and a nice sized portion, nothing out of this world but definitely was worth trying. The Brie however, was close your eyes and moan loudly until other patrons are uncomfortable DELICIOUS!!!!! SOOOOO so so so good! It's wrapped in filo pastry and baked and then comes with candied pecans and a berry type of sauce. OH EM JI!! I will go back just for this dish and the dessert. The scallops were just ok, only 3 and were slightly undercooked, I wasn't a fan of their presentation either. So 1/3 wins made us decide to just share one more plate and then order more food at the next spot so we picked the seafood crepes. Just ok, not very nicely presented and nothing special. Thankfully though we said we can't leave without trying a dessert and we shared the cheesecake AMD there was a lot more moaning lol It was just amazing, a festival of flavors and textures. I will be back at BB solely to have a bottle of wine with the brie and cheesecake :) 7/10.

We then went to BOTTEGA to meet our friends and of course we ate more Haha this time I'll recommend their wood-fired pizza. I asked for a half and half as the owner was at our table and it didn't disappoint. The mushroom medley was my fave but the pear and prosciutto was also quite yummy. We had a very fun night there, staff is always friendly and the ambience is great. It's always a go to spot.

09/02/2022

We tried out the Japanese BBQ GYU-KAKU on Jasper Ave a few days ago. It's a fun experience for sure as you get to cook the meat yourself but I found the spot and service a bit lifeless and lacking. I wasn't left with that OMG I want to go back feeling at all and although there were some very tasty meats and sauces I just didn't feel it. I'd give it a 6/10 as the food was good although the sirloin and scallops both lacked flavor. They also didnt have the wine or the tequila that we would have ordered off their menu so that was another boo moment, we drank water. We decided to have dessert elsewhere and with that you can tell we were just not into it. Maybe you'll have more luck, we tried the "chef's favorite" and added the scallops. Just OK 🤷🏼‍♀️

05/02/2022

Most recent stop on this wonderful tour for these hungry wolves was JAPONAIS. We were craving sushi and followed Google for a recommendation. In short, didn't disappoint but also didn't cause a standing ovation. Oh, unless you like a fancy toilet...then by all means this is the place for you 🤣 not going to lie, I loved it Haha.

We started with the Hot Stone tenderloin, Mango spicy prawns. assorted sashimi and miso soup. The hot stone was a fun addition to the table and the meat was very tender, would have loved the portion to be a bit larger. The mango shrimp weren't spicy at all and sort of reminded me of the peaches and cream shrimp you can get at most Chinese spots, just ok. The sashimi was good, especially the sockeye salmon.. amazing texture and flavor there. The miso soup came cold so boo. We went on to order the roll recommended by the waitress, the pressed salmon I believe it was called and the other one was the spicy mango roll. The first was delicious! Really nice flavors and the rice was a different texture than most rolls, sort of sweet and sticky. My favorite dish of the night I'd venture to say. The mango roll, just like the mango appy, didn't live up to the hype...missing some flavor for sure. Nothing spicy sriracha soya couldn't cure though. Dessert was the matcha creme brulee and the tiramisu, both were decent but again...nothing blew me away.

Yuko was a kind waitress but as we have been doing this tour and it becomes so easy to compare and there was definitely something missing there as well. It's so nice when you have a real banter going with your server and the night becomes even more fun, wasn't the case tonight but she definitely was good at her job and there was nothing to complain about really.

I wasn't disappointed, nor impressed. I'll give Japonais a 7/10 and if I decide I want sushi again I will likely give another spot a chance before heading back right away. Nothing wrong with the spot, just nothing that stood out enough to make me want to hurry back 🤷🏼‍♀️

31/01/2022

Do yourself a favor and make your way to La Patrona, Mexican restaurant in Sherwood Park!

Excellent service and excellent food. 9/10 just because I wanted a no sugar margarita and they couldn't make that happen and that doesnt make sense to me. But everything else was amazing. We ended up enjoying just a shot of Herradura Plata with a Sangrita chaser and that was delicious to sip throughout.

Appetizer: Queso Fundido with chorizo 🤤🤤
Mains: Barbacoa tacos (holy eff yummmmm), the Hugo something sizzling plate and now that I am writing this I realize they forgot to bring the fish tacos we ordered but that's a good thing...it was more than enough and a bunch came home. Will leave it ad an 8/10 as that is a hiccup in service but really it didnt take anything away from our wonderful experience. They were very accommodating for creating a specific plate for my daughter as well, so you know what....back to a 9/10 lol
Dessert: Pastel tres leches. OMGGGG so moist, so delicious, just order it.

ALL THE DISHES WERE PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!! ENJOY! WE WILL BE BACK!

30/01/2022

Saturday brunch with these two had fun written all over it and did not disappoint. We had planned to try out Pip but there was a long wait so we made our way into MEAT, just off of Whyte Avenue on 104st, to give brunch a try. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!

Aura and I ordered mimosas, that were just ok, and the veggie Benedict with added beef brisket and that was OMG amazeballs. So so so so so so so so yummy and filling. Everything about that plate was on point! The potatoes were crispy and delicious and so many sauces at the table to try dipping them in. The Benedict itself was a festival of flavors and the egg was perfectly poached for that beautiful yellow explosion that mustttttt be part of the benny experience! Just yum yum yum. I would order that again in a heartbeat. Manu ordered the breakfast sandwich and had his eyes closed in flavor bliss for most of it so I think that was a winner too!! And what is a meal without dessert??? No, no, no...not our style. So even though we were stuffed we shared a piece of pecan pie with icecream and that was very sweet and crunchy and yum as well.

I forgot to mention that our waiter was sweet, funny and efficient throughout the meal and deserves an applause as well. All in all this experience was amazing and I think I have to give my first 10/10! Not one thing I could fault! I loved how spacious it was, the service was awesome and the food was DELICIOUS. Meat for the win!!! Thanks Aura and Manu for the belly laughs as always, no better pair to do this gastronomical tour with! See you soon baboons!!!

30/01/2022

Friday evening took me to Ice on Whyte (short and quick but very pretty and cool to have arrived on time to watch a sculptor doing his thing) and then to the revolving restaurant LA RONDE in downtown Edmonton.

My first impression was a but skewed as being told that it was paid parking made no sense to me. As he took advantage of the valet service, my companion reminded me that most downtown restaurants have paid street parking and I stopped complaining 🤣🙌

Then zoom zoom up to the 24th floor where we were taken to a very nicely "dressed" table. The pristine white tablecloth, the origami style cloth napkin and super shiny silverware reminded me of my uncle's upscale restaurant in Chile and I began to enjoy the experience right away. That was not long lived as it did take some time for our server to get to us for our drink order but conversation was good so I remained patient. The margaritas we ordered were just ok but made as I asked with a few tweaks so I can't fault them too much as they didnt even appear on the menu so not a regular drink there. Keep trying Mr.Barman!!

So if I were to base the evening on the appetizers I would probably never go back solely because despite decent flavors the portions were so small that it feels like a real rip off. Thankfully we ordered a few more plates and those all hit homeruns. The shrimp, the duck and the sirloin, with their abundant sides, were all perfectly cooked and delicious so we were quite satisfied by the end of the meal and not overly full. We shared a mango cheesecake dessert and added some gelato and that was OK, needed more mango flavor for sure.

The only advice I can give is to not look down too much Haha definitely some vertigo here and there but nothing unsettling and seeing the city from so many vantage points was really lovely. Especially seeing the river and all the lit up bridges.

I'll give La Ronde a 7/10 and would likely return if showing someone new to the city a great time, being able to point out several landmarks was pretty fun (just wished the mutant was lit up as that would have looked amazing!). It is a pricey spot so plan for a special occasion and don't expect too too much but enjoy the fancy experience.