I love great food and all that goes with it. As my CV says “enjoys sharing fine food amidst beautiful surroundings, with family and friends – any time, any place!” Preparing good food grounds me, reminds me of my roots, a lineage of women who loved to cook and were good at it. It’s one of my creative canvases. Eating good food nourishes my body and soul and when shared is often the stuff of good conversation and conviviality. Here is where I’ll share my “finds” so check in regularly.
Cafe Haven, Sherwood Park, AB
My community’s “it” spot for the best coffee, and fresh, light local fare including homemade desserts and pies, soups, salads and sandwiches. Voted one of Edmonton’s top weekend brunch spots, best sandwiches and cinammon buns. Owners Michael and Julie Harvey are doing it right with a commitment to local fare. The home of Story Slam in the Park, the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. www.cafehaven.ca, 780-417-5523
Radway Royale Hotel, Radway, AB
An hour or so NE of Edmonton, this gem was written up in AMA’s Westworld magazine. Located at the intersection of Radway’s Main Street and Railway Avenue (“THE” address for the only hotel in any 2 grain elevator prairie town), it’s open Thursday to Sunday evenings to ensure consistent quality and value. ”Adults only” due to the hotel’s “tavern license”. Cool cocktails, limited but good California wine, and a daily menu that features homemade, fresh and local entrees and desserts so good we chose all three to taste and take home. Chef-owners Pete and Ursula Roberts are naturals, he a former lodge manager from Alaska, she a caterer from Portland, Oregon. L and L, the serving staff, were terrific. Call for reservations: 780-656-5359
AVEC, Chicago, IL
Specializing in “small plates” with an Italian, Spanish and French influence, this place was packed to the brim when we arrived at 5:30 on a Saturday night. “Scooching” in between guests on either side of the butcher block tables afforded us an “up close” look at possibilities. With advice from both sides we ordered the grilled foccacia stuffed with taleggio cheese and herbs, topped with a drizzle of truffle oil. The huge chorizo-stuffed medjool dates in piquillo pepper tomato sauce and smoked peach salad were perfect complements. http://www.avecrestaurant.com/
AVEC - Chorizo-stuffed Dates
AVEC - Smoked Peach Salad
Terzo Piano, Chicago, IL
Situated on the third floor of the newly opened Modern wing of the Art Institute, this elegant space combines indoor Italian minimalist design with alfresco patio elegance. The summer menu featured wonderful composed salads and divine fresh fruit cocktails. With a magnificent view of the city skyline, I was transfixed! http://www.terzopianochicago.com/
TERZO PIANO - Bellissimo!
TERZO PIANO - Chicago Skyline
Quartino, Chicago, IL
“Where wine is cheaper than water and the pizza is the finest”…The patio, Italian ”small plate” features, pizza and splendid service by Peter, had us come back for seconds. On our first evening we dined alfresco amidst a patio full of local patrons. Peter helped us through the menu and we settled on a salumeria tasting plate and then the Stefano pizza. La dolce, lemon cake filled with lemon gelato.
Quartino
Quartino - Salumeria Plate
Quartino - Stefano Pizza
Quartino - Panino e Gelato Limone
The following night, to be assured of a table in Peter’s section, we moved into the din of one of several upper level dining rooms. Our fare was more traditional: calamari, lasagna alforno and beef filets with broccoli rabe.
Quartino - Calamari
Quartino - Lasagna Alforno
Quartino - Beef Filets with Broccoli Rabe
http://www.quartinochicago.com/
SEPIA, Chicago, IL
I devoted an entire post to this spectacular restaurant where our charmed group of five shared in the 3rd birthday party co-hosted with Slow Food Chicago. http://sepiachicago.com/
Eco Cafe – Pigeon Lake, AB
About an hour’s drive south of the city, a great Local Fare cafe, featuring homemade meat and fruit pies, great wines and friendly community atmosphere. www.ecocafepigeonlake.ca
FAVOURITE FOOD BLOGS
A Canadian Foodie – www.acanadianfoodie.com - A detailed exploration into preparing good, clean, fair local food, hosted by Slow Food Edmonton’s Valerie Rodgers.
Dinner with Julie – www.dinnerwithjulie.com - Calgary based cook and activist
Gluten Free Girl and the Chef – www.glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com, Seattle, WA – the best blog devoted to creative gluten free cooking and love
Only Here for the Food – www.onlyhereforthefood.ca - Edmonton, AB – food and local happenings
Slow Food - www.slowfood.com – the international site
Smitten Kitchen – www.smittenkitchen.com
The Tomato – www.thetomato.ca - Edmonton’s food and drink mag
