Sunday, November 21, 2010

Wildflower Grill, Matrix Hotel, Edmonton

We are always searching for that ultimate fav restaurant. Found a few top 5s over the years. Found one to add to the Top 5 last night. Great service, amazing food, lovely atmosphere. All around 4 thumbs up.

Wildflower Grill
http://wildfloweredmonton.com/
location: At the Matrix Hotel
10009 –107 Street NW   Edmonton
Executive Chef: Nathin Bye (Also of L'Azia, formerly Harvest Room) This guy is 27 and seriously ambitious. Stop at tables demonstrated his passion about food.

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2010
Occasion: Mrs. CDW and Guest 1 birthdays
We made reservations for 4 earlier in the week and found they were pretty booked, only 5pm and 8:30pm open. So we booked at 5pm and were asked if it was okay that they had another booking at that table at 8pm. Thinking 3 hours would be more than enough, we reserved. Were out of there with 20 min. to spare - nothing to do with service, we took our time deciding as so many choices sounded good.

Love it when you feel like you're in good hands at a restaurant. Friendly service and seeming camaraderie between staff made you feel like you were among friends. Knowledgeable friends. Server, Ryan, took care of us.

The food:
Comps: Amuse-bouche to start. Then homemade brioche (wow, talk about melt in your mouth!)
Mr. CDW: Tomato Chipotle Soup (substitute for special) - made mistake of tasting tomato on own which was fantastic, stiring pepers in it made it spicier and while really good, was thinking tomato on own would have been even better. Entree-Bison Tenderloin - cooked perfectly, savory bread pudding was amazing. Dessert- Berries briar patch cheesecake - so light, which was good after a rich filling dinner, incredibly fresh berries to garnish.
Mrs. CDW: Appy-Pork Belly (special) - pureed parsnips were incredible, glaze on pork was tasty and pork was ridiculously falling apart in my mouth. Entree-Lamb $40- didn't notice pomegranate glaze, but lamb cooked lovely med-rare, kitchy but yummy mini fondue was a nice touch to dip accompanying veg. (No carrots! Love chefs who branch out). Dessert-Lemon Souffle Pudding - also light and not overly sweet, little additions were great, fantastic sorbet and love the meringue (left it till the end - the perfect way to finish the meal). Coffee - ok - I don't say a lot about coffee, but for $4 I expect good - didn't anticipate personal french press with raw sugar and warmed cream.
Guest 1: Tomato Chipotle Soup. Beef Tenderloin & Lobster. Pain Perdu.
Guest 2: Potato Gnocchi. Chicken Supreme. Lemon Souffle. Coffee.

The wine: Malivoire's Lady Bug Rose from Niagra region, Ontario. Crisp and fresh for a blush - very drinkable. Summerhill Brut from Kelowna, BC. Deep bubbles and pale gold colour.

Specials: Try their specials. Have had for lunch - fantastic. Had special appy - awesome.
Food issues: Overhead Exec Chef chatting with other diners with specialty food needs and was very accommodating.

Price: $$$$ So without drinks/coffee and considering there were 4 of us. Before tip: $245.

Not something for everyday; however, highly recommended for a special occasion. We will be bringing guests here in the future.

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