Urban Diner, Edmonton

With two locations in Edmonton, we visited the newest one on the southside of the river.

Urban Diner
8715 109 St., Edmonton

Date: July 17, 2011
Occasion: Brunch and checking out the new location

Ambiance: slightly renovated from the old Fiore restaurant, it's still a cozy place with a patio. At 1pm it was only a 1/4 full.

Service: was good. Of course it wasn't a full restaurant.

Drinks: Coffee (okay) and freshly-squeezed orange juice.

Brunch: off the menu: Overall tasty and decent portions.
Mr CDW: Diner hash. Mrs CDW: French toast (really tasty) with pork maple sage sausage. Guests took on a Frittata and Diner hash.

Price: $$.

Overall: Will return. Brunch is offered (at this point) Sundays, 9am-3pm.

Soda Jerks (Edmonton)

Love the idea of the old fashioned diner style restaurant.

Soda Jerks
17520 - 100 Ave.

Date: March 27, 2011
Occasion: came highly recommended

Ambience: 7/10 made up in the same style as all these new restaurants. Shelves of pop are fun.

Drinks: This is their speciality - they have pop shoppe, floats and more.
Mrs. CDW has a mandarin shake - tasty! Mr. CDW tried a Seville orange jigger he enjoyed.
Had to have burgers, of course! And don't forget the coleslaw.
Price: $$.

Guests assured CDW that we must be there on an off night. They have been there before and after with better results. We'll consider trying them again, but not on a Sunday night!

Mini Mango, Edmonton

Ever eat at Sweet Mango (prior to the recent change in ownership) on Whyte Ave and 91 St.? This is the "Modern Vietnamese Bistro" version.


MiniMango
1056 - 91 St. SW, Summerside Market, Edmonton
http://www.minimango.ca/ (under construction at time of post)

Date: November 27, 2010
Occasion: late lunch while running errands. Saw the sign, thought we'd check it out.
Found out they've been open since August 2010.

Ambience: 7/10 Looks like they made the effort with this location. Small, only 1000 square feet. Love the pictures and the vibrant colours.
Service: 8/10 Order and they bring it to the table. Except pop - self serve. Was really fast. Cashier noted we hadn't been there before, mentioned it to chef in back, she came to see how we liked it. Were all very friendly.
Drinks: Mrs. CDW got her iced vietnamese coffee 6/10 (like more sweet!). Mr. CDW served himself some pop.
Entrees: Mr. CDW had soup (mini wonton soup - wontons had a bit of heat in them, unique and tasty) & sandwich (pork meatball - spicy aioli that worked well) deal, came with pop 7/10. Mrs. CDW order Grilled Lemongrass (pork) sandwich - chili oil in sauce that worked great (forgot to mention hold the carrots-oops!). On baguettes that were super crunchy, and can't forget the final topping - fresh cilantro.
Price: $.

Food issues: have tofu versions for sandiwch, bowls, even veggie fish sauce.
Take out seems popular.

Will likely go back to try other things (vermicelli bowl anyone?), especially since it's not far away from us.