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: $$.
Guests assured CDW that we must be there on an off night. They have been there before and after with better results. We'll consider trying them again, but not on a Sunday night!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
L2 Grill (Fantasyland) WEM, Edmonton
Can decent food be found at WEM? Overlooking the premium charge for tourists, of course.
L2 Grill
Fantasyland, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton
Date: March 19, 2011
Occasion: wanted to try a new-to-us spot
Ambience: 8/10 Nice upgrade from the old restaurant. Apparently can change the colour of the lights to create different moods (we had red, not sure what that meant).
Service: Ours rocked. Fady (waiter) kept us entertained. Appreciate it when other staff walking by will take dishes/check on refills, etc.
Appies: Mrs CDW and Guest 1 enjoyed the show Fady put on as he created our table-side for two Caesar Salad. Was really tasty too. 9/10 Mr CDW and Guest 2 both had the Lobster Bisque in a very unique dual-bowl. 8/10
Mains: Mr CDW and Guest 1 noshed on Crispy Pork Loin. In spite of a good sauce and nice veggies, the pork was overcooked for both. 6/10 Mrs CDW was tempted by the Tagine of Chicken, which turned out to be more for presentation then anything. Chicken was fine, spiced potatoes were excellent. 7/10 Guest 2 had the Apple Wood Chicken.
Dessert: So we made our waiter work! Mrs CDW and Guest 1 were entertained again by Fady with the traditional table-side Crepe Suzette.. flambe and all. Was a show for that side of the room as well. Was ok. Sauce slightly overdone - was the floorshow. 8/10 Mr CDW had Touch of Gold - chocolate. Guest 2 enjoyed the Strawberry Bomb - light and tasty.
Price: $$$. This was overpriced. But they are trying to be high-end dining, and it IS at WEM afterall. Large wine list but had a premium on it too.
So maybe it's something to do with the chef? Chef Shane formerly headed up Sage (River Cree) and we had a similar experience, albeit with not good service there. Glad we tried it though and overall it wasn't a top 5 restaurant, but it might worth a try on another night.
L2 Grill
Fantasyland, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton
Date: March 19, 2011
Occasion: wanted to try a new-to-us spot
Ambience: 8/10 Nice upgrade from the old restaurant. Apparently can change the colour of the lights to create different moods (we had red, not sure what that meant).
Service: Ours rocked. Fady (waiter) kept us entertained. Appreciate it when other staff walking by will take dishes/check on refills, etc.
Appies: Mrs CDW and Guest 1 enjoyed the show Fady put on as he created our table-side for two Caesar Salad. Was really tasty too. 9/10 Mr CDW and Guest 2 both had the Lobster Bisque in a very unique dual-bowl. 8/10
Mains: Mr CDW and Guest 1 noshed on Crispy Pork Loin. In spite of a good sauce and nice veggies, the pork was overcooked for both. 6/10 Mrs CDW was tempted by the Tagine of Chicken, which turned out to be more for presentation then anything. Chicken was fine, spiced potatoes were excellent. 7/10 Guest 2 had the Apple Wood Chicken.
Dessert: So we made our waiter work! Mrs CDW and Guest 1 were entertained again by Fady with the traditional table-side Crepe Suzette.. flambe and all. Was a show for that side of the room as well. Was ok. Sauce slightly overdone - was the floorshow. 8/10 Mr CDW had Touch of Gold - chocolate. Guest 2 enjoyed the Strawberry Bomb - light and tasty.
Price: $$$. This was overpriced. But they are trying to be high-end dining, and it IS at WEM afterall. Large wine list but had a premium on it too.
So maybe it's something to do with the chef? Chef Shane formerly headed up Sage (River Cree) and we had a similar experience, albeit with not good service there. Glad we tried it though and overall it wasn't a top 5 restaurant, but it might worth a try on another night.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Zaika Bistro (Edmonton)
Buffet focused Indian nosh on the southside.
Zaika Bistro
2303 Ellwood Drive, Ellerslie Crossroads, Edmonton
Date: March 20, 2011
Occasion: in same parking lot as the closed restaurant we wanted to try.
Ambience: 7/10 Same look as most of these new restaurants out there. Lounge is decent. Entertaining mix of Indian dance music and Justin Timberlake.
Service: Sat in the lounge as we were feeling a bit grubby for the restaurant. Drinks were delivered swiftly initially. Plate clearing happened eventually. Felt like we got forgotten a bit in our corner booth.
Buffet: was tasty. Large circle of different offerings. Wide variety of curries and others, some spicy and some not as much. Menu is also available. Am really curious how the Buffet To Go works out.
Price: $17/dinner. Good deal for all the choices.
Well it was an elegant buffet with lots of variety that wasn't overpriced. Can't complain about that. Will try again in the future.
Zaika Bistro
2303 Ellwood Drive, Ellerslie Crossroads, Edmonton
Date: March 20, 2011
Occasion: in same parking lot as the closed restaurant we wanted to try.
Ambience: 7/10 Same look as most of these new restaurants out there. Lounge is decent. Entertaining mix of Indian dance music and Justin Timberlake.
Service: Sat in the lounge as we were feeling a bit grubby for the restaurant. Drinks were delivered swiftly initially. Plate clearing happened eventually. Felt like we got forgotten a bit in our corner booth.
Buffet: was tasty. Large circle of different offerings. Wide variety of curries and others, some spicy and some not as much. Menu is also available. Am really curious how the Buffet To Go works out.
Price: $17/dinner. Good deal for all the choices.
Well it was an elegant buffet with lots of variety that wasn't overpriced. Can't complain about that. Will try again in the future.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Kim Anh Vietnamese Subs, Calgary
For those of us who enjoy a little fresh cilantro, these subs are a great hit during a shopping trip down 17th Ave in Calgary.
Kim Anh Vietnamese Subs
626 - 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Date: June 10, 2007
Occasion: shopping on 17th Ave while in Calgary
Ambience: 4/10 Ok it's not that exciting or big, but perfect for takeout. Couple seats outside for a nice day.
Drinks: Mrs. CDW got her iced vietnamese coffee 6/10. Mr. CDW had a watermelon bubble juice 8/10.
Entrees: Subs of course with your choice of toppings. Mrs. CDW-BBQ Pork sub. Mr. CDW-chicken satay sub. Note: subs are fairly large and filing!
Price: $. Cheap and tasty. What more can you ask for. Fresh cilantro is great.
Subs were fab! Take out only. Have gone back - just as tasty. Recommended it to friends.
Kim Anh Vietnamese Subs
626 - 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Date: June 10, 2007
Occasion: shopping on 17th Ave while in Calgary
Ambience: 4/10 Ok it's not that exciting or big, but perfect for takeout. Couple seats outside for a nice day.
Drinks: Mrs. CDW got her iced vietnamese coffee 6/10. Mr. CDW had a watermelon bubble juice 8/10.
Entrees: Subs of course with your choice of toppings. Mrs. CDW-BBQ Pork sub. Mr. CDW-chicken satay sub. Note: subs are fairly large and filing!
Price: $. Cheap and tasty. What more can you ask for. Fresh cilantro is great.
Subs were fab! Take out only. Have gone back - just as tasty. Recommended it to friends.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Manor Bistro, Edmonton
This has been a long time favourite of CDW. We have returned several times over the years; however, the info below is from visits in 2002 and 2005.
The Manor Casual Bistro
http://themanorbistro.com/
10109 125 Street, Edmonton
July 30, 2002; September 28, 2005
Occasion: anniversary dinner, before show at Winspear Centre
Ambience: Large house behind Jasper Ave/124 St. bend. Gorgeous balcony in the summer. Cozy inside and upstairs.
Wine: house white, Australian Chardonnay, 6/10. Cocktails - martinis are fun and tasty, 7/10.
Appy: CDW shared crab & shrimp risotto cakes - yummy! 7/10. Mr. CDW-butternut squash soup-deep flavour, good 8/10, Mrs. CDW-risotto cakes-have had before, fantastic! 9/10.
Entrees: Mr. CDW-Pork tenderloin (a speciality = always excellent choice), Mrs. CDW-lamb (too much!). Mr. CDW-Schnitzel-ok, nothing to write home about but tasty spatzle overcooked 7/10, Mrs. CDW-pork roast-maybe a little overdone, potatoes in cake, variety of veggies 7/10.
Desserts: Mr. CDW-cheesecake. Mrs. CDW-creme brulle
Price: $$$. Casual but fine.
2002: Happy the food and service was as good as we remembered. Will come back on a nice summer evening for dessert and coffee on the patio. Cozy corners upstairs are a fun option. Look forward to returning.
2005: Good service as alwasy. Food was overall okay, disappointed entrees not up to regular level.
The Manor Casual Bistro
http://themanorbistro.com/
10109 125 Street, Edmonton
July 30, 2002; September 28, 2005
Occasion: anniversary dinner, before show at Winspear Centre
Ambience: Large house behind Jasper Ave/124 St. bend. Gorgeous balcony in the summer. Cozy inside and upstairs.
Wine: house white, Australian Chardonnay, 6/10. Cocktails - martinis are fun and tasty, 7/10.
Appy: CDW shared crab & shrimp risotto cakes - yummy! 7/10. Mr. CDW-butternut squash soup-deep flavour, good 8/10, Mrs. CDW-risotto cakes-have had before, fantastic! 9/10.
Entrees: Mr. CDW-Pork tenderloin (a speciality = always excellent choice), Mrs. CDW-lamb (too much!). Mr. CDW-Schnitzel-ok, nothing to write home about but tasty spatzle overcooked 7/10, Mrs. CDW-pork roast-maybe a little overdone, potatoes in cake, variety of veggies 7/10.
Desserts: Mr. CDW-cheesecake. Mrs. CDW-creme brulle
Price: $$$. Casual but fine.
2002: Happy the food and service was as good as we remembered. Will come back on a nice summer evening for dessert and coffee on the patio. Cozy corners upstairs are a fun option. Look forward to returning.
2005: Good service as alwasy. Food was overall okay, disappointed entrees not up to regular level.
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