An exciting new restaurant - on Jasper Ave by 104th Street - the hottest area downtown.
corso 32
10345 Jasper Ave., Edmonton
Date: May 29, 2011
Occasion: family birthday dinner
Ambiance: Long and skinny makes for interesting table arrangements. From our angle we could see into the kitchen. Enjoyed watching Chef Costa in action. Interesting yet simple decor and lighting.
Service: Decent; although it wasn't busy as we were on the early side.
Drinks: the 2007 Sur de Los Andes malbec reserve was tasty and complemented.
Appies: Shared the special house cured Proscetto de Parma - subtle flavouring, figs were so gorgeous and brought out the flavour of the meat. Arugula Fennel salad - light dressing, maybe needed a little more fennel.
Mains:
Mrs CDW had to try the Rabbit Special - beautifully breaded, juicy with grilled spring onions and fresh lemony sauce. Mr. CDW gave into the hand made Pagatelli with Short Ribs - nice, rich and tasty. Guest 1 raved about the Halibut - tasted fresh and light. Guest 2 found the Flat Steak flavourful.
Dessert: How could we say no to fresh Zeppole with limoncello (always can use more limoncello...) - so yummy. The guys enjoyed Pistachio & olive oil cakes but also wanted a share in the ladies' zeppole.
Price: $$$. Not outrageous and appropriate from someone with a passion that shows in the food.
What more should we say. Was a curious mix of guests, from the regulars/ maybe off-duty staff? at the front table, to the young couple in jeans, to the older table with a tie. Good food for everyone... using local ingredients... means Top 5. Reservations needed.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Pampas Brazillian Steakhouse, Edmonton
We've seen it on TV - wait staff wandering the restaurant with meat on a stick. Who can resist. Ok... what carnivor can resist.
Pampas Brazillian Steakhouse
9929 - 109 Street, Edmonton (where Mirabelle's used to be)
http://www.pampasteakhouse.com/
Date: April 2, 2011
Occasion: heard about new place.
Ambience: 6/10 Looks like every other new restaurant, decor wise. The open grill part of the kitchen and mega salad bar are nice.Noisy atmosphere, large groups in our area.
Service: 6/10. We sat in the very back corner in the back section. We could hardly get out to the salad bar ourselves, never mind the hungry patrons that would before us, so wasn't getting much to our table. We did complain and service for meat delivery vastly improved. Had a waitress who said her and other waiter would take care of us but never saw her again or other guy. Had another server who took over and took care of us.
Set price for all you can eat salad bar and 10 different meats. Plus drinks and dessert.
Drinks: Caipriaria muddled drinks - strong but tasty. Strawberry- lime and raspberry, blackberry and lime. $9.50 each Piña colada really smooth.
The Meats: Chicken leg, thigh in bacon
Pork sausage, loin (overdone)
Bottom sirloin, beef tenderloin, rump roast
Rib eye
Lamb
Most meat cooked med-rare.
Some waiting in between - when they only give smaller bites, having such waiting periods is good for digestion but they should have enough for a full restaurant.
Good salad bar with many options that needed more frequent refilling as when there where meat breaks that's where we went.
Ps. Watch the floors as they can be slippery.
Quality control- the special beef carved on table in front of you was apparently not cooked correctly and they didn't serve. Which is a shame as we were hoping to try all 10 meats.
Desserts: Rei Alberto meringue and Manjar de Coco creme carmelish. Was very light, a tasty end to meal - neither were heavy.
Price: $284 for 4 including 8 drinks.
Overall impression: Now that we have been the next time will be better. Knowing what to expect will help and being proactive with calling over servers will help.
Pampas Brazillian Steakhouse
9929 - 109 Street, Edmonton (where Mirabelle's used to be)
http://www.pampasteakhouse.com/
Date: April 2, 2011
Occasion: heard about new place.
Ambience: 6/10 Looks like every other new restaurant, decor wise. The open grill part of the kitchen and mega salad bar are nice.Noisy atmosphere, large groups in our area.
Service: 6/10. We sat in the very back corner in the back section. We could hardly get out to the salad bar ourselves, never mind the hungry patrons that would before us, so wasn't getting much to our table. We did complain and service for meat delivery vastly improved. Had a waitress who said her and other waiter would take care of us but never saw her again or other guy. Had another server who took over and took care of us.
Set price for all you can eat salad bar and 10 different meats. Plus drinks and dessert.
Drinks: Caipriaria muddled drinks - strong but tasty. Strawberry- lime and raspberry, blackberry and lime. $9.50 each Piña colada really smooth.
The Meats: Chicken leg, thigh in bacon
Pork sausage, loin (overdone)
Bottom sirloin, beef tenderloin, rump roast
Rib eye
Lamb
Most meat cooked med-rare.
Some waiting in between - when they only give smaller bites, having such waiting periods is good for digestion but they should have enough for a full restaurant.
Good salad bar with many options that needed more frequent refilling as when there where meat breaks that's where we went.
Ps. Watch the floors as they can be slippery.
Quality control- the special beef carved on table in front of you was apparently not cooked correctly and they didn't serve. Which is a shame as we were hoping to try all 10 meats.
Desserts: Rei Alberto meringue and Manjar de Coco creme carmelish. Was very light, a tasty end to meal - neither were heavy.
Price: $284 for 4 including 8 drinks.
Overall impression: Now that we have been the next time will be better. Knowing what to expect will help and being proactive with calling over servers will help.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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!
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: $$.
Guests assured CDW that we must be there on an off night. They have been there before and after with better results. We'll consider trying them again, but not on a Sunday night!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
L2 Grill (Fantasyland) WEM, Edmonton
Can decent food be found at WEM? Overlooking the premium charge for tourists, of course.
L2 Grill
Fantasyland, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton
Date: March 19, 2011
Occasion: wanted to try a new-to-us spot
Ambience: 8/10 Nice upgrade from the old restaurant. Apparently can change the colour of the lights to create different moods (we had red, not sure what that meant).
Service: Ours rocked. Fady (waiter) kept us entertained. Appreciate it when other staff walking by will take dishes/check on refills, etc.
Appies: Mrs CDW and Guest 1 enjoyed the show Fady put on as he created our table-side for two Caesar Salad. Was really tasty too. 9/10 Mr CDW and Guest 2 both had the Lobster Bisque in a very unique dual-bowl. 8/10
Mains: Mr CDW and Guest 1 noshed on Crispy Pork Loin. In spite of a good sauce and nice veggies, the pork was overcooked for both. 6/10 Mrs CDW was tempted by the Tagine of Chicken, which turned out to be more for presentation then anything. Chicken was fine, spiced potatoes were excellent. 7/10 Guest 2 had the Apple Wood Chicken.
Dessert: So we made our waiter work! Mrs CDW and Guest 1 were entertained again by Fady with the traditional table-side Crepe Suzette.. flambe and all. Was a show for that side of the room as well. Was ok. Sauce slightly overdone - was the floorshow. 8/10 Mr CDW had Touch of Gold - chocolate. Guest 2 enjoyed the Strawberry Bomb - light and tasty.
Price: $$$. 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.
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