I am Gluttony

It's a food blog. Eat with me.

[iamgluttony-blog]

It's been a while

Ok, a lot can happen in a year. That's how long I've not been here to post anything despite the fact that the eating has definitely not stopped over that period of time. Since my last post, I've eaten in restaurants at Moncton, Charlottetown, Halifax, Ottawa, Montreal, and after this weekend, Toronto.

I've been busy. Life took over.

The bad news is, it will probably remain that way.

The good news is, my housemates here in Ottawa and I have a communal food blog - mostly featuring dishes that we make in our modest kitchen. I don't really like blogging what I cook, but I do contribute sometimes with restaurant reviews (since I eat out a lot). In that way (you'd be happy to know), I haven't really stopped writing about food.

One of these days I'll try to aggregate all my food-related posts... the ones here, at that blog, maybe the ones in my personal blog and perhaps put them in one place. Yes, one day...

Anyway, here is the link to our group food blog: http://ciderhousekitchen.blogspot.com

Until next time!

[iamgluttony-blog]

Other places I've been but will post later

- Continental Treat** - Famoso Neapolitano Pizzeria (Jasper)** - Shine/Vicki's* - Soul Soup* - Sankyu 2 Go* - Brewsters (Downtown)* - Queen of Tarts** - The Pint (Downtown)* - Garden Bakery* - The Hat* - Punjab* - Noodle Maker* - Pub 1905* - Chianti (Whyte)* - Good Pho You*

Thank goodness for Foursquare!

* denotes an entry is forthcoming, ** means there will be pictures

[iamgluttony-blog]

The Dish and the Runaway Spoon

The Dish and the Runaway Spoon | 12417 Stony Plan Road NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 4/5 | Amount $15-$25 | Service 4/5 Tip: Every Wednesdays between April & May, they host a movie night (with a cooking demonstration before the movie). We were invited to do it today, but due to the hassle of finalizing plans at the last minute, I made an executive decision not to. Great idea for a date though. And it's FREE! Try: I only had the spring feature, salmon quiche with salad. It was good, tasty, but nothing too spectacular. They also forgot the dressing on our salad. Consensus: Nice, reasonably-priced restaurant to go to for birthdays or a girls' night-out. I love the atmosphere, the quaint decor (especially in the washroom!) -- it's also local and unpretentious. I think the serving is also just right - I thought at first my quiche seemed small, but after finishing it, I was comfortably full, with just enough space for dessert. I wish I'd gone in sooner (as I only live a few blocks away). The food is decent albeit not the best, but still a great restaurant. I will definitely come back again. PS Thanks to the staff who accommodated us in hiding (and bringing out) a cake that we bought from a different establishment. The chef is also very nice, even though he forgot our salad dressing :)

[iamgluttony-blog]

Just because I stopped blogging doesn't mean I stopped eating.

After much venue-changing, people-calling, and reservation-making/canceling, we finally settled on The Dish & Spoon tonight, with dessert (The Duke 8" cake from The Duchess). Happy Birthday Sato-san!

The Duke: double-layered chocolate cake with ganache. It is the richest chocolate cake I have ever tasted in my life. It can be bought at The Duchess, 10720 124 St NW, Edmonton.

[iamgluttony-blog]

Lunch Spots (near Canada Place)

Working at the Pink Palace (right by the River Valley and only several blocks from "Old Chinatown") certainly has its perks. Other than a choice of several Western-style restaurants (as proven in Dining Week), there is also ample access to Dim sum, Noodle houses, and other Oriental offerings. Anyway, I thought I'd share some good lunch spots on this end of downtown:

Edmonton Law Courts Cafeteria (pedway access, past Churchill Stn & ETS) - they're catered and their menu changes every week! If you want good value for your lunch, I highly recommend their hot food choices. Don't miss the roast beef & yorkshire pudding! Ask for a free stamp card (10th meal free). Also check http://www.eurestonsite.com for their menu beforehand.

Pho Tau Bay (see earlier review: http://tumblr.com/x5w1m18d81)

Trang Tien Noodle House (9449 Jasper Ave) - bigger bowl than Tau Bay, and just as tasty. Ordered the chicken (pho ga), but I thought the breast was a little tough. They are apparently better known for their bun bo hue, so make sure you try that when you're in.

V Sandwiches (Rice Howard Way, beside It's All Greek To Me) - Their chicken subs are pretty good. The bread is really fresh and they're always generous with the cilantro (if you are a fan like I am). I suggest calling beforehand so that your order is ready by the time you come pick it up. It gets quite busy during lunch. http://www.vsandwiches.com/

Chicken For Lunch (10060 Jasper Ave, Scotia Place food court) - I personally don't know what's so special about this place - in the end it's just a Chinese fastfood joint, even if it is run by the family who owns Lingnan (which was featured in Family Restaurant on Food Network). The lady who works there personalizes your order, and I admit it is a sizeable amount for the money you pay... but still. Really? Lineup is ridiculous Wed-Fri. Come early.

Sunterra (Commerce Place Food Court) - I'm from Calgary, so naturally I love Sunterra. It's a little expensive, yes. But it's healthy, it's organic, it's fresh, locally-made, and all that good stuff.

New Tan Tan (10133 97 Ave NW) - It's a convenient dim sum place across Canada Place (97 St). Their seafood is okay (I always get the shrimp dumpling there) and the prices are reasonable if you bring a big party. It's probably not the best dim sum in Edmonton.

The Golden Bird (10544 97 St) - Huge servings of vermicelli bowls (lunch special literally has everything on it - chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp - for ~13$). If you're famished, you should go.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure many more will come up before my term is over though.

[iamgluttony-blog]

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Edmonton) - DW#5

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse | 9990 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 4/5 | Amount $15, $25, $50 | Service 3.5/5 Tip: We didn't really get steak (that's what they are famous for), but judging on the quality of the prime rib sliders that we did get, I'd say they're worth the big bucks. Try: Again, can't really vouch for the steak because I've never had it, but the prime rib sliders were quite tasty. Consensus: Until I get the steak, I say we hold off on a REAL consensus. PS Our waiter was a little confused. Instead of giving us three prime rib sliders and two fish & chips, he came out with three fish and chips and two prime rib sliders. The fish and chips were quite greasy and heavy (was it ever a generous helping though), but the prime rib sliders (only three) were just enough for a quick, light, lunch. The restaurant has great ambiance, almost as fancy-esque as Hardware Grill.

[By the way, I apologize for starting on the meal before I took the picture. I was ravenous!]

[iamgluttony-blog]

Niche: DW#4

Niche | 11011 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 4.5/5 | Amount $25, $50 | Service 4.5/5 Tip: Ask and you shall receive! The service was impeccable! After explaining to my waitress that it was Ash Wednesday and was there a fish alternative to the dining week menu?, she spoke to the chef and they let me have their honey-glazed salmon (from the regular menu) as a substitute for the offerings on the Dining Week menu. I was very impressed and thankful! Not a lot of people really know about the restaurant yet (they opened two months ago), so if I were you, I'd take advantage of the convenience before it becomes too busy (and eventually overrated). Try: The salmon was so soft it melted in my mouth. I heard the blackberry gastrique on the pork was just delightful as well. Fantastic food! I'd love to go again. Consensus: Another favorite. Just impressed by the service and the quality of the food. The food took a little longer than I expected, but for its quality, one can't really complain. Also, the place is a little tight, so prepare to be cozy. And make those reservations! PS I ordered the quinoa salad, salmon & salted brownie (w/ the lemon honey) for dining week :)

[iamgluttony-blog]

Bistro Praha

Bistro Praha | 10117 101 St NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 4.5/5 | Food 4.5/5 | Amount $25-$50 | Service 4.5/5 Tip: Make a reservation. It's worth it! Try: Any of the schnitzels. The butter crêpe with apricot jam! Delicious! Consensus: Definitely a favorite. PS I have never had such a good experience in a restaurant before. We stayed there for two hours, just talking, eating, and having a good time. How very European! Definitely coming back for a second round sometime in the future ;) By the way, I didn't get any photos of our food (Cappucino, Greens, the Parisienne, the kiwi and apricot crêpes) because I was too busy enjoying my food and the experience! (And this gives me a handy excuse to come back again :P)

[iamgluttony-blog]

Hardware Grill: DW#3

Hardware Grill | 9698 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 4/5 | Amount $15, $50 | Service 4/5 Tip: Good for dates, business meetings. Decent food, but not the best in the city for anything. Also, they take your credit card if you reserve for 8 people or more. Try: I heard the baby lobster linguini is quite the rage. In the 3 or 4 times I've been to this place, my favorite was probably the schnitzel, and even then I can get that better at Bistro Praha. Consensus: Fancy in a utilitarian sense. Convenient when it's just right across the road from where you work ;) PS The Dining Week Menu is meh. I got the smoked salmon and I'm not a big fan of that stuff in the first place (although the goat cheese & potato tart was scrumptious). I'd still recommend the meat loaf or the schnitzel over the smoked salmon though. And note I only got the salmon because it's Ash Wednesday and I'm actually a practicing Catholic.

[iamgluttony-blog]

Bistro Kobe

Bistro Kobe | 6655 178 St NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 3.5/5 | Food 3.5/5 | Amount $20-$40 | Service 4/5 Tip: Brunch is a huge affair. Bring a ton of people and share! (Menu for Brunch includes a hot dish, a cold dish, access to salad/dessert bar for $25 per person) Try: the Beef Tataki. Chicken Don was very tender too. Sushi was okay. Consensus: One of the better sushi places in Edmonton.

[iamgluttony-blog]

The Sutton Place Hotel: DW#2

Capitals Restaurant | 10235 101 St NW, Edmonton Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 3.5/5 | Amount $25, $50 | Service 4/5 Tip: Don't come hungry unless you plan to get the lamb shank. Portions are tiny. Try: Nothing really stood out for me. It was all very so-so. Consensus: Thoroughly unremarkable. PS I had the five-onion bisque (tasty), seafood ravioli with lobster cream, and strawberry tiramisu (very heavy dessert!)

[iamgluttony-blog]

More Dining Week

Foodies of Edmonton and Calgary, IT'S DINING WEEK!

Calgary | Edmonton

Happy eating!

A

[iamgluttony-blog]

Crêperie: DW#1

The Crêperie | 10220 103 St NW Atmosphere 4.5/5 | Food 2.5/5 | Amount $15-$25-$50 | Service 4/5 Tip: Don't get the chicken kebab on the Dining week menu Try: Anything else but the chicken kebab! Consensus: For a Crêperie, I was hoping they'd feature crêpes in their dining week menu. PS Nice little romantic place, as they say. Service wasn't as bad as Urbanspoon/Opentable/Yelp suggested. Then again, we came super-early for dinner (after getting turned away at Bistro Praha for not having reservations). I'm not a big spicy fan, so the combination of saltiness and spiciness on my chicken kebab was certainly off-putting. My friends got the steak -- and while it was much better, one friend commented that her sauce was saltier than the other friend's. We probably got the smoker chef!

[iamgluttony-blog]

Pretty Straightforward: Pita Pizzas

I hate spending more than fifteen minutes on a meal. Especially on a night when it's -35 outside and you just want to go home, get a bite, and collapse on the bed.

Tonight was such a night. So I went to Sobeys and got these instead:

Pitas Pesto Tomatoes Mushrooms Shredded cheese & just because I love that stuff, Cilantro

Whip into a pizza, pop into the oven and enjoy.

[iamgluttony-blog]

Frozen Yogurt

Spoon Me | #100 1130 Kensington Rd NW Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 3/5 | Amount <$10 | Service NA Tip: Try one of the orb chairs then go buy your own at NOOD (http://www.nooddesign.ca/p-897-kids-orb-chair.aspx). Also, you get a free half order during your birthday. It's also Buy One Get One if your name is on their chart on the day that you're there. Try: a smaller size during winter. I guarantee you won't finish a "half" order in less than half an hour. Consensus: My Vancouverite friend says their froyo needs more cream.

[iamgluttony-blog]

Brunch at Bridgeland

Diner Deluxe | 804 Edmonton Trail NE Atmosphere 4/5 | Food 4/5 | Amount $15-$25 | Service 3/5 Tip: Don't come on Sunday. Don't skip breakfast if you come at 11AM expecting to eat soon. Don't come in a group of six or more. Don't come expecting to get seated in less than half an hour. Actually, if you see the diner bustling, beeline out of there before you die of hunger in the lineup. Belmont Diner is a great alternative. Try: Eggs benedict. Cinnamon buns are also good from the bakery beside it. Consensus: No BREAKFAST food is worth nearly two hours to obtain. Also, the door lady needs to take a course in logistics. PS I wasn't nearly as pissed with being seated an hour and fifteen minutes after we arrived than when I found out it was mandatory 18% gratuity for groups of 6 or more. Sure they gave us cinnamon buns after the scowls on our faces, but I don't think I can ever swallow my pride and go back.

[iamgluttony-blog]

Saturday Night Chinese Joint

Sun's BBQ Restaurant | 1423 Centre St North Atmosphere 4/5 | Food: 4/5 | Amount $10-$20 (in a group) | Service 3/5 Tip: Sanitize after you hold the bathroom key and make sure you return it to the cashier! Try: Lamb hotpot, tofu with pork bits, duck Consensus: There's a reason why all my Chinese friends always go here. PS This was Saturday night after driving across town for a good (Calgary-specific) restaurant without a reservation (we got turned away at Chef No[ta]ble, Sky 360, Charcut, Saltlik). After finally settling here, my friends were full and satisfied with the choice. Plus it was way cheaper. WIN.