Created by the previous co-founder of Soul Soup, which was a part of Edmonton for four years, and was closed so that Carla Alexander could open MRKT with partner Sal Di Maio who co-owns Red Star pub and Halo lounge which are located on the lower level of the same building.
Let me share this place with you, its perfect for sharing small plates and a bottle of wine. The atmosphere is small and inviting, surrounded with wood, its almost like being in a barrel.
I had such a delicious drink i had to have two..hehe, vodka, strawberry basil syrup and Prosecco, so fresh and light, very yummy.
We shared a few plates,spiced olives, roasted tomatoes, feta cheese and crostinis this was one plate, very simple, but so good if you like that Mediterranean style. We had a slow braised Spring Creek Ranch (Vegreville Alberta)boneless beef rib served with coleslaw and soft polenta. It was melt in your mouth heavenly. Also we had Sauteed prawns on sweet potato mash, tomato butter, white wine and miso-chimichurri. Very good, large fresh prawns not over cooked!, yummy potato mash:)
This place has a great charm, if we didnt have other plans that night we would have stayed longer for sure.
With daily fresh organic specials and a small menu to choose from its not overwhelming to choose your plate or plates to share with someone who will share back;)
I will definitely go back for a romantic evening or a nice lunch...
Natasha
http://mrktcafeteria.com/
Friday, March 23, 2012
Dumplings, Edmonton, Alberta
Fresh and healthy Asian Fusion.
Love this place, they welcome you with open arms. We wanted to order some food to take home, so the lady gave us some menus and told us to have a seat and brought us some water, so after a difficult choice because everything sounds so good, we got a Wonton soup, Dan Dan Noodle soup, some ginger beef and some spicy crispy pork. They packed it up nicely for us, with chop sticks too!
So the soups were both delicious and very savory, we chose our spiciness level, joe got spicy i got medium to be safe.
You can taste ginger and maybe some lemon grass and garnished with cashews. I personally dont like nuts in my soup, but joe loved it. The meat dishes were good as well, made fresh to order. However i just found the spices a bit bitter for my taste. We also got some crispy fried wontons which were very good.
They do bubble tea as well, which i have yet to try!
We must go back and try their hand made dumplings that can be steamed, grilled or deep fried...
Natasha:)
http://www.dumplingstherestaurant.com/
Love this place, they welcome you with open arms. We wanted to order some food to take home, so the lady gave us some menus and told us to have a seat and brought us some water, so after a difficult choice because everything sounds so good, we got a Wonton soup, Dan Dan Noodle soup, some ginger beef and some spicy crispy pork. They packed it up nicely for us, with chop sticks too!
So the soups were both delicious and very savory, we chose our spiciness level, joe got spicy i got medium to be safe.
You can taste ginger and maybe some lemon grass and garnished with cashews. I personally dont like nuts in my soup, but joe loved it. The meat dishes were good as well, made fresh to order. However i just found the spices a bit bitter for my taste. We also got some crispy fried wontons which were very good.
They do bubble tea as well, which i have yet to try!
We must go back and try their hand made dumplings that can be steamed, grilled or deep fried...
Natasha:)
http://www.dumplingstherestaurant.com/
The Red Piano, Edmonton, Alberta
Where do i begin with this place....located in West Edmonton Mall...that should say it all hehe. Well when i phoned to make the reservation i felt like i was under arrest with all the rules she listed to me, strict dress code, no sneakers, no hats, no rips or holes in jeans, for men dark colored shoes and collard shirts, lots of cancellation rules or penalties, minimum $25 spent on food, mandatory $10 entertainment charge...blah blah so many rules!
I hate rules haha, so i thought what the heck lets give it a shot.
So all dressed up, walking through Bourbon Street in the mall isn't exactly ideal, surrounded by, teens, drunks, and lots of smokers right outside the doors. When we got to the hostess stand they made us take off our coats, mandatory coat check..um excuse me but im not sure about you, but i dont like being forced to take off any piece of clothing, especially when im wearing a nice dress according to your dress code, i would at least like to get to my table before de-robing, haha.
Ok so we were sat at our table, nice view of the two red pianos in the center of the restaurant, unsure of whats to come.
We order some drinks, and our dinner, it took a while but i dont mind waiting for food. However it was cold when it arrived, i had a steak which was good, but just barely warm, it had "crispy" onions on top that were cold and chewy, apparently there was a sauce but the lighting was so dim i could barely see my plate. The potatoes were piping hot though, a peppercorn pave...
So the pianists started playing after 9pm, they were entertaining, they take requests and do their best to play that song using their ipads to bring the songs up, which is cool. However, it took us a while to realize that you are supposed to give cash with each request, so if they didnt get cash they didnt play your request....even though everyone in the restaurant has payed a mandatory $10 entertainment fee, but hey who's counting...
They try to make you sing along, which is um nice, i guess im just a party pooper, i was more thinking nice relaxing dinner with some piano in the background, not singing at the top of my lungs to "i like big butts"....
The servers wear very short dresses and skirts, with little left to the imagination, dont get me wrong i appreciate a beautiful woman any day, but only if she chooses to and isnt forced for her job "uniform".
Dessert was neat, a platter with, whoopi pies, snowballs, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate shake, cinnamon donuts and cotton candy, this was lots of fun and too much food haha, need like eight people to finish that platter, we took most of it home, except for the milkshake because according to the server it would melt if we tried to take it to go.....weird
So...i mean the menu is different with alligator popcorn, and grilled cheese lollipops, i would be curious about some of these items...but it seems like such an ordeal for a night out, i doubt we will be rushing back for a nother $300 bill......but be my guest, i have talked to people that enjoyed themselves...
Natasha:)
http://www.theredpiano.ca/index.asp
I hate rules haha, so i thought what the heck lets give it a shot.
So all dressed up, walking through Bourbon Street in the mall isn't exactly ideal, surrounded by, teens, drunks, and lots of smokers right outside the doors. When we got to the hostess stand they made us take off our coats, mandatory coat check..um excuse me but im not sure about you, but i dont like being forced to take off any piece of clothing, especially when im wearing a nice dress according to your dress code, i would at least like to get to my table before de-robing, haha.
Ok so we were sat at our table, nice view of the two red pianos in the center of the restaurant, unsure of whats to come.
We order some drinks, and our dinner, it took a while but i dont mind waiting for food. However it was cold when it arrived, i had a steak which was good, but just barely warm, it had "crispy" onions on top that were cold and chewy, apparently there was a sauce but the lighting was so dim i could barely see my plate. The potatoes were piping hot though, a peppercorn pave...
So the pianists started playing after 9pm, they were entertaining, they take requests and do their best to play that song using their ipads to bring the songs up, which is cool. However, it took us a while to realize that you are supposed to give cash with each request, so if they didnt get cash they didnt play your request....even though everyone in the restaurant has payed a mandatory $10 entertainment fee, but hey who's counting...
They try to make you sing along, which is um nice, i guess im just a party pooper, i was more thinking nice relaxing dinner with some piano in the background, not singing at the top of my lungs to "i like big butts"....
The servers wear very short dresses and skirts, with little left to the imagination, dont get me wrong i appreciate a beautiful woman any day, but only if she chooses to and isnt forced for her job "uniform".
Dessert was neat, a platter with, whoopi pies, snowballs, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate shake, cinnamon donuts and cotton candy, this was lots of fun and too much food haha, need like eight people to finish that platter, we took most of it home, except for the milkshake because according to the server it would melt if we tried to take it to go.....weird
So...i mean the menu is different with alligator popcorn, and grilled cheese lollipops, i would be curious about some of these items...but it seems like such an ordeal for a night out, i doubt we will be rushing back for a nother $300 bill......but be my guest, i have talked to people that enjoyed themselves...
Natasha:)
http://www.theredpiano.ca/index.asp
Dauphine Bakery and Bistro, Edmonton, Alberta
Formerly known as "Queen of Tarts", after a trademark lawsuit they changed their name to Dauphine Bakery....Anyways they are doing well, the owner started selling her lemon tarts at local farmers markets and decided to go bigger. She is located downtown in a basement suit. Open concept, and just a few tables. Nice white colors, and touch of European decor.
When you first get to the bottom of the stairs it is a bit confusing because you aren't sure if there is table service or if you order up at the counter...but i guess its a bit of both.
Dauphine uses local, international and organic products. Fresh local butter and the finest French Vahlrona chocolate.
They are now doing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh home-made soups, salads and sandwiches, also a specialty high tea service on weekends.
The coffee was fresh and hot! Always a good thing. I had a salmon and rice soup, with a spinach and leek quiche. Very nice, simple and made with love. Mum had a tuna sandwich on a lovely baguette and a fresh fennel and pea salad, crisp and light.
We tried a lemon coconut square, very nice, tart and chewy. We also tried the white chocolate, pistachio square which was tremendously too rich, almost in edible, but some people might appreciate that kind of sweetness...
I think that they could do with a few more seats. The service was very sweet, the server even put our left overs in the fridge until we were ready to leave:) I will be going back........
Natasha:)
https://www.facebook.com/dauphinebakery?sk=info
"They dont have a proper website right now because of the lawsuit, it is in the works"
When you first get to the bottom of the stairs it is a bit confusing because you aren't sure if there is table service or if you order up at the counter...but i guess its a bit of both.
Dauphine uses local, international and organic products. Fresh local butter and the finest French Vahlrona chocolate.
They are now doing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh home-made soups, salads and sandwiches, also a specialty high tea service on weekends.
The coffee was fresh and hot! Always a good thing. I had a salmon and rice soup, with a spinach and leek quiche. Very nice, simple and made with love. Mum had a tuna sandwich on a lovely baguette and a fresh fennel and pea salad, crisp and light.
We tried a lemon coconut square, very nice, tart and chewy. We also tried the white chocolate, pistachio square which was tremendously too rich, almost in edible, but some people might appreciate that kind of sweetness...
I think that they could do with a few more seats. The service was very sweet, the server even put our left overs in the fridge until we were ready to leave:) I will be going back........
Natasha:)
https://www.facebook.com/dauphinebakery?sk=info
"They dont have a proper website right now because of the lawsuit, it is in the works"
Monday, March 12, 2012
Culina Mill Creek, Edmonton, Alberta
Cozy, quaint and sweet. This cute restaurant is just a block away from overlooking the river valley. I was pleasantly content after our meal here.
Nice service, nice atmosphere, they call it "an intimate, Bohemian atmosphere". They are known as the Culina Family, owners of BIBO wine bar, and Culina Muttart.
The Culina family is part of a network in Edmonton Alberta, of farmers, artisans and artists, that are attempting to change the way we cook and eat.
We started with Potato Bravas, cubes of potato fried and served with a spicy tomato sauce and chili aioli. This is a native dish to Spain, usually served as tapas. We also had the fried calamari in sweet coconut curry sauce, this wasnt a favourite of mine, i found the curry to be too overpowering for the delicate flavour of calamari, plus the calamari was bitter from perhaps overused frying oil...anyhow, it was different...
So amongst us four we had a couple Chorizo Sausage Hot Pots with chickpeas and grilled cornbread. It was hot and delicious, a perfect "man dish". A Moroccan Vegetable Tagine on couscous with grilled flatbread, it was colourful with a nice mix of fresh veggies, with a mild sauce and yummy couscous.
I had the Lacombe Heritage Pork with spicy chimmichurri sauce and couscous. Very nice quite simple, but good. I always feel better eating local pork.
For dessert we had a spiced chocolate pate, which was neatly presented, surrounded by a delicious Crème Anglais. It did indeed have a pleasant heat to it, my guess would be cayenne.
Also a dulce de leche cake with a coconut gelato. Banana fritters, and a warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream served in a cup!
Everything was nice with love in each ingredient. I would be happy to go back and try some other dishes.....
Natasha:)
http://culinafamily.com/mill-creek/
Nice service, nice atmosphere, they call it "an intimate, Bohemian atmosphere". They are known as the Culina Family, owners of BIBO wine bar, and Culina Muttart.
The Culina family is part of a network in Edmonton Alberta, of farmers, artisans and artists, that are attempting to change the way we cook and eat.
We started with Potato Bravas, cubes of potato fried and served with a spicy tomato sauce and chili aioli. This is a native dish to Spain, usually served as tapas. We also had the fried calamari in sweet coconut curry sauce, this wasnt a favourite of mine, i found the curry to be too overpowering for the delicate flavour of calamari, plus the calamari was bitter from perhaps overused frying oil...anyhow, it was different...
So amongst us four we had a couple Chorizo Sausage Hot Pots with chickpeas and grilled cornbread. It was hot and delicious, a perfect "man dish". A Moroccan Vegetable Tagine on couscous with grilled flatbread, it was colourful with a nice mix of fresh veggies, with a mild sauce and yummy couscous.
I had the Lacombe Heritage Pork with spicy chimmichurri sauce and couscous. Very nice quite simple, but good. I always feel better eating local pork.
For dessert we had a spiced chocolate pate, which was neatly presented, surrounded by a delicious Crème Anglais. It did indeed have a pleasant heat to it, my guess would be cayenne.
Also a dulce de leche cake with a coconut gelato. Banana fritters, and a warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream served in a cup!
Everything was nice with love in each ingredient. I would be happy to go back and try some other dishes.....
Natasha:)
http://culinafamily.com/mill-creek/
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Flatbread Company, Maui, Hawaii
"Real food served by real people in a real environment"
So delicious, hot melty fresh pizza!! Sluurrp my mouth is watering just remembering how yummy is was. This casual and funky restaurant is located in Paia Maui, a small surfing town in northern Maui, this town alone is a hot spot to visit, but when you are hungry and craving fresh local ingredients then this is your place.
I ordred a half and half flatbread becasue all the options sound so good its hard to choose just one, so i got Coevolution with - Imported Kalamata olives, fresh Maui organic rosemary, organic red onions, a blend of Hawaiian goat cheeses, fire-roasted sweet red peppers, and premium whole milk mozzarella, baked on organic bread dough with homemade organic garlic oil and a blend of organic herbs. And on the other half i got the Pa'ia Bay Ohana with wood-fired cauldron tomato sauce, caramelized organic onions, organic mushrooms, premium whole milk mozzarella and imported Parmesan cheese baked on organic
bread dough with homemade organic garlic oil, sprinkled with a blend of organic herbs.
Like are you kidding me!!
Everything is cooked to order in their beautful earthen fire ovens. When your patiently waited pizza arrives its beautiful and colourful to look at and smells amazing, but be careful cause its so hot!
Flatbread Company is proud to use organic food, local farmers and local produce. With the help and support of the locals they have managed to to open nine other locations all over the map. Check out their site.
And we WILL be back.....
Natasha:)
http://flatbreadcompany.com/FlatbreadHome2010.html
So delicious, hot melty fresh pizza!! Sluurrp my mouth is watering just remembering how yummy is was. This casual and funky restaurant is located in Paia Maui, a small surfing town in northern Maui, this town alone is a hot spot to visit, but when you are hungry and craving fresh local ingredients then this is your place.
I ordred a half and half flatbread becasue all the options sound so good its hard to choose just one, so i got Coevolution with - Imported Kalamata olives, fresh Maui organic rosemary, organic red onions, a blend of Hawaiian goat cheeses, fire-roasted sweet red peppers, and premium whole milk mozzarella, baked on organic bread dough with homemade organic garlic oil and a blend of organic herbs. And on the other half i got the Pa'ia Bay Ohana with wood-fired cauldron tomato sauce, caramelized organic onions, organic mushrooms, premium whole milk mozzarella and imported Parmesan cheese baked on organic
bread dough with homemade organic garlic oil, sprinkled with a blend of organic herbs.
Like are you kidding me!!
Everything is cooked to order in their beautful earthen fire ovens. When your patiently waited pizza arrives its beautiful and colourful to look at and smells amazing, but be careful cause its so hot!
Flatbread Company is proud to use organic food, local farmers and local produce. With the help and support of the locals they have managed to to open nine other locations all over the map. Check out their site.
And we WILL be back.....
Natasha:)
http://flatbreadcompany.com/FlatbreadHome2010.html
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