I love celebrity gossip.  For instance – did you know, that back in 2012 when Justin Bieber was in Edmonton that he went to the Blue Plate Diner with then girlfriend Selena Gomez?  Yep, its true. And if you have ever eaten at the Blue Plate Diner (10145 104 St), you would understand.  There is something about the food and atmosphere that make the 104st Street fixture unique.  The staff are accessible and friendly.  It is just plain good.     Green Onion Cakes ($6) – with chili sauce and black vinegar       Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Beef Burger ($18) – house mustard blend, crispy bacon, aged cheddar, roasted garlic aioli and all of the fixings on a brioche bun     Roasted Jalapeno Grilled Cheese ($14) – served on grilled Parmesan-crusted sourdough bread     BBQ Meatloaf Sandwich ($17) with sweet potato fries and spicy mayo (add…

Generally speaking, when I go out to eat, I like to go out for things that I can’t easily make at home.  Sushi is one of those things and lately I have had a craving for it.  To satisfy the craving, we decided to go to Mikado downtown (10350 109 Street).   It had been a long time since I visited any of the Mikado locations, but not much has changed.  In terms of bang for your buck for sushi, Mikado might take it.  It’s delicious, affordable and the service is outstanding.  Simply put, they have a large selection of high quality, great tasting food.   Miso Soup ($3) – with seaweed, tofu, and green onion.   Spicy Tuna Roll with sesame ($9) – An inside out roll with spicy tuna and cucumber.   Dynamite Roll ($16) – Tempura shrimp, avocado, chopped scallops, cucumber, spicy sauce and tobiko (flying fish roe). Alaskan Roll…

I confess, I had no idea what the word “gastropub” meant when my boyfriend and I went to try Malt & Mortar, the self-proclaimed “gastropub” which joined the growing dining trend in October. And, I confess, that after we left, I still had no idea what the word meant.  So, I turned to Google.  I love Google.     Malt & Mortar, which opened in October, is located in the heart of Whyte Avenue (10416 82 Ave).  The inside is a modern take on a classic pub-style restaurant with high-ceilings, lots of brick and vintage photographs. The large central bar is surrounded with multiple seating options and no shortage of TV’s, which interestingly enough were playing everything from hockey to curling to Indiana Jones.  They have made a modest attempt to differentiate themselves from the usual pub suspects, which I think is a prerequisite of calling yourself a “gastropub” (versus just a…

My dad has been talking about trying Otto, the new Norwood neighborhood restaurant since it opened in December.  Located at 11405-95 Street, next to La Favorite pastry shop, the 50 seat restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere.  In fact, we were greeted by the owner when we arrived (former co-owner of Culina Mill Creek), who took the time to sit down and talk to us, and offer us some suggestions. To say the menu at Otto focuses on sausage would be an understatement; it is the only entrée on the menu, along with some sides.  Customers can order a variety of sausages – pork, beef, chicken, vegan, served with, sauerkraut, pickles, and mustard (yellow, Dijon, or hopped). Some of the sides include fries, coleslaw, mac ‘n’ cheese and sausage buns, which are ordered separately. The menu is complemented by an extensive list of bottled craft beer, which is appropriate…

There is nothing I rely on more for a jolt of energy (and happiness) than a cup of coffee, and over the last year, Edmonton has developed quite the expansive cafe scene with everything from the main chains (think Tim Horton’s and Starbucks) to the tiny, indie variety). To complement our squad of veteran cafes are a new generation of sleek, quirky java haunts. One of these many new cafes is Lock Stock Coffee (10534 Jasper Avenue). Moonlighting as Redstar at night, the exposed brick walls, high top seating, and dark wood accents create a wonderfully cozy, yet modern, Lock Stock cafe.  The coffee, made with Danesi Espresso beans, does not disappoint.  It is probably one of the better Americano’s I have had in the city, and will definitely kick-start your day.  All of the food is made in-house.  The bacon, rosemary, cheddar muffin is simply irresistible, and a crowd favorite. The…

I usually tend to stay within a one kilometer radius of my office for lunch, but last week my coworkers and I decided to venture to Whyte Avenue to try Pho Boy (10037b 82 Ave NW), one of the newest restaurants to hit the Vietnamese food scene. Inside the kid friendly restaurant is covered custom artwork and dragon lights on the ceiling, giving the restaurant a cool, unique feel. The menu is simple and focused with well-developed flavors.  Included on the menu is “Pho You” which gives you the option to build your own pho bowl. An option that you do not find at many pho places.     Banh Khot (Half order- $4, Full Order- $7) These sizzling rice poppers are made with shrimp, pork and coconut.  Served with a dipping sauce. Green Onion Cake ($6) A pho staple, crispy and delicious.  That’s all you need to know.  …