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.  …

Being Lebanese, my family often visits Sunbake Pita Bakery for fresh baked goods.  Almost every time we go there, no matter what day or time, there is always a line-up. Because it is always filled with people, and not just Lebanese people, all ethnicites, I assumed that everyone knew about it, but, I was wrong. Like Ellen DeGeneres said – you should never assume. A couple of weeks ago my boyfriend and I were deciding what to do for lunch, when I suggested Sunbake and he had no idea what I was talking about.  Thinking he must be the only one in Edmonton that did not know about this place, I asked a bunch of friends if they knew about it and surprisingly, they had never heard of it.  It was then that I realized how un-well known it actually was and that Sunbake may just be one of Edmonton’s best-kept secrets. Hidden among the…

If you work anywhere in the downtown core, you will know that food scene is quickly evolving and the different options are becoming endless.  Located at 101 Ave and 109 Street, LOVEPIZZA specializes in flatbread style pizzas.  The restaurant, which opened in early 2015, offers a selection of signature pizza or the opportunity to create your pizza using a wide variety of locally sourced ingredients.  Either option gives you a choice of their 100% organic whole wheat crust or traditional (I recommend the white). Holy Shiitake   Just like the name suggests, the toppings include the roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, Fior Di Latte cheese (essentially a soft mozzarella), truffle Parmesan sauce and last but not least fresh arugula.  I found that the sauce lacked depth but the addition of chili oil compensated for the lack of flavor.   Ode to Ukraine     This pizza is essentially a deconstructed pierogi.  They have recreated the…