food@metronews.ca

On Mediterranean shores.... well, sort of

February 07, 2012

“Where do you want to eat?” is a question with far too many answers along Whyte Avenue. I could see a dozen options from Ousia’s front door, but the tiny newcomer has style.

Filling enough for a dragon

January 24, 2012

My sweet waitress giggled at my attempt to wish her a happy new year before rushing back to place my order.

Five guys, pleasant surprise

January 17, 2012

These five American guys are slowly breaking into the Canadian burger market, so I hit the Sherwood Park location to check out the buzz.

Papa Murphy's makes a fine pie, but why am I baking it?

January 10, 2012

It seems like a pretty good idea: A range of conventional and exotic pizzas, made fresh while you wait, after which you take them home and bake them yourself whenever you want them

Edmonton's little burger joint that could

January 03, 2012

Earl’s opened in Edmonton three decades ago as a beer-and-burger joint.

Bistecca Italian Steakhouse ain’t no spaghetti Western

December 20, 2011

Bistecca hired some darn good servers: Mariah helped us out with choices and enthused over our decisions.

Cheap eats rule at Sankyu 2 Go

December 13, 2011

For several years, Sankyu 2 Go has offered quick sushi, maki, bento and rice bowl fixes for the downtown crowd.

Keeps bob-bob-bobbin’ along

December 06, 2011

The late-night hangout for beer and burgers of my illicit youth remains unchanged, even decades later.

Wok this way for wonderful noodles

November 29, 2011

Despite the helpful pictures of each entrée, there were simply too many lusciously-described options on the Oodle Noodle menu board to assimilate.

The Pourhouse sets the standard for neighbourhood pub

November 22, 2011

The Pourhouse is amazing: from its stunning beer list to smart, engaged staff and fantastic food.

Creole cuisine with a nice side of jazz

November 15, 2011

At one time, the area west of the Muni on 118th Ave. was iffy at best. However, gentrification has reached even here if Nola is any indication.

A feast fit for a sultan

November 08, 2011

The best eastern Mediterranean cuisine comes in two forms: A quick pita wrap with falafel and drink, or multi-course banquet featuring hookah and tiny cups of industrial-grade coffee.

Halt hunger at House of Hap’s

November 01, 2011

Open early until 3 or 4 p.m.  daily, Hap’s Hungry House is built on the idea that customers wanted a quick, inexpensive, filling breakfast all day.

An escape from the typical

October 25, 2011

Bogani, tucked beside a Sobey’s in its busy strip mall, is a perfect little neighbourhood café

It’s the taqueria of the town!

October 18, 2011

You know that little downtown bistro that’s got a lineup out the door nearly every lunch hour?

Jack’s badass take on wraps

October 11, 2011

In the wake of Subway’s growth in the ’90s, various sandwich places sprang up.

A side of community with your lunch

September 27, 2011

The Carrot is attempting to build a community and you might find one there for you.

Ja-makin’ the best Carib eats

September 27, 2011

Caribbean cuisine finally arrived on Whyte Avenue.

A page-stuffed menu means a full belly at Zambelli's

September 20, 2011

Zambelli’s is built for the business lunch.

Make up for missing lunch by getting Lit

September 13, 2011

I can’t believe I didn’t flip the menu: Within the casual elegance of Lit Italian Wine Bar, I simply pounced on the lusciously-described spaghetti vongole ($18).

Value madness that is Sparta

September 05, 2011

As the number of Edmonton restaurants continues to soar, I count one truly delightful result: I can have Greek fare for lunch.

Mr. Mike stakes his reputation on ribeye

August 23, 2011

Mr. Mike’s 10 oz. ribeye ($23.99) covered nearly half the plate. I stared at it in amazement. I could almost see its halo and hear a crescendo of rapturous voices. Hallelujah, indeed.

Only the finest foreign fare for Fringe Festival goers

August 16, 2011

I remember hearing rave reviews of Café Beirut when it opened, but it took me a year to duck through its doors. We were drawn through the stark white, Lebanese interior to the vividly-coloured dishes pictured above the prep counter.

Enjoy fat deals at Fatburger

August 09, 2011

To my surprise — in our health-conscious (but hypocritical) time — “fat deals” on thick burgers and skinny fries continue to be served from Fatburger.

These exotic eats fall short

August 02, 2011

Matahari’s interior is enchanting, with floor-length koi pond and half a boat lining one wall, neatly sectioned into booths for fans of southeast Asian cuisine.

Seeking the elusive foodgasm

July 26, 2011

Now, I’m sure that Iron Chef Rob Feenie is skilled, but I’m not going to go to a restaurant because they hired the guy at head office.

Old-school fare, elegant flair

July 19, 2011

The shuttered Il Portico is nearly visible from former GM Patrick Saurette’s new restaurant.

Take a sweet trip to the chic Sugarbowl

July 12, 2011

The Sugarbowl is all grown up. The humble (yet oh so cool) University-area coffee shop boasts a brunch line up and options like locally-sourced huevos rancheros. I wasn’t in Kansas any more.

A mix of Asian flavours

July 05, 2011

Maki Maki is a Whyte-area lunch destination for seriously underpriced sushi. This visit, despite the trio of nigiri I couldn’t resist adding to my order, I was there for the Vietnamese pages of the menu.

Blue Plate Diner offers up red-hot lunches

June 21, 2011

Every single Edmonton foodie has a haunt that is his or her absolute favourite. One of mine is the Blue Plate Diner.