Fresh Edmonton restaurant choices for spring 2016
Along with newborn babies and fresh flowers, spring 2016 also brings with it new restaurant options in Edmonton. Korean eateries are becoming more mainstream here,with several new spots opening recently, but there’s also additions to our award-winning pizza culture and French cuisine. Try them all, if you dare (to gain a few pounds). [Image credit: iStock.com/whitewish]
LOVEPIZZA
10196 109 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1M7This cute pizza joint, located in the busy area of Jasper Avenue and 109 Street, has gotten a lot of buzz since it opened. It adds variety into the routines of those who work and eat lunch downtown, plus who can resist the story of how the owners fell in love over a pizza on their first date, leading them to opening their own place? Guests are also digging the signature pies, plus the build-your-own option, which lets you choose your crust, sauce, veggies, proteins, cheese and “finishes,” such as organic honey, balsamic reduction, pickled red onion and crème fraiche.
Chartier
5012 50 Street, Beaumont, AB T4X 1E6A couple started a Kickstarter campaign to bring their dream of a rustic French restaurant to Beaumont, southeast of Edmonton. The campaign (the first successful restaurant Kickstarter campaign in Alberta) exceeded its goal and resulted in the opening of Chartier. This quaint brasserie is open for lunch, dinner and brunch, and is kid-friendly. The lunch menu is concise and focused, with three sandwiches, poutine and daily soup and salad. Dinner includes small and large plates, including dishes such as beef bourguignon, tourtière (a meat pie with bison, pork and duck confit) and roasted hen.
Soy & Pepper
11212 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V2This Korean eatery, located on Jasper Avenue, is bringing bulgogi and bibimbap to the masses. Their menu features hearty rice bowls and stews, plus meat dishes, such as galbi (grilled beef short ribs). If you can’t decide what to order or are new to Korean cuisine, go for the Korean fried chicken, which comes in half or full orders, and with your choice of seasoning (original, soy garlic, chili pepper or half and half). The Jeon (Korean-style pancakes) are also a popular choice. For dessert, there is a mix of Western choices (carrot and chocolate cakes) and traditional Korean sweets.
Seoul Fried Chicken
4B-7904A 104th Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4C8Another Korean eatery new to Edmonton but this one’s more of a fast-food venture, albeit a family-owned and operated one. You’ll have to line up for your chicken but don’t let that deter you; this is moist, crispy fried chicken at its finest. Go early in the day to avoid disappointment; it’s so popular that they keep selling out of their tasty chicken long before closing. The sides include mainstays like fries but they also offer Asian twists on traditional Southern dishes such as potato salad and coleslaw.
Washoku Bistro
10702 124E Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H1Although it’s billed as a Japanese restaurant (the name translates to “the cuisine of Japan”), they actually offer a mix of Japanese and Korean cuisine. You’ll find traditional favourites, including bento boxes, sushi, maki rolls, sashimi and teriyaki dishes, but they also serve bibimbap and beef bulgogi. They have private tatami rooms, as well as booths and tables. Located on 124 Street and 107 Avenue, it’s one of the few Japanese restaurants in the immediate area, making it a nice option for those who work in that neighbourhood.
Stuffed Gourmet Sausage Company
10810 124 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H3Brought to you by the folks behind the popular Smokehouse BBQ restaurant, this spot focuses solely on sausages wrapped up in buns. They serve turkey, chicken, ham, pork, beef and lamb sausages in a ton of flavours, such as apple maple, Thai coconut, cordon bleu, mushroom and Guinness and jalapeño cheddar. Choose your fav, then add up to four sauces, from a list that includes curry sauce, sweet mustard, chipotle mayo, jalepeño, Greek and apple butter beer barbecue sauce. If you crave a side, they have hand-cut potato chips (salt and pepper, All Dressed and jalapeño salt) or salad.
Nando's PERi-PERi
4228 Gateway Boulevard Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6J 5J7While Nando’s is a chain, this fast-food restaurant has still created plenty of buzz with the opening of its first Edmonton location. Nando’s originated in South Africa in 1987 and has since rapidly spread around the world (it came to Canada in 1994). The brand’s famous peri-peri chicken is marinated for 24 hours, then flame-grilled Portuguese-style. There’s multiple chicken-for-one options, including a quarter, half or whole chicken or skewers, plus platters for sharing. Prefer chicken legs and thighs to wings and breasts? It’s up to you! They also serve wraps, pitas and sandwiches, including vegetarian options.
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