Bison Short Ribs YYC

You should contact the folks at Sunworks Farm - I've bought Bison ribs from them, not shortribs but they may be able to put some aside for you? http://www.sunworksfarm.com/contact-us/

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Community Supported Farms (YEG)

Promised to post about our experience with Sunhill's CSA program. The risk with a CSA is that you share the produce and you share the poor growing results. Last year's growing season wasn't great (poor weather conditions from Mar-May) but we still had 12 weeks worth of produce.

We found that the half-share was more than enough produce for 2 people. We kept having potatoes, beans, and carrots leftover and were parboiling and freezing little baggies each week. I had enough to last us through to December. We've purchased another half-share for this upcoming season. Sounds like Sunhill is already sold out for their Sherwood Park CSA pick-up.

If anyone is interested in more info. Posted about our experience here: http://foodkarma.ca/2012/03/20/csa-in-review/

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Charpop - Calgary

I had moved to Edmonton 6 months ago but I'm in Calgary tomorrow night for business on Wednesday. Feeling pretty lucky it coincided with Charpop's dinner, I sat in front of the computer at 3:57 and clicked send right at 4pm and got seats.

I think the mystery and secrecy is part of the fun of a pop-up. The concept of a temporary dinner and space allows interesting collaborations and atypical ingredients because the chefs don't have to worry about providing the dishes regularly. Can appreciate it's not for everyone, especially those that like to know ahead of time what to expect. Since I eat pretty much everything and love Connie/John, and Aviv's foods, my friends and I think it'll be a fun evening.

Heard from some folks who went to last night's dinner and sounds like the foie and sweetbread dishes were great.

Will definitely try to post on the evening. Crossing my fingers that Charpop may come to Edmonton with a similar collaboration between Charcut and a couple Edmonton chefs.

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Parma & Bologna Markets/Restaurants on Monday-Tuesday

Thanks for the information everyone. I'll check out all the links. Very much looking forward to the trip.

foodkarma in Italy

Parma & Bologna Markets/Restaurants on Monday-Tuesday

I'm traveling to Italy for the first time this October (my trip of a lifetime), we will be going on a Slow Food Tour throughout Tuscany, then traveling to Cinque Terre for 3 nights. I'm thinking about ending our Italy trip with 2 nights in Parma or Bologna. It will be Monday-Tuesday Oct 17-19.

I'm curious, are the markets open? Are there any restaurants open? If so, which markets/restaurants would people recommend? Also should we stay in Bologna or Parma?

Thanks!

foodkarma in Italy

Calgary Restarurant Closures - Say it Ain't So!!

Agreed - I had one good meal at St Germain's quite a long time ago but experiences in the last couple years have all been mediocre and poor service. Personally it was sad to see it spiral downward, hope this now opens the doors for a better food proprietor and management.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Prairie Food Trucks - A Possibility?

We've seen some great food trucks surface in Edmonton - Eva Sweet Waffles as MrsCris mentioned has 3 vehicles, Molly's Eats moves around Farmers' Markets (great bacon brisket sandwich and empanadas), recently tried Drift (mmm pork belly sandwich), Filistix and Nomad (have yet to try them).

Molly's and Drift recently had a weekend lunch at Victoria Park so I was able to try them... great additions to Edmonton.

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Best Vietnamese Vermicelli w/ pork & springrolls (Bún thịt nướng chả giò) in Calgary?

When I lived in YYC, I worked in the NE and really liked the Bún thịt nướng chả giò at Noodle King. Their spring rolls were like crack for me... I would eat them at least once a week

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ISO: Chinese White Plain Buns (YEG)

You mean Arirang in Calgary? I was posting to Edmonton but thanks, it's still good to know there may be some in AB - I'll go to Arirang next time I'm in Calgary.

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ISO: Chinese White Plain Buns (YEG)

Thanks Anon - *sigh* kind of confirms my own experience... I've seen them in Van but not in Calgary or Edmonton... and def all over the States. I even asked the ladies at the Taiwan Pavillion at Heritage Fest as they carried it there for "Taiwanese Hamburgers" and they assured me you can only get it once a year... at their Heritage Fest stand.

I'm too lazy to make them... guess I'll buy the round ones and slice them in half.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

ISO: Chinese White Plain Buns (YEG)

I'm making Pork Belly buns and looking for a specific type of chinese white buns - flatter and folds over like a taco shell. I've only seen the round (mantou) type here and wondering if any hounds know where to find these in Edmonton.

Attached a photo to illustrate the buns.

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Tres Carnales - Edmonton

Tres Carnales just tweeted they're getting fresh snapper this afternoon so fish tacos will be on tonight's menu. So tempted to go for a re-visit.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Tres Carnales - Edmonton

They were a special - the guys brought in snapper on Monday, sold out of the tacos. Had another shipment of snapper yesterday and did the tacos again.

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Tres Carnales - Edmonton

Went by last night - I couldn't muster the will power to stay away (calorie counting) after reading tweets about their fish tacos special. Brought in fresh snapper on Monday (sold out) and again yesterday.

I was impressed with the quality of the snapper tacos - nice crispy & light breading (using a tempura-esque technique), fresh ingredients, house-made tortillas. I was also really impressed by the hospitality and integrity shown by the 3 owners. They source ingredients carefully and locally - all protein except for the snapper has come locally. They are very serious about maintaining the authenticity and flavours of Mexico (ex. bringing contraptions from Mexico to make their tortillas).

I'll definitely go back to try items from their regular menu. And reading the posts here, I think a trip to El Rancho is also a must.

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Italian in YYC

I do like Pulcinella, but found the pizza at WO Papers soggy and salty (Hogwild & Prosciutto pizzas). In all fairness I only went once and it requires a second visit.

I've also had great pizzas at Famoso and bland/soggy pizzas there... find it's inconsistent depending on the locations.

-----
Pulcinella
1147 Kensington Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1X7, CA

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Ist Time at Blue Pear

Thanks for the review - It's one of the restaurants I have on my to-visit list. Perhaps Fork Fest is a good time to check it out - $45 for 3 courses, less of a price commitment.

What did you have for dessert?

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Italian in YYC

Mercato, Bonterra, Rea's, and Calabro are probably my favourite Italian places in Calgary.

For Neopolitan inspired pizza I like Una although I don't consider them true Italian as many of their appetizers are Spanish inspired or inspired by countries outside Italy.

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YEG Pho

So I moved to YEG about 2 months ago and finally got a weekend to do this Pho comparison... the highlights:

BROTH: Tau Bay had more of that sweet meaty depth (umami)
NOODLES: I prefer the noodle texture at King's - chewier bite
MEAT: agreed with Fergie, more meat at Tau Bay plus I got more tendon
HERBS/SPROUTS: Tau Bay as I prefer lime and red pepper
VALUE: Tau Bay - they gave me more meat plus what was left in the can for my lemon soda

Here's a link to my full post: I blogged about it here: http://foodkarma.ca/2011/07/11/battle_of_ph/

Too bad Tau Bay is now closed until end of Aug.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Gourmet & Organic Supermarkets in Calgary

There's also the new one - Market 17 that opened.

Community and Blush Lane are my favourites.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Best Caesars in YYC

Thanks 23skidoo...

As a side note, we love Garlic Clove - my fav dish is their wobbly chops. Goes great with the garlic caesar.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Best Caesars in YYC

Tequila Caesars are my drink of choice! Love this idea.

Would suggest Antonio's Garlic Clove for their Garlic Caesar.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Community Supported Farms (YEG)

Hi Bryn, do you know anything more about the CSA at Green Eggs and Ham?

I looked them up in the beginning but the description on their site emphasized the poultry end as it's their specialty. Made it seem like it was probably a poultry share vs produce... I should send them an email, I did buy a pack of duck sausage once and loved it.

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Restaurants in NE Calgary

If you like Chinese, we would go to Fat Kee's for lunch (I worked in the NE)... was cheap and food was decent, very authentic...

Not a fan of Chinese buffets - most of the food is greasy and Westernized (like Food Court Chinese) but there's also China Rose I believe near Memorial

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Restaurants in NE Calgary

Pho Tai is my fav in the NE - love their Vietnamese crepe (Banh Xeo). Noodle King is good too (like their spring rolls and Sate Beef)

Not a fan of Chianti's (find it over salted, over processed) but agree it's definitely cheap. Rea's is very good but agree it's more expensive than Chianti's

King's is also quite popular for their wontons... not very authentic but is very tasty (borderline SE).

For lunches I also like the Italian Centre near Scarpone's.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

YYC - Hamburger bun help needed

I didn't measure the patties but I'll admit they were quite thick... very juicy as well. I also dressed my burger up with quite a bit - mayo, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, cheddar, and grilled onions & mushrooms so quite a bit of toppings.

Like I said though, that cheese bun for the burger was delicious.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

YYC - Hamburger bun help needed

I'll second this. I loved the cheese buns at Glamorgans for burgers. Although I found when I made my patty too thick, the bun didn't hold up well to the juice. Still was very tasty.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Community Supported Farms (YEG)

Thanks for the info anonymoose - I ended up purchasing a half share with Sunhill Gardens today. Mostly because they still had availability and offered half shares. I'm also a small household (of two). Excited about getting our first basket and seeing how this works. I'll be blogging about it and will post info here in case anyone is interested for next year.

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces

Community Supported Farms (YEG)

I'm looking into buying a CSA membership from a local farm where you pay an amount to a farm to help their costs and in turn are provided with weekly produce baskets. CSA programs are more abundant in BC than here but wondering if anyone has recommendations, or experience with CSA programs in Edmonton. Also seeing how late into the season I'm joining, if any farms still have available memberships.

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ISO good Vietnamese Crepe aka. Banh Xeo (YEG)

This is very exciting news - thanks Fergie. I'll have to check it out. Is this the same sub shop as the one on Whyte?

foodkarma in Prairie Provinces