Taste of Edmonton 2012: Cappuccino Chocolate Shooter Cup from Sutton Place Hotel

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

What do you do at Taste of Edmonton when you only have one food ticket left? You head to the Sutton Place Hotel booth and have a Cappuccino Chocolate Shooter Cup!

This confection is a one-bite wonder, with a solid chocolate bottom, filled with mousse delicately flavoured with coffee, and topped with a chocolate straw. No chocolate lover can go wrong with this!

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Channa Masala and Saffron Rice from New Asian Village

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I hadn't really had an Indian food at Taste of Edmonton this year, so I decided to spend three tickets at New Asian Village and have their Channa Masala and Saffron Rice. Channa Masala is one of my favourite Indian dishes, and New Asian Village's interpretation is divine. The chickpeas were cooked to perfection, and the sauce had the right mix of sweet and savoury. And for only three tickets, the portion was huge.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Pepper Steak on Rice from L'Espresso

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I've always thought of L'Espresso Cafe as more of a coffee shop than eatery. Their Pepper Steak on Rice is one of the dishes I came back to try.

The combination of sauteed beef, bell peppers, and onions were delectable. The peppers in particular were thoroughly cooked and soft, while retaining their natural flavours. I would have wishes for more beef, but the portion size was decent.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Jack Daniels Apple Crumble from On The Rocks

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

He regretted not having any dessert when we visited Taste of Edmonton last week, and vowed to make up for it now. I also managed to sneak a taste when I brought him his requested Jack Daniels Apple Crumble with Ice Cream from On The Rocks. I could not really taste the Jack Daniels - I may have detected a bit of it in the crust - but otherwise this is apple crumble in its finest. Of course, you have to have vanilla ice cream with it. You just do.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Angus Gold Steak Bites from Canadian Brewhouse

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I headed back to Taste of Edmonton one more time this afternoon. It was quite crowded considering it was only the middle of the day.

My first "taste" was from The Canadian Brewhouse. I only had a couple of the Angus Gold Steak Bites with Steak Sauce, but they were lean, soft, and delicious. The steak sauce was sesame-based, and almost superfluous - the flavour of the beef here really stood on its own.

Capital EX 2012: Popcorn

Capital EX 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Something sweet. Something greasy. Something frozen. As far as snacks went at Capital EX, I needed something salty to round things out. One of my favourite salty snacks is popcorn, and I got a large box of it for $6. While I love Kettle Corn, sometimes I just crave the basic, salty goodness of plain popcorn. It even came in a box that conveniently closed so I could take some home for later.

Capital EX 2012: Barbecue Brisket Sandwich

Capital EX 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

One of the attractions at this year's Capital EX, is a showcase of competitive barbecue teams. I decided to give the brisket sandwich from Smokin' Babes a try. The meat literally melted in my mouth. The excellent smoky flavour was highlighted with a tangy barbecue sauce. My only "beef" was the price. $10 seemed a little steep for a small sandwich with no side. However, food is pricey in general at Capital EX, so this was no exception. I really hope I have the opportunity to enjoy the Smokin' Babes' cooking some time again.

Capital EX 2012: Curly Fries

Capital EX 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Greasy food is a requirement at Capital EX. There is a plethora of food stands offering freshly cut fries. These ones have a twist. I actually got these for my companion, but managed to steal a couple before I loaded them up with vinegar and ketchup for him.

Capital EX 2012 - Fiddlestick

Capital EX 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

When I was a child and Capital EX was still Klondike Days, my father would take my brother and I to the fair every year and we would all have one of these: a Fiddlestick! It's a block of vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts. The chocolate hardens around the ice cream, so it's best to wait a few moments before digging in - if you can control yourself! It's a bit messy, and a great value at $4. If peanuts are not your thing, you can just get the chocolate or colourful sprinkles, stored in a container separate from the peanuts.

Capital EX 2012 - Those Little Donuts

Capital EX 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I went to Capital EX this week for the first time in a couple of years. No trip to the fair would be complete without hot, fresh mini-donuts covered in cinnamon and sugar. Those Little Donuts are the original, and excellent value. For $5 we got two bags of them.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sorbet from Hong Kong Bakery

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

No visit to Taste of Edmonton would be complete without dessert. This one was almost too cute to eat! Hong Kong Bakery's Chocolate Lava Cake was made in the shape of a mouse, the raspberry sorbet being the head, chocolate discs and pieces being the eyes and ears, and a cookie stick as a tail. The chocolate, pudding-filled cake was heated in a microwave before being plated and dusted lightly with icing sugar. Very decadent and delicious.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Beijing Style Kung Pow Chicken from The Lingnan

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Later in the day, I headed back to The Lingnan's booth and tried out the Beijing Style Kung Pow Chicken. It is like a chicken stew in a sweet and spicy sauce, over white rice. Very hot and fresh, I am impressed with the quality of The Lingnan's product. I also found it was more spicy than the Dry Spicy Chicken I had earlier - way more spicy. I was unfortunately not able to finish my portion, as by this time I had no one to share it with.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Dry Spicy Chicken From The Lingnan

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I have to admit it: I have never eaten at The Lingnan (nor its counterpart Chicken for Lunch). Every time I go, there is a sign on the door warning of a possible two hour wait for food. At Chicken for Lunch, the line ups are daunting, and I have never been able to figure out exactly how to order (though I am getting tutorials from friends!).

I decided it was time to take the leap and try some Lingnan food. The Dry and Spicy Chicken is a popular dish, and I found it delicious. The chicken was fresh and tender, the batter flavourful, and it wasn't even overwhelmingly spicy. It was simply addictive.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Prime Rib Stuffed Mini Yorkshire Puddings from On The Rocks

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Last year, On The Rocks had one of my facourite Taste of Edmonton menu items, with their Mini Steak Sandwiches. I was sad they were not on the menu again this year, but was looking forward to trying the Prime Rib Stuffed Mini Yorkshire Puddings.

What a let down. The shaved prime rib was fatty, had hard parts that were impossible to chew, and wasn't even all that hot. The horseradish sauce underneath tasted like it had merely been purchased off the shelf in a grocery, and the puddings themselves were just bland. The poor quality of the meat made it nearly impossible to eat all three components together, which may have made some difference, but overall this dish was a disappointment.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Falafel from Drift

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

The woman in line next to me struck up a conversation, saying that her checking out the falafel from Drift was an experiment, as she was having trouble finding good falafel in Edmonton. I agreed, stating that many falafel I have had, have indeed been "awful."

I certainly hope she found the experiment a success, because I was definitely impressed with the fried chick pea patties. They were fresh and crispy, but what made this dish unique were the pickled red onions and house made tzatziki sauce. Honestly, I could have downed a shooter of that creamy tzatziki. Total win - I want a full sized one soon!

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Potato Fritters from Guru

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

After my excellent experience with Guru's Tandoori Chicken Samosa, later in the day I tried the Potato Fritters.

The fritters are thin slices of potato that have been saturated with curry, then breaded, deep fried, and seasoned. They certainly pack a flavour punch, but be sure to use plenty of the sweet tamarind sauce, as they are also somewhat dry. The portion size is shareable as well.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Tandoori Chicken Samosa from Guru

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

At first, I thought four tickets was a bit of a steep price for one Tandoori Chicken Samosa from Guru. However, as soon as I opened up the crispy outer shell, I was overwhelmed with just how much chicken was packed in there. I have had samosas with beef and vegetables before, but never tandoori chicken. This is a unique item that I highly recommend.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Pad Thai at Numchok Wilai

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Thai eatery Numchok Wilai was recently listed in the latest edition of Where to Eat in Canada.

The version of their Pad Thai being served up this year is vegetarian, with tofu as the protein. The noodles are springy and coated in the delicious sauce. I would definitely want to try out a full portion based on this sample.

Taste of Edmonton 2012: Green Onion Cakes from Hong Kong Bakery

Taste of Edmonton 2012, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

It's Taste of Edmonton time again! This year, there are quite a few new menu items, but one that I go for no matter what is the Green Onion Cakes from Hong Kong Bakery. There is none other with the same flavour, texture, and consistency. Total win.

Vegetarian Chicken Vermicelli Bowl at Ninh Kieu

Vegetarian Chicken Vermicelli Bowl, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

My main dish for lunch the other day at Ninh Kieu was the vegetarian chicken vermicelli bowl. It was every bit as satisfying as its meat counterpart.

The soy chicken substitution tasted very authentic and had the right texture. I used soy sauce on my noodles - the accompanying fish sauce was the real thing, which is important for strict vegetarians to be aware of.

Vegetarian Salad Rolls at Ninh Kieu

Vegetarian Salad Rolls, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Ninh Kieu (107 Avenue and 98 Street), one of my favourite Vietnamese restaurants. I love how their menu has expanded inr ecent years to include a variety of vegetarian fare. I also love how some appetizers are available as a half portion. Perfect for when I am dining alone!

The vegetarian salad rolls were packed with lettuce, noddles, and tofu. I would have liked a bit more cilantro - the rolls were a bit bland, making the accompanying peanut sauce all the more important.

Breakfast for Lunch: Chicken and Waffle at The Sugarbowl

Chicken and Waffle, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Enticed by a recent episode of "You Gotta Eat Here" on I headed to the Sugarbowl for its famous Chicken and Waffle brunch item.

I don't usually consider chicken to be a brunch item, but this take on a southern dish would be satisfying at any time of the day. I loved the chicken's breading in particular. My only wish is that is was more crispy. The maple butter, while delicious, was a bit too generously poured over the two juicy breasts. I would have preferred a more reserved drizzle, perhaps with some more to the side for dipping.

Speaking of the side, that is where the salad should have been (like it was presented on television). Putting it between the breasts and waffle made for a warm, wilted mess. A tasty mess, though, with the maple butter as dressing.

Presentation flaws aside, this was definitely a meal to remember - and I will be back for more.

Tenderloin Bites at The Pourhouse

Tenderloin Bites, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I did not want to miss too much of the Blues on Whyte 100th birthday party, so I decided to keep my culinary adventures within the closed off blocks of 103 and 104 Street.

My second trip to The Pourhouse, the place was packed and the busy server was trying to stay on top of the flowing drink and food orders. My Rock Creek Cider was served right away, but waiting for my Tenderloin Bites took almost a half an hour.

No complaints about the food though - the bites were cooked to perfection, tender, and the cooked onions and mustard aioli really elevated the dish from simple steak bites to something far more delicious.

Another Frozen Yogurt at Tutti Frutti

Frozen Yogurt, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

A blazingly hot afternoon on Whyte Avenue led me to crave more Tutti Frutti, as I set about enjoying the Blues on Whyte celebration.

I mixed red velvet with TF's Tart, and actually enjoyed the tart flavour the best. It tasted exactly what I expect frozen yogurt to taste like. The red velvet was sweet and pleasant, but not very distinguishable.

My toppings included granola, Frosted Mini-Wheats, and Honey Nut Cheerios. I love cereal toppings!

Coffee Break: Italian Soda at Jeffrey's Cafe

Italian Soda, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I was still thirsty from the heat and riding my bike this afternoon, so I stopped in to Jeffrey's Cafe (9640 142 Street) on the way home.

My lime Italian soda was large (for the $3.50 price tag, I expected as much). Most of the syrup settled to the bottom of the cup, and no matter how much I stirred with my straw or wooden coffee stir stick, I could not get it to rise. As a result, I drank mostly soda water before hitting the very, very sweet bottom.

Coffee Break: Affogato at Cococo

Affogato, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Cococo Chocolatiers is the company that got Bernard Callebaut Chocolatiers out of receivership. The new Cococo Chocolatiers shop at 10103 124 Street sells Callebaut chocolate, decadent desserts, coffee, gelato, and some Cococo branded items too.

This afternoon, I was hot and wanted some gelato but also needed a mid-afternoon caffeine fix. The solution? Affogato! My vanilla gelato was so frozen the hot espresso did not totally melt it, and there was still plenty to drink after I made my way to the bottom of the cup.