Sweet Potato Bisque at Wild Earth

Sweet Potato Bisque, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Edmonton's weather has seen some extremely cold days lately, which are perfect for soup. I had a bowl of sweet potato bisque at the Laurier location of Wild Earth last week and it really hit the spot. The bisque was thick, rich, and had just a hint of spice. I was the lucky person who got the last bowl, and it was only enough for a small - pity!

Chicken Noodle Soup at Wild Earth

Chicken Noodle Soup, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Chicken noodle soup is an excellent comfort food after being outside on a chilly day. The version I had today at the Laurier location of Wild Earth was hearty and full of chunks of chicken, colourful rotini, vegetables, and seasonings. It was definitely not a traditional chicken noodle soup.

Spicy Chicken Noodle Salad at Wild Earth

Chicken salad #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I needed a quick and light lunch earlier this week and the Laurier Heights location of Wild Earth was the location.

The gluten free, spicy chicken noodle salad intrigued me. The portion was deceptively large, full of tender noodles, lemongrass chicken, and lots of fresh carrots and snap peas that added sweetness. I don't normally care for salads with cold meat in them, but it really worked. It was almost like a chicken Thai salad. I would definitely have it again.

Chili at Wild Earth

Chili at Wild Earth #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I was desiring a mid-afternoon snack of something a little healthier than a dessert, so while I was at Wild Earth Bakery I had a small bowl of chili. This small bowl packed a punch - it was thick, full of meat and beans, and a rich tomato base. Definitely recommended for cool days and big appetites.

Minestrone Soup and Vegan Roll at Wild Earth

Minestrone soup and vegan roll. #yegfood, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I went to the Laurier Heights location of Wild Earth Cafe with a colleague to do some work. She is gluten free and was thrilled by the selection of sandwiches and treats she could enjoy.

As for me, I had a bowl of minestrone soup, which was spicy and full of tomato flavour. It was also packed with protein, as a number of large beans in addition to vegetables, made up the contents. Most interestingly, chickpeas were used instead of pasta.

I also tried a vegan roll, which is the non-meat version of sausage roll. A ground mixture of a number of vegetables and spices were in the centre of a crispy, flaky pastry roll topped with sesame seeds. I am not a huge fan of sesame seeds (I find their bitter taste to detract) but all of the flavours merged together well.

Coffee Break: Mocha at Wild Earth

Mocha at Wild Earth, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

The Laurier Heights location of Wild Earth beckoned on a windy and brisk afternoon while I was doing a photo walk in the area.

My small mocha warmed my body and heart. Served without whipped cream at my request, it was rich and chocolatey, without being overbearingly sweet. Definitely a win.

Ice Cream Float at Wild Earth

Ice Cream Float, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

After a day of riding my bike around town, I was thirsty but also craving ice cream. How fortunate that one of my favourite neighbourhood coffee spots also sells ice cream floats.

The floats at Wild Earth Cafe (142 Street and 85 Avenue) are quite sophisticated. First, you pick which flavour of Italian soda you want. I opted for vanilla. Then, you pick your ice cream from the four flavours available. I chose chocolate.

The results were sweet and very refreshing. The chocolate ice cream blended perfectly with the vanilla syrup. The key here are quality ingredients, and making the right choice for flavour combination. My barrista said that sometimes kids come in and pick mango syrup with coffee ice cream - well, maybe that would work for some people, but sticking with basics like vanilla and chocolate tends to work best for me.

Coffee Break: Iced Chai Latte at Wild Earth Cafe

Iced Chai Latte, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I wanted something cool this afternoon while riding my bicycle around the neigbourhood on errands. However, I did not want coffee. I opted for an iced chai latte at Wild Earth Cafe on 85 Avenue and 142 Street.

It certainly was cold and refreshing. The chai flavour was not overwhelmingly strong and I could perhaps done with a little more of it, but it was better than being bitter which I often experience elsewhere. Perhaps next time I will try the chocolate chai.

Coffee Break: Iced Americano Misto and Nanaimo Bar

Iced Americano Misto and Nanaimo Bar, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

After performing at the Thrival Edmonton Festival this afternoon, I needed some "me time" with coffee and a book. I headed to the Wild Earth Cafe on 85 Avenue and 142 Street, lugging my guitar in tow.

I had no coffee in the day up to this point, and was thirsty, so I opted for an iced American Misto. The amin difference was that instead of steam milk, cold milk was used. The result was a milder version of an iced latte, with more espresso flavour coming through.

I was also a bit hungry, so had a Nanaimo bar. It was very fresh, with the taste of the nuts and coconut in the lower layer very prominent.

Coffee Break: Chai Latte at Wild Earth Cafe

Chai Latte, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I spent Sunday afternoon running errands and needed something warm and nourishing. A chair latte at Wild Earth Cafe (85 Avenue and 142 Street) was in order. It's creamy and heavy on the cinnamon topping. The spice mixture tastes familiar, as someone who has had a chai latte in just about every coffee and tea shop around - definitely better than the chain shops.

Coffee Break: Mochaccino at Wild Earth

Mochaccino, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Wild Earth Cafe (142 Street & 85 Avenue) is fast becoming a favourite hangout of mine. Today, I tried the mocha. It was superb - when real chocolate is used instead of syrup, it makes all the difference. Now, if only the place would get wifi!

Coffee Break: Americano Misto at Wild Earth

Americano Misto, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I paid another visit to the new location of Wild Earth in the Laurier Heights neighbourhood yesterday(142 Street & 85 Avenue). I tried an Americano Misto, which is espresso diluted with water about two thirds of the way up the glass, and finished with steamed milk.

While the word "misto" may conjure images of a light drink, this was very strong and bold. I enjoyed it more than a plain Americano, which I often end up dousing with cream anyways. The tall glass was hot to hold, but had a nice presentation.