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.

Breakfast for Lunch: Huevos Rancheros at Humpty's

Huevos Rancheros, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I ended up at the Kingsway location of Humpty's for lunch. As it was too early (as far as my stomach was concerned) for anything other than breakfast food, I scanned the menu for something other than my usual two eggs and toast sort of thing. I have had eggs for the past few days, and needed something different.

I decided to try the restaurant's version of Huevos Rancheros. My eggs were done perfectly over-easy as I requested, over a crispy tortilla shell smothered in diced tomatoes and bell peppers. The "Mexi-sauce" holding everything together was more like a thin salsa with a few beans in it - I have had a thicker bean paste in other versions. Still, it had enough kick and the sour cream and salsa rounded the flavours out well.

The potato fritters (Tater Tots by any other name . . . ) were crispy as always. Overall, this was a nice change from my usual breakfast-for-lunch routine.

Four Colour Vermicelli at Veggie Garden

Four Colour Vermicelli, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I had the four colour vermicelli noodle bowl at Veggie Garden for lunch today. IT had veggie lemongrass chicken, beef, shrimp, and spring rolls.

The lemongrass chicken packed the most flavour punch, and my co-worker who tried it agreed. The beef was plentiful, and I wish there was more shrimp. The spring rolls were crisp and off-set the rest of the dish nicely.

The carrots were not pickled, as they often are in vermicelli bowls, but were sauteed with green bell peppers with chili flakes. The heat was not overbearing, and overall this was a filling, flavourful vegetarian dish.

Fried Rice at Veggie Garden

Fried Rice, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I introduced a co-worker to Veggie Garden in Chinatown today. She ordered one of the fried rice dishes on the menu, which I eagerly tried.

In addition to vegetables, the rice had veggie chicken and shrimp. I wish the pieces of shrimp were a little bigger as depicted on the menu, but overall the flavour was great.