10011-109 st. Edmonton. 780-424-6644.
Bree's Selection.
This restaurant was not Bree's first, second or even third pick, however, sometimes availability helps to make decisions for you. Allegro is a small Italian restaurant located downtown. The decor was worth mentioning. There were multiple clocks on the wall and many mirrors. The curtains were colourful and the toilet paper was extra soft. Okay, that is not exactly decor but Ang said it was pretty much the main event. The words of the night were: Spice it up! We shared two appetizers: mussels and clams in a white wine sauce as well as cheese wrapped in prosciutto. Of the two women, Bree proved to be a clam cracking machine. For the main course, Ang had fettucini with salmon in white wine rose sauce and broccolini. Bree had zitte con pollo... sounds funny but she liked it. What can I say? Both of the ladies asked the waitress to SPICE IT UP! Dave had penne a gello. Yup. He did. Dessert time. The mango gellato tasted like soap so Ang took a pass on it. Bree had pecan caramel cheesecake with extra caramel that never arrived. Sniff sniff. Dave had to defend his lemon cheese cake from certain vultures! It was so good! Another Dinner Club tradition was upheld when we shut the place down.
Langano Skies - October 18, 2009
9920 Whyte Avenue. Edmonton. 780-432-3334
Ang's Selection
After much too long of a break dinner club has resumed. Ang must have wanted to eat with her fingers because she selected a fine Ethiopian restaurant. In terms of decor, there was a drop ceiling painted to resemble the African sky. In the centre of the tables there were hand-woven baskets that housed the food once it arrived. We ordered two appetizers, the second of which was ridicuously fantastic. We now know the answer to the question: how much garlic can one dish hold? It blended garlic and jalapeno for a potent taste that left Ang and Bree brushing their teeth obsessively for days. For the main course we each ordered a different dish that we shared. They were kategna, doro tibs and yemisir kik wot. For dessert the traditional Ethiopian one wasn't available so we ordered a cheese cake, an apple crisp and a brownie. Nothing special. We did, however, pay for someone's birthday cake when we heard the singing (chalk another one up for our tradition). Bree (whose name is made up of the letters that spell beer) sampled a few beer from around the world. Her favourites were a beer from Kenya and one from Belgium. The Belgian one tasted like Dr. Pepper. It was a great choice Ang. Peace out.
Ang's Selection
After much too long of a break dinner club has resumed. Ang must have wanted to eat with her fingers because she selected a fine Ethiopian restaurant. In terms of decor, there was a drop ceiling painted to resemble the African sky. In the centre of the tables there were hand-woven baskets that housed the food once it arrived. We ordered two appetizers, the second of which was ridicuously fantastic. We now know the answer to the question: how much garlic can one dish hold? It blended garlic and jalapeno for a potent taste that left Ang and Bree brushing their teeth obsessively for days. For the main course we each ordered a different dish that we shared. They were kategna, doro tibs and yemisir kik wot. For dessert the traditional Ethiopian one wasn't available so we ordered a cheese cake, an apple crisp and a brownie. Nothing special. We did, however, pay for someone's birthday cake when we heard the singing (chalk another one up for our tradition). Bree (whose name is made up of the letters that spell beer) sampled a few beer from around the world. Her favourites were a beer from Kenya and one from Belgium. The Belgian one tasted like Dr. Pepper. It was a great choice Ang. Peace out.
Edmonton Queen - July 12, 2009
9734-98 ave. Rafter's Landing. Edmonton. 780-424-BOAT.
Dave's Selection.
For the first time ever Bree's keen skills managed to guess the location ahead of time. So to make it a very summery occasion the ladies conspired to shop at Winners ahead of time in order to buy big, floppy hats. We boarded and then Ang and Bree went straight to the bar to order their bottle of wine. Then we headed downstairs to what seemed an awful lot like a wedding reception. The food was buffet style and unlucky us, our table was one of the last ones selected to get up and eat. The food was roast beef, salads, a fish option, bread and butter, pickles... a typical buffet. The desserts were once again like a typical wedding: squares, cheese cake, etc... The food was average. Nothing really stood out. After supper we ventured to the upper deck to enjoy the boat touring the North Saskatchewan River , first East and then West. We played a mean game of "Name That Floatie": shoe, beer bottle, and Dave and Bree fought over the difference between a log and a stick. For the record, Ang agreed with Dave. All in all, the boating experience mattered more than the food. One more thing: when dining on a boat you cannot dine and dash but you can dine and splash.
Dave's Selection.
For the first time ever Bree's keen skills managed to guess the location ahead of time. So to make it a very summery occasion the ladies conspired to shop at Winners ahead of time in order to buy big, floppy hats. We boarded and then Ang and Bree went straight to the bar to order their bottle of wine. Then we headed downstairs to what seemed an awful lot like a wedding reception. The food was buffet style and unlucky us, our table was one of the last ones selected to get up and eat. The food was roast beef, salads, a fish option, bread and butter, pickles... a typical buffet. The desserts were once again like a typical wedding: squares, cheese cake, etc... The food was average. Nothing really stood out. After supper we ventured to the upper deck to enjoy the boat touring the North Saskatchewan River , first East and then West. We played a mean game of "Name That Floatie": shoe, beer bottle, and Dave and Bree fought over the difference between a log and a stick. For the record, Ang agreed with Dave. All in all, the boating experience mattered more than the food. One more thing: when dining on a boat you cannot dine and dash but you can dine and splash.
Boualong Laos & Thai Cuisine - Date???
10669-97 st. Edmonton. 780-423-4207
Bree's Selection
It was a very impromptu decision! At the last minute we decided that we needed a Dinner Club and Bree obliged by busting out her next choice. It was recommended by two people but unbeknownst to Bree, it had since changed locations and this had a significant impact on our experience. It didn't help that Bree and Ang were massively HANGRY and there was only one server for the whole place. This problem could have been medicated easily except they didn't even have a liquor license so no wine for the ladies! However, all was forgiven when the food arrived because it was piping hot and amazing. For appetizers we had pineapple shrimp (Dave even ate some) and spring rolls. We had drunken noodles and pad thai. We had curried chicken and some kind of beef dish. We all agreed that the curry was by far the best. For dessert we had delicious mango and not so delicious egg custard. Well, Matt liked it but only he did. Conversation ranged from old school wrestlers to cat's are cheap (catch a sheep according to Ang) and Ang's insistance that the toilet's lid makes a great back rest. It is definitely a restaurant worth revisiting in six months once it is more established.
Bree's Selection
It was a very impromptu decision! At the last minute we decided that we needed a Dinner Club and Bree obliged by busting out her next choice. It was recommended by two people but unbeknownst to Bree, it had since changed locations and this had a significant impact on our experience. It didn't help that Bree and Ang were massively HANGRY and there was only one server for the whole place. This problem could have been medicated easily except they didn't even have a liquor license so no wine for the ladies! However, all was forgiven when the food arrived because it was piping hot and amazing. For appetizers we had pineapple shrimp (Dave even ate some) and spring rolls. We had drunken noodles and pad thai. We had curried chicken and some kind of beef dish. We all agreed that the curry was by far the best. For dessert we had delicious mango and not so delicious egg custard. Well, Matt liked it but only he did. Conversation ranged from old school wrestlers to cat's are cheap (catch a sheep according to Ang) and Ang's insistance that the toilet's lid makes a great back rest. It is definitely a restaurant worth revisiting in six months once it is more established.
River House Grill - April 18, 2009
8 Mission Ave. St. Albert. 780-458-2232
Ang's Selection
For the first time we had to arrive in separate cars but what made it fun was that Ang texted Bree and Dave with step by step directions. It was like a treasure hunt. The building itself looked like a castle from the outside, and a river ran alongside it (hence the name). Once inside it was separated into two different sides. We were seated on the left side. The right side was a converted scotch bar. Looking at the menu we immediately noticed the crazy long names for all of the dishes. In each name they clearly tried to describe all of the ingredients as well. Our waitress was just lovely. However, we thought she might have a wild streak. This is why Ang and Bree nicknamed her the naughty school teacher. For appetizers they had a limited selection. Dave ordered an elk sausage and saskatoon berry salad. Bree and Ang shared a sambucca shrimp salad. Now for the main course: Bree ordered the carmelized chicken breast. Angela had the Jack Daniels striploin. Matt had the deep water Arctic Char. Dave had the rubbed down chicken pasta in mushroom sauce. All the food was organic and bought at the local farmer's market. As usual desserts were a must. We ordered four out of the five desserts on the menu and our super waitress was kind enough to give us the fifth one for free. Our desserts were as follows: creme brule, saskatoon berry cheesecake, cinnamon berry crisp, mocca ice cream and raspberry sorbet. During dessert we noticed a couple seated near us was celebrating the woman's birthday. Ang came up with a cool new Dinner Club rule: if someone at another table is celebrating a special occasion, we will send over a drink for them or buy their dessert. We got them a glass of port. The woman was totally grateful. It was an amazing evening. Thanks Ang.
Ang's Selection
For the first time we had to arrive in separate cars but what made it fun was that Ang texted Bree and Dave with step by step directions. It was like a treasure hunt. The building itself looked like a castle from the outside, and a river ran alongside it (hence the name). Once inside it was separated into two different sides. We were seated on the left side. The right side was a converted scotch bar. Looking at the menu we immediately noticed the crazy long names for all of the dishes. In each name they clearly tried to describe all of the ingredients as well. Our waitress was just lovely. However, we thought she might have a wild streak. This is why Ang and Bree nicknamed her the naughty school teacher. For appetizers they had a limited selection. Dave ordered an elk sausage and saskatoon berry salad. Bree and Ang shared a sambucca shrimp salad. Now for the main course: Bree ordered the carmelized chicken breast. Angela had the Jack Daniels striploin. Matt had the deep water Arctic Char. Dave had the rubbed down chicken pasta in mushroom sauce. All the food was organic and bought at the local farmer's market. As usual desserts were a must. We ordered four out of the five desserts on the menu and our super waitress was kind enough to give us the fifth one for free. Our desserts were as follows: creme brule, saskatoon berry cheesecake, cinnamon berry crisp, mocca ice cream and raspberry sorbet. During dessert we noticed a couple seated near us was celebrating the woman's birthday. Ang came up with a cool new Dinner Club rule: if someone at another table is celebrating a special occasion, we will send over a drink for them or buy their dessert. We got them a glass of port. The woman was totally grateful. It was an amazing evening. Thanks Ang.
Skinny Legs and Cowgirls Bistro (Organic!) - March 14, 2009
9008- Jasper Ave. 780-423-4107
Dave's Selection
The name says it all - the owner herself came to our table to explain that the restaurant was named after a mash-up of novel titles by her favourite author, Tom Robbins. We had a guest (Matt) with us for this Dinner Club. Upon stepping through the door, the first thing one sees is orange everywhere: orange drapery separates sections in the small restaurant. All told, Skinny Legs seats twenty-six people. Reservations are a must. This food was freaking tasty. We began with a thin crust pizza. Ask the waiter what's on it and he'll tell you, "Whatever is in the kitchen." All the food was sharzies. We had mixed veggies, chicken something, potatoes (with peanuts) in cream, feta and chili sauce (sauce + awesome = sausome), chirozo sausage... unbelievable! We just about licked the plates clean. That's how sausome it was. Once again, the girls had their sangrias! We ordered all four desserts that they serve: pine nut crust of goodness, creme brule, banana cream in a martini glass and pear crisp. The owner loved us so much she brought four shots of ice wine. The quote that begins this blog comes from the bathroom in this fine restaurant. Thanks Ang for going into the bathroom to photograph it for us with your cell phone cam.
Dave's Selection
The name says it all - the owner herself came to our table to explain that the restaurant was named after a mash-up of novel titles by her favourite author, Tom Robbins. We had a guest (Matt) with us for this Dinner Club. Upon stepping through the door, the first thing one sees is orange everywhere: orange drapery separates sections in the small restaurant. All told, Skinny Legs seats twenty-six people. Reservations are a must. This food was freaking tasty. We began with a thin crust pizza. Ask the waiter what's on it and he'll tell you, "Whatever is in the kitchen." All the food was sharzies. We had mixed veggies, chicken something, potatoes (with peanuts) in cream, feta and chili sauce (sauce + awesome = sausome), chirozo sausage... unbelievable! We just about licked the plates clean. That's how sausome it was. Once again, the girls had their sangrias! We ordered all four desserts that they serve: pine nut crust of goodness, creme brule, banana cream in a martini glass and pear crisp. The owner loved us so much she brought four shots of ice wine. The quote that begins this blog comes from the bathroom in this fine restaurant. Thanks Ang for going into the bathroom to photograph it for us with your cell phone cam.
Blue Chair Cafe - February 28, 2009
9624-76 ave. Edmonton. 780-989-2861
Bree's Selection
"Shut up and listen." Random... Menus on the back of old record jackets. The world's smallest stool. Flea market lighting. The most formal waiter ever. Photographs on the wall. And of course: blue chairs. Their signature dish was pad thai which both Bree and Ang indulged in. Dave had the chicken mole with a chocolate and chili sauce. For appetizers we all shared humus (jalapeno, red pepper and garlic) and mushroom cheese bruschetta. And now for the desserts: Dave had a peach and apple cobbler. Ang and Bree had an enormous, soft, homemade chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and chocolate sauce on it. But the best was yet to come. Blue Chair Cafe is much more than just a restaurant; it also provides live Blues music. We soaked it in for almost four and a half hours. The Blues trio consisted of the guitarist, a mandolin player and a big mouthed storyteller/harmonica man. They played old classics like Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and others by Otis Redding. It was enchanted. We were so inspired that we gave each other Blues names: Dave = Delta Dave (aka Turnpike), Bree = Tallwater Breeze, and Ang = Molasses Z. The musicians themselves approved when Ang told them. They even contributed by renaming Dave. Great pick, Bree.
Bree's Selection
"Shut up and listen." Random... Menus on the back of old record jackets. The world's smallest stool. Flea market lighting. The most formal waiter ever. Photographs on the wall. And of course: blue chairs. Their signature dish was pad thai which both Bree and Ang indulged in. Dave had the chicken mole with a chocolate and chili sauce. For appetizers we all shared humus (jalapeno, red pepper and garlic) and mushroom cheese bruschetta. And now for the desserts: Dave had a peach and apple cobbler. Ang and Bree had an enormous, soft, homemade chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and chocolate sauce on it. But the best was yet to come. Blue Chair Cafe is much more than just a restaurant; it also provides live Blues music. We soaked it in for almost four and a half hours. The Blues trio consisted of the guitarist, a mandolin player and a big mouthed storyteller/harmonica man. They played old classics like Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and others by Otis Redding. It was enchanted. We were so inspired that we gave each other Blues names: Dave = Delta Dave (aka Turnpike), Bree = Tallwater Breeze, and Ang = Molasses Z. The musicians themselves approved when Ang told them. They even contributed by renaming Dave. Great pick, Bree.
Louisiana Purchase - January 31st, 2009
10320-111 st. Edmonton. 780-420-6779
Ang's Selection
We ate alligator and we closed the restaurant! What a night. With Mardi Gras masks on the walls and cajun food in our stomachs, we truly felt like we were in the deep South. The menu was flexible in that it allowed us to select half orders of everything so we could try out more food! The service was great but then again when you're the only ones left in the restaurant, that's not difficult to achieve. Because none of the desserts on the menu struck our fancy, we headed to Bree's for Pinocchio ice cream: coconut, mango and lemon. Yum, yum. A good time was had by all. Yeehaw!
Ang's Selection
We ate alligator and we closed the restaurant! What a night. With Mardi Gras masks on the walls and cajun food in our stomachs, we truly felt like we were in the deep South. The menu was flexible in that it allowed us to select half orders of everything so we could try out more food! The service was great but then again when you're the only ones left in the restaurant, that's not difficult to achieve. Because none of the desserts on the menu struck our fancy, we headed to Bree's for Pinocchio ice cream: coconut, mango and lemon. Yum, yum. A good time was had by all. Yeehaw!
Khazana - January 17th, 2009
10177-107 st. Edmonton. 780-702-0330
Dave's Selection
A Tandoori restaurant with remarkable decor. Huge fireplaces, authentic Indian artifacts and copper pots and plates were found throughout. Bree and Dave both had butter chicken while Ang had Tandoori chicken. A word of warning: stay away from the free bread! The servers were all men dressed in traditional Indian suits. For dessert ice cream was the order of the day. On the way out of the door we each dipped into a bowl containing mints that looked more like pot pourri. Note to self: Ang is not allowed to imitate the accents of the native tongue at the restaurants.
Dave's Selection
A Tandoori restaurant with remarkable decor. Huge fireplaces, authentic Indian artifacts and copper pots and plates were found throughout. Bree and Dave both had butter chicken while Ang had Tandoori chicken. A word of warning: stay away from the free bread! The servers were all men dressed in traditional Indian suits. For dessert ice cream was the order of the day. On the way out of the door we each dipped into a bowl containing mints that looked more like pot pourri. Note to self: Ang is not allowed to imitate the accents of the native tongue at the restaurants.
La Tapa - November 29th, 2008
10523-99 Ave. Edmonton. 780-424-8272
Bree's Selection
A small Spanish restaurant located just off Jasper Ave in a quaint house decorated perfectly for the Christmas season with white lights and candles. We shared appetizers: potato allioli, calamari, chicken skewers... and the tradition began: sangria!!! We all enjoyed a cheese cake and creme brule. This great restaurant was to become the first of many for our dinner club. Sadly, it turns out we were there just before the restaurant's closing night. La Tapa closed its doors after ten and a half years of operation in downtown Edmonton. Thanks for the memories, La Tapa!!! Afterwards, we hit the Rivercree Casino.
Bree's Selection
A small Spanish restaurant located just off Jasper Ave in a quaint house decorated perfectly for the Christmas season with white lights and candles. We shared appetizers: potato allioli, calamari, chicken skewers... and the tradition began: sangria!!! We all enjoyed a cheese cake and creme brule. This great restaurant was to become the first of many for our dinner club. Sadly, it turns out we were there just before the restaurant's closing night. La Tapa closed its doors after ten and a half years of operation in downtown Edmonton. Thanks for the memories, La Tapa!!! Afterwards, we hit the Rivercree Casino.
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