Alberta Strong

There is a resilient spirit that is wide spread across Canada, and it is especially strong in Alberta. This resiliency is a strength that has been bred from community coming together in hard times as well as the pride and camaraderie we have in “having our neighbors back”.

The prairie winds don’t always blow against our backs, and when we are weathering the worst of storms we have always come out stronger than before. The understanding of hard times that has impacted us all at one point brings us together in the effort to rebuild our lives and communities. If it impacts our neighbor it impacts all of us. Rebuild the community, rebuild Alberta.

Our province has taken many hits with extreme weather over the years. From blizzards, hail storms, severe drought, floods, forest fires, and tornados; the prairies have taken a hit in all ways an inland province can. Climate change is impacting the frequency of our extreme weather. Throughout the years we have lost our property, our jobs, and in the worst of it we have lost our loved ones in the devastation.

When people in our province are impacted by natural disaster the spirit of what has been trending as #Albertastrong grows stronger, and it is especially fierce. Alberta is our home, and the people who live here are our family. The recent forest fire in Fort McMurray has been the most expensive fire in Alberta history in terms of property damage, but what has been proven time and time again is that we have a strong province that understands what is most important: our people. First responders acted fast and made sure that over 88,000 people were evacuated safely, and they went above and beyond what they needed to do to minimize damage, and protect. The province as a whole have huddled around the Fort Mac evacuees to offer their support in any way possible; offering food, shelter and something to take their mind off the distress if only for a while. It will be a long road back, but it will be done. Job fair’s in Edmonton this week are expected to see 500-1000 jobs being offered towards the rebuild, and that’s only the beginning.

As a province we have gotten through hard times, and never are we alone in the process. I am proud to live in Alberta, where a whole province has your back. We are Alberta Strong.

 

 

May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Patio Beers in Yeg

Patio beers?

It’s become a verb in urban cities to describe the best thing to do in warm weather EVER. It’s a rhetorical question for me. Uhhh fricken eh I want to go for patio beers! It’s warm and therefore, I want to sit with friends outside whilst I drink and people watch.

Edmonton has got some great bars/restaurants, and in the past couple of years more popular pubs & restaurants on Whyte and Jasper Ave have caught on to the great demand and have been expanding their business onto the sidewalks, working with the city on “sidewalk café” bylaws to make room for more “patio”. The good news is there are so many more popping up that you can do a patio pub crawl, or at least go to another one nearby if you can’t get a spot. I love a contingency plan when it comes to my summer patio drinks.

So what are the best Edmonton Patio’s to head to this summer for a great view, best food, and drink selection?

Here is my Top 10 Drinking Patio’s:

1. O2’s  Taphouse and Grill on Whyte ave (8217 104 St NW) has a great rooftop patio spot with it’s own bar and views of the city looking North. Especially great during Fringe festival.
2. Craft Beer – (10013 101A Avenue NW) Another great rooftop patio, with an unbeatable beer selection. Get there in the early afternoon to score a spot.
3. Julios Barrio – (10450 82 Ave) Grab a corona, and sip on a “bulldog” at the busiest summer Mexican spot in town. Best people watching too as you can sit on right on Whyte.
4. Hudsons Taphouse – (10307 82 Ave NW) Hudson’s is a staple in our city. So it seems like a given, but also I will mention the drink specials, sports on all the time, and more but they have just recently
5. The Pint – Downtown &Whyte ave locations – Both spots are great for hanging out on the weekend into the evening. Events are held every weekend, great DJ’s, drink specials and the downtown Pint especially has a great Patio spot.
6. Fairmont MacDonald Hotel Confederation Lounge – great views of the river valley. Be fancy, and kick your feet up, sipping cocktails overlooking the valley. *clink
7. O’Byrnes – (10616 Whyte Avenue). My favorite Irish pub in Edmonton has a great side patio. It’s usually packed throughout the summer days, and for good reason. They have live music, right in the middle of the busiest street for people watching, and cute staff with Irish accents!
8. Blackdog – (10425 Whyte Avenue). Wicked rooftop patio on Whyte ave. Great hangout spot.
9. MKT – (8101 Gateway Blvd (Off Whyte Ave)) MKT has a big outdoor patio area, great drink selection, perfect spot on a sunny day.
10. Sherlock Holmes – (10012 101A Avenue NW). After a nice walk in the River Valley you could make you way up to Sherlocks English pub patio. I like the look of this house amongst skyscrapers. It has vines up the side and an old British telephone booth out front. It’s nice to escape for a while.

And the “hidden gems”:

1. Provincial Pub – (4211 106 St NW) Okay, it’s just off the Whitemud, so it’s not so hidden, but if you don’t trek off the beaten path of Whyte and Jasper you may not know that this spot is awesome for patio season all day /evening long. They just renovated the whole pub and it has an awesome vibe inside and out. Must be the neighborhood I live in. 😉
2. The Buckingham –  (10439 82 Ave NW) This upstairs English pub with a twist, has a small balcony patio in the front and an even bigger patio in the back. The twist? A delicious all vegan menu curated by the “Sailin On” crew. As someone who partakes in eating meat and dairy often, I can vouch that I didn’t know I was eaten all vegan until someone mentioned it to me…it’s that good.
3. Tavern on Whyte – (10507 82 Ave NW) If you know someone who knows someone, you may have heard about their Gigantic “Tavern Ceasar”, but what’s even more kept secret is their back patio. It’s a great private spot for hanging out on a patio. Unique drink selection.
4. Famoso Whyte – (10421 82 Ave NW) Party in the front and the back…Patio in the back. Pizza, Sangia, Patio Sun…need I say more?

There are lot’s more patio’s in Edmonton. These are just my local favorites for sipping a cold one.

What’s your favorite local patio spot?

 

Infamous bulldogs at Julio’s Barrio

My very own gin & tonic on a beauty day

 

 

 

May 3, 2016May 10, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment