Alberta Beef is Boss – Roadtrip to Bruce Alberta

Any true Albertan with a discernible palate can tell you that the steak in Alberta is some of the best beef you can get anywhere in the world. Yes, we may be slightly biased here, but whenever I am travelling and try a steak I always try and compare it to home, and so far there is no contest to the experiences I have had in the prairies. Our beef is of high quality, and the flavor that you get is hard to beat. Preparing and cooking a good steak is an art form though. You can have the best cut of steak in the world and quickly debase it with seasoning or by over cooking it, and drying it out. Nothing upsets me more. The best places to get steak in Alberta have chefs that really understand beef, and they respect the process by using best practices to feed families a top quality piece of meat.

If you eat meat, and you are living in or traveling through Alberta you should really visit one of Alberta’s many steakhouses. You can’t miss it, it would be the equivalent of going to Quebec and skipping out on poutine. You don’t want to miss out on one of the cuisines we are proud of here in the prairies. You might be feeling a bit country, or maybe a bit upscale for your steak experience, and either way you can enjoy that in Alberta.

As a local Edmontonian who has dined at my fair share of places for steak I can name a few local places with the best bang for your buck or just a fancy night out for steak (Hardware Grill, Wildflower Grill, the Marc) but whenever I am craving a great steak that satisfies my meat cravings like no other I go to Bruce. When I say this, sometimes even locals go “Who?”, the Bruce I am referring to is not some guy flipping filets on a bbq, its actually a place; more specifically it’s a hamlet. It’s a roadside hotel/dining stop of Highway 14 heading South East out of Edmonton. I am convinced that they serve the tastiest steak in Alberta. Bruce Hotel steak nights are the definition of an amazing “country” dining experience.

I got the 8oz steak, medium rare. I filled my plate with creamy dill potatoes and mushrooms

It’s roadside hidden gems like the Bruce Hotel that just speak to my sense of adventure and quest for quality food. If you love road trips, if you love good food prepared with love, and if you are looking for a unique dining experience you got to head to Bruce Alberta for Steak night. Don’t forget to book ahead!

Feast on the various home made salads while you wait for the main attraction!

One of the things about Bruce that will only make you want it more, is that you cant have it any time you like…there are restrictions on how you can obtain the yummy that is their steak night. The restriction with Bruce is that they serve steak only on Friday/Saturdays and you need to make a reservation in advance to get in as they fill up fast. Call during the designated hours on the website.  They do not serve chicken, fish, or any other protein unless you happen to attend one of their Steak & Rib nights, or Steak & shrimp nights which they might do once or twice in a month. Bruce is all about the steak though. The staff at the Bruce hotel are like a loving family that is welcoming you into their home. Deb & Karl run the establishment with care, and even make the rounds at the later dinner service to check in on you and to how you are enjoying yourself.

The view after dinner makes for a nice ride home.

The reservation and drive out of city limits is well worth it once you sink your teeth into your steak. Plus, once you have eaten at Bruce Hotel you are part of a growing club of Bruce-goers who know what’s up when it comes to great steak. Tender, perfectly seasoned fresh Alberta beef, made with love at Bruce Hotel.

“That`s grade A, top choice meat”

 

 

 

July 21, 2016July 22, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Shakespeare in the Park

There is just something wonderfully classic about taking in a Shakespeare play. The wit, and the deep metaphor in his language to this day keeps audiences engaged and entertained. Shakespeare influence on theatre is timeless. Actors everywhere, time and time again will play the characters that have been being played for centuries. It’s a real treat to witness. What makes it a unique experience in Edmonton?

The Heritage Amphitheatre is a good start. The large tent you see in the centre of William Hawrelak Park is Canada’s largest amphitheatre. It is such a great environment to enjoy live entertainment surrounded by the peace of the park. The stage is perfect for the annual Freewill Shakespeare festival that takes place every June-July in Edmonton showcasing professional productions of Shakespeare works. Being outdoors to take in a live theatre show just feels right. It’s accessible, with over 1000 seats in the amphitheatre as well as plenty of grass to lounge on. It’s affordable. Part of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival mandate is to make Shakespeare live theatre accessible to all regardless of their financial situation, and so they have “Pay what you will” nights. Throughout the festival are several other special events nights, complete with puppet shows, behind the scenes, food fridays, dress up nights and more. Volunteers run the festival every year, and with great enthusiasm I might add. It’s one of the must go festivals in Edmonton during the summer.

This year they have two of my favorite productions: Loves Labor Lost, a comedy about love and Romeo and Juliet, a tragedy surrounding a love story. I have always been a sap for Romeo and Juliet. This cast and crew has done a really great job. The plays alternate each day. The actors and actresses take part in both plays over the month long festival.

Freewill Shakespeare Production of Romeo and Juliet – Photo by Andrew Paul

It’s hard to imagine remembering all the dialogue for a two-hour play but two full Shakespeare works? It really speaks to the calibre of talent that Freewill Shakespeare attracts every year. Also there is a crew of young talent taking care of everything from set design, lighting to hair and makeup amongst other things. The shows run from June 21st – July 17th. The schedule is posted on the Freewill website with matinee’s and evening shows.

 

 

June 28, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Do you like Theatresports?

The mind of an improv theatre actor is a beautiful thing. The imagination, the quick-wit, the ability to materialize a scene and a dialogue based on any small suggestion from the audience. It really is a different way of thinking and also playing that a lot of people lose along the way. They are actors and great story tellers.

Improvaganza is an annual local treat for the Edmonton arts/culture scene. Improv is something absolutely everyone should witness, and once you do you won’t want to stop going. Lucky for us we have one of the best improvisational groups in Alberta, the country…the world? Possibly. You should go see for yourself. Rapid Fire Theatre performs throughout the year at their current digs at Citadel theatre. Improvaganza is on its 16th year here in Edmonton. It’s the perfect opportunity to check out the flavor of other improv troops around the country and the world. They all come together to showcase their talents and duke it out in an improv theatre group battle of wits, winner taking home the prized trophy of improvaganza. Really though, it’s an event for these improv experts to get together and play theatresports and learn from each other. It’s a very cool thing to witness and somehow be a part of.

Improvaganza opening night. Coveted trophy on display

At the opening night on June 15th I had the pleasure of bringing a friend along who had never experienced improvizational theatre before. We got a taste of some of the acts this year. There is still some time to check them out Improvaganza runs from June 15 – June 25. All the acts were amazing, but one of my favorites was the duo Virginia Jack  originally from Vancouver. Nicole Passmore now repping Toronto was presenting on her own for the night, and created a story out of the suggestion “Man leaving on a train for war”. Somehow… hilarity ensued, and I loved it. If that is just 1 of 2 in this group I would definitely love to see what they come up with together. They are performing next week June 23, 24, and 25th. There are so many other great acts from around the world to look forward to. Who will win bragging rights as improvagzana champion, and also the coveted and most likely homemade improv trophy? June 25th is the closing night where finalists compete. Tickets are available on eventbrite here.

Nicole Passmore performing on stage at the Citadel (rice theatre).

It’s not just “theatre”. It’s never a routine show, there are no rehearsals in theatresports, and yet somehow every time I attend Rapid Fire Theatre events I am floored at the level of talent and imagination that the group has. If you are ever in need of a night out and some quality entertainment, check them out. Also, if you are so inclined to jump into improv yourself I hear it can be a very rewarding experience, Rapid Fire Theatre also hosts improv workshops. They also hosts a western canada improv theatresports festival called Prarie Bowl, and Bonfire Festival (long form improv festival). These are just a few of the awesome festivals taking place in Edmonton in the live performing arts category.

 

 

June 17, 2016June 17, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Weekends are for camping!

If you have grown up in Edmonton or anywhere in most parts of Canada, chances are that you go camping as often as possible in our 5 months of warm weather available to us. As soon as the snow melts, and melts again, it is camping season. That means May long weekend is usually the kick off to camping, unless there is a freak snow storm, or a province wide fire ban…in which case we improvise. If you are new to Canada or camping for that matter, welcome to a majority of our summer weekends.

While many people travel to the big rocks of our prairie province (National Parks Banff or Jasper) for camping or “glamping” in cabins, there are tons of nearby lakes to choose to visit and get the “prairie camping” experience.

Campfire at Mink Lake.

Camping is one of those activities that become part and parcel to your traditions, and have always brought my family and friends closer together. It establishes strong bonds between us. Getting out of the city and away from all the distractions to connect with nature is something we all just love to do deep down, and it starts with family. I have so many great memories from my camping trips when I was younger. You learn how to appreciate the simple things. The silence, the sound of the wind, the crackle of the fire, the chirping crickets, the hooting owls. Most importantly you are forced to just sit around and talk to each other. No television, no internet connection, and it’s incredibly rewarding.

We live in a fast paced society with no time for those “pass the time” conversations, and when we do have them during the week, during the hustle and bustle we are more often than not distracted by something else around us. Take advantage of the opportunity camping gives you to really spend time together.

You bring a friend or find a friend on the campground, bring some sports equipment (beers-bee poles and a frisbee are a must), some board games, cards, some drinks around the fire and some smores. Blast some music, or break out the guitar. You can get out on the lake in a canoe, or rip around on it on a motor boat skidding across it in a tube. It’s all kinds of simple fun. Plus, camping ensures you all kinds of great camping food. Smokies or hot dogs on the fire, roasted marshmallows and smores, just about anything that can be cooked on a fire is getting feasted on while camping. Food is just another way we all come together after all.

In July/August when you are out of the city and sitting around the fire, it is common to look up and see the Aurora Borealis dancing, and shooting stars aren’t so rare if you look up at the prairie sky for just a few minutes.

These campgrounds are just a few of the nearby Edmonton Lakes/camp sites ( within a 1-2 hour drive) and have all the amenities you should require:

Mink Lake – This is a great family spot. There are cheap sites right near the peaceful lake. There are some parties happening on the long weekends with fire works and games set up, but it is a great community to be a part of. Bring your tent, sleeping bags and pillows and you are good to go. They also have many bunnies on site. 🙂

Gull Lake –  The popular Aspen Beach is near Gull lake. Great for boats, fishing and camping long weekends.

Sylvan Lake- Sylvan is a great lake for the swimming. If you want to head out on a hot weekend just for the day, many people lay on the beach or head to the nearby outdoor waterpark. They also have an RV park that I have not stayed at, but if you can get a spot it’s in a great location.

Pembina River/ RV &Campground – Many people head to Pembina on a hot day to float down the River in an inner tube. Pembina River Tours  will take you to the start point with your tube, or arrange for two vehicles. There is also an RV/Campsite nearby, and it books up fast for people taking advantage of the nice swimming and fishing nearby.

Camping is one of my favorite summer weekend pastimes. Get out to one of these spots with a few friends or family and you will have a blast and memories to last a lifetime.

Mink lake at sunset.

 

Tent take down

 

 

 

 

June 7, 2016June 7, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

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

YEG – A hub for entrepreneurs & makers

By day my work with local budding businesses has brought me into contact with many entrepreneurs, and has opened my eyes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Edmonton. I have a lot of people ask me what an “entrepreneurial ecosystem” is.

Much like our environmental ecosystem being a community of living organisms that support and require each other’s participation in the cycle to thrive, so is a cities entrepreneurial ecosystem. Edmonton has a great support system for local entrepreneurs, and a long history of small businesses that have grown into huge success stories (BioWare, Boosterjuice, and The Brick to name a few). These organizations that support entrepreneurs wouldn’t exist without the entrepreneurs and therein lies the cycle. The biggest part of it what makes the city a hub for entrepreneurs is the community.

Edmonton has a lot of programs that support it’s small business owners, makers, and aspiring entrepreneurs and that help them to validate their ideas, create business plans, obtain funding and work on the bigger picture, which is growing their businesses to the next stage, and which in turn supports our local economy. Win-win.

Edmonton is a wonderful place to have a business. Wonderful talent from some of the top schools in the country, access to market opportunities, and great programs in a growing urban city.

Startup Edmonton work space photo by EEDC

 

On top of the programming being offered for entrepreneurs at post secondary institutions, there are many programs available in the city to assist people/companies in their growth. I have listed just some of the key organizations designed to assist makers, entrepreneurs and students with great ideas and innovations:

Make Something Edmonton – Make something Edmonton is a team of staff from Edmonton Economic and city loving volunteers that aim to help our cities makers and creators. People with ideas and community driven projects can create a profile and boost their project with the back up support by MSE in the following ways:

• An online platform to share ideas/projects and gain support for community projects
• Access to grants/funding
• Access to community/events through Make Something Edmonton. Located in the Start-up Edmonton collaborative space at Mercer tavern building on 104th street.

There are all kinds of makers in Edmonton. Brobrick soap company Photo by EEDC

Start up Edmonton – Start up Edmonton was founded in 2009 by a couple of local entrepreneurs wanting to find a space where other like minded entrepreneurs could gather and talk about their business, and their interests and do great work in a collaborative environment. A community was built and since then start ups, students & anyone with a business idea flocks to the cool space at the Mercer Tavern 4th floor creating companies

• Office space/Co-working space
• Courses like Pre-flight that help you take ideas to next level
• Meetup groups
• Peer to Peer mentoring
• Access to community at Startup Edmonton

Business Link – Resources to help create business plan, network, gain market access, mentorship

Capital Ideas – Mentorship, panel discussions, networking with industry

Tec Edmonton – Entrepreneurs in technology/health related fields

• Office/Lab Space
• Business Advisory Board
• Access to funds (VenturePrize)

Edmonton Research Park – Edmonton Research Park is 240 acres of land on the south side of Edmonton dedicated to companies involved in research and development. The hub of the park is the Advanced Technology Centre business incubator which hosts companies in technology related fields that are in their growth stage. The Edmonton Research Park has access to many resources with the City of Edmonton that aide growing companies:

•  Office/Lab Space
• Networking sessions with community/industry
• Access to peer-to-peer mentorships
• Learning programs (Legal, accounting, marketing, sales, pitching).
• Access to value added services through community

ATC Resident company Stream Technologies and their colorflo lens

These are just a handful but these are a handful of very useful organizations in the city designed to help guide entrepreneurs to the resource they need at any stage in the process.

 

If you are thinking of starting a business in Edmonton you need to go for it. Edmonton was built on small businesses that have had the chance to bloom in our economy. You don’t have to look too far from the organizations posted above to find businesses that not only reach international success but also companies that have embedded themselves into the Edmonton community, with deep roots and loyalties to the city that has supported them.

April 19, 2016April 19, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Coffee Haus 3

On my morning drive to work I get my routine morning coffee. Nothing fancy, just a medium coffee with two milks and one sugar. Something affordable. Bonus points if it’s roll up the rim season.

If I don’t pick it up on the way to work, there is a coffee machine there that will do the trick. Coffee is part of my adult life now. Kids get recess, adults get coffee break. It’s how we keep our energy levels balanced. Circle of life.

Since I returned from Europe this past fall I have developed a taste for the occasional if not too occasional treat coffee. Gourmet coffee prepared by a seasoned barista, bonus points if they have a beard and man bun, because they probably do. I really enjoyed my coffee in Europe, and I didnt even get into France or Italy (soon!). Croatia has an thriving coffee scene. I didn’t get into Zagreb, but even in their smaller cities it is prepared in a delicate way. That is what I enjoy. The experience of sipping my coffee in a pleasing atmosphere, where the art of brewing and preparing coffee is respected and the flavor is ever present.

What about Edmonton? Where does one go for a similar european coffee experience, or just a really damn good coffee experience?

Here are my top 3

#1 Credo – Number one has got to be Credo. Not only does the original shop on 104th street boast deliciously crafted cup of coffee but it is of the utmost quality, and proud of it’s ” Intelligentsia Direct Trade” status, which means they guarantee the coffee farmers a fair trade price,  and the farmers are commiteed to environmental/sustainable practices. Something you can feel good about. They also sell Jacek chocolates and support other small businesses in the area.

#2 Transcend – Transcend has been growing rapidly in Edmonton since it’s first shop off Argyll. This shop is somewhat hidden in the industrial area on the South side, but was the first and since spawned locations in Garneau and most recently in the basement of the Mercer building downtown. They are very transparent about their process. They respect the product, and roast their beans here in Edmonton. They grind every coffee fresh, and I just feel like I am in a proper coffee house when I am in a Transcend coffee shop. They support other local businesses, and are proud of their Edmonton roots. Yea!

Vanilla Latte on the go.

 

#3 Little Brick– The cutest coffee shop in Edmonton. This place also believes in fair trade coffee and respects the art of a good brew, and above all this experience is unique to edmonton. Little Brick pairs up with local vendors to sell products in it’s general store like Still in Edmonton Tshirts, BroBrick soap, and of course Cory Christopher decorative arrangements. We may not have eons of history in Edmonton, but for the century and a half worth of history Edmonton does have, this coffee shop is nestled right in the heart of Riverdale, and was once the home of a Brick yard owner who held operations in the area, and employed hundreds. Now Little Brick, along with being a cafe, also uses the space to enhance community activities.
Edmonton’s independent coffee scene is growing quick, and I think the next time I jet off to Europe I will be missing some of my local favorites. Coffee always makes me feel like I am a part of something, and I think when people gather to have coffee with a friend, or coworker, or line up in the morning for coffee they are engaging in a community activity.  Coffee always brings us together. Now I leave you with this Buzzfeed clip of coffee from around the world! Enjoy. Coffee Around the World

March 16, 2016May 10, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

YEG we can go downtown

I missed out on the time in the 80’s and early 90’s where Jasper Avenue was the place to be. Where the Edmonton Oilers would parade down the avenue, Stanley cup in tow. Don’t we all miss those days though?

However, over the past decade I have seen and heard the rumblings of planted seeds, and now those seeds are being watered. Development projects scattered around the downtown core and the Rogers Arena Ice District are going to forever change the way people perceive Edmonton, and it’s urban centre. The infamous Jasper Avenue is the main street of Edmonton downtown, and it is now just starting to get the main street credibility.

It’s more than just a place to parade a Stanley cup, it’s where we commute to work, its a street where we shop, where we dine, where we meet for coffee and drinks. We are close to the urban centre, while still being next to Edmonton’s River Valley, the “largest stretch of urban parkland in North America”. These reasons are among the rationale for a lot of Edmontonians and newbies to Edmonton to want to live and play downtown.

Top rated restaurants, eye catching skyscrapers, new shops, and long survived local shops like Audreys books, it’s all there downtown. It’s not just the business crowd anymore, people are travelling to the downtown core to spend their hard earned money, and spend their quality time.

The downtown Edmonton Public Library is home to Edmonton’s first public access makerspace. Access to 3d printers, soundbooths, and other equipment and training on emerging technologies. Across the street the Art Gallery of Alberta building is a work of art in itself, and holds a collection over 6000 pieces. There is no shortage of things to do downtown. The Winspear hosts amazing musical talent like the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and the Citadel across the street is home to live theatre at it’s best, and also home to Rapid Fire Theatre, Edmonton’s best improv group.

Grant MacEwan University has grown it’s downtown campus and with that we see a rise in young people accessing the amenities downtown. 104st has become a hub for entrepreneurs starting their businesses in co-working spaces like Startup Edmonton.

Now let me tell you about my first world problems I have had with commuting downtown. As a south sider, whenever any of my friends want to meet downtown for a night on the town, I groan. The cab ride is now $25 one way to get there, and once we are there the options for bars are so scattered and sparse that we undoubtedly need to spend more money on cab fare to get to second or third locations, so we are pretty much stuck in one place, or be prepared to spend a lot on cab rides (if we can get a hold of one).

But those problems are being solved, slowly, but surely with the new car share/efficient taxi services like UBER, pogo, and Tapp Carr. We are catching up to the solutions that other urban cities like San Francisco or Chicago have long since figured out from necessity. The transit lines are expanding, and working out the inefficiencies, adding more park and ride’s. Thank the heavens, our wallets can breathe a sigh of relief. Not only that but the boom of the ICE district has new bars/pubs popping up already. Lots of options.

I have always considered myself a city girl at heart. I want to be where the people are. I like to people watch, and walk around a bustling downtown. I am proud of all my hometown has to offer. I have never felt more at home in my city then I have as of late. As a local, I already know where to go. I am where I need to be, and I know that these new developments are what the City needs to get visitors talking, and put our city on the map as the place to visit.

 

March 7, 2016June 22, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Edmonton Dinner Club – Three yeg pals on the town

Going out to eat at a restaurant is a big deal these days. Sure, we all do it, but getting a group of 3 or more people out at the same place at the same time? Damn near impossible in this modern busy world. Still, food brings people together, and we need to find time to get together as much as possible in great setting’s that make our time more memorable, and give us a great culinary experience in the #YEG.

Early 2014 a couple of my friends sat down at Tres Carnales, a restaurant downtown we had been dying to try and after a great meal, and a few corona’s we decided that we needed to make this a monthly event.

We failed. As I mentioned, getting people together at the same time and place is hard, and dining out at restaurants can get expensive. We decided to do a dinner club outing every couple of months. We tried some excellent restaurants with the following rules:

1. We always dine at a new place
2. We never order the same dish as the other person (sharing allowed)
3. We try to order something we have never had before

Some of our favorite places were:

http://woodworkyeg.com/

 

http://www.themarc.ca/

 

http://tzin.ca/

 

http://ampersand27.com/

And the one that started it all:

http://trescarnales.com/

We are still on the quest for new places in the city to have great food and drinks and catch up. What are your favorite places to eat in Edmonton and why? Where would you take a friend from out of town?

October 21, 2015January 28, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: UncategorizedTags: #Yegfood #restaurant #edmonton Leave a comment