Bamboo Hut - Sylvan Lake

Went for dinner with my son, his girlfriend (yes, his girlfriend even they deny it!) and his Mom 2.0 (seriously there's another mom as great as me?!)  Actually she is pretty great as is her daughter who joined us as well.

We had a fun night in Sylvan Lake going on the Aqua Splash and going Paddle Boarding and then we were all starving for dinner and I had had Bamboo Hut in my sights for awhile for a group dinner.  We ordered the dinner for four so that we could try a number of options. 

The dinner for four comes with 8 Crispy Pork Spring Rolls, a choice of soup, Crispy Dry Pork Ribs or Chili Wings and a choice of three entrees.  We chose the Tom Yum Soup, the Chili Wings and as our entrees the Monster Bowl, the Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai and the Kolab Khmer.  We opted for the coconut rice instead of the regular rice on the dish that was served with rice - and even ordered an extra side of coconut rice!

Sorry I don't have any pictures.  But absolutely everything was divinely delicious!  So good!!  We all really enjoyed every dish. 

The Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour coconut broth simmer with shrimp and exotic mushrooms.  It really was yummy!

Absolutely loved the Crispy Pork Spring Rolls and the fish sauce they were served with.  Also loved the Chili Wings (even though I wanted the Crispy Dry Pork Ribs cuz I didn't think I'd like the wings).  They were great and the sauce (which is like a sweet chili sauce) was fantastic.

The Monster Bowl includes grilled chicken, beef and BBQ pork skewers with veggies on vermicelli noodles. 

The Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai is fried rice noodles with chicken and shrimp in a sweet, sour and spicy sauce.

The Kolab Khmer is shrimp and veggies in a creamy coconut curry blend.

All were absolutely tasty and delicious!  The service was excellent from the daughter of this family run business.  Excellent spot.  Highly recommended.  And the dinner for four is priced at $65.45 so it is good value as well.


   

Blondie's - Sylvan Lake

Let me apologize in advance for the poor quality of the pictures.  This is the second time I've had breakfast here and I knew what to expect so I was anxious to get into the food and not as worried about getting a good pic!  But they really don't do the food the justice it deserves.

The food here is soooooo good!  I've ordered the same thing both times - Eggs Benedict with bacon instead of ham and on top of potato pancakes instead of English Muffins.  Awesome!  You would not believe the amount of bacon they give you.  The potato pancakes are absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked - a nice change to the English Muffin.  And the hollandaise sauce, the key to a good Benny, is some of the best I have ever had (and they are always happy to accommodate my request for extra sauce at no extra charge!)

I will return again and again and again.  The only downside is no outdoor seating and I love to eat my meals outside in the summer.  The inside décor is very "diner like" and a bit stuffy but I will frequent lots in the winter for sure and will still visit in the summer because of the great food.

Drayton Harbour Oyster Company - Blaine

Easily the best oysters on the West Coast - and worth the drive down from BC to get them!  Absolutely delicious.  And the best atmosphere and friendly service.  Sitting outside in the sunshine looking at the water, eating oysters and drinking wine - how does it get any better than that?!

This day they started their new menu and these oysters are topped with garlic butter, bacon and cream cheese.  I would have never thought of it but the combination of toppings, including the cream cheese, was excellent.  So delicious!  I have since tried to replicate it and they turned out awesome!!  Previously they had a sweet and spicy option and a garlic parmesan and both were delicious.  I was surprised how much I liked the sweet and spicy one.

Oh, and I almost forgot - how could I forget?!  The Oyster Stew is absolutely delicious - so creamy!  Love it.

Will be back whenever I am on the West Coast.  Again it is worth the trip to Blaine - from anywhere!

Gini's - Edmonton

Gini's is an "old school" French restaurant in the Glenora area with some pretty good food.  The décor is a bit dated and it is located in an old strip mall so if you didn't know what you were looking for you would probably miss it or take a pass.  They have some good dinner specials though and an excellent menu with many classic French options.  Tonight I opted for the 3 Course Dinner for $49. 

This included the special appetizer - Frog Legs:

Followed by the Duck Breast in a delicious sauce.  Unfortunately, the duck was a little overcooked despite the fact that I specifically ordered it medium rare, but that happens a lot - particularly with duck as they are used to cooking it medium.  The sauce was delicious though.

The pork medallions looked good.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the desert but I chose Crème Caramel which was - well - just Crème Caramel.  Can't really do anything spectacular with that. 

Cilantro and Chive - Lacombe, Alberta

After several recommendations from co-workers to try this highly touted restaurant, I finally made it there for a Friday night dinner.  As usual, I wanted to try a few different starters instead of a whole meal.  The first three items on the menu looked great so that's what I ordered - knowing I wouldn't be able to eat it all but they looked so tempting!  So I ordered the Brome Lake Braised Duck Wings, the Pulled Duck Poutine and the Blindman IPA Cheese Dip.

Pulled Duck Poutine - could have used more gravy but the pulled duck was excellent.

This literally would have been my favorite dish in a very long time but the Brome Lake Braised Duck Wings were WAY too over cooked.  The sauce was so good though that this would be an absolute die for dish if they got the cooking right.

The Blindman IPA Cheese Dip was very rich and very delicious!

I recommend this place and will try again in the future.

Bo's Bar and Grill

I passed by this place on a sunny Saturday afternoon and noticed the packed patio out front.  Looked nice so I turned around and stopped in.  I was surprised by a great and diverse menu with lots of options that looked like trying.  While I stopped to enjoy a drink in the sun, I decided that I had to try one of their great menu offerings.  On Saturday and Sunday they serve brunch until 4:00 pm so I decided on the Breakfast Poutine which is hashbrowns covered in cheese curds, bacon and Italian Sausage and topped with a fried egg, hollandaise sauce and green onions.  What could be better than that?!  Well, after trying it, my answer is . . . not much!!  It was absolutely delicious.  The hollandaise sauce was some of the best I've ever tasted.  The egg was cooked to perfection and the helpings of bacon and sausage were very generous.  The combined flavours made for an excellent dish.  They also had some great specials that you don't see on a lot of menus.  I will definitely be back to try more! 

The Coffee Cottage

This is a cute, quaint little place in Innisfail.  It really is a cottage and is decorated so cute.  You go from room to room with a couple or a few tables in each room.  There is also a lovely outdoor patio out front to enjoy the nice days.  They have great homemade soups that are flavorful and delicious.  Two people have told me now that their Turkey Basil sandwich is the best but it was sold out when I went so I can't confirm - but being sold out is a good sign!  The prices are incredibly reasonable for fresh homemade soups and sandwiches and the owners are a lovely couple.

Lokal Kitchen

This is a great restaurant a little off the beaten path in Sylvan Lake.  The menu is great and the food is excellent.  The space is quaint and clean and they have great prices for wine!  It's too bad the location and space doesn't lend itself well to an outdoor patio as I prefer to eat outside as much as possible in the summer months.  My son had the Korean BBQ with Spiced Pork and Bulgogi Beef.  It was absolutely delicious!  Both meats were very tender and tasty.  I had the Risotto with Italian Sausage.  Very tasty!  I will definitely return.  They have take out as well. 

Are You Serious?!

I was prepared to write another glowing review of one of the few higher end restaurants in Sylvan Lake  - Bravo Gastro - until I went on Wine Wednesday and was served the above.  I've enlarged the picture so that hopefully you can see it well enough to see what it is.  Does it look like a plate of rice to you?  It sure does to me and it tasted like a plate of rice.  I don't complain very often and when I'm unhappy about a meal you mostly just won't hear about it but this was RIDICULOUS!  This was supposed to be Lobster Risotto!  I don't know if I'm more upset being served a dish of rice or that they thought they could insult my intelligence by doing so.  In all fairness, it was the girl's second day there and she clearly did not know what Risotto was (I'm guessing she doesn't have much restaurant experience).  But when she went back to the kitchen with my complaint she returned telling me that she was told that Risotto is a type of rice.  Well, yes, my dear it is, but it's not a plate of minute rice.  It's usually Arborio or another type cooked in a broth to a creamy, delectable consistency . . . oh what's the point. The lobster placed on top was good but, again, no sauce or flavour to be found.  To top it off I ate my "minute rice" with a spoon because the server kept forgetting to bring me a fork.  Earlier I tried to order "blue cheese wings" however when they arrived with a red sauce on them I asked what they were.  She replied they are "blue cheese buffalo wings".  On the menu the blue cheese and the buffalo are on different lines amongst many choices of wings making what I wanted and what I ordered two very different things.  I sent them back and they were removed from my bill.  My rice cost me 1/2 price of the Lobster Risotto dish.  It was not a great night but I do like the owner and many of the girls that work there and there are limited options in Sylvan Lake so I will return and give them another try but I hope for a better night! 

Divots

Divots is located at the Innisfail Golf Course. 

Their restaurant, which does look more like a cafeteria than a high end golf club restaurant, has AMAZING food.  I have been there twice now for work related functions and everything has been delicious!  No complaints from the many in our groups.

On my first trip I tried May's special chicken wings - Peanut Butter and Jelly.  Now I know what you are thinking but they were friggin' delicious!  Think peanut satay sauce with a bit of sweet glaze.  So good!!

On my second visit I had the veal cutlet in a red wine gravy.  Well, what else would I have at lunch when I can't have a glass of wine?! It was delicious!!  The sauce was just divine and the veggies and mashed potatoes were so tasty.  The mix of carrots and zucchini were nice and crisp and flavorful.  And this is on their "Lighter Side" menu so I was able to get the smaller portion with just one piece of veal.

And on both visits the service was excellent despite them being very busy with the lunchtime crowd.

Like many other places they have Wine Wednesday.  But get this!  They have bottles for only $15 and glasses for $4!  Friday nights they have a Prime Rib special which is supposed to be very good.  And the drinking water is delicious due to the great water filtration system (thanks to Chris' husband who will never see this but there's the shout out anyways!)

I will be returning often - likely this week for another birthday or going away party!

 

China Diner

This used to be Lee Garden.  They have good take out Chinese food and it was quick.  Tasty would good size portions.  The Ginger Chicken and Deep Fried Prawns were particularly good.  Couldn't pay extra and substitute chow mein for rice though which is unfortunate.

Bukwildz

My son came and visited me on Mother's Day so I really wanted to show him around town and take him to some of the great spots in the "booming metropolis of Sylvan Lake" (he laughed at that one!)

We started our day in Sylvan Lake with appies and drinks on the patio of Buckwildz. They have a great patio right across from the lake with a great view.  They have plenty of heaters for those chilly days and colder nights and about four or five tables also have firepits.  Very nice!

We decided we wanted to share a few appetizers and there were many good choices to pick from. We landed on the Wild Boar Wontons, the Lobster Bites and my son ordered the poutine with both the duck and wild boar. Everything looked great and was absolutely delicious!

What an amazing menu.  Definitely not your typical bar food.  They also have amazing drinks as well but they were in the process of changing their menu so my favorite drink is no longer available but I will return soon to check out their new offerings.

  

Beautiful Sylvan Lake

I would be remiss if I didn't post some pics of my new home in Sylvan Lake.  I love lake life right on the water with amazing views and sights everyday.  These are from my rooftop deck where I'm enjoying all the amazing sunshine:

and more

Loving it!!

Taco Time - Sylvan Lake

They have a really good beef taco salad.  Fresh lettuce and tomatoes, a generous helping of beef and cheese in a tasty tortilla bowl.  If I want a crisp taco I prefer Taco Bell but for  taco salad in Sylvan Lake this is great.

Food Truck Thursdays - Chedda Heads

Who knew I would move into a town of 14,310 (and by the way I've been here a couple of weeks now - why hasn't the sign changed to 14, 311??!!) and they would have Food Truck Thursdays?  I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

I love food trucks and the opening of Food Truck Thursday in Sylvan Lake was no exception!  The sun was shining, people were out walking around, and there were six trucks there. 

I had eaten before at Chedda Heads last year in Edmonton and loved it.  Today the Rearview Mirror with cheddar, bacon, apple and maple syrup was just okay.  I will still give them another try and try another sandwich - probably next week at Food Truck Fridays in Red Deer!

King Donair

Excellent donairs!  Tasty, generous and well priced.  The owner is excellent as well.  Located right across from the lake so a great place to pick up a quick bite!  He can run out of food at times though so get their early!  He will stay open later at night as it gets busier during the summer.

Bravo Gastro Lounge

Great place on Lakeshore Drive right across from the lake.  Great ambiance.  TV's over the bar to watch the game (or Nascar race!)  The menu is divine, however, when I was there they were in the process of changing to a new menu so many of the items I wanted to try weren't available.  The service was great and I had a fun night with all the gals working.  The food was good.  The wine is overpriced in my opinion, which will dissuade me from going back often, but I will definitely go on Wednesdays when it's half price wine night.  And I will return to check out their new menu.

La Casa Pergola

New Owner + Same great Chefs = Amazing Food - as well as Amazing service by the way!!

I cannot give enough high praises about this place!  Totally loved it!!  I am new in town and had it recommended to me by a co-worker.  Based on the high praises I could not wait to go.  And it did not disappoint!

The Owners changed hands just recently (May 1st) and they have already made some great changes.  As of Sunday, May 21st they will have an amazing sidewalk patio that can seat sixteen.  It will be so nice on our great summer days!  They have half price wine on Wednesdays - who cannot pass up that deal??  And I suspect some other summer specials may be coming their way.
 
I had the Sacchetti Con Tatufo - a lovely and decadent truffle filled sacchetti (probably the creamiest filling I have tasted) in a Brandy Cream Sauce topped with Italian Black Truffles.  How does it get any better than that?!  It was scrumptious.  Delicious.  Decadent.  I loved it!  And I am a hard critic, particularly when it comes to pasta. 

They have several other dishes that come highly recommended some which are particularly interesting that you would not typically find on a lot of other menus.  For example, their Arogosta Frites(Lobster Fries) - Italian Fries topped with Langostino and their special blend of cheeses.  They offer two soups, two salads, and nine enticing appetizers including Prawns stuffed with cheese wrapped in prosciutto served with a Maple Apple Reduction (sounds amazing!) Calamari, Stuffed Risotto Balls, Crab and Shrimp Cakes and others including a Charcuterie Board of assorted imported and domestic cheeses, Italian deli meats with Focaccia and house made preserves.  $24 but if you want to add a bottle of house wine the cost is $60.  Nice way to spend an afternoon in the sun on their patio if you ask me!

They also offer seven pastas and eleven entrees of beef, veal, fish, lamb or chicken.  Some that look particularly enticing to me and that I will have to try on upcoming visits soon include: Bistecca Alexander - an 8 ounce tenderloin grilled with scallops, prawns and langostino topped with Chardonnay, Gorgonzola Cheese, cream sauce - sounds AMAZING!!  Also the Veal Saltimbocca stuffed with basil, parmesan cheese and prosciutto bakes with a brandy cream sauce.  Their Atlantic Salmon is baked in Wine with a Tarragon Cream Sacue and their Rack of Lamb is marinated in a raspberry, rosemary vinaigrette grilled and flambéed in Chambord (who does that?  Awesome!!)  For those of you that love a red sauce, they have plenty of those as well, I just always gravitate towards the creamy sauces.  Their pastas offer half size options as well. Dinners are served with a great selection of sides but you also have the option to upgrade to one of their premium sides including Lobster Risotto, Lobster Fries, Gnocchi in a Gorgonzola Cream Sauce, and Pasta in a Garlic Cream Sauce or a Gorgonzola Cream Sauce.  Nice!  

La Casa Pergola is also open for lunch offering two soups, four salads, five pastas, their Lobster Fries and eight mains from burgers to veal chicken steak and salmon offerings with 1/2 size options available.  A variety of yummy sounding deserts are also available. 

So back to my night.  My food was excellent, the bottle of wine recommended was great and the service from Alex was absolutely perfect.  He is a real gem!  And I appreciated Chef Cory coming out to my table so that I could share with him how much I enjoyed his food.  It was a great evening and I will be back again soon - probably next weekend!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that people believe this is a high priced restaurant.  I really have to disagree.  This is a fine dining establishment for sure.  But the food is of such high quality and the tastes and flavours are so impeccable that it is certainly worth the price point and many others restaurants of this quality are much more expensive.

My only complaint - and it's not even a complaint but rather a request.  Even though this is a fine dining establishment, I would appreciate having one wine available at a lower price point.  Most of their wines are not available in a liquor store so you are getting a good quality wine but the lowest price is $40.  Other options range between $48 and $202 with quite a good selection.  Cocktails range from $7 - $8 and up to $13.  AND THE GREAT NEWS?!  There is a HAPPY HOUR from 3 - 6 PM with Hi-balls, Beer and Wine for $6.  I would definitely recommend you check this out after work one day and then stay for an amazing dinner!

Oh and one other thing that I wasn't aware of but I read it on the back of their wine menu, they have a FIVE COURSE CHEF'S TASTING MENU for $100 per person, $160 with wine pairings.  This, in my experience, is reasonable for a five course tasting menu.  I always just order a bottle of wine, instead of including the wine pairings because they always seem priced high to me, but maybe one day I'll splurge. I'm sure it would be an amazing experience!

First Stop in Sylvan Lake - Pier 7

Upon my arrival in Sylvan Lake, my first stop was Pier 7.  I liked the name and thought it was on the water so thought it would be a good spot.  It is across the street from the water but the view of the lake is nice from the second level patio (not that I would know however).  It was a stellar, beautiful, sunny day and all of the other patios in town were open but Pier 7 was not opening theirs until the next day.  I did not feel like sitting inside so I ordered a bowl of Seafood Chowder and had a quick glass of wine.  The chowder was good although I had to ask to have it heated up and the wine was a decent price.  They have daily meal, appie and drink specials so I will return to try more of their offerings but will ensure that I sit on the patio.

I'm Back!!!!

After a long hiatus away from the Edmonton food scene (but definitely still enjoying food in Mazatlán and writing about it!) I am back in Central Alberta and ready to enjoy all the great food it has to offer! 

Three weeks ago I relocated to Sylvan Lake - what a beautiful spot!  And it, and neighbouring Red Deer, do have some great food offerings - some of which I have already enjoyed.  So here we go with more food posts which will likely mainly focus on the Sylvan Lake/Red Deer area with perhaps some trips to other cities here and there!