Rockin Robyn's Diner

 

This was a GREAT FIND!  We went here on my birthday as a bit of a fluke.  I had read about it through my research and restaurant reviews but had never tried it.  It is near my work so I thought I would try it sometime for lunch as opposed to on the weekend but we had to go to the West Edmonton Mall to the Microsoft Store to get help with downloading pictures on my new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (still excited!) and when we left I was a little hungry so thought we'd stop in for a quick bite.  I'm so glad we did!  This place is great!  It is super cool with a great 60's diner decor and lots of great memorabilia.  I ate here years ago when it was a Mexican Restaurant and boy did they ever do a great job with the changes.  It doesn't even look like the same place!

 

 

  

 

And the food was really great too - and cheap!  I really thought we'd go for Eggs Benedict but I wanted to try a few things on the menu so Phil had the Bennies and I had the Rockin' Mac n' Cheese with a side of homemade mushroom soup. 

The Bennie was a bit disappointing because of the hollandaise sauce.  It is white, thin, runny and tasteless.  Not a hollandaise sauce as far as I'm concerned.  But the back bacon they use is tasty.  I also really wanted to try their smashed potatoes as a side but Phil wasn't asked for his choice so he got the pan fried ones.  They were okay.  For $9.50 though it is the cheapest Eggs Benny we've had in the city.

Now my meal on the other hand was absolutely excellent!  I had the Rockin' Mac n' Cheese and boy was it good! It is their shell noodle mac n' cheese with bacon, onions and spinach and covered in a creamy cheese sauce.  It was delicious!  It was so creamy and loaded with sauce (which you know I love!) and just tasted great.  Phil couldn't stop helping himself!

The homemade mushroom soup was delicious too and full of earthy mushroom taste.

This is a fun place to go with good food, good service and a nice little diner feel with excellent prices.  I highly recommend it.

They also have fresh made pies which we took home for my birthday.  The Smores pie is one of their best sellers.

  And I had the Oreo Cheesecake:

Overall this place was excellent and we will be returning!

It's My Birthday!

I'm a little late in posting this as my birthday was last weekend.  We planned a week long party of eating and enjoying - and didn't do any of it!  Oh well.  We did go to Rockin Robyn's which was a highlight (post to follow) and they have absolutely delicious homemade pies so we picked up some for my birthday celebration that night.  Nikko and Phil had the Smores pie:

I had the Oreo Cheesecake - it was delicious!

That's my Teddy Bear birthday candle that I use every year from my Auntie Kanky!  None of us have ever been able to have candles ON our birthday cake after she took some food safe course years ago!  This is much more fun anyways and it's a special memory created with my dear aunt and relived every year!

White Spot - Brunch

As a BC girl, White Spot is a must have, go to place.  Who knew there was one in Ellerslie??!!   I am told that this location has been open for a few years, however, we just discovered it a few weekends ago.  We always thought that we had to go to Leduc to enjoy the White Spot since the location on Calgary Trail closed years ago.  Guess not!

We went for a quick breakfast.  My husband had the Eggs Benedict and I tried the Cheesesteak Hash which included roast beef sautéed with vegetables, Mozzarella & Jack cheese & signature smashbrown potatoes topped with two poached eggs & hollandaise sauce served with toast.




It was pretty good.  Service was decent and the restaurant is actually quite nice.  I will return for a Monty Mushroom Burger!

Okay, I'm Back . . . Sort Of!

It feels like it's been forever since I've blogged!  A couple of things converged at the same time that prevented me from writing much (or at all!)  First my computer konked out so my dear husband bought me a new Microsoft Surface Pro 3.  It's wonderful!  But boy it's hard to teach this technologically challenged old gal new tricks!  It took me awhile to figure out how to work it and then if took me forever to learn how to download pictures (and we all know that my blog isn't anything without Phil's excellent pictures!) so there was no point in posting anything until I got that sorted out.  And I haven't been feeling well (and hence not eating).  I'm still not feeling well but I won't bore you with those yucky details!  Let's get back to some food reviews!  Thanks to my loyal followers for sticking with me while I was absent!

What the Truck?! Trucks In The Outfield

This is a little late getting the information out but there is a What the Truck?! event today at Telus Field called Trucks in the Outfield from 4 pm - 8 pm (and there's free parking!). Here's the info from the website:

Get ready for an afternoon of picnicking in the outfield! Here are the menus for the trucks that will be joining us next week. Don’t forget that we’ll have our ticketing system in place (no pre-purchase of tickets needed), and this is your last chance to enter our Golden Ticket contest before we announce the winners (on August 28th)!

Bring a blanket to spend an afternoon picnicking in the outfield. Don’t forget your baseballs and gloves*, because when else will you get the chance to play a game of catch on the infield at Telus Field? As usuall, we’ll have a DJ there to add awesome tunes to your Saturday afternoon, and we’ll have a glitter tattoo tent as well! Telus Field is right on the Number 9 bus route (conveniently on your way downtown from the Fringe Festival). And if you’re worried about parking, don’t be! Telus Field has graciously provided their 750 stall lots for FREE public parking during our event. We know there’s lots going on in the city during the summer, but think you’d have a great time making a stop to visit the trucks in the outfield at our event on August 22nd!

What: What the Truck?! 
Where: Telus Field (10233 96 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB)
When: Saturday, August 22, 2015Time: 4-8pm

And here's the menus for the day:

1879 Where Flavour Begins

• Vladimir Poutine – Braised Pine Haven chuck, sylvan star Gouda, Russian dressing, astro arugula, pickle spear ($12)
• Donair Dog – Wild Game Donair sausage (pork free), sylvan star gouda, local produce, donair sauce, Italian bakery crusty bun ($10)
• Duck Fat Garlic Fries – Fresh cut fries, lactuca soft neck garlic, local herbs, bernie sauce ($8)
• Ice Cream Sandwich – House baked cookies, Pinocchio bourbon vanilla ice cream
• Available drinks – coke, diet coke, ginger ale, orange pop, water

Chedda’ Heads

• Hellbent – (3) Cheese Blend, Avocado, Sweet & Spicy Doritos on Tendercrust Bread (Vegetarian) ($9)
• Three Amigos – (3) Cheese Blend, Tomato, Bacon, Fresh Basil on Tendercrust Bread ($9)
• The Bandit – Cheddar, Cream Cheese with Green Onion, Roasted Jalapeno, Bacon and Sriracha ($9.50)
• In addition to drinks, water and cold brew coffee will be available

Casa 12 Doce

• Pollo Adobado Tacos – warm corn tortillas served with chicken in an adobado sauce, topped with onions, cilantro and a lime wedge (Gluten-free) ($5 each)
• Memela con Chorizo – handmade corn flat bread grilled with refried beans, topped with chef made chorizo (pork sausage) feta cheese, onions and salsa mexicana. (Gluten-free) ($10)
• Quesadillas Dorada –  corn tortillas stuffed with potato and feta cheese then folded and fried. Topped with sour cream, more feta cheese and served with salsa mexicana on the side (Vegetarian, Gluten-free) (3 for $8)

Cookie Love

• Cookie Love regular cookie ice cream sandwich ($5)
• Cookie dough ice cream sandwich ($5)
• Salted caramel brownie ice cream sandwich ($5)

Jeepney Jaytee

• Authentic ILOCANO Bagnet – Super crispy deep fried pork belly ILOCOS style. served with rice ($10)
• Sisig Tacos – grillled diced garlic lemon pork in soft tacos shells ($7.99, two taco shells/serving)
• Isaw – grilled marinated pork intestine. A famous Filipino street food. ($3)

The Hungry Dodo*

• Chick egg-in – This is our signature dish. It consists of hard-boiled eggs wrapped with marinated ground chicken breasts & herbs, cooked in a flavorful & aromatic yogurt and mixed spices sauce, served with fricasse rice & mixed salad ($11)
• Chicken Shawarma on a Parisian baguette – Marinated chicken breast with yogurt and mixed spices and oriental sauces, grilled to perfection and stuffed in a 12-inches Parisian baguette together with salad and topped with mayonaise, cheese and homemade hot sauce – as desired (Reg. $8, add cheese $9)
• Fish & chip & salad – English style battered cod fish fillet, deep fried until golden, served with crispy French fries, mixed salad and dressed with avocado sauce and a slice of lemon ($8)
• Poutine (small $5, large $7)
• Waffles topped with whipping cream, strawberry slices and maple syrup
• Canned pop ($1.50)

Orbit Food Truck

• Jerk chicken taco – grilled spice rubbed chicken, mango salsa, creamy citrus slaw, mango habanero sauce. ($5)
• Shrimp taco – grilled shrimp, fresh guac, roasted garlic habanero vinaigrette, shredded lettuce, mango salsa. ($5)
• Asian pork burrito – sesame ginger pork, melted cheddar, Korean fried rice and black bean, cilantro/onion relish, avocado cream. ($5)

Roots Patties*

• BEEF – Jamaican patty with beef filling available in spicy or mild spicy or mild  ($4, add $2 for Coco Bread)
• CHICKEN – Jamaican patty with a tangy chicken filling ($4, add $2 for Coco Bread)
• VEGETARIAN – Jamaican patty filled with a mixture of vegetables ($4, add $2 for Coco Bread)

Sailin’ On

• BBQ Chick’n Sandwich – BBQ Chick’n, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, BBQ mayo on Ciabatta ($10)
• BLT Wrap – Coconut bacon, garlic mayo, lettuce, tomato, carrot in a warm flour tortilla. ($8)
• Quinoa Avocado Salad – organic red quinoa, sautéed red onion, diced tomato, fresh parsley, avocado tossed in a olive-oil/lemon juice dressing ($7)
• Curry Fries – UK’s pub fave, smothered in our homemade curry sauce
• The Irish – Curry chips, vegan cheddar, vegan garlic mayo, cabbage, carrot, green onion.
• Cookies by Bloom Cookie Co.
• Glow Juice, Water n’ Pop

Socal Smoothies

• Chicken Caesar Wrap ($7)
• Green Monster Smoothie – spinach, banana, and vanilla ($6)
• Hang 10 Mango ($6)

Spice Rickshaw

• Boti Kabab – marinated and grilled chunks of sirloin beef steak, served with Naan ($10)
• Roasted Coconut Chicken served with rice, naan and salad (can be made Gluten-free) ($9.99)
• Bombay Pao Bhaji – the ultimate Indian street food. It is a mash of potatoes, roasted red peppers, roasted cauliflower and lots of butter, served with brioche bun and onion salad. (Vegetarian) ($10)
• Chaat Papdi (Indian Nachos) – Thin hand cut wafers topped with grilled potatoes, tamarind chutney, green chutney and youghurt. (Vegetarian, can also be made Vegan) ($7.99)
• Baby butter chicken frankies – 2 open faced wraps in roti with grilled peppers and grilled onions (Gluten-free) ($7.99)
• Mango Pudding – topped with grilled pineapple coulis and chocolate shavings ($5.99)
• Drinks ($2)

Spiced! Food Truck*

• Caribbean chicken n’ chips – spiced! pulled chicken, coleslaw, kettle chips and Caribbean sauce (gluten free) ($7)
• Karachi beef naanwich – spiced! pulled beef, tomatoes, cucumbers, greens with kettle chips and raita ($8)
• Vegetarian pakora all in one – crispy potatoes and onions with naan, rice, and spiced! chutney (Vegetarian, Gluten-free without naan) ($8)
• Ask about making any meal vegetarian and Gluten-free. All sauces are prepared Vegetarian and Gluten-free.

See you there!

Judging at the Canadian Food Championships!

So one of the great highlights of my summer so far has been having the privilege and the honour of being selected as a Judge for the Canadian Food Championships.  My journey started when I attended the EAT Certification Course a couple of weeks ago.  This course teaches the EAT methodology to judging (execution, appearance and taste) which is what is used in the World Food Chmapionships (this year in Kissimmee Florida).  This is the first year for the Food Championships to be held outside of the United States and come to Canada.  The winners of the Canadian Food Championships win money and travel and a spot in the Worlds this November where they can win $100,000 so there was a lot at stake.  Gaining my certification made me one of the first 20 internationally certified Judges in the world and got me an invite to judge in the World Championships!  While a previously booked trip to Las Vegas to go see my good friend Elton John will likely impede my ability to attend this year, my passion for food has now propelled me into the "sport" of judging and I will likely attend next year. 

Now lots of people have had lots of questions about the process and my experience which I will try and answer here.  But first, for bragging rights - and for those naysayers that won't believe me unless I have the hardware - here is a picture of my judging t-shirt (yep, I'm pretty proud!):  

   

Let's start with my EAT certification course.  It was a real delight to be taught by Chef Troy Black and to have the opportunity to spend time with and learn from World Food Championship's CEO and President Mike McLoud - an informative, engaging and gracious man with a great presence and sense of humour.  During our course we were able to judge two of Chef Troy's amazing dishes.  We had a blackened catfish taco and a mac and cheese that was absolutely the best mac and cheese I've ever had (he promised to email me the recipe!)  I'm including some pics of these great dishes but keep in mind that my star photographer wasn't with me and these were taken with my blackberry so they don't do these amazing dishes justice!

Once I was all trained up and certified (as one of the first 20 intenational judges in the world!  Oh, did I say that already??!! LOL) I was off to the Canadian Food Championships.  I was selected to judge both the pasta and the seafood categories.  Can it get any better than that?!  Well, technically, yes, they could have asked me to judge the bacon category as well!!

As an aside, during the middle of this adventure, I left my blackberry at the Sip and Savour Tent during the Food Fight (post and pics to follow) so for the seafood judging I did not have my phone so no pics but I did get some later at the seafood judging - again they are pics taken by me with my blackberry so still not great!

This was my judging station:

And here's the food I got to taste (and some that I judged).  I would love to be able to describe each dish but it's not going to happen!!

 

The results of the Championship can be found on the website at canadianfoodchampionships.com.

I had planned to write more but my computer konked out a few days ago so I had to go out and buy a new one.  I ended up with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, which so far I love, but I am technologically challenged so getting used to it is going to take awhile.  And trying to figure out how to post pictures may be next to impossible for me but I will try!

Moxie's

What a disappointing meal!  We came here on Saturday night after a day at the West Edmonton Mall with out of town guests.  We had a $50 gift card so we thought we'd grab a cheap meal (not!)  The location at the mall was super busy so we went to the Terra Losa location on 170th Street. 

Our service was absolutely excellent from Kelly.  That was about all that was perfect.  Well, that's not true.  The White Chocolate Brownie dessert is always excellent.  And the Sushi Cones appetizer was very good as well as was the house white wine - a Pinot Grigio.  Otherwise, our meals were very disappointing.

I had the Lobster and Prawn Linguine with an alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce.  It was dry and

the sauce was so lemony it was almost inedible.  I had a few bites and boxed the rest up - Nikko will eat anything!

 

Nikko had the Beef Vindaloo.  I've had this at the Moxie's in Abbotsford and it was absolutely excellent.  Here, not so much.

 

Phil had the steak sandwich.  It was overcooked for medium rare but he'll eat his steak however it is delivered.

 

For dessert I had the mini Salted Caramel and Pecan Cheesecake which was okay.  I do like the mini dessert options though for just a nice small sweet bite.  All desserts come in a mini size. 

Nikko had the full size White Chocolate Brownie.  This is always excellent.  But overall this was a disappointing dinner and we won't return.  We all agreed it was a good thing we had a gift card.