Drvinnyt

Press’d

March 24, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Edmonton, Foodmonton, Sandwich

On a cold-ish day after doing back to back to back VO2max tests at the Lung Centre at Edmonton General:

Nina and I need to grab late lunch. I’m not overly familiar with the downtown area just yet, so we just go to the first thing we see: Press’d

Press’d is a panini-press style sandwich shop. It’s certainly a few steps up from Subway. We’re the only ones in the place, and we’re greeted by an overly enthusiastic staff member. I always ask them what their favorite thing to eat in the restaurant is. After all, they work often, and probably have had everything on the menu.

Anyways, I really feel like a sandwich and a soup. And so the recommendation was that I got the tomato bisque and the turkey pesto sandwich.

Not a bad sandwich! Fresh ingredients, a little cold for a pressed panini though. Wish they had upped the filling to bread ratio, but the focaccia was crispy, good flavor from the rosemary, and certainly tasted like it was baked that day. The soup was actually a hit- I like that they put a decent amount of creme in it.

Overall, this place isn’t a slam dunk, but a very good place to get a sandwich. If I am downtown I’ll certainly stop in (Jasper Ave), but I don’t think I would have a craving that would send me out there just for this sandwich.

Solid performance, very clean restaurant. Helpful staff, but no WOW factor for me.

Grade: B

bigvinnysd

http://pressdsandwiches.ca/ Twitter: @pressdsandwich

Buddy Wonton Seafood Restaurant

March 22, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Chinese Food, Foodmonton, Whyte Ave

Writing from the dead here. Been down with a super flu, and all I wanted was Matzo ball soup, which I haven’t been able to find in this city, yet. Mom used to make this great Wonton Soup when I was sick, and I was craving it, and counting on its super healing powers to make me stop feeling like a bag of crap.

I’ve been to Buddy Wonton a few times now, on my friend Tracey’s recommendation. It’s within walking distance of my house (104th st and Whyte ave, just past the Pint, in the shopping center of Royal Pizza and Dollarstore), and they deliver pretty much anywhere in the University area. Free if you order $30 minimum, which is no big deal here. Big points for free delivery, man!

So, as this is a composite review, pics will be from different trips. And I’m sure you don’t want to see pictures of ol’ bigvinny when he’s nearing the white light.

If you’re looking for fast, cheap-ish, and greasy chinese food, Buddy Wonton is the way to go. I always do a little bit of research before I check any place out, and the recommendations were: green beans (8), combo fried rice ($13), crispy garlic-chicken ($14?). With the exception of the fried rice, which could have used a little bit of anchovy (shut up, its a classic), both were fantastic.

The fried rice in question: Not bad, BBQ pork, chicken, shrimp, not enough egg to satisfy a Tedjasaputra though.

This one particular trip I opted for the Wor Wonton Soup, actually the last time I went, Robyn ordered a large ($12, ok, a HUGE), so in keeping with tradition… Don’t worry. That’s a normal face, and the soup is decent, just needs salt! Wish it came out a little hotter though. Not sure it’s working for my illness, but it’s pretty yummy.

Well, it boils down to this: Short of driving to Chinatown (97th Ave), which is pretty sketchy, even for this danger seeking daredevil, Buddy Wonton is not a bad place to get your Chinese Food fix. Fast (like 4 minutes for your food to come out), BIG portions, reasonable prices, family owned.. This is pretty good value. I’ve certainly had much better chinese food at better prices in the US, but in Edmonton, this is a regular stop of mine now.

Grade: B+

Bigvinnysd

Drift Food Truck

March 21, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Downtown Edmonton, Food Trucks, Foodmonton, Karbuthnot24

After a winter of following the hibernating exploits of Drift Food Truck I was incredibly pleased to hear of their return to the streets for Spring and Summer. With great excitement I perused the online menu all morning and shot my Boyfriend a text requesting his company on my food quest. He was pleased to accept, as I have a good history of leading him to delicious eateries (most of the time). Off we went on the train to a location only two stops beyond the University (Corona). Having emerged from the underground we quickly proceeded to a bank, as the food truck takes cash only, this is an important point to remember. Next we headed toward the truck location. It was easy to spot as it is the only bright metallic green truck on the street, and I am graciously supposing anywhere else in Edmonton.

Now getting cash and finding the truck were easy, however, I was left with a serious dilemma. What to order. The truck at this point in time had a selection of the following:

On the day, the Roast Beef was calling my name. We made it two and grabbed a fries to share. The Unfortunate part, it being very early Spring in Edmonton, the weather was not conducive to a picnic so we had to make a run for the LRT and head back to campus to settle in and enjoy our meal. This is one of the shortfalls of Foodtruck eating, the weather, and the requirement of getting creative in establishing an eating space, however, if you have a car, you will be fine.

The food was absolutely delicious, the ciabatta bun it was lovingly encased in was fresh and crisp, and the ingredients, Roast Beef, Peperoncini’s, Provolone Cheese and a Red Pepper Spread, molded together perfectly. Nothing over-powered or took away from the overall experience, and the serving size was just right. The famous fries which I had heard twitter rumors of for some time also delivered a flavored punch. The Drift Seasoning of roasted fennel, cumin, mustard seed and chili combined with fresh cut fries, and house made ketchup was a heavenly experience.

Since the first time, I have been back three times in as many weeks. I have tried all but the Jerk Chicken (once I do, I shall update the post), and the Vegetarian (I shall not update for this because I firmly believe in meat). The Braised Pork shoulder was a subtle, yet delicious sandwich once more. The addition of chunky pickle and cabbage gave the sandwich a beautiful fresh crunch, and the bacon, well, gave the sandwich bacon…mmmm… The other sandwhich, the Pork Belly, ahhh the Pork Belly. Easily my favorite selection of the bunch for many reasons. The first being, pork belly. This little doozy packs a brilliant punch of Vietnamese flavors with the inclusion of daikon, carrot, cilantro, and a lovely sweet chili mayonnaise. This sandwhich packs a flavorful punch and draws my eye each visit, and I must admit, I am craving one as I speak, especially with this little temptress of a photo:

The overall experience of Food Truck has been positive each visit, the owners are incredibly welcoming and kind, and the food is quickly prepared to a high standard each time. I would certainly recommend chasing this beauty down if you’re in town. The truck has a twitter acount: @driftfoodtruck and a website: http://driftfoodtruck.ca/ if you are looking for more information. And good news fanatic foodies, they attain all their ingredients from local businesses and producers!

Karbuthnot24

Tres Carnales

March 19, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Downtown Edmonton, Foodmonton, Mexican

FINALLY A DECENT MEXICAN PLACE IN EDMONTON.

There. I did it. Probably the only requirement for subsistence in a city other than San Diego, is a decent Mexican Food restaurant. Another one of Katie’s brilliant suggestions, I went to Tres Carnales after being sorely disappointed by crap offerings off Whyte Ave.

Welcome to: Tres Carnales!

They model themselves as street food vendors off the street, nice selection of indie music playing, cool cultural decor, but not as cool as Lucha Libre in SD, but hey, who is? The great crowd pleaser seems to be their tacos, more like tacos al carbon that I’m used to South-South-of the border :).

Now, I’ve been here twice now, first time, I drove around for 25 minutes looking for parking (apparently impossible, downtown) and settled on parking half in the street, half in a planter. I got 4 Al Pastor tacos thinking… hey, that’s my favorite street taco that I get with Tabor at Manny’s TJ tacos in North Park SD. Take em back to my car, fearful of getting a parking ticket.

Then: I black out. I have no idea what happened but I am sitting back in my seat, groaning in approval, pineapple salsa down my dress shirt. Delicious, fresh, and true to the classics. At $10 for 4, it would be super expensive to fill up a Big Fred, but it sure is cheaper than a plane ticket to San Diego.

If you’re really hungry, the Tortas are pretty big. The waitstaff will first ask you if you’ve eaten one, and then gives you a lesson on Torta assembly/massage/devourment 101. Still, I prefer tacos as the primary meat delivery vessel.

The chorizo is ok, seemed to be fairly one dimensional, but sure delivers on the grease, which many will agree is the signature of chorizo. The Pollo Asado is grilled then shredded, was hoping for cubes of diced chicken, but certainly helped with the salsa verde. Hidden gem is the skirt steak. My first try was superb, second try was a little dry, but the flavor was there!. And, really really great Guacamole. I mean like slather iton like sunscreen please. Fresh and lime-y, just how I LOVE it.

Definitely impressed by the attention to detail, copious cilantro and onion usage on tacos, big grill space and plentiful staff means your food comes out quickly, special salsas for every kind. Cute Jarritos and Mexican colas, super friendly waitstaff, and you know it approaches authentic when the Manager/Owner rolls the R when he says Camarón. This is a quick 8 minute LRT ride to Central station from the University. Jasper and 101 A st.

Overall Grade: A.

Don’t miss this one. It’s worth the trip! Certainly would be a weekly stop for me if I could afford to go out that many times in a week!

http://trescarnales.com/

Bigvinnysd

Fomoso Neapolitan Pizza

March 19, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Bigvinnysd, Edmonton, Foodmonton, Pizza, Whyte Ave

Back after a long absence of Restaurant reviews… Sorry. (but not for lack of going out). My phone died while playing DrawSomething so I have no pictures for you. Sorry.

Upon the recommendation of Karbuthnot24, and craving decent pizza, and having found none since my feet touched Canadian soil, I took the bus from work down Whyte Ave to this little restaurant, Fomoso, on Whyte Ave, between 105 and 104th, right next to The Black Dog.

First impressions: Nice ambiance, choose where you want to sit style seating. Clean, simple, without crazy signs and stuff on the walls, and an open kitchen concept. I’m eating solo… sometimes people give you weird looks for asking for a table of one. I was greeted immediately by a cheery brunette who gave me the rundown of the operation.

1. Find a table you like – I picked one right by the window as I like to people watch, and I put my bag down across the table so it looked like I was waiting for someone… Crafty 🙂

2. Menus are on the table, so pick out what you like. I was feeling ravenous, but wanted something on the lighter side. Opted for a half Cranberry-Walnut-Gorgonzola Salad ($8), and a Prosciutto Arugula Bianca (white) Pizza ($14.5).

3. Go to the counter and order – I put in my order with a very enthusiastic staff member (kudos on your customer service training, management) who also informed me I could get half a pizza with my salad, and it would only set me back $14.5. I was hungry, so declined, but was still appreciative.Paired with a Hoegaarden witbier, and I was all set.

4. Sit back, and wait for the food to come. – Aka People watch, and listen to idiotic conversations between 4 middle aged men who came here for a golf trip but found it too cold.

5. Devour!

The salad was very nice, but for $8 I was expecting closer to an entree sized portion. I’d like more gorxongola, but plentiful in walnuts and cranberries, and well dressed, no grease at the bottom of the bowl to sop up with the single piece of focaccia bread on the side.

Main event: The pizza I had very very high expectations for, as Katie usually is spot on with her recommendations.

The good: Fresh, quality ingredients, carefully thought out, and decently executed. Arugula was not wilted, proscuitto seemed to be of high quality, good quality, not overly sweaty mozzarella. For an 11″ pizza, decently proportioned.

The meh: Problem with fresh ingredients is you usually have a lot of excess moisture. In my experience with Neapolitan Pizza, the crust needs to be firm enough to not get sogged up by the toppings. Oh well.

Crust had a nice texture, slightly chewy at times, certainly could have used a generous pinch of salt. I like the touch of lemon they pair with the pizza. They say they cook the pizzas in a 900F degree oven for 90 seconds- I contest It could have used 10-15 more seconds.

I’m switching to grading structure instead of numerical values. Overall, I’d say, B+. It certainly warrants another visit, hopefully with a fellow foodie to compare notes to. Good service, decent value, but the main event, the pizza crust, well… maybe next time.

http://www.famoso.ca/menu/pizza.php

-Bigvinnysd

Aurora Timelapse

March 17, 2012 by Drvinnyt, posted in Uncategorized

I apologize profusely for the lack of updates on this blog. Especially the last day of the SD-Edmonton Road trip. Will have something great for you in the next few weeks!

Until then,

Here’s a video I made last night at Elk Island National Park. I’ve been into Timelapse videos lately, which are a sped-up representation of extended time shots. Check the video out on facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/v/10100813520585054

Vince

RATT: A surprisingly apt name for an on-campus bar

February 7, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Foodmonton, Uncategorized

RATT: Room At The Top

Not even at the top. Almost at the top. 7th floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) at the University of Alberta offers a breathtaking view of the University area, and the Edmonton Skyline, along with the snaking Saskatchewan river.

That’s about all it’s got to offer, unfortunately. Impromptu lunch with Nina: coin-flip, RATT wins for convenience. A bar with an OK beer selection, RATT offers solace for stressed out UA students at a premium. High bar-style tables adorn the blacked out decor, but no real lounging space in the way of couches or coffee tables.

A never-updated menu, you’d figure, at least they could pull off the basics. I order a turkey sandwich and soup: minestrone. Guess what?

If you couldn’t tell by my foreshadowing text… Poor execution. Lettuce was UNWASHED, turkey was clearly of the Buddig variety, not even peeled apart, tomato ENDS, and stale white bread. Hoped for a redeeming soup, no dice. Minestrone was obviously canned, lukewarm at best, and reminiscent of prison rations (not that I’d know… but given the situation, a preferable alternative). At least the saltine was as expected.

Well… I was hungry. so I tried to eat, at Nina’s “stop bitching” behest.

Well, no surprise, a few hours later I threw it all up. Anyone who works at RATT, tell your managers, STOP SERVING SHITTY, UNSANITARY FOOD.

The worst food experience I’ve had in Edmonton. Bottom line: Come for the beer, and if you want to lose 5-10 pounds, eat the food, but it won’t be a pleasant experience. Neither is the service of waitstaff.

0.5/5 just for the beer and the convenience of being on campus.

Blech. Gargle with bleach.

Bigvinnysd

Grade F

EDIT: After what is an obvious troll attempt and bad business practice, I am changing my grade From a D+ to an F. Shame on you, RATT.

Cafe Coral de Cuba

January 16, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Foodmonton, Uncategorized

Abso-freaking-loutely the coldest weather I have experienced thus far. -17F, cloudy, windy. There are a few buses that service Whyte Ave all the way up to University: 94, 4, 7, 128, and a few others I’m sure I forgot…. Main story is that I missed all of them and then decided to walk a few blocks to my favorite Cuban place in Edmonton.

Cafe Coral de Cuba is a small, modernized Cuban cafe that serves up some great traditional style sandwiches, red beans and rice, huge empanadas, all for a decent price. Classic hot dishes like Ropas Viejas, Pollo asado, Costillitas de cuba (pork ribs, Cuban style) make this place a nice stop for dinner. And of course you can’t review a Cuban cafe without addressing the Cafe…. Served piping hot espresso, with all the classic characteristics of the old country: dark and syrupy like motor oil, bold, with enough caffeine to put a hop in your step, and your ass in the John, and of course, WAY too much sugar. Hey, it ain’t Cuban espresso if your teeth don’t fall out.

As for the food, I’ve never been disappointed. Today I went with my go-to sandwich, the Sandwich Cubano: Thick slices of pork tenderloin, ham, swiss cheese, an Emril Lagasse_gut busting amount of minced garlic, and mustard on a flaky, buttered and toasted roll. For $8, I can’t find a better sandwich in town… yet.

Bonus: Saturday nights: FiestaCuba: Some serious salsa dancing going on in the Cafe. Check it out!

Grade: A-

Nice place to go on a date, for a strong cup of Joe, or something a little more to ward off the cold!

Bigvinnysd

10816 82 Ave
Edmonton, AB

The Bothy

January 16, 2012August 16, 2018 by Drvinnyt, posted in Foodmonton, Uncategorized

Inaugural post for Bigvinny’s Foodmonton Blog!

I was invited by some faculty to attend the third annual Edmonton Whisky Festival, which is being held at the Sutton Place Hotel in Downtown Edmonton. Tickets were being sold at a few bars around town, so I decided to go to one of the bars in person to check out the local scene as well as buy my ticket.

Enter: The Bothy. A small bar located in a sort-of strip mall across from the Mazda dealership on Calgary Trail. If you blink, you’ll miss it, as I did, and end up all the way past Whitemud. I didn’t plan on staying for a drink, as it was 2pm in the afternoon, and even though it’s winter in the far north, drinking when it’s light out feels skeezy.

I walk in, and I’m the only one in the bar. I ask the very cute bartendress, Georgia, if there are any tickets left to the event next week. Unfortunately they had sold out. After a quick phone call it turns out the boss was swinging by to drop off some more tickets. She charms me and offers to pour me a drink while I wait. Temptress. Very young, but very knowledgeable about Scotch and Wine, fun conversationalist, and quite cute! The conversation was interrupted by a phone call from my girlfriend, (a welcome interruption, of course).

A very decent selection, including some of the more rare stuff in the scotch world. Of course they offered Black Bowmore 31 at ~$260 a shot. I was in the mood for a Bowmore but not at that price, ended up choosing Bowmore 17, reasonably priced at $11.

As for the Scotch, very nice. She poured me a 1oz shot, (standard in Canada vs 1.5 in the USA), in a very cool Glencairn tulip glass etched with the Glenrothes standard insignia. It nosed with the very classic Bowmore dried fruit, subtle peat, with a tiny bit of sherry. Initial tasting, no burn, a little bit of oak that slowly develops into that great islay smoke into the after taste. Splash of water revealed a tiny hint of orange, and surprisingly brought out the sherry. A real winner.

The tickets were taking longer than usual, so I ordered something off the menu. I wasn’t expecting anything mind blowing, but I was very pleasantly surprised by a very nice Lorne sausage sandwich ($14) with 3 y.o. aged white cheddar, on a crusty French baguette, with house made hot mustard, paired with tomato soup with big chunks of Canadian back bacon and finished with heavy cream ($4).

Tickets finally came, and at $75 bucks a pop, certainly looking forward to the event and tasting all of the local offerings.

Overall, one of my new favorite bars in Edmonton. Very classy place, great ambiance, knowledgeable staff and great service, not to mention a wonderful selection of wine and scotch. Oh, and they have a great wine machine that pumps Argon into open bottles so they last over a month! Very cool.

A 5 star establishment! Check it out!

5482 CALGARY TRAIL – EDMONTON, ALBERTA T6H 4J8 – PH. 780.761.1761

http://thebothy.ca/

Updated: 23 March 2012:

Ok, went again. Confirmed- this place is delicious!

Blondie, and Bowmore Octomore