Bistecca
Italian Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2345 111 Street NW Edmonton
780-439-7335
Our visit to Bistecca was quite the Last minute idea. As usual, Marie messaged me on a Friday morning and wondered what restaurant was our choice for tonight? I had no clue. She reminded me of a recommendation made earlier this week by Jon Ramer, the morning guy on AM930 The Light. We were trading reviews and he mentioned how much he and his wife liked Bistecca, on Edmonton’s
south side.
Located just north of 23rd Ave on 111th Street, we arrived just about 6pm for an early supper and were impressed with the comfortable and stylish dining room. A strong and varied collection of wine, paired expertly to the fare allows for many visits to sample all that the kitchen’s offers.
Bistecca’s servers were polite and knowledgable, describing the special “Summer Menu” and the lighter selections therein. We chose to stick to the standard menu and were very pleased to find such a variety of choices. Marie chose a classic starter of Insalata Cesare, and, to Lynda’s delight (she had recommended it as a favourite), Marie savoured each bite. The seasoning was light and lacked the usual over-garlic-bitter flavour which is all too often the case. Her salad was a good fresh beginning.
My starter was a bit more ambitious. I enjoyed the Bison Carpaccio, with toasted hazelnuts, foi gras, and a balsamic jelly. Sprinkled with sprouts, I enjoyed this dish much more after a liberal application of ground pepper by our server. The tastes were smooth, sweet and rich. I looked for some sort of contrast to the smooth taste. The foi gras was all but lost in the mix and the overwhelming aftertaste was one of the hazelnuts. I enjoyed the dish, but think it needs a tad more tuning.
Our mains began with Marie’s Lamb Duo. Certainly, Bistecca’s strength
lies in it’s meats. This dish showcased tender, young lamb - two cuts, prepared two ways. Slices of Lamb Roast and two Grilled Chops filled the plate accompianied by a standard of Asparagus, Butternut Squash, and Tumeric (Saffron would have been lovely) Mashed Potatoes. Marie had a favourite in the chops, but enjoyed the roast slices as well.
My choice was the hallmark of the restaurant’s local Alberta fare: The Bistecca - A 14oz, naturally raised, hormone free bone-in Rib Eye cooked Medium Rare with the same sides. In my mind, the best steak on the hoof is by far the Rib Eye. This left me satisfied and smiling. The flavourings were honest and in no way interfered with the natural sweetness of the beef. Rightly grilled, the meat sliced smoothly and the well marbled steak was juicy to the bone. (Yes I nibbled)
For our desserts, Marie and I lingered over coffee, Tiramisu, a
reconstruction which left it slighty dry and in need of a sauce; and a Creme Brulee, Three flavours – Pineapple, Pistachio, Caffe – crisp, cool and nice.
Bistecca’s decor and found it a welcoming place for folks to gather. Perfect for a business meal, as well as a romantic evening; we enjoyed Bistecca and look forward to visiting again.
Our tab came to $121 without the tip.
4 Nibbles out of Five (4/5)
Not Vegetarian Friendly
Blue Plate Diner
10145 104 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: (780) 429 - 0740
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 11am - 10pm
Saturday: 9am - 10pm (Brunch 9am - 1pm)
Sunday: 9am - 10pm (Brunch 9am - 2pm)
Something told us that the Mother's Day weekend was the perfect time to make our first of two scheduled visits to an Edmonton diner sporting the promise of delivering "comfort food" to our hungry tummies. What a great choice! The lovely folks at Open Table secured us a reservation for our customary Friday at 6pm time slot. What greeted us was nothing short of a very nice evening.
We were shown to our table in the mostly empty (soon to be bustling) dining room. In addition to the standard two and four tops of no particular distinction, were a group of home-style "kitchen" tables and a wonderful collection of mismatched "retro" style chairs complete with faux leather backs and rivets to boot.The tall ceilings and large west-facing window opened the room up nicely and provided for a pleasant, natural light. Taking advantage of our longer summer daytime hours makes a big difference in the mood of the room.
After ordering some Iced Tea (sweet and in "Mason Jar" mugs, Marie and I looked over a great selection of starters. We chose the Falafel Platter for Two ($16) 4 Falafels (Fried Chickpea Fritters), Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Baba Ganoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip) and Tabbouleh (chopped
Tomatoes, Parsley, Mint, Onion, Lemon, Olive Oil & Bulghur) with Tzatziki (Yoghurt, Garlic, Lemon, Parsley, Mint & Cucumber) and Pita Bread. (Vegetarian Friendly) The platter was a nice selection of many bright and interesting flavours; helping Marie and I to see that "comfort food", locally sourced, and prepared with care can indeed span across cultures and be so much more than "meat loaf and mashed potatoes". (They have Meatloaf and Mash on the menu, too. Saw one head past the our table. Yummy.)On to the main course and continuing with an international theme, Marie chose the Baked Tandoori Chicken ($16)
Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs marinated in Yoghurt, Garlic, Ginger & Tandoori Spices. (Gluten Free) Served with Saffron Rice, Grilled Vegetables and Mango Chutney, the portion (3 pieces with bone) was ample and very juicy. The flavours of the spices stood out well and were complimented with the contrast of the chutney, and beautiful saffron bed of long grained rice. Marie soldiered through the course, loving every mouthful and had enough in a take away container so I could have a nice Saturday lunch all prepared. :) What a gal!
My more domestic choice was driven by a rush of nostalgia as well as a chance to taste the Soup du Jour as a side to my entrée. Keeping with the "comfort food" promise, a large steamy
bowl of Mac-N-Cheese ($12.50) consisting of Cavatappi (Corkscrew) Pasta in Bechamel Sauce, loaded with Cheddar, Mozzarella & Asiago Cheeses and topped with Diced Tomato (Vegetarian Friendly) was placed before me. Having a choice of Soup, Grilled Vegetables, Fries OR Salad, I chose the Cream of Asparagus and Mushroom Soup. We'll start with the soup. I have to admit that when I first slid my spoon along the surface, I was surprised at the soups' "thinness". We are, to some extent, conditioned to expect a thick, gelatinous mass whenever tasting such a soup, and this was far from that. My fears were assuaged with the first spoonful. What a fresh, light, bright, and recognizable soup this is. I often find that the best dishes are those which do not necessarily combine flavours, but allow individual flavours to co-exist with the dish. The soups' lightness allowed me to taste the sweetness of the asparagus, the earthy mushrooms, and a very pleasing wash of cream at the last. So pleasant and perfect as a bridge from the spiciness of the starter platter and the thick, creamy goodness of my entrée. The photo (mine) tells most of the story. Here was a familiar dish with just the right amount of "adult" flavours. The bechamel sauce was present, but not like so much paste as to ruin or weigh down an already substantial bowl. A blend of cheeses brought the complexity of flavours to just the right level, and the tomatoes carried a sweet moisture throughout the mouth, counterpointing the gooey goodness. This was a promise kept.For dessert, we were sufficiently full to "share" a slice of Beet Cake ($7) with Lemon Cream Cheese frosting and Whipped Cream. This new darling of dessert trays in 2009 is becoming a standard. Think of carrot cake but deeper, spicier and, red. :) Delicious!
Blue Plate Diner was a pleasure to enjoy. The good news is that we have so much more of the menu to taste on our followup visit. I am also, at the request of the Vegetarian public, going to start adding a rating for Vegetarian Friendly along with the general quality nibbles at the end of each review. We hope this helps as you choose your restaurants.
Our tab came to $57 without the tip.
4 Nibbles out of Five (4/5)
Very Vegetarian Friendly
Skinny Legs & Cowgirls
9008 Jasper Ave, Edmonton
780-423-4107
The menu is based on the idea that, with the exception of soup and dessert, all of the items are ordered and portioned to be shared at the table. This is a nice idea and we enjoyed looking it over and choosing what we thought might pair up well. I was glad that we carefully read each item description before pairing our selections. Each item is not necessarily a "course" as you may expect. Our selections will demonstrate that.
Marie liked the look of the Soup of the Day: A Vegetarian Borscht ($8) and I was convinced as well. This organic soup was thick with beets and lightly perfumed by the dill and sour cream. A great opening course served in large, shallow bowls with a side of biscotti shaped slices of whole grain bread.
Our server was attentive and helpful as he explained the ordering and menu to us. We chose not to order any of the shared appetizers on this, our first of two scheduled visits. Instead, we headed down to the bottom half of the menu and looked over the Platters and Bowls section. All of the items in this area are ordered essentially À la Carte.
As an accompaniment to our chicken, I selected the Mushroom Risotto ($15). There was no portion problem here at all. We received a large, steaming bowl of creamy goodness; simmered with organic chicken stock, vegetables, white wine, onions and finished with parmesan cheese. The large and flavourful mushrooms were a large part of the success of this dish. Strangely,You won't find them listed in the title of the dish, or in the menu's description.
Both of our choices complimented each other well, and had the chicken entree been a bit more substantial, or about half the price, we would have felt much better about it.
For desserts, Marie chose a Chocolate Tort ($10), rich and dark with a caramel sauce paint on the plate. I went with a Strawberry-Apple Crumble ($10), served hot in a deep bowl, and topped with Ice Cream. Both were good with our fresh ground and brewed to order Free Trade Decaf Coffee.
We wanted to like SL&C alot more than we did. It's a lovely place, and is filled with a great spirit of service and good intention. The food was tasty but lacked the brightness that the venue encouraged. We loved the attention to detail in the dishes, but on the way home, Marie and I agreed that the sparse simplicity translated into a feeling of too little food for too much money. We are looking forward to another visit and our taste of the appetizer menu items.
Our bill came to $85 without the tip.
Three Nibbles out of 5 3/5
www.eatedmonton.com
(South Side) 7018 - 109 St. Edmonton, Alberta
Monday - Sunday: 9:00a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Phone: (780) 436-8080
http://www.lebanesecuisine.net/
I suppose it was a surprise that after 8 years living in Edmonton, we had never visited the Parkallen Restaurant on 109th street and 70th avenue. Everyone I mentioned the place to prior to our dinner had been to Parkallen, and to a person, the comments were all very positive. Marie and I used OpenTable to make our reservation for the usual 6pm on a Friday night with a very good feeling. We were not dissappointed in the least!
As we arrived and I practised my parking skills on the unbelievably tiny parking pad, the wonders of the kitchen were already in the air. Our reservation was found and we were shown to table #1 in an almost empty diningroom. This, however was to change rapidly as the evening moved along. When we were about 30-45 minutes into our visit, the room was packed, and over the entire visit, the staff needed, regretfully to turn away over one dozen walk-ins without prior reservations. The good news here is that about a third of the folks stayed long enough to order from the brisk take-out service that Parkallen offers.
Our server was prompt, very knowledgable, and skilled in his presentation and explanations of all our choices. This being our first visit, we bowed to the waiter's suggestion of the dinner Mezza ($35). This four-course medley of traditional Lebanese flavours is a perfect way to get a sense of the cuisine.
Our starters included two-person salad portions of six different items: Humus: Ground chickpeas mixed with tahineh (sesame sauce), garlic and lemon; Falafel: A blend of chick peas various other beans, herbs and spices rolled into bite size balls and deep fried. Served with radishes, tomatoes and parsley and drizzled with sesame sauce; Baba Ganouge - Egg Plant Dip: like the Humus but with eggplant rather than chickpeas; Grape Leaf Rolls: A mixture of rice beef and spices, hand rolled in grape vine leaves with lemon; Tabouleh: Finely chopped parsley mixed with cracked bulghur wheat, onions, tomatoes, and fresh Mint, dressed with lemon juice, oil and various spices; and finally: Fatouche Salad: An assortment of romaine lettuce, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, radish, finely chopped parsley, baked pita chips accent with a variety of spices, lemon and oil dressing. All of our starters arrived together accompanied by warm pita bread.
All of the dishes in the starter course were just right for both of us to get a great taste without filling us too much prior to the entre course. Our server checked back several times, re-filling our water glasses and removing empty plates as we finished each dish.
The entres featured were a platter presentation of Samiki Harrah: Today's Catch (ours was Basa) prepared in a Pepper, Olive Oil and Tomato Sauce. This was a wonderfully sweet fish contrasted with the lightly spiced tomato sauce. The texture was buttery, with the breading crisp and lightly applied. The fish was portioned tableside for us, a polite touch that we appreciated.
The second of our included entres was a platter of two Kebab items (off skewer) served on a bed of almond seasoned rice. They included Chicken marinated in Olive Oil, Lemon and Garlic, and Lamb marinated in Canadian Maple Syrup with Mediterranean Herbs. We enjoyed both meats, but for me, the lamd stood out as perfectly spiced, sweet and grilled to a juicy perfection. Along with the two kebab items, we enjoyed portions of the national dish of Lebanon, Kebi Bil Sanieh: ground Tenderloin, cracked Bulghur Wheat and a medley of Mediterranean Spices blended together and baked as one would any meat loaf. All of the flavours were bright and traditional, with no hint of any "fusion" nonsense that we are often faced with. Parkallen delivers on its' promise to provide great, traditional Lebanese classis with style, and professional service. We enjoyed the politeness, and attention in an industry somewhat lacking in both.
For dessert (of course!) we were presented with a large platter of every item for our inspection. It was no surprise here that we both chose Baklava: Thin flaky phyllo leaves, unctious with honey, nuts and blushed with a Rosewater Syrup. ($4 - not included with the Mezza)
And with dessert comes our only suggestion: Serve it on a larger plate! The small dessert plate made it difficult to cut the portion and keep it all off of the tablecloth.
All in all, we found the voyage to Parkallen's taste of Lebanon to be a treat for all the senses. As if this wasn't enough good news, there is another side of Parkallen that we did not visit, and look very forward to reviewing soon. The neighborhood knows that if you want the best and freshest Pizza for both take-out and dine-in in the city, this is the place to call. We observed several other tables ordering the pizza and it looked very delicious. But, that is for another Friday date night with Marie.
Our bill came to $86 without the tip.
Three and a half Nibbles out of 5 3.5/5
Wild Tangerine
Cucina Domestica
Address: 10383 112st Edmonton, AB
Phone: 780-429-3131
The decore was colourful, and our server pleasant, and very capable, especially as the mostly empty diningroom filled to overflowing during our time there. We're not certain, but Marie and I seem to think that there were about 15 tables in the room, seating maybe 50 people. The two servers had it all under control. Brava!
Marie jumped right into our evening with WT's signature starter: Shrimp Lollipops (3) with Wasabi Yogurt - $9
I had my back to most of the other diners, but Marie mentioned that througout our visit, she saw this unique and oh so tasty appetizer head to just about every diner. Large, juicy, seasoned shrimp (prawns) are swirled in very fine angel-hair pasta, and then deep-fried and served a-la-fair (on a stick) partnered with a spicy wasabi yogurt sauce for dipping. Ok, we'll wait while you go get some. Yes, it was that good. Marie enjoyed the sweetness of the shrimp, and the complete lack of an oily, or over-fried flavours. The wasabi yogurt allowed for some nice palate foreplay and made for a mouth-watering start to a night of goodness.
As the smile was slowly fading from Marie's face following her shrimp tickle, our server treated her to Siao Hseng Wine slow-cooked Ardrossan Bison Short Ribs with Sesame-Sushi Rice - $29 The deep demi-glaze brought such richness to the acid-brightness of the rice. The bison, slow-cooked and falling off the bones (later to be nibbled themselves) was tender, tender, tender. There wasn't much chatter from the other side of the table as I watched the demise of such a lovely entrée.
I didn't go hungry. As a starter, I chose a side-dish of Gnocchi with Coconut Cream - $7, and selected the 5-Peppercorn crusted Yellow-Fin Tuna with Organic Hemp Oil-Tomato Coulis - $19 as my entrée.
The dish arrived to the table atop perfectly sweated suey-choi and topped with a spray of gingered carrot shavings. Everything about this dish was good, and each item contributed to the party that was going on in this bowl. The tuna, perfectly cooked to medium-rare stood strong as the predominent flavour and was well served by each ingredient. As with all our dishes, the flavours were cranked up several levels to something closely approaching perfect balance.
After we both sat back and stared sadly after our departing plates, the anticipation of dssert filled our hearts and soo - our tummies.
Marie took aim at the Warm Gingered Bread Pudding with Banana Ice Cream - $7 and I headed straight to an homage to my Sainted Grandmother's chocolate chip cookies by ordering the “Fortune Cookies” nestled with Pistachio, Longnan, Chocolate and lime, served with Ginger-Cardamom Steamed Milk - $5 OMG - Were both of these good! The gingerbread pudding, and fruity banana ice cream rose quickly toward the top of Marie's yummy list. My cookies, complex and moist, were perfectly complemented as I dunked them into the steamed, spiced milk.
As we left Wild Tangerine, the line-up was growing, and everywhere we looked, we saw people enjoying great flavours, done right and served well.
Our tab came to $77 without the tip.
4 Nibbles out of Five - 4/5
www.eatedmonton.com
6427 - 112 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5W 0N9
As Marie and I parked outside of La Boheme for the
first of two scheduled visits, the promise of a great meal loomed large. And we
were not disappointed in our expectations. During dinner, my lovely wife stopped,
put down her cutlery, looked at me over her entrée, and softly told me that
this was the best Lamb she has ever eaten. The smile on her face was
downright cherubic. But let’s begin at the beginning…
Thanks to the folks at http://opentable.com, we reserved a
table, and were greeted promptly at the door as we entered. The hostess took
our coats and showed us into the front dining room, (Salon Edith Piaf, I think)
to a cozy private corner table. The room is warmly decorated and its’ eclectic
style very pleasing. An appropriate playlist of period and more modern
selections added a wonderful soundtrack to the evening.
There is a Table D’Hote which provides several selections for a traditional Five Course Dinner fixed price menu at $85. The restaurant’s website publishes all of the menus - allowing us to make some important decisions and anticipate a wonderful palette of flavours prior to arriving at the restaurant. With our ideas in mind, the waitress mentioned the day’s specials, and continued her pleasant service throughout. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to our needs.
We chose the French a la Carte menu and were tempted by
additional specials from our server.
Marie chose a favourite soup to begin her
evening. The Soupe à l’Oignon ~ French onion soup topped with Emmental
cheese and toasted baguette $7.95 was pleasantly
seasoned and rocket hot! This was a classic presentation of a soup that has
warm us all through the years, and kudos to the kitchen which pushed aside the
temptation to lighten, update, and otherwise ruin this traditional starter.
My choice was Soupe du Jour ~ Curried Mushroom Soup
$6.95. The earthy, full-bodied bowl was rich in mushrooms, smooth and
delightfully presented. I was ready for a refill on this, but Marie and I knew
there was so much more goodness on the way.
Following my soup course, to Marie’s delight, we shared (I
ate and she watched me eat) Moules Marinara ~ mussels sautéed with garlic
and tomato cream herb sauce $12.95. I am not exaggerating when I
say I was transported back to Rue de Buse in the 6th Arr. to a
street side café in the l'heure bleue. My first sip of the sauce sent me to
wonderful places and I was soon gently sliding my spoon over a prize winning
entry to the clean-plate club.
I continued this glorious meal with the Casserole
de Fruits de Mer ~ Prawns, langostine, scallops and calamari pan-fried with
garlic, tomato and onion, served over pasta $24.95.
My choice of pasta helped me taste across
the menu, allowing me to enjoy the varied talents of the kitchen. The entre was
a good choice – plentiful, freshly seasoned, and well portioned.
Marie was downright in awe as she tasted her choice of
Carre D’Agneau ~ Roasted rack of lamb with demi-glace and crushed mint
oil $35.00. After hearing her soft hummings of delight, I was offered
a small morsel of what we both agreed to be the sweetest, most tender lamb on
the planet. The demi-glace and crushed mint oil thankfully provided a gentle
support and pleasing edge to the mouth-rounding texture of the lamb. It is
worth repeating that La Boheme’s kitchen allowed us to taste the meat and
provided only bright hints of complimentary seasonings. Bravo.
Just prior to our dessert course of Marie’s Sour
Cherry Tart $9.95, and my Crème Brûlé $10.95 French custard with a
toasted sugar crust, our table was visited by Mike, one of the owners whom
we found to be a passionate man, proud of his city, and its ability to provide
the highest quality ingredients.
La Boheme was more than a treat for us. We will
remember this meal for years, and are anxious for our second visit and another
excursion across the menu.
Our bill came to $148.50 including the tip.
5 nibbles out of Five 5/5
www.EatEdmonton.com

Culina Highlands
6509 - 112 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
780.477.2422
This was our first of two scheduled visits to Culina Highlands, one of the Culina Family restaurants in Edmonton. We were looking for a small, cozy restarant with fresh local and eclectic twists on comforting favourites. The menu which we found at the restaurant website was promising. Hoping to satisfy our desires for a new look at some Ukrainian stand-bys and venture into new territory with a fresh palette of Edmonton-area ingredients, we headed to OpenTable and reserved a table for 2 at 6:00pm on a Friday.
The parking was a tad sparse in the neighborhood, but nothing unexpected for the area. As we entered, we were met promptly, our coats taken and were seated at one of about a dozen small tables for two set in the tiny, yet very comfortable dining room. Our wait staff, while not overly attentive, was adequate and well informed on the menu and wine selections. A simple menu (online at www.culinafamily.ca) and a wine list were provided.
Marie began her Ukrainian themed evening with a cup of Lyndon's Borscht ($7). Her selection, a thick and meaty version of the traditional beet soup, arrived hot and full of flavour. I chose the special soup of the day, Sweet Potato, Ginger, Coconut Soup ($7). I was hungry and went for the bowl portion. No disappointment here. The soup was a creamy blend of the ingredients served with two crunchy puffed wafers and a drizzle of mystery oil. Yummy. The flavours each held their own and I could've easily gone for second helpings. A large tureen of this, a loaf of fresh bread, and a glass of Chardonnay is the perfect recipe for a cold Edmonton winter's evening.
We should have asked for the bill right then. The meal, sadly took a definite downturn from this point on. In fact, it went from a wonderful soup course, to a bland entree, only to end up with the only dessert I have ever sent back as inedible.
Marie chose the Kalyna Platter ($20), pyrohy with sour cream, bacon gremolata, grilled kubassa and lazy cabbage rolls.
Looking good on the plate, the elements of the dish were, unfortunately, bland in flavour and Marie' first thoughts were; "I wonder where they bought this stuff?". Tasting like it was all just re-cooked from frozen, the spark began to go out of our mealtime.
I was intrigued by the Portabello Mushroom ($20) baked with wild rice, served with spiced root vegetables and fresh greens.
Pleasing presentation soon was tainted by the dish's lack of brightness. The mushroom was without flavour, served on luke-warm grains and a thick, non-descript stuffing of "cashew cheese". The best element was the parsnips and carrots, both cooked perfectly and lightly seasoned. The rest of the dish, lacking any sauce or distinctive direction failed to live up to the promise of freshness. This had such potential to celebrate the local flavours and ingredients i the city. Even the greens were overdressed with a sweet viniagrette and a toss of pine nuts. We were eating this kind of thing 15 years ago and not enjoying it then either. I had hoped for better.
Our dessert course consisted of Marie choosing Pavlova ($8) with crème anglaise and fruit compote. While nicely flavoured, the merangue was unable to be cut with the fork provided. Were it not for the coffee spoon, she would have been unable to have a bite. Too much fruit and a soggy merangue spoiled what should have been a light and crispy cloud supported by a rich crème and brightened, not buried, in a sweet/tart compote.
I chose the Apricot-walnut Varenyky ($8) with pinnochio’s vanilla ice cream. The photo shows the extent of damage I did to the dish. After one mouthful, I set my fork to the side an
d asked the waiter to remove it. He asked if there was a particular problem and I tried to explain that the Varenky were dry, hard, half-raw, and that I wasn't too pleased by a teaspoon of chopped nuts, a scoop of ice cream, and no sauce to be found anywhere. He confessed misgivings at the dish himself. We never received a second cup of coffee, and as we were already 90 minutes into the night, and the tables were beginning to fill in a bit. We grabbed the waiter for o
ur bill, and headed to the car. Thankfully, the management removed our dessert charges.
The evening came to a total of $58 without the tip. (Yes, I always leave a tip.) I look forward to our second visit to Culina Highlands and an exploration of the meatier side of the menu. I am hopeful that the shortcomings we experience on this visit will be overcome with the next.
Our bill came to about $58 without the tip.
2 nibbles out of Five 2/5
Il Forno Ristorante
14981 Stony Plain Rd.
Edmonton, AB
T5P 4W1
(780) 455-0443
This is our second visit to Il Forno. The first was close to three years ago if not more, and as we recalled, a very pleasant memory. We arrived at 6ish on a Friday evening sans reservation, and were promptly seated in what was soon to be a very full dining room. The semi-open kitchen was in sight of our table, as was the signature brick pizza oven (Il Forno).
As we were seated, the nightly specials printed on a white board, were displayed to us by the server propped against an unused chair. The board is moved about the dining room as new tables are seated and arraigned for each to see. It's a fun and unique part of the restaurant's experience.
All of the staff appeared well seasoned and extremely competent as they worked a very busy dining room, magnified by a brisk pizza take-out business. A handy and colourful take out menu was on display, and makes it simple to take home and order a pizza or meal to pick up on the way home from the office.
Our server was prompt, expert, and had a wonderful smile and humour even on such a steady night.
We began with an Antipasto Mediterrano platter for two. It was a hearty selection of thinly shaved salami, prosciutto, mortadella, provolone, olives, artichokes and thin bread sticks. A perfectly portioned starter for the evening. $16
Marie, after much consideration, ordered the Fettuccine Amalfi Coast. Shrimps, scallops, roasted whole garlic cloves were served over perfect fettuccine, and tossed in a white wine cream sauce. She enjoyed the dish and hoped only for a bit more emphasis of seafood flavours which she thought lost in the richness of the sauce. $22
After thinking about several attractive menu offerings, I decided on the Pizza Salsiccia. I felt I had to try the pizza which is made from scratch dough and baked in the authentic brick oven which gives Il Forno it's name. It was great to watch the pizzaiola (whilst pleasantly training a newcomer to the kitchen) roll and dock the dough, assemble the ingredients, and wield the large pizza paddle to expertly place and then reposition the several pizzas being prepared. I went for a traditional Salsiccia for it's simplicity. Served on a thin, crisp and aromatic crust, the toppings included tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onions, and a homemade Italian sausage. I found it very tasty and well prepared. $18
We topped off the evening with two Lemon Ices from the gelato bar for a smooth and tart palate teaser which was perfect after the richness of our dishes. Marie and I both agreed that if we were to find fault at I'l Forno, it would be in the overall flavour profile of the dishes. We missed a sparkle in either dish that would have made them both stand out in the crowd of Italian/North American fare. Our visit was a pleasure and we both highly recommend Il Forno for any occasion, or even for your take out dinner on a busy night.
Our bill came to about $77 without the tip.
Four nibbles out of Five 4/5
Mr Mikes Steakhouse
West Edmonton Mall
Bourbon Street
8882 170th Street
Edmonton, AB
780-930-1135
mrmikes.ca
Monday – Saturday:11:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Our second trip to Mr Mike's was a real treat. We stopped in just before the dinner rush at West Ed Mall's Bourbon Street location. The staff were friendly, attentive, very helpful and knowledgeable.
The menu is nicely varied without having too many and theme-diluting items. Good, simple dishes with a bright seasonings palette allows one to taste the quality of the meal's fresh ingredients and also experience a light and breezy aspect to the items.
Dark and comfy seats and booths adorn the majority of the inner part of the restaurant. A patio on Bourbon Street offers great people watching along with a festive more boisterous atmosphere. The inner terrace was our selection tonight. It's quieter with glass partitions keeping the noise of the patio outside, yet allowing the sights through. Our first visit to Mr Mikes's had us deep in the main dining room, offering a cozy booth for casual, or more intimate dining. It's a pleasure to have a location that fits ones' mood so easily. The bar is large with booths and big screens to keep up on the Oiler's and (ahem) Eskimos.
This is a steakhouse and on our first visit, the Rib-eye test was passed with flying colours. Tonight we wanted a taste around the edge of the menu, while still centering on the beef.
We started with a shared dish of Fried Calamari. Small, lightly seasoned with a tartare/tzaziki sauce, onions and lemons, the dish was tender and well flavoured, lending a fresh and natural taste. 9$
Marie dove eagerly into the Avalanche Mike Burger. She loved the two patties, cheddar, mushrooms, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onions, an honest char served atop a french roll bun, with dill pickle and a Caesar Salad sub for the fries. 15$
I went for the Peppercorn Sirloin Fettuccine. A good sized bowl of marinated nuggets of very tender sirloin, tossed with mushrooms, red peppers and al dente fettuccine pasta in a perky peppercorn cream sauce. 16$
At 49$ plus tip for the evening's meal, we are once again impressed with Mr Mike's attention to comfort and fresh ingredients.
Five Nibbles out of Five 5/5
13704 40 Street NW



on Bada-bing! Bada-BLAH! East Side Mario's (Clareview)