The quest to name the best 25 things to eat in Edmonton is not as easy as it sounds, especially when you love all good food things as I do. How do you choose? From memory? Definitely. Referrals from other foodies you trust? Of course. Beyond that, we tried for a mix of the spots that are well known and not. A few things I’m sure of: This list is just the tip of the iceberg; this food is freshly prepared and hand-crafted; and sometimes you’ll have to get into your car and drive to try it. But I guarantee that you will discover it’s worth the time and travel.
The Ural Burger at Highlevel Diner
Lots of burgers are on the radar these days, but how many establishments can boast that their burger recipe has been successfully prepared and served for more than 25 years? Highlevel’s juicy burger is five ounces of pure, very lean ground beef, served on a stone-ground whole wheat bun with an array of homemade condiments — corn relish, beet relish and ketchup. Yes, the ketchup is homemade, but if you really need it, Heinz is available. (10912 88 Ave., 780-433-0993)
Spaghetti & meatballs at Saccomano’s Pizza Pasta & Deli
The recipes are authentic Italian, handed down from grandmother to grandson. Prepare yourself: The meatballs are three to four inches in diameter — or as the owner describes them, “orange-sized.” They’re hand-shaped and served in a fresh tomato sauce over spaghetti pasta. This particular dish is only available on Wednesdays, but other hot Italian dishes are available at the steam table every day of the week. (10208 127 Ave., 780-478-2381)
Chocolate bars at The Cocoa Room by Kerstin’s Chocolates
All of Kerstin’s 43-gram chocolate bars are divine creations, handmade, using single-origin chocolate, but the light touch of Malden sea salt with dark milk chocolate in the Fleur de Sel bar is heaven-sent. Who knew that sweet and salt could work so well together? Pair it with port wine for a perfect ending to dinner. Kerstin’s chocolate bars are also available at the Italian Centre Shop South, Bon Ton Bakery and Transcend Coffee. (10139 112 St., 780-990-0011)
Biscotti at Bon Ton Bakery
Every bakery and café has its version. But Bon Ton’s are delicate and buttery and available in three flavours — almond and fruit, chocolate-dipped and, for the health-conscious biscotti lover, multi-grain. These biscotti may be small in comparison to their competition, but they are packed with flavour and melt gently in your mouth. (8720 149 St., 780-489-7717)
STORY COMMENTS (1)
Mussels at Café Select
No Mussels at Cafe Select through the summer until September some time. We went tonight specifically to add one more notch on our list of 25 but were disappointed with no mussels. The herb and spices fondue was excellent as was the wine... but again a second choice. Might be best to check before the trek downtown walking and lrting.
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