Summer I miss you..

Medina Cafe

I went to Vancouver, against my better judgement (see here), and the culinary highlight was Cafe Medina. I live in Edmonton, also know as chain restaurant hell, so any reprieve I can get, I take. It was the morning after the night before and my com rads and I were damaged to say the least, food was necessary in order to get my act together and enjoy the last day of my trip. My friends Kristen and Tony are professional diners, if there is a cool, new, delicious, buzzed about restaurant, anywhere in the world, they know about it, and they were going to Medina, so I was going too.

As we drove up to Cafe Medina, there was a huge crowd gathered outside, I wondered if Jesus was inside. I trust a crowd 25 people deep waiting for a table, so we sheeped out and waited like the rest of the herd. 45 minutes later, we were escorted into the back dining room and what was to follow was a sensory orgasm that I must recount. Don't let the description fool you, the back dining room, was nothing like the back of the bus. Exposed brick walls and giant windows with a view welcome guests into this culinary experience. The place was buzzing with happy guest, the music of Thievery corporation and Gotan Project wafted through the room like the scent of waffles (more on that in a minute). I knew immediately that I was in for a treat.

I started with a lavender latte, if I was standing, my knees would have buckled. It wasn't an immature or offensive flavor, no, it was the perfect latte, appropriately perfumed with the scent of lavender. It even looked gorgeous, the work of a coffee artisan, I (almost) didn't want to drink it.My friend Semi had the Moroccan spiced mimosa, after one sip, I will never look at the average Mimosa again. Spice with cinnamon and figs with steeped saffron threads. Words cannot describe. I laboured over what to eat, it was a tough decision, as everything, and I mean everything, on the menu sounded absolutely divine. I chose the Fricassee, braised short ribs with 2 fried eggs, roasted potatoes, arugula, smoked apple wood cheddar and toasted foccacia. I died. I have never had a brunch like that in my life. I feel ruined now, I don't know how I can ever go back. As soon as our meals came, the talking ceased and the only audible sounds were that of "oooh", "ahhhh" and "mmmmmmm". I briefly came up for air and my cohorts faces said it all, happiness. After stuffing my face, I thought I couldn't possibly eat another bite, I had forced the last bites of my fricassee, as I knew it would some time before I could come back, so I wasn't leaving a morsel uneaten; but, Medina's brunch is not complete without a homemade Belgian waffle (the chef/owner is Belgian, there is also a extensive Belgian beer list). The waffles are small but just right. There is an assortment of toppings from the tart mixed berry, white chocolate pistachio rosewater, milk chocolate lavender, dark chocolate, raspberry caramel and fig orange marmalade . The waffle was the perfect end to an unforgettable meal (my gluttony got the better of me, and I ate the waffle before it even crossed my mind to take a picture). I can honestly say that I have never had a meal experience like that in my life. From start to finish the experience was one not to forget, from the room to the servers to the food, Medina has the market cornered on excellence. If you are ever in Vancouver, GO TO MEDINA, don't walk , run, and if there is a very long line, whether it be rain, sleet or snow, please wait, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Medina Cafe

556 Beatty Street, Crosstown Vancouver

Monday to Friday 8am-4pm

Weekends 9am-4pm

Flirt Cupcakes

I love a great many things, which I share with you via this list. But it recently dawned on me that I have been rather selfish in this love, as I haven't branched out and given this list some legs. So I decided to bring a little more life to this venture and share with you the people behind my loves. I was being rather procrastinatory about the whole thing; I wanted to do interviews and get the ball rolling but being me et all, it was off to a puttering start. But as the saying goes, "everything in due time". So I was letting time take its course and as if on cue,fate smoked me in the face or rather the mouth, in the form of a red velvet dream. I was initially going into Flirt Cupcakes to discuss the possibility of them being advertisers in the magazine that I work for, but the owner, Michelle, wasn't in. So I cut my losses and got a cupcake, I had made the journey so I figured the trip might as well be good for something. And if I may say or rather yell from the rooftops "I LOVE FLIRT CUPCAKES"! No really, I love them. Now I must tell you, I am not one for sweets, I like things salty, sort of like my personality, so for a cupcake to make this list is quite an achievement. It was red, smooth, creamy, melt in my mouth and nothing short of divine; after one bite I had to meet the masterminds behind this new sensation. Out of the divinity of that red velvet creation came the first ever LOVE LIST interview! In the 15 minutes that I spoke Michelle, I learned that she used to be a fashion designer, she is a full time hockey player and terrible cook; but, she is one sweet ass cupcake artiste! LoveList: What made you switch from designing clothes to designing cupcakes?

Michelle: I was looking for a new creative avenue. With the economy being the way it is, people are more inclined to spend $3.00 on a cupcake, then they are to spend $80 on a piece of clothing.

LoveList: The eat local movement is really gaining speed. How do you feel about eating local and what do you do to support the community?

Michelle: Since becoming a part of the local food community, my view on the local movement has definetly changed. I would rather support the local market or vendor, than give to the big guy. Supporting local is also a great way to build the community.

LoveList: Food is about inspiration, where do you get inspired?

Michelle: I travel a lot and I take inspiration from those travels. I travel to California quite frequently, due to the cupcake boom they have experienced. There are so many places to draw ideas and inspiration from and I bring those ideas back to Flirt.

LoveList: How long was Flirt in your dreams, before it became a reality?

Michelle:I was driving on my birthdy last year and it hit me, this is what I need to be doing. I should be making cupcakes. In terms of planning, it was about 5 months from planning to opening.

LoveList: How did you and your partner Rick become business cohorts?

Michelle: We play hockey together. He overheard myself talking about this cupcake idea and his ears perked up and we went from there. In the beginning, Rick and I were still working at our other jobs, working full time in the shop and playing hockey full time; but, after about 2 months, we were able to hire some staff to relieve the pressure.

LoveList: Where do you see Flirt in 5 years?

Michelle:We want to expand but still maintain the boutique feel. The goal is 3 locations. We want to maintain the standards and quality that have been crucial to our success, keeping things fresh and authentic.

Long story short folk, you should go. NOW, don't delay. The cupcakes are delicious and the staff and owners are friendly. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

Hours of Operation

Monday Noon-5pm

Tuesday to Saturday 11am-6pm

Sunday CLOSED

10158 82 avenue 780.757.4899

Fall

I am a summer baby, July to be exact; and, I typically moan and groan as fall begins to descend on this city, mostly because I know that it is the beginning of what is surely to be hell (read:winter). But, this year I am fully embracing the season; Edmonton, has been blessed with a fall, which is rare and I am determined to enjoy it. This city usually has 2 season, Winter and Summer, but this year we are getting a bonafide fall and I am loving it! This coming from a girl, who refused to buy socks last year until November, because it would be submitting to the hellish half year we refer to as winter. This year however, I feel like I am noticing the beautiful browns and oranges, barely even missing the wonderful greens of summer and I even have a delightful pair of festive orange gloves to get into the spirit. For so many years I just hated this time of year, but it really is wonderful; the malls are dead in the daytime, because all those kids have gone back to school (thank god!) and this year the city enjoyed a snow less thanksgiving, the first one in a long time. This time last year I was seeing my breath and sporting my winter coat and this year I am still wearing a blazer beautifully but I am finally able to see the beauty of this season, putting out of my mind what it preludes. I really am enjoying this time of year and I even went out and bought a package of cozy white socks!

Sleep

I am exhausted. A weekend of debauchery has depleted all my precious energy reserves; my friend Angie is moving away and being the great friend that I am, I gave her a very festive farewell. Granted I am doing very little these days, as I am enjoying my unemployment; however, I am very tired from the weekends excesses. I have been sleeping for 10, 12 hours at a time and my body cannot seem to get enough. I love sleep, I find it delicious even. That feeling of satisfaction that I get when I have had a log like sleep is as delicious as the feeling after a lovely meal. I am going to keep this brief, I am tired and I am going back to bed:)

BoozeBerries

Unbelievably, it is still summer in Edmonton, not even "like" summer, it is full on summertime So white wine still applies! Since we are enjoying this Indian summer, I am going to to take this opportunity to drink white wine as much as possible. Ever the opportunist, I think why not get a little nutrition with a buzz?! On my 22nd birthday, I had a very intimate girls night, dinner on the patio and wine. I decided to spice up the cheap Chardonnay with a pint of raspberries, plump like the summer's bounty. And as we drank and toasted to another year, the raspberries soaked up the sweet nectar and there is no other word for the result except...sauced. It truly is a double whammy, not only were we drinking, we were "eating" the alcohol. Debauchery, no doubt, ensued. After many pints of raspberies and bottles of wine, we broke into my neighbors pool, stripped our clothes off and had ourselves a skinny dip! I am convinced we were ever so "lit" due to those berries and their ability to absorb their weight in gold (booze). This little beverage gem is now a part of my drinking arsenal, wherever there are berries and wine, you will no doubt see them in my glass. You must let them soak as you continue to refill the glass, when you are halfway to the dance, eat the berries and let the party begin! A warning , these babies are potent, so choose your company wisely, or potential embarassment is a guarantee. With that said, you should try them!

Booze Berries

1 pint of raspberries

1 bottle of White Wine or Champagne

Dump berries in glass or pitcher (for when you decant a red), pour wine, drink, ENJOY!

**For red wine use blueberries or blackberries.

Dedicated to the ladies who shared the "inaugural" booze berry party, Sarah, Brit and Dez. Thanks ladies;)

Cafe Leva

Although it has been a while since my last post, I have been out compiling loves all around town. Its no secret I have very strong opinions on the ideal restaurant experience, atmosphere, food and service need to be top shelf for me to give my approval. Albeit, I am no food critic, but I eat out enough to know what's good and what is simply crap. I came across Cafe Leva by chance, my girls and I were trying to go somewhere else, but a missed turn and an annoying one way street brought us to this wonderfully hidden spot. Tucked in a corner, on a tree lined street, is this super cool cafe. So cool in fact, that the moment I walked I knew that I was in the know! It's so very Euro in a very non Euro city, and the food, OH THE FOOD! On my first visit I had a sandwich and a mocha cake and dear lord help me, my knees were weak. Calories and fat content were of no importance, I simply wanted more! Although the staff are decidedly aloof, I think it adds to the "euro" feel of the whole place, also adding to "euro" feel is the fact that you can aquire your very own espresso machine. On my second visit, my friend Kaley treated me to the daily soup, a zucchini dill cream dream, so velvety it could have been a curtain and a Limonata to wash it all down; and, we discovered that they also supply interesting reading material for the customers to parouse, birthday books, what fun! It's a great place so out of the ordinary in a city like Edmonton, whether you want a long lazy lunch or cool and quick dinner, Leva is the spot. You should go.

11053 86 Avenue in Edmonton

(780) 479 LEVA (5382)

Monday - Friday.
7 am - 11 pm
Saturday
9 am - 11 pm
Sunday
9 am - 6 pm