Lunch – Page 32 – Elsie Hui

August 27, 2014

Tacos La Mexicana – Edmonton, Alberta

We originally wanted to eat something else along Whyte Ave, and it was full – so we wandered around for a little while when we walked into Tacos La Mexicana. On the wall, there’s a board of all the “compliments” they get. So, it was quite promising. The restaurant is very little and it doesn’t have AC. It was quite stuffy for a hot summer day.

We were quite excited to be here as last time we randomly walked into a taco place it was very delightful. We ordered a burrito each and I got the mixed fajita burrito where they didn’t actually ask which kind of protein I wanted, so they gave beef. The burrito was warm in the inside and the beef was quite tough making it a little tough to eat. The burrito was stuffed with some onions, peppers, rice and of course beef.

My husband ordered their Chili Cheese Burrito with beef and it was decent. It was really hot and heated through – as it should be so the cheese was melted. The ground beef was really ground up it was almost like a paste. It wasn’t too bad at all, but it was loaded with onions and cabbage which seemed a little weird.

Overall, it’s probably a good place to go if you’re just not wanting to wait in line anywhere else. Otherwise, the burritos were average.

Tacos La Mexicana

8123 104 St
Edmonton, AB
(780) 988-9210

August 26, 2014

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn – Edmonton, AB

One relaxing weekend while in Edmonton, we decided to change up our routine and go out for breakfast instead of enjoying “complimentary breakfast” at the hotel. We ventured to Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn which is located right on 72nd Ave and it looks like a German house.

We ordered both sweet and savoury breakfast, so I picked their Breakfast Special which was mango crepes filled with mango cream cheese, then topped with some mango and raspberry coulee. The portions were huge, the food was fresh and delicious!

We also ordered Breaded Pork Schnitzel which was much thicker than the schnitzel that I’m use too, but it was a delicious fried pork chop!

Overall, the breakfast was extremely filling and delicious. We enjoyed our experience here and everyone was so friendly and happy.

Barb & Ernie’s Old Country Inn

9906-72 Ave. NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 433-3242

August 12, 2014August 12, 2014

Sugarbowl – Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is a neat place for dining and I must say, I don’t mind dining in Edmonton! We went for breakfast bright and early at the Sugarbowl and it was already busy with a bit of the lineup outside their doors. We decided that we didn’t really want to wait for a table inside – so we sat outside!

As we were outside on a breezy morning, I started with a nice cup of tea! The tea was quite unique as it wasn’t a brand I’ve seen before. It was quite fragrant but not overwhelming. I think it would have been nice with honey – I just put sugar in mine.

This restaurant is known for their Cinnamon Buns so I ordered one and it was the size of my head! Although it doesn’t look very appealing, it was very fresh and soft and fluffy. It tasted really delicious with brown sugar topping and butter on the side. It’s like a fresh loaf of cinnamon bread but better!

The other breakfast we ordered was their Chicken and Waffles and this was another great choice! The chicken was not greasy, well seasoned, and pan-fried to a nice tender crisp – and still super juicy! The waffles were light with a hint of sweetness. The maple butter was definitely a nice condiment and it completes the dish!

This was one of my favourite breakfast places in Edmonton. Although parking can be a bit tricky, we’ve been lucky enough to find street parking and the weather was nice enough for us to walk to. The service was a bit lacking – but what lacks in that department really makes up in the quality of food! I’m sure this is a place I will return to!

Sugarbowl Cafe

10922 88 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 433-8369

August 12, 2014

Peace River Garden Restaurant – Peace River, AB

Another long trip means we were craving food at odd times. This time was around 4pm when we made it into Peace River and basically the only thing opened was Peace River Garden Restaurant which dishes out Chinese/Western food.

I felt like something light and soupy yet filling so I decided to order Wor Wonton and yes the bowl was as full as it looked! Complete with tons of veggies and at least 10 wontons, this was an awesome choice!

I’ve also been talking about Veal Cutlets lately and I guess I made my husband crave it. He was really excited that he saw it on the menu and ordered it. The waitress even giggled and asked why he’s not ordering Chinese food! His story is that I use to eat it in our old family restaurant… which is true, and has absolutely nothing to do with him. Oh well! 🙂

I gotta say, food and service was not bad! There were a few other tables that came in to eat during our odd hour visit. The owners knew a lot of their guests as well, so they got some loyal customers and that makes me happy!

Peace River Garden Restaurant

10016 100 Street
Peace River, AB
(780) 624-1048

August 11, 2014

Pho Anh Huyen Noodle House – Calgary, AB

We were off to another road trip when we figured we’d stop into Pho Anh Huyen for something to eat before we took off. The location isn’t hard to find, but it definitely has limited parking spots. Once you enter the door, it has a scent of “washrooms” which seems to have disappeared quickly.

We started off with Pork and Shrimp Salad Rolls and it’s not as good as my favourite place, but it was decent. The sauce they gave was primarily diluted peanut butter so I added some hot sauce into it to make it tastier for myself as I like the kick to it.

Then, I ordered a bowl of Beef Stew Noodle Soup as I had no idea what I wanted, and this was one of my husbands favourite… so if I didn’t like it, I can always trade with him! It turns out that this was really good, both the beef stew and the soup broth had tons of flavour and the noodles were really well cooked! It didn’t stick together yet it wasn’t soggy and breaking apart!

My husband ordered himself a bowl of Rare Beef with Brisket Noodle Soup and it was quite a different soup. As clear as the broth looked, it also had a really good flavour it the soup. The portions were large and they were really generous with the amount of meat given (in both bowls actually!)

Overall, the prices were average as other Vietnamese noodle houses. The food was decent although not the best we have had. Generous portions of both soup and meat which makes it a good deal!

Pho Anh Huyen Noodle House

1403 Centre St NW
Calgary, AB
(403) 276-3636