Lunch – Page 40 – Elsie Hui

June 29, 2014

Banff Ave Brewing Co – Banff, AB

Banff is always great, you can just randomly go anywhere and you know it will be wonderful! This particular day, we stumbled into Banff Ave Brewing Co right on Banff Ave which is more of a bar/pub scene. It’s not a bad place during the day either, but it really comes to life at night!

We were only half hungry and basically just wanted to grab some snacks, so grub was the best way to get it! We sat down, ordered some drinks and I choose to try their Beer Braise Pulled Pork Sandwich which was tender and flavourful pulled pork, topped with some slaw and cheese on a soft pretzel bun. It was absolutely scrumptious!

I also wanted to try their Spicy Spring Lamb and Beef Chili which was a delicious chili served in a warm sourdough bolw topped with cheese and tortilla chips. The meat was also very tender and succulent! These were the perfect snack as to what we were looking for. The portions were actually a great size if you’re looking to grab a bit and go!

Overall, the experience here was magnificent! Tons of space here for any time of day and it’s a great place to just relax and fill up your stomachs. It was nice to sit back with a drink and some food – and enjoy the afternoon.

Banff Ave Brewing Co.

Clock Tower Village Mall
2nd Floor 110 Banff Ave Banff, AB
(403) 762-1003

June 28, 2014June 28, 2014

Steakout & Drifters Lounge – Edmonton, AB

This particular time we went to Edmonton was because there was a Diana exhibit on at the West Edmonton Mall which I wanted to go see – so I did. After the exhibit, we went to a place where my husbands co-workers recommended us to go for smoked meat sandwiches, so we went. It was to The Steak Out and it was a large place with tons of customers even during off peak hours.

With that recommendation in mind, we at smoked meat! I ordered their Smoked Meat Sandwiches which had tons of smoked meat on bread – and like the traditional Montreal style with mustard and a pickle! It was tender, and juicy and awesome!

With that mentioned, my husband ordered the same thing but in jumbo form and it had a lot more smoked meat with some sides. It was just as good and the fries were really tasty – although not the highlight at all. He had the Jumbo Smoked Meat Sandwich! Right now, that is definitely the place to go if we’re craving an awesome smoked meat sandwich!

This is a wonderful recommendation and it really made the trip to Edmonton worth it! The exhibit I went to was great and this was just as great — if not better!

Steakout & Drifters Lounge

3376 Parsons Rd NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 463-4490

June 28, 2014June 28, 2014

Oodle Noodles – Edmonton, AB

During one of our visits to Edmonton, I had an ex-coworker to me to try Oodle Noodles as she really enjoyed it. It’s very similar to our Wok Box, which has been something I liked for the convenience, but it’s not “authentic” and it seems to be the same story here as well.

Once inside the restaurant, there’s a giant menu that you pick from and then you walk up to the cashier, put in your order and pay for it. They have an open kitchen concept so you get to watch them make your food – which is pretty exciting! I love watching my food get made!

I ordered their Special Box with chicken as it sounded most interesting to me. Its thick noodles that I love with chicken and pineapples mixed with a sweet spicy sauce. It was really good as I love sweet, with spicy in my savoury dishes!

We also ordered their Thousand Year Flavour with beef, and they make it with the thick noodles and black bean sauce with ginger and vegetables. It was pretty flavourful for sure! Not a bad place to go pick up some quick Asian style food!

Overall experience was fun, but it’s something I’m not use to doing – however tons of other people seemed to enjoy it a whole lot more than myself. I think it has something to do with me being able to make it at home. I do prefer this over a mall’s food court though! 🙂

Oodle Noodle

10009 170 St NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 930-1884

June 22, 2014June 22, 2014

The Donut Mill – Red Deer, AB

There’s no better little birthday cake than having a donut! We stopped at The Donut Mill on our way to Edmonton for a delicious donut in lieu of a birthday cake so when we walked inside this place that looks like a windmill, we were floored with the selection of delicious looking donuts.

Their display of donuts was quite impressive and there was never a quiet time in line – there’s always someone walking through their doors for either sweets or savoury foods. The selection is huge and they have quite a large dining area as well.

After I ordered my donut, I then saw some eclairs – which was what I really wanted when I was there. They were in a separate display case, but I’m sure that I will be going back to enjoy a giant eclair someday soon!

I ended up picking the Chocolate Venetian which was a donut filled with vanilla pudding topped with chocolate glaze. It was really quite delightful! The donut was really fresh, light, soft and fluffy!

The other donut we enjoyed was their monthly special called Donut of the Month which happens to be a maple donut with whipped cream inside! It was also really nice! The light airiness of the whipped cream inside the donut really was a treat as we’re use to creams, puddings or custards!

Overall, I loved this place and I already know I will be back – to try to eclair and some of their hot and savoury goodies! It’s a great stop whether you’re around this area for a quick bite or an actual meal.

The Donut Mill

Gasoline Alley Westside – 37420 Hwy 2
Red Deer, AB
(403) 347-8904

June 22, 2014

Starlite Diner Car – Bowden, AB

I love looking for hidden jems in the middle of nowhere, and I can definitely say I found one in Bowden, Alberta. We made this stop just before our stop to Red Deer from Calgary just to try this diner car out. Situated just off the highway is Starlight Diner Car which is a diner car decorated to look like an old school diner – with extra terrestrial and alien decoration inside!

Just going inside puts a smile on anyone’s face and this was no different! It was just a wonderful place to experience and the service here was wonderful!

Once we sat down, we ordered a coffee each as it was early in the morning. I ordered their Starlite Breakfast which was a large breakfast with sausage, toast, eggs and hashbrowns. They had a generous portion size which was perfect for a long day ahead for me! The sausages were split in half, but you don’t normally get 4 sausages! It was delicious!

My husband ordered their Sirloin Steak and Eggs breakfast which was quite a large piece of sirloin steak, well seasoned and cooked to perfection. With the steak and eggs, it came with some toast, which was also a large breakfast

Overall, we really enjoyed this place and has recommended it to a few friends and family members — with strange looks on their faces as we tell them about here! But, it’s just fun and a great way to start off a weekend!

Starlite Diner Car

1-3 Heritage Dr
Bowden, AB
(403) 657-3503