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Zenari’s – Edmonton, Alberta

I was in downtown Edmonton one morning and thought I needed some sugar for breakfast. I walked by Zenari’s a few times before I just wandered inside to order some food! This little place is located right across from Holt Renfrew on the main level. It’s pretty easy to find!

I decided I was going to eat cake for breakfast, so I got myself a piece of their Carrot Cake which came in a large slice. It wasn’t cheap, but it was a decent size! The cake was pretty delicious with the perfect amount of cream cheese icing!

Then, to complete my meal, I got myself a Mocha which seems to be the perfect coffee break meal that I turned into a breakfast! The mocha was good, although not different from anywhere else – so it was just costly!

Overall, a neat dining experience! It was quick and simple and I can see lunch rush being extraordinary! The prices are slightly high for a coffee place treat but quite reasonable if you were stopping in for lunch and have pasta, sandwiches, etc!

Zenari's on Urbanspoon

Zenari’s

10180 101 St NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 423-5409

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Fairmont Hotel Macdonald – Edmonton, Alberta

I love historic hotels and Fairmont has a bunch of them that are spectacular! We got to stay overnight at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in their standard room which they call Fairmont Room. It was a decent room, it’s not huge but it’s comfortable. The lobby wasn’t large, but they do have the pool/spa facilities on the lower floor which is like an extension of their lobby.

Once into the room, it wasn’t very big and it’s definitely got everything you need! There’s the bathroom the the left and a closet with tons of space including an in-room safe in the closet. The bathroom wasn’t bad, there was plenty of space.

Our room had a queen bed in it and it overlook the bus Central Station which was extremely noisy. The view wasn’t bad at night as you can see some of the river – but if noise is an issue, this isn’t the view you’d like!

The overall feel and room was comfortable. The hotel staff was able to accommodate me checking in early and the hotel was great! The staff was friendly – but their valet staff did take longer than expected. At least twice we asked for our vehicle, they claimed it would be there about 15-20 minutes. We’d get down closer to half an hour and we’d still have to wait. So, make sure you leave yourself with enough time to retrieve your vehicle.

The hotel is located right by the river in downtown and it’s really convenient by foot and transit if you need to commute that way! It’s a great location and it’s safe both day and night.

The pool although we didn’t get to use, it was pretty large and looks like fun!

The video clip below is a room walk through of the room we stayed in:

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald – Edmonton

10065 100th Street
Edmonton, Alberta
780-424-5181

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Auditorium Cafe – Nanton, Alberta

We were driving through Nanton to get to Lethbridge one afternoon when we decided we wanted to stop at the Auditorium Hotel in Nanton and eat breakfast at the Auditorium Cafe which was a neat rustic little cafe!

We decided we would get 2 items, one small item and one larger item to split as we didn’t want to be too stuffed for a car ride! We decided we would have their Toasted Cinnamon Bun which was pretty decent in size!

We also ordered Biscuits and Gravy which are items we don’t usually order – but there were other customers in the restaurant that looked like regulars ordering this! So, we had to try it! It was actually really delicious and better than it looks! They used the sausage white gravy with the biscuits underneath to sock in the gravy!

To our shock, the food was amazing, the service was friendly and the location was historic. It’s definitely got the small town charm that I love!

Auditorium Cafe – Auditorium Hotel

2011 20 Avenue
Nanton, Alberta

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Mine Side Diner – Canmore, Alberta

We always go by Canmore and any festive occassion in Camore – the place is packed! This time, we came for a parade and afterwards, the entire town was looking for lunch. We went to the first place we could find that didn’t have a line and that was how we ended up at the Canmore Hotel at Mine Side Diner which was more a burger and fry place than a diner!

We basically just ordered our 2 meals, ate there and left. There’s not too much going on in this place, but the food is made fresh – so it’s quite tasty!

I ordered their version of the Philly Beefsteak with fries and it was really surprisingly quite good! The meat was tender, the bread was nice – so there’s nothing bad about it at all!

I also got their BLT Burger with onion rings and it too was really good! With a perfectly melted cheese on the patty, fresh vegetables and a nice bun that holds up to the burger (and not crumbles) it was a delightful meal!

So, next time you’re in the area and just looking for a decent little place – consider Mine Side Diner! Sure, it’s not fancy or large, but it’s all you need!

Mine Side Diner on Urbanspoon

Mine Side Diner – Canmore Hotel

738 8 Street
Canmore, AB
(403) 678-5181

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Loko’s Lounge – Bragg Creek, Alberta

We had an opportunity to try LoKo’s Lounge in Bragg Creek before the 2013 Flood. I waited to do this post hoping that it would survive the flood, but unfortunately it is one of those restaurants that didn’t make it. Hopefully with the support it seems to be receiving it will decide to reopen its doors.

It was a beautiful afternoon, pretty much weeks before the flood that we enjoyed this lounge outside on the patio. The river water levels were high, but didn’t think much of it as we started the food adventure with some Chicken Wings which they give you a pound of wings! We got them in Sweet Spicy Thai and they were amazing! The perfect wings, beautifully seasoned and fried with a crisp, even with sauce smothered on top!

We also had some soup – we ordered a bowl of their Joey’s Only Clam Chowder as this location was attached to Joey’s Only and I love seafood! The soup was so good – hot, creamy, full of clams and potatoes!

I was going to enjoy their Crispy Cajun Halibut Burger which to my shock was amazing! It was seasoned well again, and fried really nicely with a large and delicate piece of halibut! It was simple and it was all it needed!

Then, we ordered their Chicken Parmigiana Dinner which was a large meal as this was suppose to be lunch! The sauce was a little watered down, but still amazing! The piece of chicken was very generous!

Overall, we have an amazing time here! The service was friendly, the atmosphere was amazing and the food was perfect! The place is simple but so awesome.

LoKo's Lounge on Urbanspoon

Loko’s Lounge

404 7 Balsam Ave
Bragg Creek, AB
(403) 949-3336