If you haven’t heard of the immensely popular blog Design Sponge, most definitely head on over and check it out! I follow a lot of design/fashion/lifestyle blogs and this one is at the top of my must reads. In addition to the wealth of info on DIY’s, design, entertaining, etc., I love checking out the city guides from all over the world! It always makes me want to pack my bags and go explore. And then, the other day I was pleasantly surprised to see my hometown featured on the site!!! Amy Wowk did an incredible job showcasing our fabulous city and has reminded me of the amazing gems we have (some of which I have yet to enjoy!). I love that she focused on the smaller, grassroots organizations and broke them down by area in the city. A lot of people don’t know that Edmonton has a lot more to offer than a big mall and a hockey team and I think this guide really proved this city is versatile, artistic and vibrant in more ways than one.
Check it out here: Edmonton City Guide
I loved all Amy’s Whyte Ave. choices: High Level, SugarBowl, Vivid, Planet Organic, Oak & Fort are all favourites I share. But being a resident of the Strathcona/Whyte Ave. area I thought I would add a few more excellent options to Amy’s already extensive list. So without further ado, I present, Inspired by Lynne’s Edmonton City Guide 🙂
To Eat
After a couple failed attempts due to poor planning, I finally got to eat at the Three Boars eatery. And boy oh boy did it live up to all the hype. The server was amazing, choosing for us a plethora of dishes to sample. Menu items are a bit smaller, so it’s the perfect place to share. Book in advance, because it is super cozy in there and word is spreading fast.
I absolutely love The Next Act, which Amy talked about, but when there is a wait a close second is the Pourhouse, with its great selection of beers and laid-back vibe. I love the exposed brick, gorgeous tiled fireplace and the old movies on constant rotation. They just updated their menu which I suggest checking out!
If you’re in the mood for a little New Orleans fare, Dadeo’s has become a Whyte Ave. legend. When I go there, I have to have a Vanilla Coke! Nothing can compare! And my favourite part of the meal is the biscuits and jalapeño jelly they drop off almost immediately. Po Boys and sweet potato fries?? Enough said! But even better than the food is the unique atmosphere: 50’s diner decor, jukeboxes at every table and great people.
When Ryan and I need a date night and are craving Italian, we head to our favourite spot on Whyte, Chianti’s. Stationed in the old Post Office building of Strathcona, it has a really unique feel and can accommodate huge numbers. Every time we go, we get the exact same thing…and we go often. Mediterranean penne for me and Carbonara spaghetti for Ryan. We are creatures of habit! The food is great and we love that the restaurant is a proud supporter of the Arts and even recently became a venue at our annual Fringe Festival. Way to go!
No list would be complete without our favourite spot for breakfast. Ryan and I are big breakfast people and love a good Sunday outing to The Blue Chair, which is right down the street from our home. The eggs? Fabulous! Banana bread french toast? Heavenly! Fluffy blueberry pancakes? Oh yeah! And to top it all off, the live band serenades you as you sip your coffee. It’s important for me to mention that this place is one of Edmonton’s premiere music venues on top of being a great restaurant and you can rent it out for your own events to boot.
To Do
There is nothing better than taking a stroll down the ave on a gorgeous day or sitting with a latte and people/dog watching. I always make sure to stop in at Loft 82 and Oak & Fort and usually come out with a bag in hand. Of course the Saturday Farmer’s Market is a must with a stop at New York Bagel cafe afterwards. Movie buff? I love the Princess Theatre and seeing movies in the vintage space rather than the large busy theatres.
Whyte Ave is of course home to the world renown Edmonton Fringe Festival but there is a vibrant theatre scene throughout the rest of the year. The Catalyst was where I fell in love with the story of Frankenstein, the Walterdale was where I saw friends make their theatrical debuts and the Varscona was where I laughed for the first time at improvised games. Rapid Fire Theatre’s Theatresports has now moved over to the Citadel downtown but it remains one of my favourite ways to spend a Friday night with friends.
Have I convinced you to come down and spend some time on the ave?? Local resident with some more places to add?? Please let me know!