Some resturant reviews for the out of town pooner

[Artoro KJ Dancer 11999]

Well, once again Etown was a great experience. I figured though I'd make a
post about some of the great restaurants I tried this time. Yes I'm a foodie,
as well as a pooner.

Edmonton is home base for one particular Food Network television show called
"Family Restaurant", which follows the lives of a family of Edmonton
restaurateurs.

Koutouki Taverna
http://www.koutouki.ca/

The first two seasons follows this wonderful Greek family and their small
empire of Greek restaurants. I went to the Taverna (the original) on 107ave
124st, which really isn't all that far from legends (about 18 blocks).

I was well greeted, and shown a seat, and despite the place being packed I
was given pretty good service. The Pita, and Humus was fresh, and really
well done, and the Elies (Olives) were really really good. But the Lamb
skewer, well that was simply PERFECTION! The flavor was great, and it
melted in my mouth. It was a great atmosphere with lots of laughing,
breaking plates, and a belly dancer. Exactly as you'd imagine any really
great Greek party.

I'm definately making this a regular part of my Etown trips.

The Lingnan
http://www.thelingnan.com/

In the third season, the show switched to another Edmonton restaurant,
this time the Lingnan which again features a family that is full of characters.
This resturant at 105 ave and 104st, is literally walking distance from
Legends and downtown. The building outside isn't much to look at, but once
you enter the door it's like walking into a oriental palace.

The service I got here was top notch, I was very impressed with the
number of staff they have on hand, but with 250 seats, plus doing takeout,
they are a very busy restaurant. Still I never felt like I was, as they have
the restaurant divided into several smaller rooms.

Here I started with the pork dumplings.... Well I was impressed these aren't
the pork dumplings you find in Calgary, or anywhere else. These were
obviously fresh made, and wrapped in a very thin pastry, not the thick
pastry most places use. Served with what I can best guess was a red wine
vinegar, and soya sauce dipping plate, the taste of these was amazing. For
this dish alone I'll be coming back. I then had the chicken in Black Bean
Sauce (A favorite of mine, and my typical measuring stick for any Chinese
place I try). It came out hot, and tasty. The sauce was properly done and
not too salty as some places make it, and the chicken and vegetables were
generous sized cuts. No cheaping out here, this is good VFM.


It wasn't all about hunting down the food from a favorite show though. I
had some other wonderful meals in Etown.

1905 Pub

The 1905 on 105st and Jasper ave downtown, is one of my favorite places
in Etown to stop for a pint, and something to eat. The burgers and hotdogs
here are off the hook, made all that much better by their very own 1905
chili. This time I went for the Chilli Burger which comes with a 10oz patty,
mustard, chilli, sauted mushrooms, and cheese.... Mmmmm tasty

1905 has a great laid back atmosphere, and amazing service and food,
definitely a must see place in Etown.

 

[Gabriela Iris]

Thanks for you food review Rollins!

I've always wondered about the Lingnan it's been there forever which is a good sign ;-). However glad to see that the food is so good. I'll have to drop by soon.

 

[ranting_woman]

Keep in mind that Lingnan serves westernized Chinese, so don't expect any authenticity or dishes with any spicy kick. You can also sample their food at Chicken For Lunch in the Scotia Place food court, but beware that the lineups are huge at lunchtime.

 

[Isabelle]

Rollins, thanks for the food reviews. I may try Koutouki Taverna. Anyone know if the Southside or Westend locations is as good as the one at 124th St?



I really don't get it, why is that place so popular? While the food is a little different, it's not exactly inexpensive, so why such long lineups everyday?

 

[thatlaurengirl]

Cause they serve "crack chicken". It's called "crack chicken" because it is addictive. Plus Amy remembers everyone's name and what you like so you are welcomed back every time. If she doesn't know your name she makes one up so you either tell her your name or get used to being called Noodle Boy.

If she doesn't know you or if your a first timer she tells you what you will like. She works her butt off there and keeps the line moving. I would hate to own the businesses beside her because she has a hundred people in the line and the businesses beside her just watch their money disappear into her cash register.

 

[savannah_rms]

Her portion sizes don't hurt either.... well unless you are on a diet.

Went to C.F.L. there on my last trip, and was also very impressed. She had
to use two big elastic bands just to keep the food container top, semi closed.
Plus the chicken was amazing. She knows the two things about getting
repeat customers... great service, and great product!

 

[Dhan Noon]

Hmmm...I like the ways of this woman you call Amy...lol. I'll have to go see for myself and of course have a taste of this "crack chicken" you talk about...sounds interesting.

 

[harbersbrent]

Hmmm thanks for the heads up. I was hoping that they would have evolved more.

 

[Gentleman]

Depends on the day (because of the specials) but yes, the lineup stretches across the foodcourt with about 60-80 people standing in line. Amie does an amazing job rushing through everything once you get to the front. usually faster then the fast food joints from the time you order to the time you get your food, and they often remember you oi, my days a the telus tower were well remembered by that family

 

[Unregistered]

very good reviews of fine dining

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the restaurants review. I will try Koutaki. Yelp has good reviews too.