a fresh approach
These are the kind of places you go to on vacation and rave about and say “why can’t we have this at home?” Well, we can and we do.
We love the direction these operators are taking dining in Edmonton with their new spots—new imaginings from experienced restaurant people and one from stylish newcomers. What puts them a cut above? A confidence in their vision. They are creating trends, not following them. They are hiring engaged people with skills, experience and depth, not an easy task these days.
These are restaurants, not concepts—singular, with a point of view, personal, and defiantly not cookie cutter. At the same time, they are welcoming. Hospitable. Sociable. The most important things.
These are the kind of places you go to on vacation and rave about and say “why can’t we have this at home?” Well, we can and we do.
Daniel Costa will be opening Rita in the Uccellino space on Jasper this summer. Expecting great things, like with every Corso Group restaurant—such attention to detail and superb spaces, with top notch food and drink. Menu by Daniel Costa and Micah Joffe.
Rita, 10349 Jasper Avenue.
Juu.Ku exec chef/co-owner Andrew Fung and general manager Ashley Jones
Juu.Ku, the realization of a dream for co-owner and chef Andrew Fung, is now open. The room glows, a rich, crimson jewel box—lush and intimate, with spectacular art by Tim Okamura. The menu is an ode to chef’s Hong Kong childhood—a delicious mix of Asian flavours and technique, and there is a sushi bar with sushi chefs. Don’t miss the crispy sushi bite with spicy tuna, king salmon and ponzu sauce (we predict this is the new tuna twist). Open every evening, with dim sum Friday-Sunday. Absolutely delicious food in a stylish atmosphere right next door to XIX in Terwillegar, Juu.Ku, 5946 Mullen Way, juuku.ca.
Nero exec chef/co-owner, Kunal Sawhney relaxing after the shift
Dave Manna, Kunal Sawhney and team have opened Nero in the actual Molson Building in the Brewery District. They have created a sumptuous space, with a new world/old world look, treasuring the original brick. There are 120 seats but split up in such a way that it never feels cavernous. There is a darling little bar on the main floor with its own identity and menu.
The menu upstairs is a bit more family Italian, with shared pastas and an outstanding steak dish, building on the success of the sister restos, Bianco in Rice Howard Way and Rosso in the Bridge District. Patio is coming soon. Nero, 12068 104 Avenue, neroeats.com.
Bar Trove exec chef Eric Hanson
Lauren Kyle and Brittany Schulz have created a lovely oasis in Bar Trove. It’s bijou, 32 seats only, luxurious yet cosy, with spectacular fittings and materials honouring the provenance of the building. (The city should give them a medal for rehabilitating the historic Canada Permanent Building in such a beautiful fashion). They are building an ace team, headed up by general manager Megan McTeague and chef Eric Hanson. Enjoy the sophisticated sharing menu for now—–standouts are the caviar chicken nuggets and Hamachi crudo. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm, lunch and patio to come. Bar Trove, 10126 100 Street, bartrove.ca.
taste edmonton
Enjoying a Taste of Edmonton
Did you know that Taste of Edmonton is western Canada’s largest outdoor food festival? Taste 200 dishes from over 50 local restos, including 10 that are new this year. Additionally, 75 artisans at the Wholly Handmade Market and 150 performers, including Canadian headliners Big Sugar and Trooper. It’s a jam-packed schedule from July 17-27 downtown at Winston Churchill Square. The Bar, managed by Sidecar Saloon, features local breweries Blindman Brewing, Leduc Brewing Co., Manual Labour Beer Co. and Polyrhythm Brewing. Get your tickets now at a pre-sale discount at Tasteofedm.ca.