MRKT

MRKT

10542 Jasper Avenue

Edmonton, AB T5J 1Z7

(780) 757-6758

Since opening on Jasper Avenue in 2010, MRKT (pronounced like market, not Mr. K.T.) has offered their flavourful yet speedy take on lunchtime favorites to downtown. They later expanded their hours and menu to serve the supper crowd -- a fact I'm grateful for as I rarely have a chance to get downtown during weekdays! 

Braised beef sandwich (L) and Guajillo spiced pork soup (R)

Prior to my evening visit, I did have the chance to stop in and grab a lunch to-go. The braised beef was tender and scrumptious, stuffed inside a sliced bun. The meat soup of the day, Guajillo spiced pork and white bean soup, was flavourful and hearty, though I encountered only one piece of meat in my bowl.

Croquettes (L) and house-made ricotta with chutney (R)

Our evening meal got off to an excellent start with the night's special, caramelized onion and potato croquettes, were, simply, incredible when paired with the brilliant tomato sauce (I wish they were on the regular menu). The house-made ricotta was lusciously creamy without being overly salted.

Tasting plate

The tasting plate was the highlight of the meal. The cheeses and meats were delicious on their own, but 

the trimmings (including pine nut-infused honey, curried mustard, and fresh figs) were what made this plate stand out from others I've experienced in the city. 

Penne, covered in a sauce of pulled pork arrived a short wait after we finished the appetizers. The sauce was savoury and full of flavor, but the pasta was unfortunately somewhat overcooked. 

The desserts were enjoyable, but not extraordinary. Though the marks of the torching were present, very little caramel had crystallized to contrast in texture with the decadent custard of the peanut butter creme brulee. The flourless chocolate cake itself paled in comparison its tangy vanilla goat cheese cream partner.  

By day, MRKT is a refreshingly inspired cafeteria for the hurried downtown lunch crowd. By night, however, the hustle slows, and MRKT offers food that encourages visitors to share and linger over their creative take on a variety of ingredients. Overall, I enjoyed my visits at both paces, and hope to stop by again soon.

Restaurant website

Delux Burger Bar (Magrath)

Delux Burger Bar (Magrath)

14111 23 Avenue 

Edmonton, AB T6R 3T7

(780) 989-2747

When I learned that Delux Burger Bar was closing its West Edmonton Mall location, I was disappointed. I'd visited several times in the past, and it became my go-to spot for a burger fix. However, as they closed the WEM location, the finishing touches to a new location were being made in a space at Magrath Market, formally occupied by a Wok Box. Delux Burger Bar, a Century Hospitality-owned chain, offers burgers and fries in an atmosphere more akin to an Earl's than a Five Guys. The prices reflect that, with burgers ranging from $10 for a basic 7oz heritage angus cheeseburger to $20 for an 8 oz kobe, and sides available a la carte. 

I was greeted by dimmed lighting and a blue color scheme familiar to me from the other locations, and I was initially quite impressed with the the renovation of the space. However, as we squeezed past others to be seated, I quickly realized the layout was quite tightly packed for a non-bistro restaurant. The tot at the adjacent table was able to reach across the very small gap between us and touch my guest, and even our waitress commented on the challenge of serving in such close quarters. While waiting in the inevitable washroom line up (there is only one washroom for each sex) another patron commented that restaurant just has too many seats for the space available. I've got to say that I agree. 

Clockwise from top: Kobe burger, cookies 'n' cream, fries

As I've come to expect from my visits to the other Delux locations, the food was delicious. My kobe beef patty was juicy and flavourful, and combined with bacon, cheddar, and a big onion ring, made for a very satisfying burger. Delux's fries, freshly-cut, crispy and accompanied by an addictive chipotle mayo are some of my favorites in the city.

While it's difficult to fault a restaurant for attempting to maximize seating in a tight space -- and I'm glad business is doing well -- I felt the comfortable dining experience at the old WEM location fit Delux's concept and helped justify their pricing. Perhaps when the new Magrath spot is less busy it feels more spacious, but, during my weekend visit, it was notably cramped. That being said, I did enjoy the food, and will return in the future, but likely not until the novelty and crowds subside. 

Restaurant website

Fionn MacCool's

Fionn MacCool's

4485 Gateway Boulevard

Edmonton, AB T6H 5C2

(780) 431-1100

Fionn MacCool's is found on the south end of the Holiday Inn on Gateway Boulevard. Opening in the spring of 2012, it is a part of the Prime Pubs chain of Irish-style pubs found across the country. The restaurant is decorated in dark wood with glass etched with beer company logos dividing sections. Classic rock hits waft through the atmosphere at a moderate volume.

The establishment is divided into a dining room and a bar, with the elevation of the tables and proximity to the bar being the only differences I noted. Perhaps it's more lively on Fridays and Saturdays, but on my Sunday evening visit the spirit laid-back with many couples out for dinner, and hotel guests working on their laptops over beers.

Mini Yorkshire puddings

I started out with a Guinness, and an order of miniature yorkshire puddings. These were freshly baked, and stuffed with a tender beef short rib. It was braised with an unfortunately salty sauce that masked most of the Alexander Keith's IPA it reportedly contained.

Haddock sandwich (L) & pub salad with chicken (R)

The haddock sandwich was the tasty combination of haddock, fried to a perfect crisp, topped with lobster and slaw. Accompanied by thick-cut fries, my guest was very satisfied with his entree. Though the kitchen initially forgot the asparagus spears for my salad, they arrived quickly after I enquired, and I enjoyed the dish, particularly the oniony zest of the Strongbow Cider dressing.

Spice cake

We visited on the eve of a menu change, and were able to have a sneak preview of their new spice cake dessert. Warm, covered in caramel, and with a tangy cream cheese consort, I'm confident this will be a popular new item.

My guest and I enjoyed our selections that evening, and both of us saw several menu items we'd like to try at future visits. The service was attentive, and I appreciated the easygoing atmosphere and fairly low noise level for our casual dinner. For hearty, comforting food in a decent North American interpretation of an Irish Pub, Fionn MacCool's is worth a visit if you're in the area.

Restaurant website

Bubba's BBQ & Smoke House

Bubba's BBQ & Smoke House

Gateway Boulevard 

Edmonton AB 

(780) 909-8036

It can be tricky to find Bubba's BBQ & Smoke House, a small trailer parked in a lot just south of 48th Avenue on Gateway Blvd. From that trailer, however, comes an aroma of barbecue that can be sensed by an attune nose blocks away.

Open weekdays only during lunch (11:30am til the food runs out), Bubba's BBQ and Smoke House is the retirement project for the owner, "Bubba". Though he's not a formally trained chef, or from the South, he's loves barbecue and has studied the techniques on his own. Join the often lengthy line-up at his window early to get the entree of the day before it runs out ($11, cash only). There is no flexibility to choose your sides or entree, so adjust your schedule to get what you you want. One choice of canned soft drink, Pepsi, is available for an additional dollar. Be prepared to eat in your car, or to take in the scent of your food as you drive home, as there are no tables in the lot.

Chicken and ribs

Chicken and rib day (currently Mondays) is my present favourite. The smokey meat and spiced rubs smell (I'm always salivating by the time I get the food home) and taste heavenly. The accompanying sweet and savoury barbecue sauce is perfect on the meat, and also makes the otherwise basic side of rice more interesting. 

Beef brisket

These days, if you're by on a Thursday you'll meet the hickory beef brisket. It's messy, smoky, hearty and succulent on a soft white bun. The beans are a tasty side, swimming in a tangy tomato based sauce. For something different, Wednesday offers the Carolina pulled pork sandwich with a mustard-based sauce, which is even more delicious when topped with the accompanying honey mustard coleslaw. If you prefer a tomato-based sauce, try Tuesday's Tennessee pulled pork.

If you've got a craving for meat and have some time on your lunch break, venture to Bubba's for your fix. If you're particular, you can check for recent tweets or call for menu changes before you go. But if you just line up, and get whatever's Bubba's serving up that day, it's unlikely you'll be disappointed.