Blue Plate Diner

Blue Plate Diner

10145 104 Street NW

Edmonton AB T5J 1A7

(780) 429-0740

Blue Plate Diner is a popular spot on 104 Street that I've visited on several previous occasions. A few weeks ago an overhaul of their menu was debuted with several new menu items, and a few old dishes put to rest (RIP enchiladas). I returned to taste a couple of newcomers as well as sample some remaining old favorites.

Veggie spring rolls

We started off with the new vegetarian spring rolls. They came out perfectly crisp and extremely hot, and were stuffed with carrots, sour cabbage, and onion. Though I found them overwhelmingly salty (boosted further by the soy dipping sauce), my guest was able to better appreciate the maple in the rolls as described in the menu.

Ginger & orange stir-fry with tofu

While I'm not vegetarian, I do appreciate the many and varied meatless options available on the menu (Specials on Mondays are always vegetarian as well, in observance of Meatless Monday). The ginger and orange stir-fry with tofu arrived spicy, as requested. The tofu was a touch chewy, but my guest enjoyed her dish otherwise, loaded with veggies and zesty with ginger.

Pork loin chop

Browsing the menu, I was instantly intrigued by the cinnamon bourbon demi-glaze in the new pork dish. When I sampled the glaze on its own, I was dubious; however, on the pork, the warm flavours of the glaze mellowed to complement the meat nicely. The dish was carefully presented atop a bed of grainy dijon-laden potatoes and surrounded by vegetables.

Beet cake

Though we'd hoped to sample their new chocolate fudge cake, the last piece went to another table just before we ordered dessert. I instead enjoyed an old favorite: the the beet cake. It was spiced similarly to carrot cake, and exceedingly moist. Just writing about its thick, cream cheese icing laced the bright zest of orange has my mouth watering again.

Though I wasn't blown away by the two new dishes I sampled at this visit, I appreciate Blue Plate Diner's efforts to inject new life into their already diverse menu. There are other new dishes I'd still like try, as well as more favourites to re-experience. Between their menu and easygoing, fun atmosphere, Blue Plate Diner is a reliable, good choice, and continues to keep me coming back.

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

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.