Wildflower Grill Edmonton, AB - Canadiana fare marred by abysmal service

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Harvest creme brulee

Rating Food 6/10, Service 3/10
For a girlfriend's special occasion, we called ahead and made reservations to Wildflower Grill a place she frequented for lunch. A couple of us had come here before shortly after their reno's a while back and of all the couples present, all of us had celebrated one anniversary or another at Wildflower, so we were hoping for a great meal and a good time. What defines Canadiana fare? From previous experiences, it was locally sourced foods presented in a tasty and creative manner. Dark woods, large wine displays and white linens greet you when you step into the dimly lit dining area. We ate mainly by candlelight, so apologize for the blurry pics - haven't mastered cranking down the flash settings on the camera yet.  Unfortunately, the experience was marred by the rude and unacceptable service from the waitress assigned to our table, despite the manager assuring me when I made the reservation "you'll be well cared for". Anyways, onto the food!

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Van Loc Vietnamese Submarine Edmonton, AB - Best Vietnamese subs in the city!

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Where do we go when we have a craving for crisp baguettes stuffed full of savory Vietnamese shaved meats and crunchy pickled veges? Look no further than Van Loc, a small Vietnamese deli that serves up arguably the best Vietanmese subs in Edmonton. When in Calgary, we get the spicy beef or chicken satay subs from the "dumpster" sub place in Chinatown. If you're wondering where the heck that is, ask any Vietnamese person in Calgary. In Edmonton, we've been going to Van Loc for their delicious made to order Viet subs for years. They make in house traditional desserts and snacks which are usually popped into the display counter to the right, and all the various deli meats are available for purchase in the deli counter on the left. Sure, the decor could use some updating, and the menu board could be a bit less vague - but we're here for the subs, and if you're not certain of something, the staff will tell you what they put into everything. Order in the center where the cute little old lady with her ever present smile or her friendly family will make your sub to order.

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Highlands Kitchen Edmonton, AB - Amazing food hidden at your neighbourhood cafe - and those slow cooked bison ribs!!

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Rating Food 9/10, Service 8/10
With one of my best buds in town, we swing by this little gem tucked away in the Highlands area. Located in a quaint little neighbourhood, Highland's Kitchen goes above and beyond what anyone would expect from a little neighbourhood cafe. The decor is a blend of Victorian welcoming rustic charm and a touch of class. The Canadian-fusion menu is polished with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, and supporting local businesses, plus excellent service. In 2009, it was awarded En Route Magazine's top 10 new restaurants in Canada - and I would have to agree - it's definitely up there with Red Ox Inn! But I'm getting ahead of myself, so read on!

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Khazana Edmonton, AB - Back for dinner, grilled cheese, curry and butter chicken!

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Rating Service 7.5/10, Food 8/10
With an craving for freshly baked naan, grilled cheese and Khazana's oh so satisfying butter chicken, we step into the burnished copper and warm wood decorated dining room redolent with all sorts of savory scents, and snag a table close but not too close to the roasty toasty fireplace.  After we place our order, we catch glimpses of the chef using ridiculously long hooks to fish out freshly baked goodies, or reach deep into the oven to slap naan dough inside.  Service was efficient, though a bit inconsistent.

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Sushi Wasabi Edmonton, AB - gorgeous and delectable Sea Robin and nigiri!

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Rating 10/10 We have an insatiable appetite for Japanese fare. We admit it, but it taste sooooo good! And with all the omega 3's, its good for you too!  After a long day at work, we deep sixed making supper for another night and head out to our favourite sushi joint - Sushi Wasabi!  There's a few specials on the blackboard tonight including tako-wasabi (diced fresh octopus marinated in wasabi) - we haven't had this since Tako-No-Ki in Honolulu!  Something new too: sea robin - normally used as a substitute to rascasse/scorpionfish, in bouillabaisse (a type of French seafood soup), and generally hated by anglers since they love to steal bait right off your hook!  True to form, the Chef at Sushi Wasabi serves the sea robin is three different ways... mmm!  Service is fast with additional staff both in the kitchen and in the dining room.  Food came out within 10min!

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