Top 5 Restaurants in YEG - Sarah York | Foodies of Edmonton

Foodies of Edmonton’s Top 5 Restaurants in YEG

1.Sabor

This spot has to be my top choice for this exquisite list for top 5 restaurants in Edmonton! Featuring the flavours of Iberian coastal cuisine using sustainable seafood, served alongside the passion and energy of live music with a Latin flare you are sure to enjoy your experience! The atmosphere is lovely along with caring service. Choose from an array of delicious handcrafted drinks using fresh ingredients, with an interesting variety of tapas and well thought out selection of seafood and as they like to call it “landfood”. Too top it off there are many gluten free options!

My dinner of choice would have to be the “Rack of Lamb” with roasted potatoes, vegetables and fresh mint-parsley.

2. The Marc

The Marc is one of those places where you leave and say, “I’ll be back!” Named one of the top three dining experiences in Edmonton and four-time winner of “Best Steak” by Avenue Magazine, it is sure to impress. The decor is simple and unpretentious, with a smooth casual but professional feel making in comfortable and relaxing. There is also the quaint street side patio available, of course in Edmonton weather permitting ;) The service and attention to detail is simply admirable with choices of a variety of traditional bistro fare.

My dinner of choice is the “Arctic Char” With precisely executed pan seared fish, served with couscous, and vegetable pieces. This colorful and summery dish will not disappoint!

3. Central Social Hall

This gastropub is the epitome of the meaning, while serving high-end beer drinks and food. Central began with a focus on its night time atmosphere but following renovations and months of re-working the menu it's clear that they value fresh, unique spins on classic pub fare. Particularly being impressed with the effort they put in to locally sourcing their food. Not to mention the free chicken wings on Friday from 3-6pm ;)

My dinner choice has to be the “Tokyo chicken” with crisp fried ginger + soy marinated chicken, crispy won ton chips with srirancha mayo accompanied by “The Beautiful Salad” grilled herb chicken, avocado hummus, ribbon carrots, candy cane beets, watermelon radish, spinach, cucumber, quinoa, grape tomatoes, toasted sunflower seeds, apple cider vinaigrette

4. Kabuki Sushi and Grill

My top-rated sushi spot by far! Kabuki Sushi has a mind-numbingly wide selection of items on the menu; the sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles, katsu and don buri (rice bowls), and a higher level of "exotic" variants. There's an adventure in figuring out what to order, and another adventure in consuming your catch! Fancy sushi rolls, easily big enough to share for two on date night. Sometimes the whole adventure is just searching through the menu, pinpointing those rolls which perfectly match the mood.

My dinner choice would have to be and order of “Dragon Eye Salmon”-House special combination of deep fried salmon, green onion and rice drenched in house sauce with the “House Roll”-Shrimp tempura, crab with unagi, avocado, tobiko on top

5. RGE RD

Last but certainly not least RGE RD! As they say it is “off the beaten path” with this Canadian cuisine inspired by our country’s fields and forest, our mountains and oceans. Source ingredients and provisions from farms and small-scale producers across Western Canada. Decadent farmhouse to table food! Those comfort foods you love elevated! Some special points about this dazzling restaurant are that RGE RD organizes a lineup of Farm Dinners across Alberta as well as having a butchery for some freshly prepared terrines, rillettes, sausages and selection of cured meats along with offering fresh baked breads!

My dinner of choice is the “Four Whistle Farms Duck” with roasted duck breast, duck tourtière, oven roasted pear, garden greens, cardamom duck jus. Delicious!

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Lauren Fuller | Sweet Skin Body Sugaring

My name is Lauren (pronounced La-ren) and my business is Sweet Skin Body Sugaring. I chose that service because I love making women feel beautiful and good about themselves. I also chose body sugaring because more people need to know about this amazing, all-natural way to remove unwanted hair. There are no chemicals in sugar (made up of sugar, water & lemon) and will never burn or peel your skin. Its semi permanent and is also a natural exfoliant. Every time someone tries sugaring, they never go back to shaving or any other kind of hair removal.

I was inspired to start my own business because I wanted to be in charge of my own hours/days that I work, I wanted to get into a field that I truly love (I wasn’t happy with my current job), and honestly, my mom was and still is a huge inspiration. She has been sugaring for almost 20 years and has always said I would be very good at sugaring because I have the personality for it. You must be good at making people feel comfortable and welcomed. I think I do a wonderful job at that.

My go to quote would be “you only live once.” I know, sounds so cliché, right? However, I really do believe that if you want to be a business owner, a teacher or an astronaut, then you CAN. Why waste time working at a job that you hate? Living your life unhappy? You have ONE life, so live it the way you want.

I would love to open my own sugaring spa one day! Right now, my business is out of my home and it’s a fabulous set up, but I dream of opening a store front. I could train other women to sugar and they could work at the spa. Doesn’t need to just be sugaring. As long as its all natural! Facials, massage, acupuncture, etc. I hope I can accomplish that within 2-3 years.

I get excited booking clients in, teaching them about skin care, making their skin smooth and building friendships with women. I learn something new from each person that walks through my door. I feel good when they compliment my home and sugaring room. It inspires me to work harder and do better each day.

I felt like giving up a week ago when I was starting to unpack my sugaring room and put everything together. I was very successful in Fort McMurray with my business because I knew way more people and built it up for 1.5 years. Moving to Edmonton has been overwhelming because I’m starting from the bottom again. I have to work extra hard to promote myself. However, I like a challenge and building my business again will be a wicked challenge. I can’t give up. I need to keep motivating myself and tell myself that things take time. I got this.

When I was still in Fort McMurray, I decided to quit my full-time job and only do body sugaring. I was so scared and nervous. My boyfriend was supportive and to this day is still very amazing about me being a business owner. I thought, what if I fail? What if something goes wrong? But it didn’t. I pushed past those nerves and built my clientele base up faster then I ever thought possible. That was a big moment of reassurance for me. Knowing I can do this without failing.

I have stressful days at times, so I usually have a bath, garden or walk my dogs. I find gardening the most therapeutic because I turn the tunes on and get into my own world. I love going to yoga when I have free time as well.

I hope to learn from other YEGBOSSBABES and I hope they learn from me. Us women need to stick together and support one another. This world is harsh, but if I can encourage even one person, my heart will be full.

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Glenda | Confessions of a Scorpio

Ever since I could remember, writing has always been an outlet for me. It was hard to shut my thoughts from exploring the creative realms in my mind. Paper and pen was where I started but then the internet happened and digital was a thing. *Cue in Xanga & LiveJournal* Needless to say, I’m still a paper and pen gal but majority of my writing is now on my blog; Confessions of a Scorpio.

What inspired you to start your own blog & business? What topics do you cover in your blog?

I’m Glenda (although most people know me as, Glenny). I originally launched Confessions of a Scorpio to tell my story of what it’s like being a woman living in a “man’s world” – from the party scene to the dating game. However, I started to write posts of my adventures in my long distance relationship in hopes to aspire lovers around the world to fight through the distance and well... my original idea didn’t quite fit. So I evolved my blog and my brand. Still writing about my long distance relationship, I now write about hidden gems around the world (especially in Edmonton- we have so many!) while also trying to empower body positivity through beauty and style.

Reconnecting back into the blogging realm, I ended up reigniting my passion for design. I also now do Social Media Management & Coaching.

What is a personal goal you have achieved and what is your next goal you want to accomplish?

I have so many goals in mind that I try to knock off every month but I suppose the biggest goal I achieved was getting out of a 9-5 job and following my passion in the creative field. For my next (big) goal, I would eventually love to create more 1:1 workshops where I can help other bloggers (and businesses) utilize social media, branding and how to properly collaborate for success!

Why do you love being a creative entrepreneur?

Being creative is a part of who I am. Granted, I can’t draw past a stickman, but my mind is constantly flowing with ideas. Although I feel like I’m constantly on the clock, having the ability to do what I love doesn’t feel like a ‘job’ – it’s more of a hobby. The best part of being a blogger / influencer is the ability to inspire others.

Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?

Oh heck yes! As much as I love doing what I do, it’s never easy. There have been so many times where I’ve wanted to throw the towel and I’m sure there will be more moments like that– but what gets me through another day is being around a great support system. Whether your support is online or offline, you need people to help you stay grounded and remind you why you started and how far you’ve come. Also pizza and wine is never a bad idea either.

What platforms do you find most success / interactions from?

Instagram and Facebook. Both platforms help get readers to my blog but I find that I am also able to connect with people on a personal level through facebook groups and instastories. I enjoy getting to know people and for my audience to know me behind that insta-perfect photo.

What are you looking to gain from other YEGBOSSBABES in the community?

I personally just love connecting with people. Whether for personal or business, vibing with the right individual – let alone community - helps me grow as a person. Plus, you can never have enough friends who love food & spontaneous adventures just as much as you!

What advice would you give someone getting into blogging?

It’s not going to be a walk in the park but never give up. Somewhere out there, you’re inspiring someone to be the best version of themselves – and is more than enough.

Interested in being featured? email us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com