The least Peruvian thing we could have done

Meat. Giant piles of meat. And MTV from the Eighties.

Last night began as most of our adventures do: with the pursuit of food. The plan was to head to a place in south Trujillo called El Uruguayo, a place with a reputation for large portions of tasty barbeque. We suited up for the outing, as the weather in Trujillo is quite mild and pants were required, and caught a taxi. I started out by incorrectly calling the restaurant El Urugayano, a subtle but important difference. But I had the address so it should have been fine. That is, if Lonely Planet had done their research better.

Transcendental Stimulation

Transcend Coffee's Garneau location opened last week in the old Pharos Pizza unit next to the Garneau Theatre. This is good. This is what we've all been waiting for. And don't get me wrong, I appreciate not having to drive all the way to godforsaken 62 Avenue and 98 Street to get a cup of Clover coffee (now owned by Starbucks - boo). But seriously, what in Jesus' name took so long? When you see the phrase "Coming Soon" you kind of assume that "soon" means "before I go crazy from unrequited coffee lust." Apparently not so.

Places I Like to Eat Lunch: Shanghai Express

There is something about shiny food that intrigues me. Fruit and veg can be shiny, but that's not what I'm talking about. I mean artificial shine; when people intentionally shine up their food, like a bowling ball or a nice pair of shoes, it makes me want to eat it. I can't explain why. And Shanghai Express makes the shiniest food around.

Moriarty's Bistro and Wine Bar

Every neighbourhood has one business location where nothing can survive. We've all seen these poor investment black holes: the mom and pop Turkish restaurant that's also a dry cleaner, the deli counter cafe that still expects a 15% tip, the corner store with only two shelves of imported British snacks. Three to six months later and the "For Lease" sign goes back in the window, ready to swallow up someone else's life savings. The space at 10154 100 Street used to be a revolving door; it has been several things, including empty, since I moved to Edmonton. But most recently, the wise and cunning owners of the Sherlock Holmes Pub, right next door, opened Moriarty's Bistro and Wine Bar, a classy, tasty, and hopefully permanent fixture in the downtown revival.

Louisiana Purchase: Then and Now

When I first moved to The Flat, I happened to stroll past Lousiana Purchase, an out-of-the-way Cajun and Creole eatery west of downtown. I thought to myself, "Self, remember to eat some of that." And I did. And it was good.