British Columbia: The coffee coast.

We’ve recently returned from a week-long venture out to Canada’s West Coast over spring break.  There’s lots we’re excited to share about our trip, but where to start…

How about with coffee?

Having recently celebrated Brendon’s fifth year in the specialty coffee community, a visit to some of Canada’s finest specialty coffee establishments was long overdue.  After being cooped up in The Deer for a little while, it was refreshing and invigorating to once again find ourselves in a city with so many options for where to grab a caffeinated beverage.

Overall impressions were very pleasing.

Knowing that specialty coffee has been established in Vancouver and Victoria a lot longer than the rest of Canada (probably due to its proximity to Seattle, where specialty coffee in North America originated), there were high expectations going in.  That being said, we were generally quite satisfied with all of our cafe experiences.

Now there are many ways to analyze or judge establishments that serve coffee.  We’ve decided to go the route of making a few special mentions in various categories:

Best pour over: Revolver.  Brendon thoroughly enjoyed his Ethiopian pour over from Heart Coffee Roasters.

Friendliest service: Timbertrain Coffee Roasters.

Having just opened two months ago. this place was actually not on our list, but we are ever so glad we stumbled upon this gem while strolling along West Cordova St. in Gastown.

Brendon enjoyed a good espresso and a tasty cold brew from the friendly guys at Timber Train.  It was fairly quiet when we first went in, which we appreciated because it allowed us the opportunity to talk with owners Peter & Jeff (as opposed to Revolver, which felt a bit rushed/noisy because of how busy it was.)

Best design: Tie between Timbertrain and Nelson the Seagull, both which sport a very different vibe.

Timber Train’s design was clean and slightly industrial.  We thought the seating within the mock train car setup was pretty unique.

Nelson the Seagull was much more eclectic, filled with a bustling hipster audience and an array of vintage nicknacks, bunting, and interesting items to gaze at for hours.

Best glutenous product: Sourdough toast with freshly whipped butter at Matchstick.

The new Matchstick cafe on East Georgia St., which just opened up a month ago, embodied a minimalist design.  Simple touches like the blackened wood wall and the severed log tables were features that brought a natural warmth to the space.  We appreciated how how well-lit it was, with ample seating.  The intention in design was very evident.

Special mention in the glutenous product category also goes out to Nelson the Seagull for a croissant that Brendon says he will remember for a long time, (though too rich to indulge in regularly.)

Most coastal cafe: Tofino Coffee Company.

We discovered Tofino had their own coffee company when we saw their beans for sale in the grocery store, then asked around to find out the location of their cafe.  Out of all the cafes we visited, this one had the most West-Coast feel to it.  We loved the gigantic stumps that served as seating and also brought a rustic, natural vibe to the space.  We had a friendly chat with the owner, and the coffee was pretty good too.

Overall good experience with good coffee:  Fernwood.  I actually didn’t take any pictures inside because initially, nothing stood out to me.  The lighting wasn’t great, and there weren’t any particular decor elements that wowed us. But overall, the service and coffee were very good, and atmosphere was comfortable.  However, this was the only cafe we visit twice, and bought a bag of coffee from, on our trip out West.  So I guess that has to say something.

If you’re not interested in coffee at all, sorry… this post post was probably a bit boring for you.  But don’t worry, we did do other things on our trip out West besides explore cafes.  Looking forward to being able to share those with you soon!

Thankful hearts.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, our first Canadian Thanksgiving in a little while, we stop to give thanks for many things.

Though not all could fit in this list, or be conveyed through a blog post, we find our hearts thankful, and wanted to express a bit of that.

We are thankful…

For a place to call home (and a closet to hang our clothes in.)

Remember our good friends Kristen, Brandon, and Imogen in NZ?  Well, Kristen’s parents (Dennis and Eunice) live in Red Deer, and have graciously invited us in to their beautiful house and given us a place to call “home” for the next few months.

For family- close by and afar.  (But much closer now than before, now that we are no longer separated by an ocean.)

For sisters.

For nieces and nephews.

For autumnal colors, flavors, and aromas.

For good friends and farmers markets.

For a set of wheels to get us around, and from city to city (which we purchased from a friend just 4 days before receiving the call that we were moving to Red Deer)…

For unexpected reunions with Kiwi friends… on Canadian soil (more on this one later).

For so many wonderful memories of times and adventures in our adoptive homeland of NZ… we shall never forget its striking beauty, nor the people who worked their way into our hearts over those 3.5 years.  We savour opportunities to talk about those days, and ears that care to listen.

For an incredible school to call my place of employment, and a stellar group of students to spend my days with… it feels amazing to be a teacher again!

For a place for Brendon to ponder, read, and write, which at present, is the Red Deer Public Library.

Oh, and we can’t forget the epic Prairie sunsets.

On a very honest note, we are still feeling a bit unsettled in our transition, but we recognize all these things (along with all that has been left unmentioned) as immense blessings, which we are sincerely grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends and families here in Canada, as well as those celebrating this holiday of thankfulness on other parts of the globe.

Chiang Mai: Redeemed by coffee.

Many friends had spoken highly to us about Chiang Mai. This may have created some lofty expectations for Thailand’s central city of the north.

Located 700km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the capital of the Chiang Mai Province. With a population of approximately 1 million, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s fifth largest city. Set within the rolling foothills of the Himalayan mountains and surrounded by lush greenery, Chiang Mai attracts a large number of outdoor enthusiasts as well as those who want to flee Bangkok’s bustle.

The city itself is really quite pretty. Its historical centre lies within the walled city, only now partially bordered by remnants of an aged brick wall, and surrounded by a moat. Within the remaining city walls are more than 30 temples, along with some shops and guesthouses.

We tried to do a “Monk Chat” at one of the local temples, but what we received back was this note. Apparently, the monk who normally chats with Engish-speaking visitors was not available.

While it may be charming and with a slower pace of life than Bangkok, we did experience some frustrations while in Chiang Mai.

With a list in hand of some recommended shops and eating establishments to check out, we were met with disappointment a number of times when we were not find our desired location. Our frustrations were due to a number of factors:

1. Not all streets in Chiang Mai are labelled. Our accommodation, Isra House, was one example of a destination located on an unlabeled street. It holds the reputation of Chiang Mai’s most hidden guest house.

2. Houses and buildings are usually not numbered. If on a labelled street, usually only the street name or number is given. If we were lucky, we were able to find out what Soi (side street) the destination was located near to.

3. We found that addresses and maps were not always accurate. Even when we thought we knew where something should be, it often turned out to be different. Google Maps definitely led us astray more than once.

4. A lack of a good public transport system (there are no trains or buses) meant that one had to rely on tuktuks or songthews (red trucks), or spend a lot of time searching on foot.

5. The language barrier meant that even if you stopped to ask for directions, it was difficult to find someone who spoke English well enough to understand what you were looking for or provide any helpful information.

All of this meant that we spent many hours wandering the streets of Chiang Mai, often on empty stomachs, with sore feet and tired legs.

In light of these frustrations, the redeeming factor in our Chiang Mai experience was the coffee scene.

Doppio Ristr8to is a cafe owned by a Thai guy who worked in the Australian coffee scene before returning to his roots in Change Mia to open up this cafe/roastery.

We were impressed by the wide range of brew methods and single origin coffees that Doppio offered.

The individualized nature of their iced coffee beverages was also appreciated. Serving the espresso and milk in separate pouring vessels, the customer is given control of each element to craft their ideal beverage.

Our visit to Akma Ahma Coffee on Hassadhisawee Road was the true highlight of Chiang Mai for us.

We had the chance to sit down with Lee, the owner of Akma Ama, and share some coffee together.

Over coffee, he explained how the coffee served at his cafe, the Chiang Mai peaberry, comes from his parents’ coffee farm, just a few hours north of Chiang Mai.

We heard about his desire to improve the quality of coffee served not only at his cafe, but also throughout the Thai coffee community.

Lee is a super cool guy. Sincere, warm, and humble, we both took quite a liking to him and hope that our paths will cross again one day.

A heads up to people in the coffee industry: There is some awesome stuff going down in Northern Thailand with coffee. If you ever get the chance to meet Lee or visit Akha Ama Coffee one day for yourself, we highly recommend you don’t pass up this opportunity.

Good morning, Vietnam.

Just a few days ago, we said hello to the fourth country in our journey: Vietnam.

So far, Vietnam is charming us with her iced coffees, an abundance of fresh herbs, and a feast of color for the eyes.

We are happy to say that we successfully managed to avoid getting hit by a scooter (something we found on a “top ten things to do in Saigon” list), and while we definitely enjoyed the buzz of this very much alive city, we are now savoring the serenity of Hoi An’s much quieter but still very colorful city streets.

While many have travelled these roads before us, and many more will come after, we realize that we are very priviledged to be here right now, and are trying to make the most of this time and allow it to broaden our perspectives.

Siem Reap & Melbourne: Same same, but different?

What do Siem Reap, Cambodia and Melbourne, Australia have in common?

Bicycles.

Bustling alleyways full of attractive eateries and hip boutiques.

A vibrant local arts and design scene.

These are just 3 of the reasons we are loving our current location of Siem Reap.

Speaking of Melbourne, the World Bariata Championships is underway there as we speak! Thinking of the many people we know who are in Melbourne this week- as competitors, volunteers, judges and spectators. A special shout out to Nick Clark of Flight Coffee in Wellington and Jeremy Ho of Phil & Sebastian in Calgary for representing our home nation and our adoptive one. Cheering on these two from Siem Reap!

O Canada: We’ve missed you! [Things we are looking forward to returning to].

Two years ago, we began a few lists of things we miss/do not miss from Canada, and things that we will/will not miss when leave NZ (excluding humans).  This is the first in a series of 4 posts that will unveil our lists to public eyes.

Since making some changes to our diets while in NZ, a number of items have come off our list (beause we no longer miss them).

Things we miss from Canada (and are looking forward to returning to) include:

Joe Clothing.

The organic aisle at Superstore.

Transcend Coffee. (photo credit: Transcend Coffee)

Pedestrians having the right of way.

Cheap(er) groceries… wait- cheap(er) everything.

Saskatoon berries.

Spaghetti squash.

Majestic horned creatures. (photo credit: Andy Goodall)

Teaching once again in the system I was trained in.

Cafes open past 4pm.

Cozy Christmases.

Central heating.

Salsa in massive jugs.

Dill pickles.

Benefits for teachers.

Free healthcare.

Opportunities to practice the French language.

Affordable gym memberships.

Michael’s (one stop for all your crafting needs).

Maple syrup aplenty.

A whole lot of land out there for us to explore.

Theologian in residence.

What is it like to be a theologian in residence?  Or moreso, what is it like to be a theologian who lives in residence at the school in which one is training?

I took this opportunity to take a step back from my role as wife, and take on the role of aspiring journalist in this conversation with Brendon.

(Mel)  So Brendon, would you consider yourself a theologian in residence?

(Brendon) Well Mel, I suppose I am a theologian in residence because I fill my days doing theology, and I live on campus- very close to my office. So, yes, I suppose I am a theologian who resides where I work.

How do you feel about the title ‘theologian in residence’?

I guess the title of ‘theologian in residence’ is fairly descriptive of my role right now, so yeah, I feel positive about it. I would also be open in the future to have this title applied to me in a different way… say the theologian in residence of a school, or a company that was not explicitly a theological institution.

In your opinion, what does it mean to be a theologian?

Good question Mel. I think that a theologian in someone who, within a community, takes on the role of trying to figure out what binds that community together, and how to describe and pass on these convictions in a way that makes sense of and is helpful to the world external and internal to that community.

When did you start to feel like a theologian (as opposed to a theology student)?

That is a tough one. I think it was when I had the sense that I could contribute to the conversation. When you are a student (I do still consider myself a student also because the field of theology is so vast and historic) you are mainly listening and trying to figure out what is going on. There came a point when I wanted to speak and think in a way that might be helpful to the broader conversation. I guess thats when my identity as a theologian came into formation.

Describe a typical day in your world.

Well, over the last few months, my typical day has begun with an early morning work out at the gym across the road, then back for breakfast and a coffee before making the 30 second commute to my office. Once there, I do the regular check of emails and social media, then try to get into my work.  I figure out where I left off and try to find that same mind set and get back into it. I aim to write a solid first draft so that I won’t have to do drastic revisions. I usually stop for a second coffee/morning tea around 9:30 – 10, then break for a short lunch mid-day.  I usually plug away until I have no momentum or feel like starting to cook supper. It is usually around this time that I look forward to your return from school.

Sounds like you’ve got some strong routines going.  What kind of challenges have you come up against in working on your PhD, and how do you overcome them?

I guess the main challenge is a confidence issue- to be confident that what you are saying is worthwhile and significant.  Because a PhD has to contain a significant amount of original contribution to the field, it is easy to feel like you are making stuff up sometimes, which is a bit unnerving especially when it comes to theology. After this, there are the normal problems that writers encounter, such as getting stuck in a section, becoming distracted by ideas which are not central to the thesis, lack of motivation, total brain blocks, etc. I’m lucky I have an encouraging wife who helps me with pistachios during the rough patches.

And the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part… I suppose it is having people read it (which is only my supervisors at this point) and to have them understand what I am trying to do.  It is encouraging when that happens.  Receiving the affirmation that what I’m doing insn’t crazy, but actually will contribute in ways that I think it can, is immensely rewarding.

Has doing a PhD been what you expected?

Well, my expectations about what a PhD would involve weren’t overly concrete coming in, but I guess what I did expect was for it to be a very large research and writing process. I have found it both harder and easier than expected. Harder because there are not very many people whom I can talk to about my topic. It is a fairly lonely thing sometimes. It is easier because I get to write what I want, how I want (within reason). It is very interesting because I get to explore the ideas I think matter, and are helpful.

For those who may have forgotten, what is the focus of your PhD, again? 

I am looking at the theological method of James McClendon.  He was an American theologian writing in the late twentieth century, who is worthy of study, but not much has been done on him so far.  One aspect of my PhD involves taking McClendon’s use of biography as theology, and turning it back on himself to examine his own theology through his life story.

Tell us about your workspace, where all the magic happens.

Oh, this little old, yellow floored, converted dorm room… Well, what can I say?  I have tried to make it a space where I can feel comfortable, and have some productive times. I’ve put up a few things on the walls which are cool to look at, but have kept it fairly simple.  I guess there are less distractions down here in this former boys’ residence hall than in my previous office, and I think I have been more productive since making the move, so that is good.

I noticed a wooden knob encased in carpet hanging by your door.  Can you tell us about that?  

Oh that?  That’s the light switch.  Pure old school charm, right there.  Give it a tug and you’ll see the light come on.

What’s in your cup?

My cup is most often filled with coffee. The past two favorites have been from Andrew at EW, sorting me out with some custom roasts of Santa Clara from Guatamala, and a beauty Kenyan Gatunyu. Aeropress has been my brew method of choice lately. I have also been going with tea in the afternoons- mainly Earl Greys.  Those have been nice too.

What books is your nose in these days?

I feel like I have been living in the same books quite a bit lately. Probably the main one that has been open has been McClendon’s Vol. 2 of his systematics, Doctrine. For what I have been working on lately, it has been the most important. But I have also been getting into Wittgenstein a bit more in this chapter, which has been a nice treat.

Are theologians a common breed around here?

It really depends on how you understand what a theologian is. I would say that we are not a very common breed. There are more people who study the Bible, which I guess could fall under the first part of how I answered what it means to be a theologian. But I feel like they often then stay there, without  connecting this Biblical study to the other parts of what is going on in the world.

I was lucky enough, however, to have connected with a few other theology students who enjoy getting into theological discussion… Theological conversation takes time, and to really understand someone else takes lots of exposure to their thinking and their lives. Over the course of the last couple years, the four of us have had some great theological discussion. We met regularly on Fridays, and this was a time that I greatly appreciated.  I will miss having these friends/colleagues around in the future. We are planning on starting a sort of online theology journal type thing in the near future to continue our sharing of thoughts.

What do you most enjoy about the student life?

There are many aspects to being a student which are pretty great.  The freedom and flexibility in my schedule have allowed me to take time off with you and go on adventures fairly freely compared to most occupations. I also love the learning. I get to think, and learn about things which are important. That is a huge honour, and I take that seriously and want to contribute to society with what I have learned.

What’s next?

Next? I don’t really know. I want to continue to refine my perspective on things. I like how I have come to see the world, and want to keep that growing. I look forward to applying my learning and understandings to other facets, the first one being the coffee industry. I have an idea for writing a theology of coffee, which I think could be quite cool.

Thanks so much for chatting, Brendon.  It’s been neat getting a peak inside the life of a theologian in residence.   Congrats on nearly reaching the halfway point in your PhD, which I look forward to reading the entirety of someday.

Thoughts on the 2013 NZBC.

(photo credit: Emma Markland Webster)

Breno here.  Well, another barista competition has come and gone in NZ. This is the fourth I’ve been to since coming to this fine coffee drinking nation. Each one has been different, and at each one, I assumed a very different role. Let’s recap:

2010:  (I can’t believe how much hair I’ve lost in 3 years!)  We had just arrived in NZ, so it was my first real meeting of people, competitors, movers, shakers, legends, etc. I was a runner and time keeper. Lui won.

2011: I wasn’t competing, but wanted to be involved at a deeper level, so I asked to judge at the regional competition, and gained a lot of knowledge about the competition and got to know people a bit better. It made me realize how challenging and tiring judging is (props to the judges this year, huge effort). Nationals were in Wellington, Max from EW was a competitor, there were some really hot machines, it was raining, Natasha was here with her new son, and in the end, Hide won.

2012: This was my year to compete. Great experience with a great coffee and some great people around me. I ended up finishing fourth, and being very proud of the presentation and message I brought. People seemed to like it too.

So that brings us up to this year. Time has flown (insane). This year, I decided not to compete for a few reasons: 1) We are leaving the country soon. 2) I am trying to write my PhD. 3) A few other reasons which mainly steam from either 1 or 2.

(photo credit: Michael CY Park)

But, I still wanted to be involved in a meaningful way. One of my favorite parts of competing last year was chatting afterwards with the MC’s. Barista competitions are good times not only for the coffee but because baristas are usually cool people. So I asked Emma if Carl (Sara of Crafted coffee and MC extrodinaire) needed an assistant MC for the weekend. This ended up being very good, very tiring, but good. As it turned out, Carl was needed to do a few other important tasks for the weekend and so his MCing was limited a bit. Which left me with the mic quite a bit of the time.

(photo credit: Emma Markland Webster)

I was okay with this, though, and embraced the awkwardness of talking to everyone/no one about things like our sponsors and other fascinating items. I also got to chat with the baristas about coffee, and things relating to it, which was the good part of it for sure. For Saturday, I was joined by David Burton, who is a legend in NZ coffee. And we teamed up to entertain and inform.

A few thoughts about this year’s competition:

1. Good to see McDonald’s getting involved. There were three competitors from McD’s and they held their own. I didn’t get to taste their coffee, but they knew what they were in for, and were prepared. As easy as it is to mock or put down their efforts, at least they showed up, and their baristas will be better for it thats for sure. Not everyone did show up.

2. Ladies! 4 of the 6 finalists were women. Good job ladies, in a traditionally male dominated sport(?) this was good to see.

(photo credit: Michael CY Park)

3. Go Hannah! Big shout out to Hannah and Akio who did EW proud. 2nd place finish is a huge result. Hannah’s presentation was polished, clear, engaging and thoughtful. She did a series of experiments with acidity which culminated in her adding acid (in the form of cherry infused lemon juice, Himalayan salt solution, and some tannic grape-seed juice) to an already acidic coffee, and then having the judges choose their accompanying sweetness, either glucose, fructose, or sucrose. It was great. Congrats Hannah.

(photo credit Michael CY Park)

4. It was cool to see people playing with smells more in their sig drinks.

5. Blends or SO? There were a bit of both going on, and if you have seen any of the latest tweets from @CoffeeGeek this is a discussion that is coming back a bit. With great coffee becoming more prevalent will blending to achieve mind-blowing become more common, or roasting to highlight an already stunning single origin become even more prevalent.

6. All the competitors did well. The finals were very tight and all the coffee was very good. These things just keep getting harder. Good job to Adisson, Hadassah, Masako, Alla, Hannah, and Nick. Great accomplishments all around.

(Top 3: photo credit Michael CY Park)

7. Nick Clark. This is our NZBC 2013 Champion. He has placed 3rd the previous 2 years, and has put in a lot of time and effort into a very clear, synthesized, presentation, highlighting a very interesting coffee. A natural (french mission natural bourbon) from Kenya. Natural processed coffees are rare in Kenya and this was a beauty. Lots of clarity for a natural, and huge fruit as you would expect, creating a complex and delicious espresso. He will represent his country well in Melbourne at Worlds in a few months. Big shout out to Nick, Richard, Steve and the whole flight team. Good job boys, go-get-em.

Finally, I guess just a quick word of thanks and reflection on the whole NZ specialty coffee community. These events (along with other coffee events here) are exceptionally run. Emma is a Legend (heaps of respect for her).

I also want to thank Andrew and the whole Espresso Workshop family for giving me a place to ply my trade, and grow as a coffee professional. To the whole NZ coffee scene, thanks for accepting me, and teaching me many things. Even though I will leave your beautiful land shortly, you will always be an amazing part of my story, and development.

Thanks, and I leave you with a bit of a benediction:

May your coffee be sweet, and full of acidity,

And may your flatwhites be not too big, and not too hot.

May your art be symmetrical and deep in contrast.

As your pallets grow in discernment,

May you source coffees from around the world,

Making connections that enrich many.

May your customers trust you as you lead them to tasty experiences.

Brew with precision, innovate with courage, and be humble!

Peace, my friends!

How to visit Fiji without leaving NZ.

 

Fiji?  Bahamas?  Why no, this is New Zealand.

Up in the northern regions of NZ, there is a very special place with all the magic you’d imagine Fiji to have, but without the touristy buzz.

Clear, turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, rolling waves perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing, and sea life aplenty- just a 4.5 hour drive North of Auckland.

It is pure, unspoiled beauty.  Not many know about it, yet- but its reputation will surely get out.

Located on the tip of the Karikari Peninsula are two separate, rounded bays that, together, comprise Maitai Bay.

There is a great little DOC (Department of Conservation) campsite located right at Maitai Bay which we highly recommend.  Their basic (composting toilets, cold showers, and running water) facilities are very well maintained.  We found the campsite to be fairly chill and quiet, and the other campers very friendly.

While lying on the beach one afternoon, we overheard some fellow beachers talking and a woman said that the beach we were on was nicer than the one she visited in Fiji.  (Apparently, to experience the really nice beaches in Fiji, you have to go out to one of the smaller islands.)

The bays of Northland are brimming with sea life, making them prime areas for snorkeling.  You’ll have to bring up your own gear, as we didn’t see any places to rent from.  (Thanks Brandon and Kristen for lending us your sets.)  There is also excellent boating and fishing in these waters.

If you’re anything like me, a beach and some sunshine are (pretty much) all I need to make a vacation complete.  So when the weather is amazing, Northland is an ideal place to be!  The downside, however, is that if the weather is not on your side, the region of Northland doesn’t offer a TON of other attractions.

Here’s a few suggestions, though, of other things to do in the area:

 

Taste the beautiful wines at Karikari Estate Vineyard while taking in breathtaking views of the stunning peninsula.

Head over to the nearby town of Mangonui for some of NZ’s best fish & chips.  Mangonui’s ‘World Famous’ Fish Shop is an extremely well run establishment, and they have a lovely covered seating area where you can enjoy your meal overlooking the water.

We ate there twice while on holiday.  It is.  That.  Good.

It is advised that you bring your own coffee beans and coffee making devices with you up North, as a good cup of coffee is hard to find in this region.

Brendon has been thoroughly enjoying and taking advantage of the excellent portability of his Aeropress coffee device.  Coffee was made right on the beach on several occasions.  If you get desperate, however, there is a mobile espresso cart next to the dairy/petrol station near Tokerau Beach.

If it’s a rainy day, dodge the rain in the shelter of your car and take a day trip down to the Bay of Islands.  We met up with some friends in Paihia, and spent a couple of hours perusing the shops, stocking up on fresh produce at a local farmers market, and admiring the beauty of the bays.  Paihia also offers lots of options for day trips and water adventures such as dolphin tours, if you’ve got the cash.  Or if you’d like to explore the water on your own, why not call up Tony and rent yourself a kayak.

Another roadtrip that is very feasible from the Karikari Peninsula is to go all the way up North to Cape Reinga.  We did this roadtrip last summer.  You’ll need to factor in about two hours of driving each way, and make sure your vehicle is full of petrol.  Well worth the drive to explore this region of special significance to the Maori.

I absolutely love NZ’s Northland.  Out of all the regions we have visited in NZ, this one is surely my favorite.  As a girl who grew up in the landlocked prairies of Alberta/Saskatchewan, the contrast of turquoise blue waters with the white sand is a stunning sight that my eyes never grow tired of.

 

A new Edmonton.

After a couple of years of living away from Edmonton, we honestly didn’t know what we would think of the city when we came back to it.

The Edmonton we returned to was not the Edmonton we left two and a half years ago.

It was full of surprises… pretty much all of them wonderful.  Honestly, I had not expected the city to have changed that much in the time that we were gone.

Have we changed?  Probably a little.  But has the city changed?  Most definitely.  And we find it truly exciting.

It seems as if the change began with some great people deciding to invest in Edmonton and make it awesome.  What has resulted is the steady emergence of inspiring shops, restaurants, and establishments waiting to be experienced by Edmontonians and visitors to this City of Champions.

In the short time we were there, we found great joy in scoping out and experiencing some of the newest and greatest of what Edmonton has to offer.   Here are some of the things we perceive to be among Edmonton’s best, although this list is by no means exhaustive or complete.

We enjoyed an exquisite dinner out at a new Italian restaurant, Corso 32, with Natasha and Sean.  If you go there, our friend, Chef Ben, will blow your mind with his Stracci Pesto Genovese and fried short rib.  The chocolate torta is also to die for.  *Be aware that you will probably need to make your booking (especially if it’s for a weekend) at least 6 weeks in advance.  For real.  But do not let this deter you from making a booking.  The wait, or shall we say the forward planning, will be totally worth it.

It felt SO good to return to our friends and beverages at Transcend Coffee.  Transcend has been through a gigantic period of growth and change while we have been away, so it has been neat to come back and visit their new locations, as well as meet some of the new additions to the Transcend team.

Transcend Chai, how I have missed you!

I had forgotten how much I enjoy the buzz of Edmonton’s vibrant Whyte Ave.  I have fond memories of strolling up and down this street, most often to and from hip hop dance practices at the Transalta Arts Barn.

While we were there, the Whyte Ave Art Walk was on, and we picked up these cool postcards from Jason Blower, a local Edmonton artist.  I found his quirky and geometrical portrayal of Edmonton very heartwarming.

Of all the new bouqitues and estabishments along Whyte Ave that had popped up since left, the one I was most excited about probably was a frozen yoghurt bar called Tutti Fruiti.  After a trip to California a few years ago, I really got into frozen yoghurt. It’s awesome to see the frozen yoghurt movement catching on in Edmonton.

A new and happening district in Edmonton is 104 Street. On Saturdays, they close off the street to traffic and run the 104 Street Farmers Market.  We had an awesome time strolling the length of the market in the sunshine with our good friends Matt and Amy, who visit the market every Saturday.

The number of stalls was quite impressive, as was the balance between fresh produce and local arts and crafts.  It was exciting to see so many local artists and designers present at this market.

Along 104 St, one will also find Dauphine, a super cute bakery formerly Queen of Tarts.  As you descend the staircase leading to Dauphine, you will immediately notice the presence of an attractive chandellier and a bare decidious tree branch, and sophisticated decor.  Their white chocolate raspberry tart is also pretty unforgettable.

Evoolution was another gem of a find along 104 St.  This unique establishment offers the opportunity to taste an extensive variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, and then fill your own bottle(s) with your favorite varieties.  We thought this was really awesome, and do plan on stocking our pantry here when we come back.

Edmonton’s River Valley is a great place to take a stroll, especially with a good friend.

It is extra beautiful when the soft light of the early morning peaks through the trees.

Edmonton is one of the sunniest northern cities in Canada.  For those who are into statistics, it comes fifth for the most sunlight hours, behind Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Regina.  I have come to LOVE the sun and perhaps could never live in a place where its appearance was rare.

Perhaps there is just something about the light of the Prairies that is quite enchanting.  Can you really beat a sunset on the massive prairie sky?

When the summer sun heats things up, you can always take a dip in the fountains at the Alberta Legislature Grounds.  This urban oasis tends to be the place where Edmontonians flock to cool off on the hottest of days, and pretend they’re actually somewhere else.

The grounds surrounding the Legislature Building, adorned with an abundance of decidious trees and plantlife, are really quite lovely, and can serve as the perfect place for an afternoon siesta, a game of frisbee, or a vintage picnic party.  (Pics of Morgan’s party to come in a future post.)

Our visit to Edmonton rekindled our love and appreciation for the city that is our home, making us increasingly excited to return to Edmonton again one day.