Fairmont Hotel Macdonald launches a new high tea event complete with a history lesson
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is offering a new Royal High Tea and Tour, designed as an upgrade to the $50 experience hosted weekly in the Harvest Room. The new, $100 event takes place in the Queen Elizabeth II suite, which received a $350,000 renovation in 2016.
Participants are served a four-course high tea while sitting on couches and chairs in the Queen’s own sitting area, and also at the dining room table. There is an opportunity to wander upstairs to the snug, understated bedroom and large, bleachingly white bathroom.
For me, the highlight of the Royal Tea, and one of its distinguishing features, is the careful attention of the hotel’s certified tea sommelier, Carlos Hernandez. He leads guests through a history of the high tea tradition, and a thoughtful tasting of several tea varieties, including Buckingham Palace, with its delicate floral notes, and the smoky and exotic Lapsang Souchong. Fujian Jasmine Butterfly tea, $250 a pound and only available in Edmonton at the Hotel Macdonald, is poured alongside the signature dainties.
The tea tray on QEII launch day reflected much the same offerings as are generally available in the Harvest Room, such as warm scones with Devonshire cream and a mixed berry compote. Plump finger sandwiches were displayed on a tiered china platter and sported plenty of classic Canadian and local ingredients, such as Sunworks Farm organic egg salad on a goldenbrown brioche, and a profiterole stuffed with Montreal smoked salmon and dill-infused cucumber. But the new executive chef at the Mac, Mriduh Bhatt, promises something even more special at the next outing.
For further information on the Royal Tea and Tour in the Queen Elizabeth II suite, or the regular Royal Tea in the Harvest Room, call 780-429-6424. There is no date yet scheduled for the next Queen Elizabeth II tea, but you can get on the list to be notified when it is available.
Fans of Piccolino Bistro (9112 142 St.), a west-end staple for more than 15 years, were sad when the restaurant shuttered a few days ago. But already, a new concept is underway, care of Century Hospitality Group, that will see the space relaunch come fall.
According to an email from Century Hospitality Group owner Chris Lachance, the buffed-up eatery will provide “an elevated and innovative experience to what people think of when they think of a neighbourhood restaurant and bar.”
Former Piccolino Bistro coowner, Lino Rago, is joining Century Hospitality Group as a managing partner with this move, said Lachance. Founded in 1999, Century Hospitality Group owns downtown’s Lux Steakhouse and Parlour Italian Kitchen, plus Hart’s Table in Terwillegar and MKT on the city’s south side.
Downtown’s Rostizado has launched a new, speedy lunch special. For $18, guests receive three items, starting with the daily soup, and covering off something yummy made with chicken or pork from Four Whistle Farm, and tomatoes from Gull Valley. Don’t forget the tortillas are homemade. Bodega, with two locations in Edmonton, is opening a third iteration of the popular wine and tapas bar — this time in the 124 Street area.
Co-owners Christian Mena and chef Lino Oliveira, who also run Sabor downtown, have taken over the space formerly occupied by The Dish and the Runaway Spoon (12417 Stony Plain Rd.). Fans of that establishment will remember that the restaurant has a charming patio in the back that Mena and Oliveira will be using to full advantage. The property is under renovations, and the restaurant duo hope it will be open by the end of August to take advantage of patio season.
Highlands Golf Club has hired an executive chef, Vikram Redgaonkar, previously of the Westin Hotel. Chef Redgaonkar has launched a totally new menu featuring simple, local ingredients and he makes all the desserts in-house.
This is worth noting because Highlands, though a private golf course, has opened its clubhouse and patio to the public. With a spectacular view of the river valley, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a summer evening.
The menu is golf course classic, with steak, salmon and four different kinds of burgers. But the chef ’s signature lamb burger is crafted from Four Whistle Farm lamb, and there are curries and Korean dishes, too. A full breakfast menu and a kid’s menu make Highlands a good choice for family outings on a weekend. 6603 Ada Boulevard. 780-474-4211.
There are a couple of changes to the upcoming Culinary Lab, a night of delicious food to be created by signature chefs from the west, and led by Edmonton’s own chef David Leeder.
The event is still on Saturday, Aug. 26, and sees a five-course menu paired with three different wines, all served to 300 folks over two seatings. The price is $150 and tickets are only sold in sets of two.
But the location has changed. Now it’s in Edmonton Tower, the newly minted City of Edmonton building, located at 10111 104 Ave.
The event is on the 27th floor, which has a beautiful patio with a 360-degree view of downtown, with an indoor space as backup in case of bad weather. Also, Calgary chef Ryan O’Flynn can’t make it, and chef Garrett Martin (Model Milk, Pigeonhole, Bridgette Bar) will take his place. For tickets, visit davidleeder.com/culinarylab02.