By Joel Dryden
To the delight of every Edmontonian, it’s been a bright and sunny summer with few rainy days to keep us indoors. Let’s hope that continues in August, as outdoor festivals like the Servus Heritage Festival and the Edmonton Folk Festival await us this month. Here’s the best of Edmonton this August. [Photo credit: iStock]
There’s a new spot for pizza and pasta lovers as Bottega 104 opened its doors downtown in late July. We’ve been keeping an eye on this latest venture from the family behind Black Pearl Seafood Bar and Café Amore since renovations began in the former site of a Weight Watchers franchise on 104 Street. By all accounts, the new venture is proving to be a popular addition to the neighbourhood with its inviting décor and savory Italian fare.
While not exactly an eatery, Porc Salé is a most-welcome addition to Whyte Avenue, serving up beef, lamb, pork – you name it. Using local farms and suppliers, Porc Salé crafts the meat into charcuterie and sausage, along with more unusual items like bacon jam and chutney. You can even sign up for a “meat subscription” for $40 a month, which allows you to swing by and pick up selections of bacon and sausage every second week. That’s the subscription for me.
Take a trip back in time to the 1950s at Rockin’ Robyn’s, a 50s-themed diner that has been open for approximately five years but still manages to surprise first-time visitors. Though the décor and environment has long been a draw to the diner – who can resist the vinyl booths and jukebox? – the food’s nothing to sniff at, either. The diner is owned by Robyn Lockhart, who previously served as chef at Sorrentino’s and The Westin, among other places.
Sample delicious food from all around the world during the 42nd annual Heritage Festival, running August 5 to 7 at Hawrelak Park. Approximately 100 countries and cultures will be represented at the festival, meaning you can mix your ginger beef with your baklava (or, really, anything your heart desires). But if you can’t make it to the park, you can always sample some of Edmonton’s best international cuisine any other day of the year.
Folk festival season makes its way north as the 2017 Edmonton Folk Music Festival kicks off August 10. Running until August 13, headliners this year include City and Colour, Leon Bridges and The Decemberists. As per tradition, Folk Fest will be held outdoors at Gallagher Park, so make sure you break out your best festival wear for the occasion.
Running simultaneous to the Folk Fest is one of Edmonton’s most upbeat festivals, the Caribbean celebration known as Cariwest. Running August 11 to 13, Cariwest brings the Caribbean spirit to downtown Edmonton, with events scheduled including a costume party and parade along with lively entertainment and food.
_________________________________________________________________
More fun things to do this August in Edmonton:
_________________________________________________________________
If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the Canada 150 Parks Canada Discovery Pass, don’t fret! Apply for your pass and take off for a weekend at Jasper or Elk Island or just pack up the car and go on a day-trip adventure.
If midway food at K-Days or the Folk Fest has you craving something a little more hearty, you’re in luck – there are plenty of food festivals on the docket this month. Support the development of the Edmonton Valley Zoo at Zoobrew or chow down in style on the 27th floor of the Edmonton Tower at the Culinary Lab.
These are just a few picks to keep your summer moving this month in Edmonton. Whether you’re grabbing a tarp to camp out at Folk Fest or signing up for your very own meat subscription, make August in Edmonton a great one!
