I Heart Edmonton

 Java Joints By Emil Tiedemann To be honest, I can drink a cup of coffee from just about anywhere, but there’s no denying that some places simply serve up superior brews. Just as Edmonton’s culinary scene matures and expands, so does its coffee landscape, broadening local bean buffs’ alternatives to include more than the ubiquitous Starbucks or Timmy’s.  There are java joints offering up specialty coffees and tasty cafe cuisine in virtually every corner of the city, from the Burrow in the downtown Central LRT station to the Carrot on Alberta Avenue. Some of the “older” shops have even grown into local franchises, like Transcend , Credo , or the Remedy Cafe , all with multiple locations around town.  There are small ones ( Coffee Bureau ), underground ones ( Lock Stock ), fashionable ones ( Barking Buffalo ), nearly hidden ones ( Little Brick ), ones that sell books ( Mandolin ), ones that specialize in baked goods ( District ) or sandwiches ( Farrow ) or Ital...

Garneau Neighbourhood by emil tiedemann F OR the first six months that Laurent Garneau spent in what was then known as Strathcona, in 1874, the Manitoba Metis was behind bars. Garneau had refused to obey a martial law that ordered inhabitants to take refuge in the original Fort Edmonton, in order to protect them from being attacked by the Aboriginal people of the area.  The irony of it all is that Chief Papasschayo of the Papaschase tribe was the man who stepped up and took Garneau and his large family - wife Eleanor and 11 children - under his wing.  The historic Garneau Theatre and trendy Transcend Coffee are some of the highlights of the Garneau district! Garneau, who fought with Louis Riel in the Red River Rebellion of 1869, did more than just get settled, acquiring substantial wealth and land in what would eventually become known as the Garneau district. He became extensively involved within both the Metis and Francophone communities, was a respected bus...

Some of the latest happenings in Edmonton (Transcend II, Wonderland V, Dragon's Den VI)... BY EMIL TIEDEMANN The 5th annual Wonderland Fest L ast Monday ( March 7 ) Transcend Coffee opened its newest location, in downtown Edmonton (10349-Jasper Avenue), in the former Axis Cafe building. In addition to their popular coffee, the locally-based brewers will offer a small selection of beer and wine, as well as South American street food prepared in-house by Red Seal chef Chad Moss . The 3-floor outlet will also consider taking advantage of its spacious basement, perhaps a potential venue for live music? The other two Transcend locations are at Garneau (8708-109 St.) and the original Argyll (9869-62 Ave.). Jasper's locale will open its doors each morning at 7:30. F ree beer! There, now I have your attention. 46 liters of home-brewed ale will be served to those who pay the 10 bucks to take in Old Ugly Recordings ' CD release party for local acts DoT and Layne L'Heu...

The People's Church will host this music & food affair that will go to support earthquake victims What: Catalyst Cafe When: Thursday, February 25, 2010 (8PM) Where: People's Church (15641-96 Ave.) T HE first-ever "Catalyst Cafe" invites anyone and everyone to come check out some free live entertainment and enjoy appetizers and fresh signature plates from chef Phil Borer at the West end's People's Church . All proceeds from the dinner & drinks will go to benefit the Kingdom Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Organizers have booked the 43-year-old church's foyer and cafeteria to host performances by local rock musician J.D.M.L. and the premiere of newcomer Charity Hunstad . In addition to the music, the evening will also include a poetry reading and a makeshift art gallery of the work of local artist Courtney Larson . "Catalyst Cafe" is sponsored by Transcend Coffee , which will also be serving up their popular specialty gourmet coff...