Tidbits: Notes from Edmonton's Epicurean Scene

• St. Albert's outdoor farmer's market kicks off for the season on Saturday, July 7. Though the City Centre market takes first place in my books, St. Albert runs a close second.

• On the heels of Moon Garden, another Vietnamese restaurant has opened up in town. Phobulous (yes, that really is the name) has set up shop at 8701 109 Street. The text underneath their sign claims "authentic" cuisine, but really, with a name like that, who will take them seriously?

• Watch out for Essence Organic Tea Bar (10011 102 Avenue). Though still under construction, I'd be curious to see what their conception of a "tea bar" is (the idea in my head is an amalgamation of Steeps and an Asian bubble tea shop).

• Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society is a grassroots initiative with a goal of revitalizing the Alberta Avenue area. One of their major projects - a coffeehouse - will have its grand opening this Friday. Named The Carrot, after a quote by Paul Cezanne ("The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution."), the cafe will showcase art, music and other performances. Definitely a cause to get behind - bravo for this achievement!