Issuu

2014

Readers’ Choice Awards

And the winners are...

It’s What You’ve Been Waiting for All Year! ar! Our Famous Quarter Chicken se served with stufﬁng, cranberry ssauce, your choice of side and 5 Lindor chocolate trufﬂes! *Expires 01/04/15. See in-store for full deta details.

$12.99

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

RIBS 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Thank You Red Deer!

#8, 5111 22nd St., Red Deer 403.755.1393 www.swisschalet.com

2 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

DS K AWAR R O F N E GOLD

CHINESE

aders’ 2014 Re wards A Choice

for your loyalty & support in voting us

GOLDEN

FORK AW ARDS

BEST Chinese Food and a favorite for

Best Buﬀet

BUFFET

2014 Re Choice aders’ Awards

•Chinese •Cantonese •Szechuan •Dim Sum

ALL DAY BUFFET Book your Christmas Party Today! Open Everyday 11 am – 10 pm Fully Licensed

Taste AEast of the

Dragon City Buﬀet

2325 50 Ave. ( Next to Value Village) www.dragoncitycafe.ca

403-340-3388

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 3

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Healthy choices abound at The Chopped Leaf BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Ever since they opened their doors this past February, staff at The Chopped Leaf have been welcoming a growing customer base on the lookout for healthier food choices. The business landed gold for ‘Best Lunch’, silver for ‘Best Health Food’, gold for ‘Best Gluten Free Food’, silver for ‘Best Caterer’ and bronze for ‘Best New Restaurant’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. Ed and Livia Young own the business, which is located in the Clearview Market Square in the Clearview Ridge neighbourhood. Popular food choices run the gamut from tasty, design-yourown salads and wraps to an array of soups, delectable whole bowls, quesadillas and ‘chopshakes’. There are 50 different ingredients to choose from when designing a salad or wrap. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available as well, and there are several choices for breakfast, too – specialty omelettes, wraps, sandwiches or bagels. Chopped Water is also a refreshing treat – alkaline enriched, fruit infused water with free reﬁlls. “Everyday there is a different ﬂavour,” said Livia.

Business has indeed been brisk, and Livia explains it boils down to a growing desire for healthy, fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner alternatives. “We went to Edmonton to try it out for ourselves, and we were really impressed,” recalls Livia of the period prior to launching the franchise in Red Deer. “It’s really a positive environment. It’s really nice – people come in and they’re very happy we are in Red Deer. It’s such a positive place to be.” It’s not just appealing to working folks on the go, either. “We also have a lot of people bringing their kids in for a healthier dinner alternative. “Local businesses have really enjoyed the catering option and we are being contacted by more schools to provide a healthy hot lunch program.” The Chopped Leaf also provides a catering service, and they deliver as well. There are plans to increase the catering service, plus they are looking to expand to another location in the City within a year. As Ed explains, uniqueness with the food choices is at the forefront. “We have original salads, dressings and the wraps are very unique. There’s a lot of people that really appreciate this kind of food. It’s a nice, fresh ap-

proach to having lunch.” He’s also noticed that all kinds of folks are interested in the menu – and in simply spending time at the eatery. Being situated in a ‘walkable’ neighbourhood has been a huge plus in that par-

ticular regard as well. “It’s great, because we have a lot of repeat customers already.” Meanwhile, as Livia points out, another part of their success stems from having a committed and enthusiastic staff. They have

about 15 employees. “It just feels really good to be able to bring a healthy alternative to Red Deer,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to give people a positive and healthy experience.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

FRESH APPROACH - Livia and Ed Young, owners of The Chopped Leaf, display just a couple of examples of the tasty options featured at the eatery.

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

RK EN FO GOLD

Thank you Red Deer & Central Alberta

AWAR

WINGS

CRAFT BEER & FINE FOOD

s’ eader ds r 2014 R a w eA Choic

GOL

DEN

FOR

K AW ARD

SPORT

S BAR 201 Cho 4 Reade ice A r war s’ ds

Now Taking Now Selling Tickets Reservations! New Year’s Eve Bash! Planning a Christmas Party? Yes!

ft a r C f o n o i t c e l e S t s Red Deers Be cktails! o C d e t f a r C d n a H Beer &

We have dates still available! Call 403.309.2200 to reserve yours today!

Dueling D li Pianos Pi

Wednesday, December 31st •Buffet Dinner •Complementary Champagne •Party Favors •Great Entertainment •Groups Welcome!

$50/Person

Locally Owned & Operated • 2310 - 50 Ave., Red Deer • 403.309.2200 • www.bosbar.com

4 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Browns Socialhouse recognized with top awards BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express

PARTNERSHIP - From left Derek Archer, Chris Lawrie and Markus Covaneiro pose in the lounge of Browns Socialhouse. The establishment won gold for ‘Best Pub’ and gold for ‘Best New Restaurant’ in this year’s awards. thankful that we’re at the top of mind for people. It’s been quite the ride and we look forward to another successful year.”

Browns Socialhouse in Red Deer opened in September of 2013. The Red Deer location, which was the ﬁrst to open in Alberta,

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

S A H MUC ! S A I C A R G

GOLDEN

MEXICAN RESTAURA

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

FORK

AWARD

Thanks so much to everyone who voted us

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

ST WAITE

BE s’ eader 2014 R Awards Choice

BEST WAITRESS

2014 Readers’ Choice Award s

Also for voting our servers among the best!

403.346.8877 3630 - 50 Ave. REd Deer

is now one of 32 locations across the country and in the United States. “We’re a hybrid between a casual, upscale restaurant and a neighbourhood pub,” said Lawrie. “We want our customers to feel like we’re approachable like a neighbourhood pub where they can feel like they can come three or four times in a week and have different experiences, but we’re going to execute food quality, drink quality and attention to detail like a premium, casual, upscale restaurant.” They offer a variety of menu items from steak to fresh salads, ﬁsh tacos, sushi rolls, rice bowls, hamburgers, ﬁsh and chips and quesadillas, among others. Browns Socialhouse is also family-friendly and

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

children are allowed to be in the establishment at any time. There isn’t a cut off time where those under the age of 18 are not allowed to be in the establishment – all are welcome at all hours. “It is unique. We didn’t really design the place for children speciﬁcally, but we think that everyone should be welcome,” said Lawrie. “At any point of the day there may be children here, but by the end of the night it certainly feels more like a pub for sure.” Markus Covaneiro, managing partner and head chef added when Browns Socialhouse ﬁrst opened, one of the main questions the staff got was whether or not children were welcome. “When we said yes, they were blown away. They are a large part of our

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

THANKS SO MUCH RED DEER for voting us one of your favorites BEST ITALIAN FOOD

GOLDEN

ARDS FORK AW

2 FOR1

D ITALIAN FOO

PIZZA & PASTA

TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

aders’ 2014 Re wards A e Choic

403-347-5585 w w w. d f r e s t a u r a n t . c a

ras.ca www.laspalme

A new restaurant in the City that has a neighbourhood pub feel to it continues to ﬂourish. Browns Socialhouse won gold for ‘Best Pub’ and gold for ‘Best New Restaurant’ in this year’s Gold Fork Awards. “It’s an honour and it’s very humbling to be recognized. We feel really privileged and we’re very thankful for it,” said Derek Archer, Browns Socialhouse franchise partner. “We almost don’t ﬁt into a restaurant category or a pub category – we are somewhere in between, so that is indicative of what we won. We won a mix of both which is really cool.” Chris Lawrie, managing partner and general manager of Browns Socialhouse in Red Deer, added the awards are a validation that the business is doing it right. “People are really blown away by the food and the atmosphere. We put a lot of time and effort into the little details, so it’s really great. We are very

lunch and brunch crowd and early dinner group as well.” Browns Socialhouse is food primary in that they serve food right up until they close. “Part of our model is to make sure that we have great food and great drinks at a great price point,” said Archer. “We want people to come in and feel like they can have a great experience – they can come in and do it up with some steak or come in after a game and have wings and a pint.” Browns Socialhouse also offers a brunch menu on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Brunch is served on those days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We do our full menu and then we have about 10 or 12 brunch items on top of that,” said Covaneiro. “I think people get really excited about being able to come in for the brunch menu and we have been seeing that morning rush really starting to pick up.” Browns Socialhouse prides itself on quality customer service and quality food. Everything is made from scratch including salad dressings and sauces. The hamburgers are also hand pressed and the French fries are hand cut and the batter for the ﬁsh and chips is also made in-house, for example. As well, Browns Socialhouse freshly squeezes their orange juice and grapefruit juice. “We have a freshness to all of our food. New chefs or chefs going through school come here and get excited because they get to actually cook food from scratch,” said Covaneiro. “I think that freshness comes out to the customer, too.”

LY R E TA U R A S

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 5

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

East Side Mario’s is a family-oriented eatery BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express East Side Mario’s was awarded gold in the ‘Most Kid Friendly’ category as well as silver for ‘Best Italian Food’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. General Manager Murry Felt said that he very much appreciates the recognition.

“THE ENVIRONMENT ITSELF, THE FOOD OFFERS THAT WE HAVE AND THE VALUE OF WHAT WE BRING IS WHAT MAKES US FAMILYFRIENDLY.” MURRY FELT

An n

ive rd rsa ry

“We’re pretty excited and appreciative that Red Deer has recognized us for what we set out to do and that is to provide a great family destination but be appealing to a wide demographic.” Felt has enjoyed his position with East Side Mario’s for several years and said that the company has always made it a priority to stay available to families. This is in part due to the affordable menu choices, the variety of meal options and the interesting décor that is a staple in East Side Mario’s restaurants. “To go out and try and feed a family in a restaurant can add up pretty quickly. Our pricing structure and the type of food that we offer is very fami-

ly-friendly,” Felt said. “The environment itself, the food offers that we have and the value of what we bring is what makes us family-friendly.” The East Side Mario’s underwent a major renovation last year in order to accommodate more families with a more easily navigated layout. Felt said that East Side also looks for ways to update the food and drink menus regularly to keep people interested. Family-friendly restaurants can be tough to ﬁnd even in a City with over 100 options. Few places are able to maintain the balance between quality and price and Felt was happy to have his restaurant recognized as a place that can deliver both of those. Felt also said the chefs are very passionate about their food and enjoy creating high-quality meals for people. “We’ve been here for 13 years now I think, and we really do try to create that family-friendly environment. It feels like we’ve achieved that and obviously people have taken note of it,” Felt said. “Our environment, our food and the effort we put into our value and into our service is what makes us a great family option.” The menu boasts a ‘Taste of little Italy’ section with authentic Italian foods. Kids also have lots of options and parents can accommodate a fun night out without breaking the bank.

WELCOMING - Murry Felt, general manager of East Side Mario’s, poses in the popular City eatery which won gold for ‘Most Kid Friendly’ and silver for ‘Best Italian Food’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

Thank You Red Deer for making us Gold!

GOLDEN FO RK AWARD S

We appreciate your support & loyalty 7 Day a Week DIM SUM, Chinese & Western Buffet!

BUFFET

2014 Read Choice Aw ers’ ards

Having a Christmas Party? Book your space with us today!

PHOENIX BUFFET Seating up to 250 People~ Book Your Party, Wedding or Corporate Function Today! For online menu visit

www.phoenixbuffet.com

Located t d in in the Pines Plaza #11-6791 50 Ave

Mon-Sun 11:00am-10pm

403.342.0330

6 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Fionn MacCool’s offers authentic ‘taste of Ireland’ New establishment takes home silver award BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express If you have a hankering for the feel and friendliness of the quintessential Irish pub, then Fionn MacCool’s has just the setting for you. Carefully decorated in full-out Irish pub fashion in virtually every detail, the eatery landed silver for ‘Best Pub’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. Rebecca Visotto manages Fionn MacCool’s, which ﬁrst opened its doors last November. And as their facebook page points out, ‘Our warm Irish hospitality welcomes you to a place where you can enjoy the best of both food and drink in an atmosphere that encourages sharing good times.’ “You feel like you can just kick back and relax,” said Visotto, adding that the attention to detail in capturing that Irish pub authenticity is just part of

what sets the restaurant apart. There’s also a strong focus on creating fresh, tasty dishes along with the wide selection of drinks plus an emphasis of providing recreational activities each week. “Ninety-ﬁve per cent of our food menu is made in-house, so it’s very fresh,” she said, pointing out there are all kinds of dishes, specialty items, desserts and appetizers to choose from. “That’s one of the reasons I’m sold on this, is the food quality.” Visotto points out that many pubs tend to serve primarily deep fried food and appetizers – much of which comes out of a bag. That’s a direction that staff at Fionn MacCool’s make certain to avoid. “It’s also just not your typical restaurant – we do everything from offer silly board games on Tuesday nights. We have Twister on the stage. The staff and I

Thank you

TOP SPOT - Fionn MacCool’s Bar Manager Pat Nephin and Manager Rebecca Visotto pose in front of the aesthetically pleasing bar that makes the pub especially unique. place bets on whether it will be the suits or the students who go up there ﬁrst,” she adds with a laugh. “Half the time it’s the suits – to

Red Deer!

A big thanks for everyone who voted for us!

Cheers! AWARDS GOLDEN FORK

GOLDEN FORK AW ARDS

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

decide who is going to pay the bill. It’s hilarious, and it’s entertainment for everyone else as well.” Building on that informal, cozy and fun environment fuels the success of Fionn MacCool’s. “We don’t call customers ‘customers’. We call them guests because literally, that’s the atmosphere in this building. And everything we do is for our guests.” Live entertainment is a consistent feature each week as well. Genres run the gamut from Celtic to pop to rock. Some nights focus on acoustic styles while other nights are dedicated to classic rock. Pretty much anything goes, and it all boils down to having a great time – like a good, old-fashioned kitchen party, she said.

Visotto said staff do their best to form connections with patrons. “You want to have staff that stick around so when guests come back, they’ll have their favourite server or favourite bartender.” Visotto said it’s also important for her to be available to the guests as well. “Even if I’m just sitting up there working on paper work, I get up and walk around every few minutes. I’m there and I’m available, so if someone wants to come up and chat with me I’m not hiding in the ofﬁce. We make sure we are available.” The hard work indeed pays off. “You get to see that look on someone’s face when you’ve made their day. You get immediate reward and recogni-

tion when someone pulls you aside and says, ‘Hey, I just want you to know that server that took care of us today was absolutely amazing.’ Or you go to a table to correct a problem and they say, ‘Thank you so much’. “You also get people from all different walk of life working here, and it’s refreshing – I would never work in an industry where I had the same thing to do day in and day out. Literally, I don’t know what to expect when those doors open everyday,” she adds with a laugh. Ultimately, it’s about building on that sense of uniqueness that is at the heart of what sets Fionn MacCool’s apart, she said. “We don’t want to be the cookie cutter place.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

PHO THUY DUONG BREAKFAST

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

BRUNCH 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Port-O-Call Shopping Centre Red Deer, AB

403-347-1220

VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT Thank you Central Alberta for your support and voting us

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT! COME IN AND TRY OUR DELICIOUS MENU! Book your Christmas Party with us!

VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

5108-52 St. REd Deer • 403.343.2720 Located North of Superstore

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 7

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thanks for the overwhelming support. Visit us today and discover why we’ve been selected a multiple dining favourite. GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

FINE DINING

BEST WAITER (LOGAN)

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

MEST ATMOSPHERE

MOST ROMANTIC

BEST WINE LIST

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

403.352.7712

Reservations: 4930B-50 St. // www.50westbistro.com

Red Deer Deer Dining... Dini

REFINED

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

BEST INDEPENDENT

BEST ATMOSPHERE

BEST STEAK

BEST LOUNGE

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

BEST APPETIZER

BEST WAITRESS (DALINA)

FINE DINING

BEST BARTENDER (DYLAN)

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Thanks for the amazing support as we celebrate our 4th year! Reserve a table today & check out our winning vibe!

#108 - 5301 43rd Street | Red Deer, AB • T4N 1C8 | Reservations: 403-347-2111 | www.oneelevengrill.com

8 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Keg lands award for top steak in City BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express The Keg Steakhouse & Bar employees take pride in their jobs according to Manager Nixie Homme and the efforts have paid off with a gold award for ‘Best Steak’ and a bronze for ‘Best Atmosphere’ in town. Homme says she is honoured that people voted The Keg to have the best steak in the City, because it is something that she feels her business and co-workers work hard to achieve. “I feel that we do have that brand with The Keg – people do know us for having great steaks. It’s an honour of course to be voted for best steak here in Red Deer. It means a lot,” she said. “The training that goes into our staff – they have to be really knowledgeable with the menu and about our products and able to recommend things. (A comfortable atmosphere) is a brand that we carry and our staff really works towards that as well. It’s part of what the guests come here for.” She said that as a whole, The Keg restaurants want people to feel comfortable – the staff as well as the patrons. She said that she feels that comfort and enjoys

her co-workers as well as those who dine at the facility. “I really enjoy the people in my job. I enjoy my staff, I like the people who come in to eat – it’s a big part of my job. I feel like if you don’t enjoy the people you work with, it’s hard to enjoy your job.” The Keg changes its menus for both drinks and entrees frequently, but the steak is there to stay. Homme said she is very pleased to be able to provide an experience that people remembered enough to vote for. Although The Keg is a franchise name, the business actually operates local foundations that raise funds for non-proﬁt groups in the area, mostly for youths. The Keg Spirit Foundation takes a small piece of each entrée and distributes the funds collected among deserving groups. “They donate to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Young Guns – groups like that. They donate locally and really try to reach out to young people. They are our future and as a whole, The Keg wants to be able to help those kids get involved in different things.” She mentions that the upcoming Me-We Day is also a major source of inspiration for the Spirit Foundation, as is the similar initiative of Free the Children.

“Most of our staff is younger and so it gives them motivation. It’s also just a good inﬂuence on them and us.” Homme said that the awards are meaningful to her, and that she is excited to share the good news with her staff.

“I’m thankful that people voted for us and took the time to recognize us. That is huge. That kind of feedback is great to hear, and it’s going to really encourage our staff to keep doing what they’re doing, and move forward with what they can. There are always

things changing,” she said. “The Keg really thrives on letting people come here and be themselves, as well as allowing our staff to be themselves. I think people enjoy that we offer that comfort.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

RELAXING - Manager Nixie Homme poses with cook Lenin Fonseca in the foyer of The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. Kalisha Mendonsa/ Red Deer Express The Keg was awarded gold for ‘Best Steak’ and bronze for ‘Best Atmosphere’.

TH ANKS RED DEER!

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

GOLD

EN FO RK

AWAR

FOR

for selecting us

BEST WINGS 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards

The staơ at Burger Boy appreciate your loyalty & voting us as one of your favourites

iin thee city it

ATE NIG

HT EAT 2013 S BE ST S Choic Readers’ POR e Aw 20 T ards Ch 13 Re S BAR oic e A aders wa ’ rds

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

HAMBURGER 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Stop in and try our milkshake “Flavour of the Month”

only at

BEST L

Burger Boy 6005 - 54 Ave., Red Deer

403-342-5121 on-line menu available at www.burgerboy.com

u o Y k Than ting Us for Vo lavour! F All in

on-line ordering now available www.bostonpizza.com

For Fast, Tasty Delivery Call 403-343-FOOD (3663)

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 9

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

New owner sees success in first season at The Stache BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express One local food truck continues to revel in success. Michelle Tam, owner/operator of The Stache, took over the food truck from the original owners and this was her first season on the job. “I ate their last year and I loved their food. This year I had a friend tell me that they were looking to sell and I was pretty much hooked,” said Tam. “I have a food and beverage background so something like this was right up my alley and I was really excited about it.” The Stache won bronze for ‘Best on Wheels’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. “It feels amazing (to win). I appreciate all the support and people coming out,” she said. As Tam just wrapped up her first season with The Stache, she said she is happy with how it went. “It was a lot of fun. I definitely enjoyed all of the people – the new customers, the regulars, the tweets and facebook posts about us. It was awesome and just so rewarding.” The Stache offers a number of hearty menu choices including smoked pulled pork sandwich-

FUN FOOD - The Stache owner Michelle Tam and her trusty helper, Chris Rathwell, took home bronze for ‘Best on Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express Wheels’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. es, ﬁsh tacos and falafel tacos, among others. At the farmer’s market The Stache also offers a breakfast sandwich. “We stuck to what The Stache was known for because when the post went up on facebook and Twitter that the previous owners sold, there were a lot of cus-

tomers that were concerned that the menu would change because they loved it so much,” said Tam. “I ﬁgured why mess with a good thing? So we kept it the same.” She added there may be the odd change to the menu here and there with the addition of features, but that is something that

she has yet to decide. “We may do a feature here and there. If I add menu items I don’t know what I would take away, because then I would be disappointing somebody. Plus, there is a lot of work and prep that take place behind the scenes.” Before the opportunity came

about to purchase The Stache, Tam said she had thought about doing a food truck of her own. “I never knew what would work, what I wanted to do. But it is always something that I have wanted to do.” The Stache can be seen at a number of events throughout the season including the Farmer’s Markets in Red Deer and Blackfalds and Food Truck Friday on Ross St. The Stache is also at events like Westerner Days and CentreFest and private events as well. “It’s a busy season for us. And we are really looking forward to another season. It was so fun – it’s such a fun job.” The food truck scene is relatively new to Red Deer but has continued to grow over the last couple of years and Tam said it’s great to be part of it. “We were really shocked to not see a new truck to come up this year,” said Tam. “As a food truck group we want to see more and for Food Truck Friday we’d like to make it a little bigger. “We all have our loyal customers but none of us are offended if they go and try a new truck. We’re kind of a big family that way.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

10 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Friendly service and generous portions at Original Joe’s BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Having recently marked nine successful years in the City, Original Joe’s landed several honours in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. The downtown eatery, which is known for its varied menu and generous portions, took bronze for ‘Best Patio’, silver for ‘Best chef’ (Chris Grainger), bronze for ‘Best Wings’ and bronze for ‘Best Appetizers’. Appetizers run the gamut from Red Tractor Nachos, Mediterranean Short Ribs and Dragon Boat Lettuce Wraps to Hummus & Naan among other tasty choices. Casual favourites include such delectable dishes as Long Beach Fish Tacos, Kansas City Back Ribs, Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla and Jalapeno Mac & Cheese to name a few. Of course, there’s the soups, array of burgers, sandwiches and delicious desserts to try out as well. General Manager Stephanie Bouchard said the ﬁsh tacos are a huge hit, as is the beef dip. “The ‘grilled cheese burger’ is something else as well.” “People love the food, and there are always generous portions,” said Bouchard. “It’s consistent and so delicious.” Freshness also lends itself to building that growing and re-

GREAT TEAM - Part owner and chef at Original Joe’s, Stephen Burnett, and General Manager Stephanie Bouchard are part of the team that won the restaurant a number of honours in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

turning customer base. “Ninety per cent of our food is made in-house.” But according to Bouchard, the menu isn’t the only reason for the restaurant’s enduring popu-

larity. A commitment to making sure customers feel at home and well-served is a top priority as well. “We try and maintain a very friendly and approachable staff as well,” she said. “We want them

to be genuine – we don’t want ‘contrived’ friendliness.” She also pointed to the restaurant’s overall relaxed but lively vibe as being attractive to patrons as well. “People come here

and they expect it to be quick, delicious and I think we do pretty well at keeping it consistent right across the board.” Original Joe’s mandate also includes making a difference in the local community. The Original Joe’s Community Care Fund gives staff the opportunity to be local and national partners to a variety of organizations and charities. Some of the causes they’ve contributed to include the Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society, the Red Deer Food Bank, the Red Deer Hospice Society and the Red Deer & District SPCA. Bouchard said the restaurant also partners with Aspire here in Red Deer to hold a fundraising pancake breakfast each summer during Westerner Days. “The organization is really close to the owners’ hearts.” For Bouchard, working for Original Joe’s has been an excellent venture. “I respect the ownership – I think they are transparent and doing a great job. I also think they contribute to the quality of life here in Red Deer,” she added, indicating the aforementioned fund that has supported a number of causes. “I also love the staff – it’s just a fun place to work.”

Congratulations to

Kelsie McCabe Kelsie is the winner of

250

.00

in gift certiﬁcates to participating restaurants in Red Deer. Kelsie’s name was drawn from our Golden Fork ballot entries.

Thank You to our loyal customers for your conƟnued support in selecƟng us one off your favorite VIETNAMESE Restaurants! GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

VIETNAMESE RESTAU

RANT

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Thank you to everyone who participated.

4815-48 Ave • Red Deer 403-340-1838

editor@reddeerexpress.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 11

Now

Featuring HOME-STYLE CLASSICS MENU Come in,

We’ll make you one.

SNOW CRAB SPECIAL EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS AVAILABLE FOR SENIORS OVER 60

Award t e f g f u n i B n Win Try our brunch buffet featuring a custom Omelette Station, Pancakes, French Toast, Fresh Made Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Cabbage Rolls, Perogies, Pork, Chicken, Beef, Pastas, crispy salads, and home-made desserts.

abc Red Deer 2085 Gaetz Ave. T: 403.358.4280 abcCountry.ca

Like us on Facebook

12 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Phil’s Restaurant a long-time fixture in Red Deer Popular family eatery has been serving the community since 1970 BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express One longtime restaurant that has been in the City for more than three decades has received two Golden Fork Awards this year. Phil’s Restaurant won silver for ‘Best Breakfast’ and ‘Best Brunch’. “I am thrilled. Our hard work has paid off,” said Bev Johansen, general manager of Phil’s Restaurant in Red Deer. “It means we’re doing the right thing.” She added she often hears from customers who have been enjoying the establishment’s tasty dishes for decades that they remember the food tasting the same from day one. “Everything is the same as it was from the beginning.” She added the customers who enjoy Phil’s are youngsters right up to those who have dined at the restaurant since it first opened in 1970 in Red Deer. “We get a mixture of everyone all the time. We are very family-oriented. Kids love coming here – we have little cars and toys and when they come in the first thing we do is give that to them to keep them entertained,” said Johansen. “It’s not a stuffy atmosphere – it’s very relaxed and I think that is why our customers love it here.” There are five Phil’s Restaurants in operation – four located in Calgary and of course the one in Red Deer. All of the locations offer the same menu and have

the same family-oriented, laid back atmosphere. Phil’s has a wide variety of menu items from breakfast items like the classic eggs, bacon, sausage and hash brown dishes, to pancakes, wafﬂes, Eggs Benedict, crepes and omelettes, among others. Other menu items include salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, steaks, roast beef, meatloaf, veal, chicken pot pie, soups like clam chowder and French onion, and more. All of the items on the menu are served all day long from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. “Nothing that we do comes from a package. We peel our potatoes and mash our potatoes, make our own soups and sauces. We do it all ourselves. It’s one of the signatures of Phil’s,” said Johansen. She added what makes the restaurant successful as well is the dedicated staff. “I have servers that started bussing at the age of 16 and now they are serving. They have been with me for four or ﬁve years – and that is unusual to stay like that in this industry,” said Johansen. “I have a server that has been here for 25 years and another that has been here for nine years. My kitchen staff alone – I have one employee who has been here for 10 years and another for eight years. “The majority of my staff have been here for a long time. We all absolutely love coming to work.” Johansen said she is working on updatGOL

Cheers Red Deer!

DEN

FOR

K AW AR

TRADITION - Bev Johansen, general manager of Phil’s Restaurant, stands in front of the long-time popular City eatery. ing the restaurant but only little changes will be made. “We’ve got new lamps and we have painted a little bit. We’ll also be getting new carpet. But we could never really change this restaurant – it is here and it’s here to stay.” In addition, Johansen said there are a

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS DS

Come enjoy our newly renovated dining area!

LOU

NGE 201 Cho 4 Reade ice A r war s’ dsDS R D GOL

OR EN F

WA KA

BAKERY 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

CH rs’ ade s 4 Re ard 201 ice Aw o h C

GOL

DEN

FOR

K AW A

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

number of things that set Phil’s apart from other restaurants that are similar. “I think we are more of a ‘home cooking and home feel’. The consistency of our food is always the same as well. It always has been and that will never change.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

THANK YOU d Deer! Re

For Voting Central Alberta as a Silver Winner In The

RDS

2014 Golden Fork Awards We appreciate your business…..and PA

TIO 201 Cho 4 Reade ice A r war s’ ds

Haven’t reserved your Holiday Party?!? Dates still available! Call today to reserve your Private Function!

Tiffany’s Steakhouse 3515 Gaetz Ave., Red Deer, AB Call 403.341.3355

GOL

your loyalty!

DEN

FOR

DS WAR

Get Your Holidayy Baking Here!

AN - MEG ’ RESS WAIT Readersds r 2014ice Awa Cho

GOL

DEN

STE

FOR

AK 201 Cho 4 Reade ice A r war s’ ds

K AW A

We appreciate your business... and your loyalty!

RDS

Plaza Centre

Deer Park Centre

Lacombe English Estates Centre

Innisfail Food Market

Spruce View Grocery

5118 - 47 Ave. 69 Dunlop St. 5842 Hwy 2A, Lacombe #1, 4303 - 50 St, Innisfail 2024 - 10 Ave, Spruce View 403-309-8906 403-341-5700 403-782-6200 403-227-4888 403-728-3209

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 13

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Red Deer’s Shiso is tops again for ‘Best Sushi’ BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express Shiso Japanese Restaurant has once again been named Red Deer’s top place for sushi. “We are very proud to be the best. We are very excited,” said Edward Li, owner of Shiso. “But we are still thinking about how we can improve. There is pressure to ensure we do our best and we are always improving our standards. We want to offer to our customers what they can get in the bigger cities like Vancouver and Calgary.” Shiso opened in Red Deer 12 years ago. “When we ﬁrst opened, the customers we were seeing knew about Japanese food,” said Li. “Now we have customers who come who want to learn more about our food and try different things.” He added in the last number of years, sushi has become more mainstream and new customers are enjoying it. “In the beginning people weren’t sure of the raw ﬁsh,” said Li. “And then more and more people have come to try and they see that they really like it. They begin to know it and love it and then they can compare it and see the difference between our restaurant and other restaurants.”

To help ease customers into trying sushi, Li began offering ‘all you can eat’ lunch specials on the weekends. “That way the customer can try out the food,” said Li. “It helps people recognize the Japanese food. We have a lot of success with the all you can eat. For one price they can try a lot of different items. And there are a lot of options for our customers on that menu.”

knowledge. “You always have to improve.” Shiso Japanese Restaurant also regularly changes up its menu by offering a few new items every six months or so.

Li said he prides himself on offering his customers the freshest ingredients possible. “It’s very important for us to offer fresh product.” In addition, Li said he loves his

job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. “I love to cook and to learn new things,” he said. “I love the customers too. We love to see them coming back.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

“WE ARE VERY PROUD TO BE THE BEST. WE ARE VERY EXCITED.” EDWARD LI The chefs at Shiso are also highly trained and making sushi look so beautiful on the plate is really an art, Li said. “There is a lot of skill to making sushi. Our chefs are very experienced. A lot of people think making sushi is really simple – just some fish and rice. We spend a lot of time to make sure our chefs know how to cut the fish, how to cut the rice and how to mix it with vinegar to get the flavour,” he said, adding that his chefs travel to different sushi restaurants such as those in New York to try their food and to learn so they can bring back further

SUPERB SUSHI - Owner of Shiso, Edward Li, displays some of the tasty dishes that landed his establishment gold for ‘Best Sushi’.

Thank you Red Deer & Central Alberta

Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

Thank You to all of our staff who work so diligently to bring you baking, and to all our customers who give us such great support! GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

for recognizing and valuing our business as much as we do yours! GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

BEST BAKERY 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

PRODUCE

ORGANIC

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Your votes have really put the icing on our cake... 5 years in a row!

From Your Save On Foods Stores Red Deer North 6720 - 52 Avenue

East Hill Centre 3020 - 22 Street

403-343-6611

403-309-0300

B1, 2319 Taylor Drive, Red Deer 342-4005

14 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Boston Pizza staff keeps their focus on service BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express The owner of the Red Deer Boston Pizzas, Richard Carramusa, puts a high emphasis on service and quality, according to his staff. Boston Pizza scored silver for ‘Best Wings’, bronze for ‘Best Late Night Eats’ and bronze for ‘Best Sports Bar’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. Tanya Kilba, general manager of Boston Pizza north said she was very pleased to hear the news about the recognition. “We feel very honoured to win the awards. It’s nice to know that we’re recognized within the community as having some great options and great food available. It’s a great place to work for. Richard is probably one of the best bosses you could have,” she said. Kilba said Boston Pizza keeps a high standard of service and added that is what she hopes is bringing people back. “The biggest part of getting customers to return is great service. That also means making sure that all of your team members love their jobs and want to be here and want to give the guests the best experience that they can. That brings the guests back here instead of elsewhere because they have had that good experience the last time they were here,” Kilba said. Boston Pizza has been so successful in the Red Deer area that they are now opening a ﬁfth location in Gasoline

AWARDS GOLDEN FORK

Alley. The menu at Boston Pizza constantly changes as well with certain locations offering specials that may vary from the next facility. Operations Manager of the Red Deer and area Boston Pizzas James Gallagher said the other reason for the success of the franchise is that the individual owners have a great deal of sway when they want to put forth promotions or host special events, such as sporting events. “We do a lot of specials and a lot of great promotions for customers. We have hockey promotions with the Oilers and Calgary Flames – those kinds of events and giveaways, atmosphere and variety is what keeps bringing people back, I think,” Gallagher said. “The owners get a substantial say in everything that happens. It’s our franchisees that ask Boston Pizza International for what they want and they are usually given what they want. Inside of that, our particular stores are broken down into a separate group that’s called the Edmonton Group. We have sort of our own smaller head ofﬁce in Edmonton, rather than Canada-wide. They do a lot of special initiatives for our group – we have a different sort of menu and different promotions in this area.” Both Kilba and Gallagher have a lot of pride in where they work and said that they both enjoy the atmosphere and quality of service that they and their peers provide.

RECOGNITION - General Manager of Boston Pizza north Tanya Kilba joins Red Deer and Area Operations Manager James Gallagher for a visit in Kilba’s restaurant. Boston Pizza was awarded silver for ‘Best Wings’, bronze for ‘Best Late Night Eats’ and bronze for ‘Best Sports Bar’. Kalisha Mendonsa/ Red Deer Express

kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

AWARDS GOLDEN FORK

THANK YOU RED DEER FOR MAKING US

INDIAN

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

BEST INDEPENDENT

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Serving the biggest Indian Lunch Buffet in the city

off

LUNCH BUFFET

of India

We cater large & small parties in Red Deer & surrounding areas

off

OPEN 7 DAYS

entire order

403-347-7600

DINE IN, TAKE OUT AND DELIVERY

your

Mon-Thurs: 11am-9pm Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm Sun: Noon-9pm

tandoornÅame

* Valid Mon-Sat 11am – 2pm. Coupon Expires Jan. 31/15. One coupon per person.

15%

Traditional Gift Cards Available indian cuisine

For New Promotions Check Out Our:

coupon

Experience a taste

#108, 4807 – 50 Ave. Downtown Red Deer

* Valid for dine in, takeout & delivery. Not Valid for Lunch Buffet. Coupon Expires Jan. 31/15. One coupon per person.

www.tandoornﬂame.ca

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 15

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Bo’s Bar & Grill an ever-changing hangout in City BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Over nearly 20 years, Bo’s Bar & Grill has evolved into a high-energy, personalized and unique sports bar that was voted as having the best wings in town. Bo’s was also awarded gold for ‘Best Sports Bar’, likely due to the many sporting event nights that are held at the restaurant. Owner Brennen Wowk loves his local business and is proud to say that it will never stay the same. “We’re individuals and we love the fact that we can be creative. We do so much in-house and it’s just something that people have to experience. From our craft beer – which is some of the best in town – to the cocktails we create, to the menu that’s always changing to our event nights, we always have something going on,” said Wowk. “Bo’s has been around since 1996 but it’s not the same business that it was. If people haven’t been here in a while, they should come check it out and experience it all over. In six months, it could be different again. We’re trying to stay on the cusp of what is new.” Bo’s is host to an event nearly every weekend of the year, from concerts, to charity events and sporting events. Wowk said that he thinks the biggest event ever held at Bo’s was during the gold medal Olympic men’s hockey game this year. According to Wowk there were people lined up outside the doors when the bar opened at 5:30 a.m. to celebrate the big game. It’s not uncommon for Bo’s Bar & Grill to be busy. The menu constantly

changes, along with specialty beverages and craft beers. Event nights in the past have included charity nights where entry cover fees are donated to deserving organizations, a paintparty, countless DJs, Halloween costume parties and more. Wowk said his favourite of those nights are the charity events, followed closely by the concert nights. “These events are challenging, but for me they are the most rewarding. Once the event is happening and people can see what we’ve accomplished, it makes it that much better,” said Wowk. “What I like about doing big events is our staff can get behind it, and the staff are what really make Bo’s great. For any of our events, we want to do it big and we want to make sure people have a big experience. We make every event as big as possible because this is a big room, and events need to be on that level.” For Wowk, what makes Bo’s a great place for wings is the variety of ﬂavours, and the constantly changing menu. As for the best sports bar, he said that it is the effort and enthusiasm of his staff that makes the events shine. Bo’s Bar & Grill has a very distinct atmosphere – almost like being at a friend’s house on game night. Wowk said he has worked very hard to carve his identity into the bar and to make it a place where people want to be part of a community. “My dad was very into giving to charitable groups and was very involved in the community. We are a bar and people come in to

GOOD EATS - From left, Bo’s Bar & Grill servers Rebecca Sauro, Sophie Fortin and Megan Maclure show off an order of delicious chicken wings. Bo’s was awarded gold for ‘Best Wings’ and gold for ‘Best Sports Bar’. have fun, but I think we still need to include giving back to others,” he said. “What I love about doing charitable events here is that I like seeing my staff get behind ideas and start thinking that way too – it’s such a positive thing. It’s a very warm feeling when you come into an event and raise money or do something to help families in need – they are just such special days.” Wowk’s thinking is that what makes Bo’s great is having fun, personalizing the atmosphere and staying fresh with ideas. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Kalisha Mendonsa/ Red Deer Express

Thank You Red Deer! Bestt of Red Deer

GOLD

Japanese

winner 10 0 consecutive consecutivvvee years! GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Restaurant

* Express Lunch Box Only $11.95

SUSHI 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

* Top 100 Asian Restaurant in Canada * Order On-Line Available

ALL YOU CAN EAT Saturday & Sunday 11am-3:30pm

Over 80 items!

25.95

www.shisorestaurant.ca Open 7 Days A Week

3731 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer 403.341.5502 Mon - Thurs 11am - 10pm; Fri & Sat 11am - 11pm; Sun 11am - 9pm

www.shisorestaurant.ca

16 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Dairy Queen lands silver for ‘Best Ice Cream’ Family-run business marks 47 years since opening first location BY JENNA SWAN Red Deer Express When Gordon Hamill opened Red Deer’s first Dairy Queen on the corner of 43rd St. and Gaetz Ave. in 1967, he found pride in maintaining a high level of customer service in his family-run business. Forty-seven years and three generations of Hamills later, his business still maintains the same level of customer service but at a much larger scale so it’s no wonder that the restaurant won silver for ‘Best Ice Cream’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. Gordon’s son Rob Hamill together with his children now own and operate four Dairy Queens within the City, including the first original, iconic location near the hospital. General Manager of the downtown location, Drew Hamill believes the success of his family’s long standing business can be contributed to the staff over the years who Drew said have become family to the Hamills as well as the ethics of their employees and dedication they provide to the business. “We pride ourselves in hiring people with strong work ethics who have a passion for what they are doing and people who really care about being a part of the community,” said Drew. “You can tell the people we have working for us really care just by looking at our fund-

raising numbers from Miracle Treat Day.” The Hamills and their team took home the national record last year by raising over $100,000 to go to the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Alberta Children’s Hospital. “When we reached our goal of $100,000 last year everyone was kind of scared because we had no idea how we were ever going to reach it again,” said Drew. “But our staff really blew us away and we ended up shattering our record and raising over $120,000 this year. This was only possible because our staff know that there is something bigger than their daily lives and people are going through things we couldn’t even begin to imagine and through fundraising we have a chance to help people and I think this really motivates our staff.” As far as the success of Dairy Queen’s ice cream goes, Drew said he believes it is the wide variety of choices available to their customers that sets them apart from their competitors. “For the last 10 years Dairy Queen has really been focusing on expanding Blizzard ﬂavours to a wider scope,” he said. “In lieu of Dairy Queen’s 75th anniversary, they are bringing back quite a few fan favourites which we are really excited about and there is even the chance for fans to vote for their favourites.”

THANKS

jswan@reddeerexpress.com

DELIGHTFUL DAIRY - Justine Hamill showcases the amazing properties of a Dairy Queen blizzard that allow it to be held upside down. Dairy Queen won silver for ‘Best Ice Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express Cream’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

RED DEER! FOR VOTING WENDY’S® GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

BEST FAST FOOD

BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

GOLD

SILVER

BEST FAST FOOD

BEST LATE NIGHT EATS

PLEASE VISIT US AT THESE WENDY’S® RED DEER LOCATIONS GAETZ AVENUE | GAETZ AVENUE | HIGHWAY

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 17

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Vat serving up some quality bartenders BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express Sean Draper, a bartender for The Vat, serves up such great service that he was awarded gold in the ‘Best Bartender’ category. Draper has worked at the Vat for 10 years and said he couldn’t be happier with his position. An expert of his craft, Draper said he takes pride in where he works, the people he serves and the family he has at his job. “I think The Vat is amazing and so is my boss, Terry Cave. I love the man – the guy’s like a second father. He’s just great, and I can’t speak highly enough of him,” said Draper. “I like the people that come in here because it’s such a variety. Like on any given night, at one end of the bar there could be an 18-year-old and at the other end an 80-year-old. It’s such a variety. You don’t deal with a lot of the ﬁghting and rowdiness that you do downtown. It’s nice. The people are here for the music, it’s usually a respectful group. You don’t have to dress a certain way to be here, people just come as themselves and have fun.” Draper said the atmosphere of The Vat has always been something that he’s enjoyed and that he loves the career he has made. He took the Hospitality and Tourism program at Red Deer College, and found that he really enjoyed the beverage aspect of it. He said that shortly after receiving his credentials,

he felt as if being a bartender would be cheating himself after all the money spent on schooling, but he quickly realized it was just what he enjoyed. “This is just what I’ve chosen to do and I love it. I did the ﬂair thing for a bit and did some competitions for it. A couple of years ago, I got turned on to the kind of ‘craft-cocktail revolution’ that’s going on.” His enthusiasm has earned him recognition as a great bartender. Draper said that the atmosphere and attitude of The Vat keeps him enjoying his job and feeling comfortable where he works. The variety of people at The Vat is part of what he says keeps him happy there. “For people who want to come down to The Vat, this is the perfect dive bar. Some people hear that and think it’s a bad thing, but it’s not. We’re a dive bar and we’re proud to be a dive bar! It’s an incredible place,” he said. “The atmosphere of this place is perfect – we’re not trying to be something we’re not. This is like an extension of Terry pretty much – the décor in here is like Terry’s other living room. This bar is his thoughts and his personality. We get all walks of life down here and that’s what is really cool.” From the décor to the patrons on the stools, Draper said the atmosphere plays a large role in him enjoying his work. “If you go downtown to a club, you have kids who are anywhere

GOOD TEAM - Sean Draper, left, poses with his boss and friend Terry Cave, co-owner of The Vat. Draper was given the gold for ‘Best Bartender’, with co-worker ‘Bryan Thiessen’ receiving silver in the same category. from about 16 to 25. Here, we’re all over 18, I swear, and it goes anywhere from there. My grandma has been in here, and she’s 93! Everything about this place is awesome. The staff is pretty great, but Terry is the mastermind behind it all,” said Draper. The location, patrons and staff are what keep Draper happy where he is. However, he said he is still excited for what is to come. Draper said he is thankful for the recognition and hopes that people remember what he was awarded,

Thanks Red Deer

because he will soon be opening up his own lounge bar downtown. He said he has the space all picked

out, and is excited to begin working on something new. Draper’s co-worker Bryan Thiessen was also

Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express

awarded a silver award in the same category of ‘Best Bartender’. kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

Thank You Red Deer!

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

for r selecting selec cting g us a favorite for

Best Vietnamese VIETNAMESE 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

We’re celebrating our 1st Anniversary! Bring your appetite and visit us today

Ba Thap Vietnamese Foods

Restaurant

www.thapba.com

Unit C - 2067 - 50 Ave.

Delivery & Catering Available

403.986.9895

GOLDEN FORK AW ARDS

Pick Up or Delivery! We Cater! 2 locations to serve you! • 80 Donlevy Avenue • 6900 Taylor Drive

Full menu online!

www.busterspizza.ca

PIZZA 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

18 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Save-On-Foods evolving to meet customer need The grocery store lands a pair of silver awards BY JENNA SWAN Red Deer Express With the progression of the corner market into the corner store and the corner store into the supermarket, the world of grocery shopping has changed over the last 30 years. General manger for East Hill Centre Save-On-Foods, Nigel Machan has been working in the grocery business over those last 30 years and watched as the needs and demographics of the people, as well as the business itself has evolved. Machan believes that one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the quality of fresh food and produce available at Save-On-Foods. This he says is the reason why Save-On-Foods landed silver for ‘Best Produce’ and ‘Best Organic Food’ in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. “We do our best to bring in the mix and the quality that people want and it’s GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

INDIAN 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

nice to see what we are doing is being appreciated by our customers,” said Machan. “We support 1,200 local growers throughout British Columbia and Alberta that supply us with the majority of our produce, and because we are a western Canadian company we are really proud to support local growers in the west.” Aside from their outstanding selection of fresh, local produce – Machan believes there are other aspects of his store that help make it what it is. “I think our meat department really sets us apart as well as our produce, as we receive a lot of compliments about the presentation and quality of our meats,” he said. “As well as I think our service and the way we are involved in the community and give back to the community is an important part of what sets us apart as we try to sup-

FRESH FOOD - Save-On-Foods Produce Manager Aaron Tougas displays organic Ambrose and Granny Smith apples, some of the fresh produce items that are partly responsible for the establishment winning silver for ‘Best Produce’ and ‘Best Organic Food’. Jenna Swan/Red Deer Express

port as many local athletes and schools as we can. We are involved in Woody’s Triathalon, the Red Deer

THANK YOU Red Deer for voting us a multiple winner and one of your favorites for

BEST INDIAN FOOD Your loyalty & support makes it possible!

Rebels, the Terry Fox Run and a number of other organizations throughout the community.” Although Machan hasn’t had much trouble in the last 30 years maintaining the quality of food available, he explained the struggle for the grocery industry in this time period has primarily revolved around how they can help their customers to adjust to the quickening pace of life in the 21st century. “It changes daily - the demographics, the customer and their needs – grocery stores have had to switch things up in the last couple of years to help customers ﬁnd ways to meet their meal needs and deal with

the faster pace that life has thrown their way,” said Machan. “So it’s been a welcomed challenge to adjust to help people meet those needs.” He explains that everything from their web services, to the way their stores are laid out has had to be adjusted to help meet customers’ needs. “Stores are even set up differently than they used to be, where as once all Save-On-Foods were set up the same, corporate now lets us to set up our stores to match the needs of our customers,” he said. “The layout of our stores are designed for user efﬁciency, so we look at the demographics of who shops

with us and what they buy most and we try to arrange the store in a way that will help them do their shopping more efﬁciently.” According to Machan, technology is even starting to see a larger role within grocery stores, as selfcheckouts become commonplace and the opportunity to email in grocery orders increases as well. “We just really want to thank our customers for the support they’ve shown us and we hope in the future we can continue to ﬁnd new ways to help meet their needs.” jswan@reddeerexpress.com

GLUTEN FREE 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

ALL YOU CAN EAT Lunch Buffet Mon•Fri 11am•2pm

INDIAN FLAME & PIZZA #130 3 Ironside Street

and

Readers of the Red Deer Express voted Cora as the GOLD Award Winner in both the Breakfast and Brunch categories for the 3rd year in a row! Warmest thank you from the entire Cora team! We couldn’t have done it without you.

FULLY LICENSED

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Always Fresh

403-314-4100 403-352-8803

Check out our menu at

www.indianﬂame.ca

e™

DINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

t in

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Gift Cards Available

INDEPENDENT

Your place or ours... We cater all functions. Ask about special pricing.

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

A spa

r agu

s, S

wis

e sB

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

6858 Gaetz Avenue Red Deer 403 986-8855

Monday to Saturday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 19

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

50 West Bistro wins a bevy of Golden Fork Awards BY KALISHA MENDONSA Red Deer Express 50 West Bistro has apparently taken Red Deer by storm, as they received a total of six Golden Fork Awards and have been open for less than a year. 50 West Bistro was awarded for gold in two categories – ‘Best Fine Dining’ and ‘Best Waiter’ (Logan Moninsky); silver for three categories – ‘Best Atmosphere’, ‘Most Romantic’ and ‘Best New Restaurant’ and a bronze for ‘Best Wine List’.

‘IT’S NOT HARD TO COME TO WORK. THE PEOPLE THAT WORK HERE ARE GREAT AND THE OWNERS ARE GREAT. I HAVE NOTHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT MY JOB.’ MICHELLE PEYROW Michelle Peyrow has been managing the bistro since it opened in February. She said that she enjoys coming to work each day because of the staff she works with, and the effort they put forth with customers, which seems to yield good results. “We’re very fortunate with the staff that we have. They enjoy their jobs and are knowledgeable and want to give people the ﬁne dining experience. What I want guests to know is that we are looking to give people an entire experience –

not just somewhere to eat,” she said. “When people come in, we want everyone to be taken care of. We want the atmosphere to be nice, the food to be good, the servers to be knowledgeable and entertaining – everything. We want it to be the entire package.” Peyrow thinks that what brought 50 West Bistro so many awards is the overall experience that she and her staff try to create for each visitor. A new chef was brought in recently, Chef Labossiere, who is very passionate about his food, according to Peyrow. She said the caliber of food, combined with the wide variety of beverages to pair, topped with excellent service is what makes 50 West Bistro the full ﬁne-dining package. “Our biggest challenge now is just getting people aware that we exist and letting them know what we’re all about. “We want them to know about the quality of food and give them another option rather than typical chain restaurants. We went them to know about our little hidden treasure.” The staff is trained to be courteous, knowledgeable and entertaining. The food is prepared with a beverage in mind – beers, cocktails or wine – to accent the meal. Peyrow takes pride in her job as a manager to keep things running smoothly. “There’s so many options that we have to build

A GREAT TEAM - Logan Moninsky, voted gold for ‘Best Waiter’, takes a seat with boss Michelle Peyrow and chef Matt Labossiere Kalisha Mendonsa/Red Deer Express of 50 West Bistro. The business won several other honours as well in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. the experience. We just got a fairly new chef that is super passionate about food. With our staff, we really like to have our staff knowledgeable so that they can suggest a wine to pair, or a food to a wine,” she said. “They’re great in that if you drink beer, or wine, or cocktails – they can suggest what goes well with that. If we can continue that way and continue to build on that it will really play to the experience.” Peyrow said she was very excited to hear that the bistro had been so well re-

Thank You Central Alberta for your loyal patronage & votes! GOLDEN

FORK AW ARD

BEST RIBS

2014 R Choice eaders’ Awards

Order Online!

greatribs.ca

#60, 5250 22 St. Red Deer • 403.358.3223

ceived and appreciated by the community. “The customers that we get are so appreciative that we’re giving them some-

thing extra that it’s a real joy to be around them and hear what they’re saying. It’s not hard to come to work. The people that work

here are great and the owners are great. I have nothing negative to say about my job.” kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com

20 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Publisher’s Message

Attention All Foodies! Coming in February

We hope you enjoy our fifth annual Golden Fork Awards. The Golden Fork Awards are given to establishments that our readers have chosen as the best in their categories. We try to make participation as easy as possible by offering online voting as well as ballots printed in our paper. Again this year, we received an incredible amount of votes. It just solidifies the fact that when people are satisfied, they like to express their appreciation and pass that positive feedback on. In this special feature, we try to highlight different businesses every year so that you, our readers, can get an idea of some restaurants you had never thought of trying. If you see a certificate hanging on the wall of a winner’s business, don’t forget to congratulate them on their win, and to let them know how your experience was. We know that the ballot takes time to fill out, and we appreciate that our readers have taken the time to make this year’s Golden Fork Awards even better than last year. We also appreciate participation from our local businesses because without their advertising support, we would not be able to publish this feature for our readers.

s u n e ny M a M ne at ble onli a il a v a .com us are All men eddeerexpress www.r

Tracey Scheveers Publisher

CHEERS RED DEER! GOLDE

N FORK AWARD

GOLDE

N FORK AWARD

IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME

Authentic Greek Cuisine Traditional Greek Atmosphere

Thank You Red Deer for voting us #

Thank you for acknowledging our efforts. Your support is what got us here!

THE

VAT - we

BARTEND

2014 R Choice eaders’ Awards

BARTEND

2014 R Choice eaders’ Awards

Stop in for a drink served up by 2 of the Best Bartenders in the city

love the vat 5301 43rd St. •403-346-5636

Call us today Join us every Friday & Saturday evening for to book your Reservation! Now Booking for BELLY DANCING Christmas Parties! ENTERTAINMENT!

IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME 7-3701 Gaetz Avenue, Red Deer, ab

403-358-5544

Delivery • Catering • Pickup

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 21

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

GOLD winners Best Chinese Food ......................Dragon City Buffet

Best Brunch ....................................................... Cora

Best Greek Food ....................... It’s All Greek To Me

Best Lunch ...................................The Chopped Leaf

Best Italian Food ............................ La Casa Pergola

Best Bartender ....................Sean Draper @ The Vat

Best Mexican Food .............................. Las Palmeras

Best Waiter .................. Logan Moninsky @ 50 West

Best Indian Food .......................... Tandoor ‘n’ Flame

Best Waitress.................. Dalina @ One Eleven Grill

Best Vietnamese Food .....................Pho Thuy Dong

Best Chef

Best Hamburger ......................................Burger Boy

......Eddie Wong @ Tiffany’s Steak House & Lounge

Best Wings........................................Bo’s Bar & Grill

Best Pub .................................. Browns Socialhouse

Best Sushi......................................................... Shiso

Best Lounge ......... Tiffany’s Steak House & Lounge

Best Ribs .............................................. Tony Roma’s

Best Patio .......................................................... Earls

Best Steak.....................................................The Keg

Best Sports Bar ................................Bo’s Bar & Grill

Best Pizza .................... Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria

Best On Wheels ................................ Chedda’ Heads

Best Donair ...................... Cleopatra’s Donair & Pita

Best Ice Cream ..... Little Ice Cream & Soda Shoppe

Best Appetizers ................................................. Earls

Best Bakery .......................................... Tasty Bakery

Most Kid Friendly ......................... East Side Mario’s

Best Deli..........................................Big Bend Market

Best Late Night Eats..................................... Denny’s

Best Cup Of Coffee ........................................... Dose

Best Fine Dining ........................................... 50 West

Best Health Food ........Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Food

Best Atmosphere ............................ One Eleven Grill

Best Organic Food .........................Big Bend Market

Most Romantic ............................... La Casa Pergola

Best Gluten Free Food ................The Chopped Leaf

Best Wine List............. Redstone Grill and Wine Bar

Best Produce ...................................... Sobeys South

Best Buffet ......................................... Phoenix Buffet

Best Caterer.................................Red Deer Catering

Best Fast Food ............................................ Wendy’s

Best New Restaurant .............. Browns Socialhouse

Best Breakfast ................................................... Cora

Best Independent Restaurant ........ One Eleven Grill

Thank you Red Deer for voting us

# Best Donair

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Your Loyalty & Support

IS GOLD TO US! Having an event? We cater!

DONAIR 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Thank You! Thank you to all our Socialhouse guests for voting us The Golden Fork Awards for best pub & best new restaurant in Red Deer. We are thrilled to be a part of the Red Deer community!

#12 - 7110 - 50 Ave - North

403-341-5282

125-31 Clearview Market Way, Red Deer, AB | 403.986.9711

22 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

SILVER winners Best Chinese Food ..... Red Star Chinese Restaurant

Best Brunch .................................... Phil’s Restaurant

Best Greek Food ................................................ OPA!

Best Lunch ......................................... Chedda’ Heads

Best Italian Food ........................... East Side Mario’s

Best Bartender ................Bryan Thiessen @ The Vat

Best Mexican Food ..............................Mucho Burrito

Best Waiter ...................... Shane @ Le Casa Pergola

Best Indian Food ......................Indian Flame & Pizza

Best Waitress

Best Vietnamese Food ...............Thap Ba Restaurant

................Megan @ Tiffany’s Steak House & Lounge

Best Hamburger ............ Five Guys Burger and Fries

Best Chef ............... Chris Grainger @ Original Joe’s

Best Wings.............................................Boston Pizza

Best Pub ..........................................Fionn MacCool’s

Best Sushi...............................................Momo Sushi

Best Lounge .................................... Black Knight Inn

Best Ribs ............................................... Swiss Chalet

Best Patio ................Tiffany’s Steakhouse & Lounge

Best Steak.........................................One Eleven Grill

Best Sports Bar ................The Canadian Brewhouse

Best Pizza ............................................ Buster’s Pizza

Best On Wheels ....................................... Cool Beans

Best Donair ....................................... Red City Donair

Best Ice Cream ....................................... Dairy Queen

Best Appetizers ................................One Eleven Grill

Best Bakery .................................. CO-OP Downtown

Most Kid Friendly .......................................... Denny’s

Best Deli............................................... Sobeys South

Best Late Night Eats..................................... Wendy’s

Best Cup Of Coffee ................................ Tim Hortons

Best Fine Dining ................................................. Earls

Best Health Food ..........................The Chopped Leaf

Best Atmosphere ........................................... 50 West

Best Organic Food ............................Save-On-Foods

Most Romantic .............................................. 50 West

Best Gluten Free Food .............Indian Flame & Pizza

Best Wine List.................................. La Casa Pergola

Best Produce .....................................Save-On-Foods

Best Buffet ....................................Dragon City Buffet

Best Caterer..................................The Chopped Leaf

Best Fast Food ........................................McDonald’s

Best New Restaurant .................................... 50 West

Best Breakfast ................................ Phil’s Restaurant

Best Independent Restaurant ....... Tandoor ‘n’ Flame

Thanks for the cherry on top! GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Thank You Red Deer for your continued support and voting us! GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Thanks to everyone for your loyalty and support... and for getting Frosted with us at Babycakes Cupcakery! BAKERY 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

LOUNGE 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

2929 - 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB Reservations: 403-343-6666 www.blackknightinn.ca

• Dozens of flavors • DELIVERY available • locally owned 144 Erickson Dr. red deer 403.346.1224

Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 23

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

BRONZE winners

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Best Chinese Food ................. China Ben Restaurant

Best Brunch ........................ABC Country Restaurant

Best Greek Food ........................... Saro’s Restaurant

Best Lunch .......................................................... Earls

Best Italian Food .............................................. Dino’s

Best Bartender ..................Dylan @ One Eleven Grill

Best Mexican Food ............... Old Mexico Taco Buffet

Best Waiter ............................ Andre @ Las Palmeras

Best Indian Food .......................................India Feast

Best Waitress.........................Melba @ Las Palmeras

Best Vietnamese Food ........................ Noodle House

Best Chef ....................Chef Emmanuel @ Boulevard

Best Hamburger ..................................................A&W

Best Pub ................. Toad ‘n’ Turtle Pubhouse & Grill

Best Wings............................................Original Joe’s

Best Lounge .....................................One Eleven Grill

Best Sushi................................................ Sushi Sushi

Best Patio .............................................Original Joe’s

Best Ribs ............................... Montana’s Cookhouse

Best Sports Bar ..................................... Boston Pizza

Best Steak...............Tiffany’s Steak House & Lounge

Best On Wheels ........................................ The Stache

Best Pizza .................................................... Pizza Hut

Best Ice Cream

Best Donair ........................ King Donair & Shawrama

........................Peppermint Andy’s Ice Cream Wagon

Best Appetizers ....................................Original Joe’s

Best Bakery ............................Babycakes Cupcakery

Most Kid Friendly .................................... McDonald’s

Best Deli......................................................... Safeway

Best Late Night Eats.............................. Boston Pizza

Best Cup Of Coffee .................................... Starbucks

Best Fine Dining ...............................One Eleven Grill

Best Health Food ............................. Big Bend Market

Best Atmosphere ............ The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

Best Organic Food ...... Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Food

Most Romantic .....................................Westlake Grill

Best Gluten Free Food .................... Big Bend Market

Best Wine List.................................................50 West

Best Produce ............................................ Superstore

Best Buffet ........................................ Red Deer Buffet

Best Caterer...................................... Remi’s Catering

Best Fast Food ....................................................A&W

Best New Restaurant ................... The Chopped Leaf

Best Breakfast ............................. Glenn’s Restaurant

Best Independent Restaurant .. Indian Flame & Pizza

Thank You Red Deer & Central Alberta!

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

COME IN & SEE OUR DIFFERENCE CHINESE 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Visit us at our New Location

Lunch Special

Any 3 Dim Sum Items

$10.95

403.309.5566

3301-50 Ave., Red Deer

CUP OF COFFEE 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

order online ww.redstarrestaurant.ca

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING US BEST CUP OF COFFEE. 4912 50TH AVE / 403.343.3722

24 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thank you Red Deer & Central Alber ta!

3 GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Gold Winner

LUNCH

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Gold Winner

GLUTEN FREE

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

YES, WE CATER!

Call 403.348.5323

CUSTOMIZE YOUR LUNCH. CUSTOMIZE YOUR LIFE! PICK UP YOUR ORDER OR P

LETTUCE BRING IT TO YOU! U!

CHEF DESIGNED SALADS Order individually as a starter or full size OR order as a large salad platter for your party! Wrap Platter

Chopped Signature Romaine, onion, cranberries, roasted pecans, feta & croutons with Chopped Balsamic Popeye Spinach, pecans, oranges, apples, feta & Cranberries with Fruit Vinaigrette

Customize for a group of any size. Make any Chef Designed Salad into a wrap. Order individually or create a wrap platter for any party size.

Southwest Romaine, cherry tomatoes, black bean corn salsa, peppers, cheddar & pita chips with Chipotle Lime Citrus Bangkok ROLLS D A L Romaine, iceberg, peppers, snow peas, onion, noodles, SA peanuts, cilantro with Evil Peanut Pegasus Romaine, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, feta & olives with Greek Vinaigrette Sunshine Spring mix, cucumbers, mozza, avocado & apples with Goddess Caesar Romaine, bacon bits, parmesan & croutons with Creamy Caesar

Salad Roll Platter 20 Assorted Salad Rolls Vegetarian: carrots, lettuce, peppers & basil Prawn: carrots, lettuce, green onions & cilantro Served with Evil Peanut

N GLUTE FREE WR APS

The Spa Spring mix, tomatoes, carrots, chickpeas, cranberries & walnuts with Chopped Balsamic

WHOLE BOWLS QUESADILLAS SANDWICHES

ADD A PROTEIN for an additional cost Silver Winner

BEST HEALTH FOOD

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Silver Winner

BEST CATERER

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Chicken – Tuna – Smoked Tofu – Prawns – Wild Salmon

Soup Daily features with Gluten Free and Vegan options. Small and Large sizes available. Chopshakes Diva: brown basmati rice, black bean corn salsa, cucumbers, carrots, chickpeas & Goddess Dressing Nutty: brown basmati rice, green onions, peppers, chowmein, pea pods, carrots, peanuts, cilantro & Evil Peanut Dressing

KIDS MENU $5

Dessert Platter Variety of bars & cookies available, a sweet and wholesome treat. Cookies & Bars baked fresh by Chopped Leaf. Order as many as you need for your party!

S SHAKE P O H C

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Chickie Garden Salad Romaine, cucumber, tomato, carrots, served with ranch dressing on the side

Chickie Caesar Salad Romaine, parmesan, croutons, served with Caesar dressing on the side

Chickie Ranch Wrap Whole wheat tortilla, iceberg lettuce, chicken, cheddar, and ranch dressing wrapped up

Chickie Caesar Wrap Whole weat tortilla, chicken, romaine, parmesan & Caesar dressing wrapped up

Bronze Winner

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

2014 Readers’ Choice Awards

Chickie Quesadilla Whole wheat tortilla, chicken, cheddar, ar, cheese & ranch dip on the side Chickie Bowl Brown rice, chicken, cheddar Grilled Cheese ugh, Your choice of multigrain or sourdough, served with ketchup on the side

31 Clearv Clearview Market Way • Red Deer, AB

(403) 348-5323 www.choppedleaf.ca

Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 8 pm Sunday 10am – 7pm