$15: Coffee And Lunch At Remedy Café
Skip Timmys, Starbucks, and Second Cup. Remedy is E-Town’s coolest café and it’s the real deal. It’s relatively pretension-free and it’s the best place to while away a heavy-lidded weekend morning (and/or afternoon). Chai in Edmonton starts and ends here ($3-$5 depending on the size of the cup and the size of your tip). As you sip, you can watch the students and the interesting residents of Garneau walk by. Sink into a comfy couch and grab a catnap, if that’s your thing. Whatever you do, you owe it to yourself to indulge in their delicious and reasonably priced menu. Grab a seat by the window and enjoy every bite of the tandoori chicken ($10).
Free: Walk Across The High Level Bridge And Back
A stroll across the High Level Bridge offers some of the best scenery in our city. To the east you’ll get a great view of our modest but lovable downtown skyline, as well as a closeup of the monstrous Rossdale power plant. At the north end of the bridge you can check out the legislature grounds and building, the 40-year home of the beloved Alberta Tories. You can catch a great view of the western valley from Ezio Faraone Park on the west side of 109 Street. Looking to the west from the bridge, the North Saskatchewan River valley lays itself out in splendid, snaking beauty. At this time of year you can witness the breakup of ice on the river and the slow greening of the valley.
$20: Pizzas And Buskers At The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market
It’s the place to be on a Saturday morning. Show up early (before 10 a.m.) to avoid the tourist throngs. First thing you’ll want to do is grab breakfast at the canteen. Grab a loaded breakfast sandwich and a coffee ($6). I highly recommend picking up two small pizzas from Bella Crusta. They’re the “you bake ’em” type, and possibly the best pizzas ever. The ham and havarti is killer, and the super veggie ain’t too shabby either ($12 for two pizzas). Take a breeze around the place and wonder why all grocery shopping can’t be this much fun. On your way out, be sure to throw a toonie to the clarinetist or the bagpipe guy.
$15: Martinis At The Kasbar Lounge
The Kasbar is Whyte Avenue’s best-kept secret. Located underneath the legendary Yiannis Taverna, the Kasbar exudes a beautifully seedy charm. Take a few minutes to soak in the delicious, well-appointed Mediterranean decor: the low, heavy chairs. The spider-like light fixtures. The neon columns. It’s a treat for the senses, and it’s easy to get comfortable with someone in one of the many nooks and secret corners. The martinis aren’t cheap, but if you tip your server well, you won’t get a better pour on the Avenue.
Wanna try it? Send your ideas for 50Buck to stories@see.greatwest.ca.
