It's about freakin time!

So, for the month of June, everyday I walked past a storefront underconstruction to get from work to parking stall and vise versa, knowing full well it was a Mexican Taqueria joint in the making.  Yes, I was hesitant, knowing that Mexican restaurants in Edmonton just didn't cut it for me.  For awhile, I thought maybe it's the sun, the air, the locally grown vegetables and the "carbon" that made everything in Mexico taste fantastic, but passing Tres Carnales on June 30th and peaking in, gave me a completely different point of view - I couldn't wait to give this place and try, and guess what?  It didn't disappoint!  Tres Carnales (three friends) has officially jumped to the front of the line as one of may favorite places to eat in Edmonton!

I think, really, it's a combination of a few things.  They got it right, simply put.  A small, tight menu of traditional items anyone can find at a taqueria stall in Mexico.  Housemade with family recipes and fresh ingredients - that's a big plus in my book!  Then, there is the decor - bright murals, reminiscent of your favorite taqueria, a small selection of Catrinas and other Mexican art, rustic wood and an inviting communal table to share with other appreciative Edmontonians.  Couple this with my love of Mexico and Mexican cuisine, and it's a wrap!

Love the idea of a communal table - I hope they add another!

But on to more important things - the menu - a complete list of your favorite tacos, including Arrachera (beef), Pollo (chicken), Carnitas (slow braised pork shoulder), Vegetarian, Chorizo, Rajas con Crema (Poblano pepper) and hold on to your seat.... Al Pastor. YES - Al Pastor - and the authentic way - marinated pork on a spit. You had me at Al...

Tacos y cerveza? Si Senor! And to go with your tacos is a small list of drinks, including Mexican beer and Sangria, Mexican pop and a typical Jamaican flower infused water. Want some appies to start? DO NOT pass up there Totopos - Housemade (and served warm) chips with Guacamole! I hear if you ask for the real deal, spicy salsa will emerge from the back... Take a look at some fantastic plates!

 

Housemade totopos - served with an equally awesome guacamole!

Rajas con Crema - this taco has poblano peppers, corn and Mexican crema

Mmmm.... my husband's favorite - Arrachera (grilled flank steak tacos)

The main event for me - Tacos Al Pastor - marinated pork on a spit

Housemade Mexican ground sausage sandwich - Chorizo Torta

The quiet exterior - look closely for the Cerveza Corona sign and the "el dia de los muertes" styled signage

Oh, and did I mention that 75% of the menu is gluten free, so celiacs everywhere rejoice!

Get down, try it out, and whatever you do, save a seat for me!  Pass it on - they deserve the kudos and the success!

Fall 2011 is here!

Enough with the screams of dismay at the title - easy big fella, summer is still in full throttle, but the anticipated release of our Fall 2011 collection is here!  Bottom line - can't order these pieces fast enough!  With a whooping amount of media and magazine interest in Stella and Dot, especially since the investment from Sequoia Capital, sample shipments are at best an act in precision timing with placing your order!

But until this line is safely delivered to my doorstep for my customers, here is a sneak peak to get the feel of Fall 2011:  Bold, Luxurious and fabulously on trend!

The new addition to our family!

I'm happy to announce the new addition to our family!  On June 30th, my daughter's long, very long time dream finally came true - she is the proud and doting owner of a beautiful puppy!

Meet Maggie Cox, a 3 lb Maltipoo!  Maggie is currently celebrating her 10 week birthday today and has been with us for two weeks!

I found great breeders about 1.5 hours southwest of Edmonton, who are a lovely retired couple with 15 years experience crossbreeding dogs and training a variety of breeds.  Maggie is expected to reach a whopping 10 lbs. fully grown and is as close to a non shedding dog as you can get!

Like the rest of the family, she has a great personality with lots of charm that overshadows a sometimes feisty behaviour!  And, I hesitate to say this, but I think even my husband is starting to fall for her lovable traits, regardless of now being her primary caregiver while I go to work! (Thank you David!)

If you are searching for a small companion dog with personality but very loving and loyal, I'd highly recommend this breed!  It hasn't been a walk in the park - last night was the first night Maggie was able to stay in her kennel without a pee break at 3am!  And of course, there is potty training, which with given the current weather and mosquito forecast, has been brought back to the land of pee pads!  And the nipping involved with a teething puppy.  Hopefully our new family member will be settled in and well on her way to a mannerly existence by the end of summer, and status quo can slowly but surely creep back into our lives!

For now, it's like having a new baby in the house, with all the ups, downs and joys one can expect!

Welcome home Maggie!!

Best Burgers

I'm hoping, REALLY hoping, that some of us are enjoying great summer weather - sunny blue skies, warm breezes and endless opportunities to do one of my all time favorite things - eat al fresco!  The marks of summer at our house specifically defined with several milestones, all of which include the outdoors and food - first al fresco meal, first s'mores in front of the fire and the first meal made from harvested vegetables in our yard.

With that, comes the need for some easy, but fantastic recipes for the grill.  There is none more North American than a fabulous burger.  At our house, we go with the classic - great quality Alberta beef and just a few additions.  Mix this winning recipe with my Hubby's kick ass BBQing skills and you've got a burger that's won your heart forever!  This recipe I am about to share goes amazingly well with a mound of caramelized onions (slice onions, place in pan with a drop of oil, let cook on medium low for about 15-20 minutes, then add a spoonful of brown sugar, and continue to cook on low for 5 minutes).  I've also whipped together a great spread with veganaise/sour cream/Mexican creme with a chipotle seasoning!  Hey, if you are feeling adventurous, cut a cube of brie and submerge it in the beef!

Slider or full size, American toppings or gourmet tastes, this is the ultimate basic burger recipe.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 Lb. lean ground beef
3 Tbsp. green onion or Spanish onion, minced
1/4 - 1/3 cup dried breadcrumbs or Panko crumbs
2 1/2 Tbsp of your favorite BBQ sauce
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/8 tsp salt and pepper
1 egg

Optional: 1 Tsp of an herb that compliments the theme of the burger (basil with mozzarella and tomato)

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Mix well and then use you hands to form beef into sliders or regular beef patties.
• Make an indent in the centre of the beef to even cooking all also allow the burgers to retain their shape while cooking.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to BBQ.
• Have awesome cook to BBQ to perfection!