Having It All at It’ All

Posted in Food, Review, Taste Adventures by Diane

All you can eat (AYCE) is one of those phrases that simultaneously delights and horrifies me. I love the idea of choice and options for a single price but I also hate being overwhelmed by choices and trying to decide how much I can eat before feeling too full and wanting to throw up. So when everyone was telling me about It’ All opening up in Chinatown, I was very intrigued but also a little unsure about going. However, my awesome friend JP came to town last weekend and since I know he can eat a lot and would be able to polish off everything I take but cannot finish (no waste here), we decided it would be a great place for a meal.

It’ All is a Japanese and Korean all you can eat place and one of the selling features for us was that it had a ton of Korean side dish (banchan) options. I have seen photos of the massive banchan area in the buffet and couldn’t wait to try as much as possible. After some deliberation, we went with twelve different types of banchan…

Banchan Plates! This is only a small selection of all the banchan available

Continue reading →

5Feb2013

(Over)Indulged at Izakaya Tomo

Posted in Food, Review, Taste Adventures by Diane

I am so excited that Edmonton finally has an izakaya! What is an izakaya? The definition according to Wikipedia is a Japanese drinking establishment that serves food along with drinks. I love places where I can meet friends after work for snacks and drinks and I’ve been to izakayas in Vancouver but I’ve always wished there was one in Edmonton – with the opening of Izakaya Tomo, my wish has been granted.

I met up with a few friends for dinner at Izakaya Tomo on a Friday night and I was glad JP was early so that he was able to grab a table – we got there around 6:15 and there were seats available but once 6:30 rolled around, the place was packed and there was a line of people waiting, so if you’re popping in for a visit, definitely consider making a reservation or going in a bit earlier.

Continue reading →

11Apr2012

Mochi and More at Mikado

Posted in Food, Review, Taste Adventures by Diane

Over the weekend, I went out with JJ to shop for a baby crib for her son (my godson) and a few other items. I’ve gone shopping for baby stuff with JJ before and of course purchased gifts for the many baby showers I attend but every time I head into Babies R Us and co., I am stunned by how expensive children are – I’m not sure I can ever afford to have children! One day I will have to ask JJ to do a guest post on baby shopping tips etc. But since I’m not an expert on babies – I only buy cute and fun things,which is what my job as “auntie” and “godmother” entails for now – let’s move on to our lunch at Mikado.

Continue reading →