Lounge Burger

Mmmmm! After a meeting with the livecosmo crew (Mike and Daniela), Chelsey and I headed down to loungeburger to satisfy our month-long craving for what is said to be the best burger joint in the city. As first timers we didn't really know what to expect, so we tried as much as we could to allow ourselves a solid experience! First up was the poutine (Chelsey's very first poutine adventure!) which was quite yummy to say the least, and I think Chels would agree because we inhaled that bad boy to the bitter end! Next up was our burgers! C.Bass had the chicken burger which consisted of: marinated chicken breast, house made bruschetta and swiss cheese served on a red pepper onion bun - thoroughly enjoyed! I.Tanafranca had the aaa beef southwest burger that had guacamole, jalapenos, jalapeno jack cheese, double smoked bacon and chipotle ranch on a brioche bun - two messy thumbs up! The jalapenos were a little empowering, but still good! Last but definitely NOT least was dessert! There's always room in our dessert tummies! It was a different take on your average cheesecake with a chocolate cupcake layer and amaretto icing on top, drizzled with vanilla bean and chocolate sauce and of course, whipped cream and strawberries on the side! definitely something I would order again! Cheesecake cafe..watch out!

Poutine

(we almost forgot to take a picture...)

Chicken Burger and Salad (Chels was being all healthy)

AAA Southwest burger with onion rings..ohh yeah! 

Cupcake amaretto cheesecake!

PARKLUXE

What a perfect night in the Winter Garden at the PARKLUXE show! The Jamieson Place venue was unreal with crazy blown glass sculptures and an entire wall of live greenery! The VIP lounge was fully stocked with champagne, beer, sushi and tons of other goodies-they definitely didn't hold back! Anne B. was the first to kick off the night with her fabulous collection of accessories, my favourite was this huge beaded necklace (that you'll find below). Next up was Lara Presber with her fall looks (unfortunately, I only got one good picture from it). One of my favourite designs for the night was an outerwear piece by Bridget Bergman, she had the most amazing coats, I want to buy them ALL!! You can check her stuff out at Under the Bridge Fashions just off Edmonton trail. Last but definitely not least was Caitlin Power's Fall collection which was very true to her style and reminiscent of last fall. Her consistence when it comes to flawless construct never ceases to amaze me!

Parkluxe-Success!

Myself and Lindsay at the beginning of the night

The VIP lounge

Anne B. Accessories

Anne B. Accessories

[I need this!]

Lara Preseber

Lara Presber

Rupi (The Diva Lounge), Ashley (Lions Lace Lattes), Myself and Karolina (Karolinas-Style)

My new friend Vincent!

Bridget Bergman (I'm making room in my closet for this coat!)

Caitlin Power

Caitlin Power

Caitlin Power

Taste of Calgary! 2 of 2

Last Friday Jason, my sister and I headed down to Eau Claire to sample a few of the fantastic stands the Taste of Calgary festival had set up. The weather was perfect and we were even luckier to beat the crowds! Jason was the bravest when it came to trying new things, but we did manage to sample a lot. We started off with some Ginger Beer and Jerk Chicken from a Jamaican stand, and then moved onto the very yummy Lounge Burger (conveniently located right across from my apartment!) After that it was some Lamb and Tzatziki Sauce on a pita bread. Turns out we aren't fans of lamb. Moving right along, we headed for the Sushi and Deep Fried Green Tea Ice Cream and some Jugo Juice (things were getting a little wild for my sister's tastes, we needed something a little more regular for her) So, to round off the afternoon we spent the last of our tickets on classics: Perogies, Garlic Sausage and Chocolate Covered Strawberries! All in all, tastiest festival yet!

Jason, eyeing up what the day had to offer

Deep fried Green Tea Ice Cream....

Taste of Calgary! 1 of 2

Here we go again! I think I've missed my calling, or maybe I was a food critic in my past life, because every last bit of The Taste of Calgary was thoroughly enjoyed! I ventured downtown with my famjam (minus Manila) on Saturday after a morning of berry picking (@ Kayben Farm's) and checked out all the different vendors handing out sample sized portions of their most popular concoctions. The very first thing I tried out was the Lounge Burger - AAA Slider, and I was so sad that it was only a slider, I wish i lasted longer than 3 bites. The patty was topped off with grilled onions, cheesy cheese and crispy bacon! Next up was Rick's Grills GINORMOUS rib - DELICIOUS! Enough said. After that we found the China Rose kiosk and picked up some ginger beef, probably the second best ginger beef I've had in the city...I'm pretty critical when it comes to my Chinese food. Almost last, but not least was Caribbean Choice's Jamaican patties, and all I can say is that I'm a big fan. Watch out Joycee's it's a toss up whose are better! The icing on the cake was a white chocolate mousse by La Vita e Bella - YUM. I love white chocolate, and this mousse reminded me why. It was the perfect way to leave my taste pallet. Thanks for the good eats!

Berry Picking @ Kayben Farm's (BEST raspberries!)

Huge crowds @ Eau Claire Market

Get your tickets

Rick's Grill

Caribbean Choice

Chinatown Festival!

Today I spent the afternoon, in the nearly 30 degree heat, enjoying the market and entertainment that the Chinatown community was putting on. I have to admit, this was by far the most different festival I've been to yet! There were so many things I've never seen before. From food, to drinks, to the entertainment, every part of today was a learning experience. There were lots of people in stands along the streets, and just as many had laid their wares down along the sidewalk for everyone to view and buy. There was different foods and small grocery markets to check out, with food I've never seen. My favorite stand was Swoon, though. They sold amazing handmade jewelry that looked so delicate and had the best collection of colorful leather bags. I wanted it all! Everything in the market area was so colorful, and the entertainment didn't disappoint either. Just as colorful, and everything I'd hoped for. For somewhere, right in the middle of downtown, there's a world of difference. If you didn't go this year, you have to next August.

I loved this sign that Swoon had up. And this is a small sampling of their amazing stand! One day, that green bag will be mine!

Finally, Food Trucks!

It feels like forever since we've posted (Aside from the yummy looking Salsa Fest post Ivanka did yesterday!) And, while we're on the topic of food I thought it would be appropriate to mention the Food Trucks! Stephen Ave was filled with hungry bystanders, who waited for their chance to try the latest and greatest to hit the streets. It was packed, to say the least. Those who didn't mind the wait said it all tasted great, and by late afternoon some vendors were even sold out. I, sadly, did not get to eat the vendor goodness (Jason was far too impatient to wait in line. I kept trying it tell him it was for "work". He didn't fall for it) From the looks of the pilot run, the food trucks are here to stay though. They will be parked along the River Walk Friday for those who couldn't make it today. There's a huge variety among the trucks, fit for whatever you may be craving on your lunch break, whether it be tacos, burgers, pizza or gelato! You can read about each truck or get all the latest news on the YYC Food Truck website, where there's also links to each trucks Twitter or Facebook pages!

Salsa Fest!

Free all-you-can-eat salsa?? Say no more, I'm there! The sun was shining, the streets were jam packed and the music was very welcoming, so I rounded up 2/3 of my sisters and was ready to feast. I couldn't believe the amount of people that showed up for this event, all i could think was "OH NO! they're going to eat all my salsa!", but there was plenty to go around. You gotta love the friendly competition between all the different vendors and companies battling to the death for the best salsa in town. There was every kind that you could think of from your most traditional tomato salsa, to a version completely composed of fruit, to a salsa made from cream cheese! You couldn't have asked for a sunnier day, a greater atmosphere, a better crowd nor a vibe more exciting. I have to say, the result was a very full Ivanka! Salsa Fest, we'll see you next year!

Endless sea of humans!

Round One!

Happy Ivanka with her chips and salsa

My sisters and I enjoying the eats!