Cupcakes are a hot fad right now, especially in the big cities like L.A., New York and Vancouver. I guess downtown Saskatoon is joining the game. Located in the first level of the King George Building, this little shop has style. Very modern decor and lighting, very simple display and big taste are some of the features of The Cupcake Conspiracy.
If you are a fan of cupcakes, you must try this spot. Unless you are are cheapskate. At $2.50 a cupcake, they are not expensive, but start to add up when you buy them by the dozen. You will want to buy a dozen. Taking them to your co-workers will make you popular.
The taste is great. Compared to other cupcakes, these easily have the advantage which gives them above average at 4.
The atmosphere is perfect for this business. Almost imagine you are stepping off the streets of SoHo, so they get a 4.5.
The price is on par with any other good cupcake establishment, so they get a 3.5.
The service was expected. You can not expect too much when simply picking out cupcakes, so they get a 4.
TAPS – 16
http://www.thecupcakeconspiracy.ca/
As one follower of Saskatoon Slop told us, Lien Thanh Oriental Restaurant is worth trying. This little restaurant in downtown Saskatoon served great food at a great price with great service.
Lien Thanh is next to Garden Architecture, just across the street from Toys R’ Us. This was our first experience at Lien Thanh, but have heard good things from multiple people. I ordered my usual, the ginger beef. The biggest difference with this dish is the tenderness of the beef. Usually, ginger beef is made with low grade beef, but that was not the case here. The taste was different as there was not as much ginger as in other places, but I was not disappointed.
The atmosphere is very typical. It was small with out dated table and chairs. Yet, the restaurant was clean, which is more than most of these types of restaurants. The price was surprisingly low. With 4 adults and 2 children, the total bill was less than $60, which included several order of rolls too.
The service was above par. Even though there was only 2 other families in the restaurant while we were in there, we never had to wait for anything. I am not sure if the owner was serving us, but she was more than accommodating to our busy kids.
TAPS -16
Taste – 4
Atmosphere – 4 (compared to other restaurants of this type)
Price – 4
Service – 4
311 Avenue A South
Phone: 933-4299
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Mmm Mmm Goodness.
I had lunch at Truffle’s for the first time yesterday. I was limited to the lunch menu but was still very much impressed.
The service was great. Our waitress was personable and food arrived in no time.
I was lucky enough to try a couple of meals. I ordered the Crab Burger with soup. The soup itself did not have a specific name but it had onion, bacon, and some blue cheese in it. The whole meal was very good.
I also tried the Roasted Chicken on Pan Fried Wild Rice Bread. This sandwich was amazing. I was very pleased with it.
The prices were reasonable. A meal was in the range of about $12 and well worth every dollar.
TAPS – 18
T – 5
A – 4.5
P – 4
S – 4.5
Truffle’s Bistro & Pattisserie
230 21st St E
Saskatoon SK
St Tropez Bistro is another first for me. I ended up going there last night.
We had a reservation at 6pm and for about 45 minutes we were the only people in the restaurant. The atmosphere and service was very good so in no way did it feel strange. The server was telling us how they have done some renovations over the last little while and the restaurant is looking great.
I am going to go with the same approach I have been going with in my other posts.
Appetizer – Bean & Bacon Soup
Dinner – 6 Ounce Filet Mignon
Dessert – Creme Caramel
The whole meal was amazing. The steak was one of the best I have had and the Creme Caramel was so tasty I should have ordered a couple more.
Similar to Calories, this was another great tasting experience. The meal prices again ranged from $20 – $30. The one downfall for me was the meal size. When you are 6′5″ and 230 pounds, your body needs a decent amount of food.
T – 5
A – 4.5
P – 3.5
S – 4.5
TAPS 17.5
St Tropez Bistro
238 2nd Ave S
Saskatoon
Last night was the first time I have ever been to the Ivy. And I will have to say I didn’t mind it one bit. The service was prompt, the food was good, and the atmosphere was nice.
Appetizer – Mushroom Toasts
Main – Diefenbaker Steelhead Trout
Dessert – White Chocolate Mint Creme Brulee
The Mushroom Toasts were delicious. The basic idea of the appetizer was sauteed mushrooms with basil pesto on toast. The trout had a clamato salsa across the top. It was also very good. Lastly I had the creme brulee. I will say I have had better. It wasn’t as rich tasting as your average creme brulee and the texture was almost cake like (thick). Don’t get me wrong, it did taste good but I prefer creme brulee to have a softer texture.
The atmosphere was more enjoyable than any of the past restaurants I have reviewed. The restaurant was decorated well and very spacious. You can find pictures of the interior on their website. http://www.ivydiningandlounge.com/
Prices are in the $20-$30 range for a main course.
T – 4
A – 4.5
P – 3.5
S – 4.5
TAPS 16.5
The Ivy
24th St E and Ontario Ave
Saskatoon
When I go out for dinner with my dad we both have a hard time deciding on where to go. We ended up deciding on Calories and it proved to be an excellent choice.
I went all out for this meal! It consisted of the following:
Beverage – Mojito Mint Iced Tea
Appetizer – Split Pea & Lamb Curry Soup
Dinner – Organic Lamb Merguez & Vegetable Couscous Marga with “Ras el Hanout”
Dessert – Peach Pie
My whole meal was amazing. I don’t think anything could have tasted any better. I was pleasantly surprised since I have only indulged in the amazing desserts from Calories.
The service was also excellent. Their menu changes often and because of this our server explained each dinner option to us. The service was approached very professionally.
The atmosphere was nice as well. It isn’t the largest restaurant but you definitely don’t feel cramped into a small space. The walls are covered with art work that is for sale similar to many restaurants in the city.
The prices are what I would expect for such a dining experience. The dinner menu ranges from $20-$30 a plate.
T – 5
A – 4.5
P – 4
S – 5
TAPS 18.5
Calories Bakery & Restaurant 721 Broadway Ave
http://www.caloriesrestaurants.com/
I have been to Park Cafe in the past but this is the first time I have gone for breakfast. Park Cafe captures the feeling of a diner you would find around the 1930’s. The walls are covered with photo’s of Saskatoon in its early years. The atmosphere of the restaurant is like no other I have been to in Saskatoon. It could use a bit of a facelift, but it almost adds to the character.
Park Cafe has your regular breakfast choices. I ended up going with the eggs benedict. It was served with some of the best hash browns I have ever had. The benedict itself was also very good. A bit on the salty side but still delicious. I also gave the sausage a try and it was very good. The sausage was not the typical greasy mush you find at most restaurants. My guess is that it may be homemade. Make sure to get it as a side if it doesn’t come with your breakfast.
The service was also very good. They went out of their way to accommodate our party.
In regards to the price, it would be very similar to many breakfast establishments around the city. I believe my eggs benedict cost around the $13 mark.
TAPS time
T – 4.5
A – 4
P – 3
S – 4.5
16 TAPS
515 20th Street W Saskatoon
I think it is fair to say that Fuddruckers has the best burgers in town. If you think otherwise, let me know.
I’m a 1/2 pound and fry kind of guy. I add some lettuce, tomato, jalapenos, mayo, and cheese. That’s what is so great about Fuddruckers, you get to put whatever you like onto your burger. They have their malt shop, fresh baked goods, and of course all different kinds of burgers, salads, and breakfast options.
On occasion Fuddruckers can be fairly busy. Employees do move around tables to accommodate groups but if you are with a larger group don’t be surprised if you are sat around a table much too small or stuck at a table extremely crowded amongst other guests.
But who is kidding, these burgers are really the whole kit and kaboodle!!! And if you are like me tonight and feel like you ate to much, just head over to the batting cages and work some of it off!
Anyways, let’s TAPS this!
T – 5
A – 3
P – 4
S – 4
TAPS 16
2910 8th St E
Hands down, best pancakes in town. With Marlyn Monroe and Elvis watching you dine, the atmosphere takes you back to the 1950’s or was it the 1960’s? I am not sure, because I was born in the 1970’s. Either way, this fun diner rarely disappoints. The stack of 5 pancakes is not for the light of heart or light of stomach either. Out of the goodness of my heart, I will usually share a half a pancake with my daughter.
If you decided to go during the weekend, you might have a small wait as it is obviously a popular place for breakfast and brunch.
The only complaint I could find against breakfast is the chocolate milk. Instead of having real chocolate milk, they simply stir in some chocolate syrup in the white milk. I believe it should be called chocolate flavored white milk instead of chocolate milk. Either way, if you claim to be a pancake aficionado like myself, Broadway Cafe is a sure bet.
16 TAPS
T – 4
A – 4
P – 4
S – 4
814 Broadway Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7N 1B6
Phone: (306) 652-8244
I wouldn’t say I am a regular but I do find myself eating at Prairie Ink the odd time. Located in the McNally Robinson Bookstore, Prairie Ink has a wide range of delicious meals as well as a great selection of deserts.
I ended up going with the Grilled Chicken Club. It wasn’t your typical club sandwich. It had both grilled and shaved chicken, swiss cheese, a dijon mustard and your regular veggies, all on foccacia. It was definitely a tasty treat. For the side I went with the Blue Cheese and Pear Salad. I was a little hesitant but it turned out to be delicious. It was served with a blueberry vinaigrette. Just a party in my mouth! For desert I had the Creme Brulee. I was slightly disappointed. If you want a good Creme Brulee go to Souleio!
T – 4.5
A – 4
P – 3.5
S – 4
TAPS 16
3130 8th Street East
Saskatoon SK
