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/
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
I stopped by the Fine Art Cafe yesterday for an afternoon snack. The weather was nice so I sat outside. The Cafe is near the river amongst many older character homes in a quiet and appealing neighborhood. It was fairly busy so it did take some time to get my food but I was not overly concerned because I had my niece’s etch-a-sketch. My turkey club tasted as good as a club sandwich gets and the chickpea soup was also fine. I got a strawberry banana iced tea that was not all that enjoyable. All in all, it was a relaxing experience.
TAPS – 13.5
T – 3.5
A – 4
P – 3
S – 3
702 14th St E Saskatoon
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
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 went to Alexander’s for lunch today. All around, it was great. I started off with the quesadillas and for the main I went with the chicken focaccia sandwich with split pea and ham soup.
Let me start by saying that I am a sucker for Alexander’s quesadillas. I think they are really good, and once again I was not disappointed. My dad seems to think Prairie Ink has the best quesadillas around which means I guess I need to go give them a try. Either way, if you are a quesadilla fan try out both restaurants.
My main course was just as good. The sandwich couldn’t have been better and as for the soup, it did have a lot of pepper in it but I don’t mind that.
About 8 years ago I used to go to Alexander’s often. They had my favourite meal/dessert combo. I couldn’t get enough of the BLT pizza and Kentucky pie. Both have since been removed from their menu. It is too bad that it had to happen but they still have plenty of great options.
Here we go!
T – 4.5
A – 3
P – 3.5
S – 4
TAPS 15
414 Cumberland Ave N
http://alexandersrestaurant.ca/
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
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
One of my favorite new spots for a light supper or an original meeting spot for coffee and conversation recently opened in downtown Saskatoon. Created by the owners of the restaurant Calories and Pine View Farms, this new eatery will become a favorite of many in the city.
Today, I sampled the Caesar salad, iced white tea with raspberry and lemon tart for dessert. The small Caesar salad in a box ranks high as the dressing does not hold back on flavor. The large sliced mushrooms and ample amount of grated cheese make the small salad heavy enough for a man to eat. A few extra croutons would make the salad perfect.
The iced white tea with raspberry taste combines a good amount of sweetness. My only complaint stems from the plastic cup. When dining in, this drink should come in a more substantial glass than a throw away cup.
The lemon tart is near perfect if you love lemon. Since I do love lemon, I finished the dessert wanting more.
16 TAPS
265 3rd Ave S. Saskatoon, SK
(306) 979-8102
