Athena Raypold

Pulled pork is sweeping the world by storm, filling countless menus with its often sweet and savoury and flaky, tender morsels. A versatile menu item, it can stand alone with some barbecue sauce and Brussels sprouts or fill a sandwich topped with tangy coleslaw. However you serve it, pulled pork always hits the spot.[Image credit: iStock.com/Lauri Patterson]

What is it about fried chicken that’s so good, so great, so unbelievably satisfying? Is it the satisfying crunch that comes from a deliciously battered,flawlessly seasoned and perfectly fried bite? Oh that juicy, flaking chicken enrobed in that heavenly crust! Edmonton has a pretty fabulous fried chicken scene, so checkout these restaurants to get your fix. [Image credit: iStock.com/rebeccafondren]

The new “it” food, cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that beautifully absorbs particularly spicy flavours like curries and chilies, making it an excellent appetizer in bothIndian and Mexican cuisine. But it’s starchiness also lends it the ability to replace potatoes as a healthier but equally tasty alternative to fries. Edmonton’s cauliflower dishes are standout selections worth trying. [Image credit: iStock.com/vm2002]

Salads can often be the least appealing menu items and the absolute last thing you want to order in a restaurant. But Edmonton has some fantastic salad offerings that won’t just please your palate but will have you coming back for salads again and again. [Image credit: iStock.com/Sarsmis]

While 2016 is the Chinese year of the monkey, in Edmonton restaurants it’s the year of the duck. Finding its way, in a multitude of forms, onto the menus ofEdmonton’s hippest and most popular restaurants, check out the following duck dishes to whet your appetite for this rich, fatty poultry. [Image credit: iStock.com/ALLEKO]

A versatile food that can be both sweet and savoury, popcorn isn’t just for kids and movies anymore. Gourmet varieties pepper Edmonton’s local food scene,providing a light, delicious appetizer that makes you feel like both a grown up and a kid. Craving this crunchy treat? Check out these local gems for their unique twists on popcorn. [Image credit: iStock.com/Melissandra]

With any dietary restriction, people often think skipping out on the standards sacrifices flavour, but being vegan isn’t about giving something up – it’s about embracing the natural flavours and experiences that the earth can give you. Luckily, Edmonton has some serious vegan game and offers some delicious vegan breakfast and brunch options. [Image credit: iStock.com/margouillatphotos]

Smoking – food, that is – is on the rise. Smoke from fruit woods like cherry and apple and hard woods like maple and oak enhance the flavour of meats – think brisket, ribs and salmon – but it’s also used increase the flavour profile of cheeses, vegetables and cocktails.  Many of Edmonton’s best restaurants are utilizing this cooking technique to offer patrons a unique flavour experience. [Image credit: iStock.com/tycoon751]

A purely Canadian cocktail, you won’t find a caesar outside the Great White North. Originating in Calgary in 1969, using tomato juice, vodka and pressed clams, the caesar was created for the opening of the Italian restaurant, Marco’s. The drink’s popularity spread like wildfire; Mott’s soon developed its clamato juice, which is now used in caesars by over 350 million Canadians. [Image credit:iStock.com/jrwasserman]

Alberta is known for its beef, and Edmonton’s independent restaurantshave some of the province’s best steaks. Ranging from rib eyes and tenderloins to strip loins, these restaurants win at creating delicious, complex and savoury steak dishes. [Image credit: iStock.com/Lisovskaya] 

Sandwiches: savoury, succulent, scrumptiousness held together with the best of breads and buns – a good sandwich is incomparable, immeasurable and invaluable. A gourmet sandwich is so much more than mom’s PB&J or a quick baloney and cheese; it’s a beacon of comfort and contentedness. Edmonton has some stellar sandwich offerings –you just need to know where to look.

In today’s economic climate, supporting local businesses is more important than ever. Many of Edmonton’s independent restaurants value local partnerships and offer food fare sourced from local farmers and growers. Not only can you rest assured that your dollars are supporting local businesses, but you also know that ingredients are high quality and fresh.