Canada Day Long Weekend

This past weekend was full of shopping, food and tons of fun.  So, pretty much a perfect weekend in my books.  My husband, son and I headed to Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday mostly just to get away and have a good time.

We ate at some pretty sweet restaurants that I had previously seen on Food Network's "You Gotta Eat Here".  Have I mentioned I am obsessed with that show?  I also watch "Eat St." religiously.   When I saw episodes that featured Edmonton, I immediately noted them.

Below are some pics of our trip.  Warning: some may make you extremely hungry!

Giovanni and I at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

Gio and his new friend Goat

 

Wolves, out for a walk

The cutest little seal ever! He would run out of the pool and get a fish, then stare at us, then run back into the water. We watched this little guy do this over and over for almost half an hour.

I want it.

Asian elephant- just roaming about

My boy and his Toronto Maple Leaf bear that he made at "Build a Bear". That place is a rip off- just sayin.





Enjoying some fun rides at Galaxyland!

The Kalyna Platter at Highlands Kitchen

(phyrohy with sour cream, bacon gremolata, grilled kubassa & lazy cabbage rolls)

Wild Mushroom & Feta Pasta at The Dish and The Runaway Spoon Bistro

(shitake, button and portobello with sundried tomatoes in a feta cream reduction, topped with asiago cheese)

The Breakfast Burger at Urban Diner

(meatloaf, black forest ham, bacon, cheddar, fried egg and cilantro lime aioli)

*my hubby could only finish half of this bad boy

Fried Egg Sandwich at Urban Diner

(back bacon, tomato, cheddar, fried egg and roasted garlic aioli)

Profiteroles at Urban Diner

(tiny little pancakes served with home made maple syrup, berry sauce and chocolate sauce)

*These things were so damn good, I am still craving them and contemplating driving the 8 hours back to Edmonton just for these little bites of heavenly goodness.

House-made Guac and Chips at Tres Carnales

This restaurant is authentic Mexican street food right in the heart of downtown Edmonton.  It has a very laid back vibe.  We enjoyed cervezas, great food, and a live DJ.

Slow cooked spicy beef tacos

*My hubby had the house-made Mexican ground chorizo sausage torta, which I tried and it was delicious! I forgot to take a picture :(

Spaghetti with Spicy Meatsauce at The Old Spaghetti Factory

(decent place- good to take the kids)

Cupcakes from Once Upon A Cupcake

We ate at some other great restaurants as well such as: High Level Diner and Sugar Bowl.

We had a wonderful long weekend, but the highlight was definitely the World Waterpark in West Edmonton Mall.  We spent an entire day there, and were sad to leave. 

Usually we stay home for Canada Day and enjoy the festivities in our city, however I think we will make it a tradition to visit different Canadian cities from now on.  Next year, I'm thinking Toronto.  My husband would die to see a Maple Leaf game, and I really want to visit Canada's Wonderland.

How was your Canada Day or your 4th of July???

Do you usually stay home or do you try and get away?