Where Edmonton Magazine September/October 2017 | Page 13

Nuela Charles
Musician, Up+Downtown Fest (pg 24)
& BreakOut West (pg 24)
Pick: The Next Act Pub, 8224-104 St.,
780-433-9345. nextactpub.com
Though this soulful singer’s style has evolved, what Nuela
Charles appreciates most in a restaurant is familiarity, and
that’s why she chose The Next Act Pub. “I love how chill
it is,” she says. “For me, being in the arts community, it’s
great to come here and see familiar faces.” A fan of the
classics, her favourite dish was taken off the menu, but it’s
something the restaurant will still make for her on request:
the Cajun Chicken Burger.
The welcoming pub is a great place to hang out with
friends, she explains. “Me and a couple of other ladies in
the music industry in Edmonton come here to catch up.”
Charles also recommends it if you’re in-between shows at
either music festival. “Come over to Whyte and hang out
at Next Act because it’s such a great environment to relax
and get away from the hustle and bustle,” she says. “And
also get great food.” —M.S.
Zachary Ayotte
Visual Artist, RBC Work Room: Shelter
Exhibit (pg 20)
Pick: El Mariachi, 10991-124 St.,
780-705-7278. elmariachiedmonton.com
Before or after you take in that innovative
art exhibit, why not soak in some
community love in a quaint local setting?
Although Zachary Ayotte’s exhibit is
at the Art Gallery of Alberta, he would
still recommend journeying to the
edge of downtown for some authentic
Mexican. “People who want to go to
the AGA are invested in not just the
cultural community, but the Edmonton
community,” says Ayotte, which is
why he’s drawn to little independent
restaurants. “It’s run by a family, so it has
a nice vibe when you go in there.”
That vibe makes it perfect for a family-
style dining experience—where you order
several dishes for the table and just dig in.
“The last time I was there, I went with my
husband and my parents, and we probably
over-ordered,” he laughs. His favourite is
the Choriqueso, which is melted cheese
with chorizo and mariachi sauce, but they
also (over)indulged in burritos, tacos, “and
this big bowl of amazing
seafood my mom
ordered.” —T.A.
Alexander Prior Ahmed “Knowmadic” Ali
Chief Conductor, Edmonton Symphony
Orchestra (pg 23)
Pick: Bistro Praha, 10117-101 St.,
780-424-4218. bistropraha.com Edmonton’s Poet Laureate
Pick: The Nook Café, 10153-97 St.,
780-761-6665. nookyeg.com
A new Edmontonian and chief conductor
of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra,
Alexander Prior selected Bistro Praha—a
spot that’s long been popular with theatre-
and symphony-goers—as his favourite
restaurant. “I like the fish they bring in
on Fridays—it’s very delicious and fresh,”
he says. “I don’t know if I should tell your
readers that or it’ll be gone!” He admits to
having “Central European taste buds” and
also recommends their traditional dishes,
such as the Sauerkraut Soup.
The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing,
and Prior’s enjoyed several fun nights
there hanging out and joking around with
musicians from the orchestra. It’s a quick
walk from the Winspear Centre and open
late on weekends, so perfect for any late-
night cravings. “It’s a great thing to be
able to eat at 11:30,” he explains.
“Perhaps not a very healthy
thing, but after a concert
it’s what you want.”
—M.S.

It’s natural that a renowned poet, faced
with the task of choosing a favourite
spot, would pick a place with soul and a
connection to the community. The owners
of The Nook Café support many arts
initiatives and even opened earlier than
planned to host various poetry events.
What tips the scale, in Ahmed Ali’s
opinion, is the care taken in every aspect:
“It’s not about the medium, but about
how much love it’s made with—and they
use a lot.”
The newly opened café offers fresh-
baked goods and great coffee to its
downtown visitors. For something a
little different to pair with your brew, Ali
recommends the cornbread loaves, which
he describes as “exceptional.” Plus, its
central location makes it ideal to stop in
for a morning jolt or an afternoon meeting,
or before an evening show or poetry event.
Ali says, “Moreover, they are extremely
welcoming, kind-hearted people and
they’re very community-driven.” —T.A.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 // where.ca

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