Kerrie Long
Derek Jagodzinsky
Fawnda Mithrush
Ron Pederson
Kerrie Long
Festival Producer , Edmonton International Film Festival ( pg 24 ) Pick : Zenari ’ s , # 135 , 10180-101 St ., 780-423-5409 . zenaris . ca
As a long-time supporter of and contributor to the Edmonton Film Festival , Zenari ’ s was an obvious choice . But even when it ’ s not festival time , Kerrie Long finds herself at the family-run restaurant at least once a month — and more often , if she can . It ’ s the personal and welcoming atmosphere that draws her , and she ’ s become close with the Zenari family . “ Every Thursday , they do a traditional Italian dinner , and you eat with the family ,” she says . “ How often do you get to sit down with the people who own the restaurant ?” Even the décor has a homey feel , as the walls are adorned with the family ’ s black-andwhite photographs .
The cuisine is traditional Italian made with fresh , classic ingredients . Long keeps returning for the pasta , and thinks fondly of her regular Smoked Salmon Cream . “ The food ’ s so fresh — it ’ s wonderful ! And when I go there , they ’ re always like , ‘ Your usual ?’” — T . A .
Derek Jagodzinsky
Fashion Designer , Western Canada Fashion Week ( pg 21 ) Pick : El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar , 8230 Gateway Blvd ., 780-760-0200 . elcortezcantina . com
After an evening of watching ( and showcasing ) the latest fashions during Western Canada Fashion Week , Derek Jagodzinsky says he and his fellow designers like to hit up El Cortez . “ It ’ s literally across the street , but they always have good drinks and good food .” Though Jagodzinsky usually likes to change up his order when he eats out , a favourite he returns to here is the Grilled Pescado Tacos , with a habanero aioli and coconut tropical salsa . One staple he keeps though is a gin cocktail , as he often asks , “ Can I get this with gin instead ? El Cortez has a Mojito that ’ s pretty good with gin .”
He admires the cool and eclectic décor , complete with colourful murals and inspirational quotes in neon . Jagodzinsky also says their dance parties are tons of fun on the weekends , when they bring in DJs or host secret shows . — M . S .
Fawnda Mithrush
Executive Director , LitFest ( pg 24 ) Pick : Ikki Izakaya , 11931 Jasper Ave ., 780-454-4230 . ikki . ca
Having spent her post-university days teaching English in Japan , Fawnda Mithrush feels very nostalgic at the authentic and quaint Ikki Izakaya . “ I walked in and felt like I was back in Tokyo ,” she says . “ It ’ s a reminder of the amazing service and hospitality I experienced there .” Mithrush ’ s top picks are the takoyaki — fried octopus balls , which she refers to as “ octopus timbits ”— and the takowasabi ( octopus marinated in wasabi stems ). “ I ’ m actually not a big fan of wasabi , but that dish is bang on ,” she explains . “ The dishes are all small enough servings that you can try pretty much everything on a single visit there .”
The intimate bar is perfect for having a heated discussion after an interesting ( or possibly inflammatory ) book event at LitFest . Mithrush says , “ It ’ s a perfect post-event conversation venue : you can go have a light midnight snack and a couple of drinks .” — M . S .
Ron Pederson
Director , Shockers Delight ! ( pg 26 ) Pick : Normand ’ s , 11639 Jasper Ave ., 780-482-2600 . normands . com
If Ron Pederson were to choose a restaurant to represent the city , it would be Normand ’ s . “ It ’ s quintessentially Edmonton . It ’ s right on Jasper Ave . and the food is delicious ,” he says . Although the location isn ’ t particularly convenient before a show at the Varscona Theatre , Pederson still thinks it ’ s perfect for a late-night visit , saying “ Edmonton is easy to get around , so it ’ s great after the show !”
Pederson is rather drawn to the restaurant ’ s intimacy and privacy , noting that it ’ s where he and his girlfriend had their first date . But it ’ s also been host to one of his cast after-parties , so it can also have a festive atmosphere . No matter the motivation for stopping in , Pederson usually opts for one of the seafood dishes , like the ever-changing Catch of the Day : “ Whatever the fish special is , they do fish very well .” — T . A . w
14 where . ca // SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017