Edify’s Best Restaurants event is about more than eating (though, let’s be real, it’s definitely a major highlight). It’s about experiencing Edmonton’s culinary energy, one bite or sip at a time, and connecting with the city’s community of chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers.
But don’t just take our word for it — hear it directly from those who’ve lived it. We gathered insights from three unique perspectives, both restaurateurs and avid foodies, to give you a taste of what makes this event unforgettable.
For Caitlin Fulton and Blair Lebsack of RGE RD, the annual food event isn’t just another night of service — it’s a tradition. They’ve been a part of the celebration many times since landing on Edify’s 2014 Best Restaurants list, plating up Edmonton’s best and soaking in the city’s ever-evolving dining scene.
For Fulton, being featured in Edify’s Best Restaurants issue is “always a huge honour.” An extra spice to the night is the community.
“The event is an opportunity for the restaurants to rub shoulders with our peers who are also there. In the past years, it’s been a very customer- or guest-focused experience … what I’m hopeful for this year is to also have the opportunity to celebrate with the other restaurateurs.”
Lebsack highlights Edify‘s role in celebrating the local food scene.
“Edify is such a champion of our city, and they champion local restaurants, especially by putting out this food issue,” he says. “I think it’s important for us and the other restaurants that get in this issue to go and be a part of this event. We need people talking about Edmonton and telling people what’s out there. It’s great to be able to give back to Edify a little bit by going to these events and participating.
“Trust me, there’s no one outside of Edmonton that is talking about our restaurants this much and with such grace.”
While this night is a celebration for restaurateurs, it’s also a rare opportunity for attendees to indulge in the city’s culinary creativity.
“For one ticket, you get to taste some of the best restaurants from every corner of the city, all in one room,” Fulton says. “I think the value is unbelievable in terms of what’s delivered for that one ticket price. I hope people really appreciate that this type of event isn’t typically this accessible.”
RGE RD is ready to bring the heat — both literally and figuratively. Whether serving up plates or swapping stories, one thing’s certain: They wouldn’t miss Edify’s Best Restaurants event for the world.
For Quinn Phillips, director at Edmonton’s Downtown Business Association and attendee of a previous Edify’s Best Restaurants Event, the night is a perfect blend of indulgence and exploration.
When it comes to making the most of the event, Phillips offers some practical advice for first-time attendees. With so many restaurants showcasing their best, pacing yourself is key. She suggests circling the floor to scope out what’s available before committing to any one dish, as you might end up too full to keep trying hidden gems throughout the night.
Phillips also advises being strategic about what to try.
“It might be tempting to want to keep eating something that you really like, but you also want to go and try different things,” she explains. “This is a great opportunity, if you haven’t tried a restaurant, to take that sample now and then you can make that decision if you’re wanting to go there (in the future).”
For Phillips, attending the event was an opportunity to expand her culinary horizons. Although she’s always enjoyed Asian food, it wasn’t until attending that she truly delved into the continent’s diverse flavours.
“I think (this event) gives you a chance to get a little bit adventurous, if you haven’t been in the past, and expand your flavour palette.”
While the food often steals the show, Phillips savours the chance to meet the skilled chefs behind the scrumptious dishes.
“It’s a great chance to put faces to the names of these incredible restaurants,” she says. Seeing the people behind the food adds a special layer to the experience. As the night winds down, take advantage of quieter moments to connect with the chefs, she says. They are often excited to chat about “their food, their influences, and stuff like that — you can actually learn a lot.”
Phillips is ready to return for another round of delicious discovery at this year’s event.
“I can’t wait to go again,” she says. “There are still a few restaurants I haven’t tried yet, and I’m looking forward to exploring even more of what Edmonton’s culinary scene has to offer.”
Mariel Montero Sena of Luna Cocina Mexicana is also gearing up for another exciting year. Having participated in the event last year, she’s back for round two. And she knows it’s not just about serving food — it’s about connecting with Edmonton’s vibrant food culture.
“What I really enjoyed was interacting with new people, with people who don’t know us,” she says. “So obviously, this is a really good opportunity for people to really check the product and taste it. I think that’s the fun part of this event.”
For Montero Sena, Edify’s Best Restaurants event is an opportunity to attract new clients while celebrating the city’s lively food scene. She’s excited to see some familiar faces at the event.
“It’s nice when you have all of them at the same place at the same time,” she says. “You get to try some new things.”
But for Montero Sena, the fun doesn’t stop at just the food.
“Last year also had some really good music — the DJ was awesome.”
With bites, beats, and buzzing atmosphere, the Edify‘s Best Restaurants event is a celebration that brings together Edmonton’s best food, and the people who love it.
“I think it’s a great opportunity, for clients and also for restaurants. It’s a great chance for connection,”
So mark your calendar, grab your tickets for Edify‘s Best Restaurants on April 7.
