If you’re craving a fine bite but not ready to commit to a full dining experience, RGE RD Larder is right up your alley.
This wine and snack bar curated by local favourite restaurant, RGE RD, is part of the Vignettes Brick & Mortar Festival. The RGE RD team was inspired by the traditional larder, where meat and products are preserved for colder months. In a cozy, intimate store space, the popup concept features charcuterie, cheese, hand-chopped beef tartare and tinned seafood, which all go perfectly with wine.
“It was less about the business concept, but more about engaging with the community in a different way,” says Caitlin Fulton, Top 40 Under 40 alumna, co-owner and director of operations at RGE RD. “Instead of having a formal dining experience, we want this to be a casual dining place where people can pop in for a drink after work.
When first approached by Vignettes last fall, the RGE RD restaurant was not in full capacity, and the team was trying to curate a smaller concept in a different location.
“We also bought into the idea that downtown Edmonton businesses have been suffering from difficulties since the pandemic, so any opportunities to reanimate the downtown core were really appealing to us.”
While the RGE RD Larder is a limited time experience, most of the stock, including their charcuterie and cheese can be found at their butchery and in the restaurant. The tartare and tinned seafood series, however, are created specifically for Vignettes’ Brick & Mortar Festival.
“It’s the same brand, but we’re lighter in a bite-size on your way home from downtown,” says Fulton.
The RGE RD Larder storefront is located at 10035 108 St. NW. Hours are 4:30 to 10 p.m., Thursday to Saturday until July 16.
