So, I’ve been making more than a few trips to where the Whitemud ends (OK, the part of west Edmonton where we get to 200th Street and higher). My son has a few friends there, and I’ve been dropping off and picking him up — and it’s allowing me to discover a part of Edmonton I’ve really not explored before.
Yes, as with any emerging neighbourhood, there are a lot of strip malls and chain restaurants. But I have seen a couple of independently owned spots that are trying to plunge their stakes into the ground.
This week, I walked into NV Restaurant and Bar, which promises pub classics, but elevated. Stop me, ohh, stop me, stop me if you think that you’ve heard this one before. As in, we’ve seen a lot of eateries promise “elevated” pub food, and what you get is pretty good pub food, but we’re not entirely sure what has been elevated.
NV has a wide-ranging menu, from green-tea cured salmon to mushroom risotto to mussels served in tomato broth. But, keeping to the “elevated” pub food theme, I ordered the sticky ribs and truffle fries.
The ribs are served cut up, and piled on the plate as if I’m about to take on the chef in a game of Jenga. The sauce has a hint of spice, but a lot of lip-smacking tang. It feels as if Frank’s Red Hot has been reinvented with a lot more fruity notes coming forward. Did I scoop up the bits that fell off the ribs and onto the plate? Sure did.
I’m just happy that if my son decides to go out with friends, they don’t necessarily have to choose the big burger chain or doughnut empire. I’m happy to see a local spot get a foothold.
NV Restaurant and Bar
Edgemont | 20015 Lessard Rd NW, Edmonton | 780.705.6160 | nvrestaurant.ca
