“A favourite place for me in Edmonton is Bistro Praha,” says Jean-Marie Zeitouni. “It has become a special post-concert spot for many of us in the orchestra, and there is something wonderful about continuing conversations there after a performance.”
Zeitouni has been a music director at the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra since February 2025, and his position follows an international search. His relationship with the band goes back 20 years, and includes many guest conductor appearances, where he proved popular among musicians and audience members.
But Bistro Praha, with its Czech cuisine and other European classic dishes, is not Zeitouni’s only favourite place in town.
“This might sound obvious but one of my favourite things about Edmonton is experiencing live music at the Winspear Centre,” he says. “The acoustics are among the best I’ve encountered anywhere, and there is a real sense of connection between the audience and musicians in the hall.”
If there’s anything to be gleaned from this series: we Edmontonians love food and we love being outdoors. When we’re not slurping noodles or lingering over brunch, we’re taking scenic strolls, stopping at dog parks and snapping pictures at river valley vistas. Delve into this year’s list of Edmontonians’ favourite things — with best-loved picks from a variety of noteworthy locals who span the arts, business, sports and non-profit realms — to help build your own summer bucket list. And if you can’t make it beyond your backyard, you can at least follow this foolproof formula and enjoy something tasty in the sunshine.
