Author: Carissa_Russell

We were out with another couple for a belated birthday dinner. As is usual in Edmonton, there are lot's of little hole-in-the-wall-GEM restaurants throughout the city....and we will be adding The Almanac to that list....just as we had hoped! Along the lively and diverse Whyte...Avenue, tucked into a space between many other retail and culinary outlets we entered The Almanac. Right away you realize it's not a huge space by any means - a few 2-4 person tables, a couple of booths, a longer table and a little 5-6 seat bar. The restaurant was maybe 1/3 full when we arrived.So I would think it can fill up fast, so suggest reservations if you can. We were seated at a 4-person table with bench seats on one side, and the other side with 2 Victorian style chairs. Our server - NHL star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins look-a-alike or "Zach" as he preferred to be called, was prompt to our table taking our drink orders. The liquor menu had a good variety of Red & White wine selections, several beer selections on tap and domestic. I think some highballs were available too. The food menu has a pretty good selection of appetizers and Entree's - We started with the steamed Mussels in a smoked-sauce. Really very good. Our choice of Entree being the Porchetta (Risotto & Pork Belly) and it was absolutely delicious!! One note is the Appetizers and Entree's seem to change frequently. I note what is currently on their website menu, is somewhat different from what was available on the onsite menu. Throughout the meal Ryan..er I mean Zach was very attentive - clearing plates promptly etc. For dessert we ordered the Brownie which was also really very good. Just a note that one of our party was Lactose intolerant; Upon informing Zach of this, he went to extraordinary effort to speak to the chef and keep us informed as to what may or may-not contain lactose. Appreciate that BIG TIME Zach! If we had anything critical to say it's that we found the restaurant to be a ~little~ on the dark side. Nice evening, great food, great service - would recommend you get out and give them the opportunity to serve you.