Preview: ‘Best of the West’ Edmonton Food Specials for 2015 Rodeo Week (Canadian Finals Rodeo #CFR42)

I’ve always been a city girl but every once in awhile it’s fun to embrace that inner “country” – whether it’s throwing on a cowboy hat for the Stampede, or digging into rodeo-themed food as part of the Canadian Finals Rodeo! Since summer’s long gone, let’s do the latter – and thankfully, Edmonton’s making that easy for you.

Rodeo Week runs November 7-15 in Edmonton, tying into this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo.

As part of Rodeo Week, 16 Edmonton restaurants are offering rodeo-inspired food and drink specials, including dishes like a Cowboy Bone Ribeye with ‘Chuck Wagon’ Baked Beans at Vons Steak House, Wicked Wrangler Wings from Duke of Argyll Pub, and BBQ Bison Short Ribs from Lazia, to name just a few.

Click here to head over to Edmonton Tourism for a full list of participating restaurants and their rodeo-themed food offerings.

Edmonton Rodeo Week Best of the West - Canadian Finals Rodeo - Restaurants

Fun mini Rodeo Week Best of the Week food crawl with Andrea, Sharon, Gordon, Mack and Mike!

I got to preview some of the fun food/drink specials over the weekend on a mini ‘Best of the West’ Rodeo Week food crawl with Mike, Andrea, Gordon, Sharon and Mack, so I can personally recommend a few dishes for you.

Edmonton Rodeo Week - Canadian Finals Rodeo - Restaurants

Colleen’s Amber Ale Chili served in a sour dough bread bowl at Sherlock Holmes ($14) – Rodeo Week Special.

Our first stop was Sherlock Holmes Pub (10012 101A Ave) – where we tried Colleen’s Amber Ale Chili served in a sour dough bread bowl ($14). The chili brought so much warmth on a cold, grey day (we’ll be getting more of those this month that’s for sure), and had a delicious, spicy kick to it that all of us at the table really enjoyed. I also love the novelty of eating your own bowl too (less dishes for the kitchen ;)) It was a hearty sourdough bowl of spicy chili that I’d definitely return for.

Edmonton Rodeo Week Best of the West - Canadian Finals Rodeo - Restaurants

The Wonton Nachos with braised pork cheeks, scallions and wasabi aioli at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald ($19) – Rodeo Week Special.

Next we made our way to the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (10065 100 Street) where we tried the Wonton Nachos with braised pork cheeks, scallions and wasabi aioli ($19) and the Chorizo Sausage topped with beef chili, smoked cheddar and mustard creme fraiche ($21).

Edmonton Rodeo Week Best of the West - Canadian Finals Rodeo - Restaurants

The Chorizo Sausage topped with beef chili, smoked cheddar and mustard creme fraiche at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald ($21) – Rodeo Week Special.

I loved their take on nachos. I really loved the combination of crispy wontons, oozy cheese, heat from the jalapeño slices, and tender pork cheeks. The chorizo sausage tasted great and the beef chili, cheese and mustard creme fraiche topping made for a great, sophisticated take on a typical hot dog you might get at the rodeo fairgrounds.

Edmonton Rodeo Week Best of the West - Canadian Finals Rodeo - Restaurants

Campfire Rambler Cokctails made with High West Campfire Whiskey, Vermouth, and Maraschino liqueur at Woodwork – Edmonton Rodeo Week Special.

Our last stop was at Woodwork (10132 100 Street), where we tried their cowboy-inspired drink: Campfire Rambler Cocktails made with High West Campfire Whiskey, Vermouth, and Maraschino liqueur. Mike described the Campfire Rambler as a bit like an Old Fashioned (one of his favourite drinks) and loved the surprise cherry at the bottom of the glass.

Home runs (or whatever the equivalent is in the rodeo world lol) all around!

Edmonton Rodeo Week Best of the West - Canadian Finals Rodeo - Restaurants

Rodeo Week! Time for lots of chili…

One of the (many) things I love about Edmonton is that chefs/restaurant owners are always on board to try something different, and get involved with community events. It’s always fun to see what take or twist restaurants will put on things that are happening around town and Rodeo Week’s “Best of the West” food/drink specials is no exception.

The majority of the specials are being run at downtown Edmonton establishments but there are a few restaurants around the city that are getting into the Rodeo Week food fun includingFour Points by Sheraton in south Edmonton, and Stages Kitchen & Bar in west Edmonton.

Try something different and get caught up in the excitement of #CFR42 with Rodeo Week’s Best of the West food from November 7-15!

You can also participate in a number of other cowboy/rodeo-themed activities! There are a bunch of country music shows happening and Farmfair International.

So take out those cowboy boots, ripped jeans and hat and embrace your inner ‘country’ for Edmonton Rodeo Week!

Linda

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Disclaimer: I will always provide my 100% honest opinion on this blog. I was invited to try some of Rodeo Week’s Best of the West food/drinks. This has no impact on opinions stated in this post.

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