Edmonton Journal from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • 81

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007 5 8 FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007 VW) 0 A SON EDMONTON JOURNAL EDMONTON JOURNAL i TTH THEATRESPORTS, i i 1 Varscona Theatre, 1 0329 83rd Tonight and July 27, 11 p.m., tixinfo: 448-0695 DACAPO CAFFE Address: 8738 109th 433-5382 Cost Lunch for two: about $40 Dacapo is a great new Italian cafe on the hot corner at the south end ol the High Level bridge, a place with light and simple menu ol assorted crostinis and authentic Neapolitan pizza and a highly complex devotion to the almighty coffee bean. Owner Antonio Bilotta is an expert barista who used to run Leva Cappucino Bar a lew blocks away in the residential depths ol Old Garneau. He's quite a hand as well at artisan gelato, a fancy term lor European ke cream that boasts a freshness and flavour unlike anything you're likely to dig out ol the supermarket freezer. THE HARVEST ROOM AT THE FAIRMONT HOTEL MACDONALD Address: 10065 100th 424-5181 Cost Oinner for two without wine, but with tax and tip: $160 We began our evening with two appetizers from a small, but deliberate menu designed by the Mac's new executive chef, David Wong. I ordered the young romaine salad ($1 5).

It was, let's lace it, a caesar salad. Perhaps the Mac doesn't like to acknowledge such a standard has a place on its unique, Canadian-focused array of choices. Regardless, it was by far the best young romaine salad I've ever had, garnished with caper berries big as grapes and croutons that were surely toasted individually over a delicate flame and rotated like marshmallows until they were crisp and airy. The butter-poached Atlantic lobster ($19) was our second appetizer. The tender lobster itself, cooked but briefly in hot (not boiling) water, was not even the best part ol the lobster appetizer.

The tender chunks were placed on risotto mixed with blades ol lemon rind and a fruity smoked Tyroler bacon. The balance of smoky and sweet was pure mouth joy. My dining companion ordered grilled loin ol lamb with braised osso buco lor her main course. Our excellent waiter, Tim, asked quite pointedly how she would like the lamb done, being sure to discern the very shade ol pink required. The osso buco had been marinated in a 1 Get your fix of fresh improv The theatre scene kind of goes into hibernation at this time of year.

It's like waiting for play-caterpillars to metamorphose into Fringe Festival butterflies. If you want them to turn our right, you don't disturb them in their chrysalis! And so it goes for improvisors too. Many of the players are in Fringe shows and need a little wind-up time before the madness at the end of August. You have only two more chances to see the Theatresports kids down at the Varscona, tonight and I a'' barbecue fired up. Next up: Current Swell, Victoria original surf rock band, and The Santa Cruz River Band, Tex Mex band form Arizona.

When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Where: Festival Place, Sherwood Park. Tickets: $5, available at Festival Place or call 449-3378. RUFUS WAINWRIGHT With special guest Sarah Slean. When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Winspear Centre. Tickets: $39.50 and $29.50 plus service charge at the Winspear, 428-1414. LIVE AT THE MECCA Featuring Steve Pineo, Tim Leacock, Ross Watson and Kit Johnson. When: Thursday, 8 p.m., doors at 7. Where: Leduc Legion.

Tickets: $20; call 986-5412. LOVERBOY Canadian rock band had a streak of hits in the '80s including town' Every Minute of It, Working for the Weekend and Hot Girls in Love. When: Thursday, 8 p.m. Where: River Cree Casino, Whitemud Drive and Winterburn Road. Tickets: $29 plus service charge at Ticketmaster, 451-8000.

Information: 484-2121. DANCE DANCING WITH THE STARS The show will incorporate rehearsal footage and exclusive interviews and outtakes as well as some surprise extras. The second cast of Dancing With The Stars The Tour features an ensemble of the show's most popular competitors including season four's Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson; season two's winning duo Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke; season three's Joey Lawrence and Edyta Sliwinska; season one's Joey Mclntyre and Julianne Hough as well as professional dancers Alec Mazo and Louis Van Amstel. When: Saturday, 7 p.m. Where: Rexall Place.

Tickets: $49.75 and $69.75 plus service charge at Ticketmaster, 451-8000. HIP-HOP FOR HOPE FOUR Double Time. More than 500 performers including award-winning dance studio groups, recording artists, graffiti artists and professional hip-hop crews are rallying to raise more than $30,000. Don't miss performances by Edmonton's own Fly Girlz, White Chocolate, 3SB Details, Dynasty, Tier One, Politic Live, Blue Eye Soul and 3rd Street Beat When where: July 27, 7 p.m.. Jubilee Auditorium and July 28, 7 p.m., Winspear Centre.

Each night features a different lineup of acts. Tickets: $36, $22 children 12 and under, plus service charge, available at Ticketmaster for July 27, 451-8000, and at the Winspear box office for July 28, 428-1414. reduction ol red wine, which left the top layer of the meat a rich, dark brown and gave it an intense, almost earthy flavour. My entree choice was the truffle-scented cauliflower ravioli (each pillow rolled and stuffed by hand), served with chick peas in orange butter and surrounded by fresh, sweet snap peas. I was curious about the cauliflower, having rarely experienced the humble vegetable when it wasn't buried under a blanket of cheese sauce.

This cauliflower was slow roasted with rosemary, thyme and olive oil, and then pureed with cream until it reached silky submission. MOON GARDEN Address: 10117 101st 990-1138 Cost Lunch for two: about $40 You'd think a restaurant positioned at Edmonton's power intersection would have itself a licence to print money. Trouble is, the corner of Jasper Avenue and 101st Street hasn't lived up to the billing lor some time now, probably since they started banning horse carts downtown. Zenari's on First hung on for many years there, watching the dollar stores and the For Lease signs come and go, waiting like everyone else for something close to a pulse to return to the downtown after the banks closed for the day. Still hasn't happened, at least not at that corner.

What that means, if you happen to sling hash for a living, is a bustling trade over the lunch hour and the quiet company ol empty tables for your supper. Sometimes that bargain just doesn't seem lair enough. So Zenari's is out, the risotto and bruschetta are history, and Moon Garden is in, offering a full menu of Vietnamese cuisine at low prices. RUAMIT THAI Address: 5, 52 Brentwood Sherwood Park, 449-0673 Cost Dinner lor two, about $50 The lood at Ruamit Thai is as close to authentic Thai home cooking as I've found anywhere in Edmonton. Bargain: the Ruamit platter with your choice of three different appetizers goes for $12.95.

My favourite dish is the green curry chicken While this chef may (or may not) make the curry pastes from scratch you can now buy very good commercial pastes this sauce has the authentic flavours ol a well-made green-curry base. You can taste the kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, lemongrass, garlic, maybe some ginger or galangal, and a hit of hot bird's-eye chilies, all cooked into a traditional coconut milk base. Combine the sauce with chunks of white meat, add barely cooked snow peas, red bell peppers and a top note of fresh Thai basil, and you have that home-cooked combination. Eat it with an order of jasmine rice ($1.75) or, if you love coconut, the kao mun rice cooked in coconut milk. ($2.50) There are chicken, pork and beef dishes as well as vegetarian, and if you're feeding the kids, go for the pad Thai, either with rice noodles (tolu, egg, chicken, radish, green onion and bean sprouts, krung tep, $12.95) or rice (pad Thai tried rice) a mild platter of rice with ham, chicken, raisins and vegetables all tossed together.

This is a family-run spot, with pleasant, friendly service and one waitress handling the entire room. They also do takeout, so it's not a place to be in a hurry. DOWNTOWN PARTY TENT In conjunction with Grand Prix, the downtown party tent will be the site of live musical acts until July 28. Licensed until 2 a.m. No minors.

Zoo 2K Ultimate U2 Tribute Band: And photo opportunities with the Crown Royal Nascar, today, 3 p.m.; race party live to air for Connected Fridays with Nestor Delano and Luke Morrison, 9 p.m. Good Times Old School Block Party: Harman alongside DJ Kwake spinning everyone's favourite old-school retro, early '90s, classic classic house and classic slow jams. Saturday, tent opens 6 p.m. Budweiser Celebrity DJ: Wednesday, tent opens at 6 p.m., show at 8. For complementry passes call 686-5563.

Tommy Lee DJ set: tent at 6 p.m., show at 8. After Work Round 2, July 27, tent opens 3 p.m. Featuring Retro Beats. For complementary passes call 686-5563. In the evening, biggest house party in the city, Connected Fridays with Nestor Delano and and Luke Morrison.

Live to air on the Bounce. Lexus IS 350 party, July 28, tent opens 6 p.m. Dance to the Kottars. Win a weekend getaway with Lexus IS 350. Where: 10765 Jasper Ave.

Tickets: A single-patron $100 Pit Pass or two-person $1 50 Pit Pass provides access to all Pit Lane Venues as well as the Downtown Party Tent. For passes or tickets call 686-5563. Tickets also available at Ticketmaster, 451-8000 (agency fee in effect). THE DA CAMERA SINGERS Conducted by John Brough, the choir prepares for their first tour of Northern England and Scotland this summer with a free performance. This concert will feature works by Elgar, Bruckner, Durufle and Daley.

Da Camera's 10-day tour of the U.K. includes performances in such historic venues as Scotland's Dunblane Cathedral, Edinburgh's St. Giles Cathedral, Beverly Minster, Blackburn Cathedral and the magnificent York Minster. When: Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Where: Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 84th Ave.

MUSIC MYSTICISM Pianist Cameron Watson will play works by Beethoven and Alexander Scriabin. When: Monday, 7 p.m. Where: Muttart Hall, Alberta College, 10050 Macdonald Dr. Admission: By donation. Information: 633-3725.

QUALICO PATIO SERIES Every Wednesday through August 29 (rain or shine, indoors if it's wet), Festival Place will present an eclectic variety of pop, rock, jazz, blues Celtic and country from local and touring musicians. Two acts per night will perform. The beverages will be chilling, the SUPPLIED The Theatresports crew will soon be on hiatus until this fall. next Friday at 11 p.m. Get it while you still can! There will be no Theatresports at the Fringe, so if you miss it, you'll have to wait until the next season starts this fall.

You can try it at home, but it's not i EI I i if 1 -s. RELAXED DINING for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy Canadian cuisine, inspired by "AAA" Alberta beef and other local fare. THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL 10235 101 St. Edmonton, AB T5 3E9 Tel 780.428.7111 Fax 780.441.3098 wwwsunonpUcc.com 1 1 1 4 t- I fi "4 I --v.

Check back every week lor capsule dining reviews written by The loumal restaurant critics: udy Schultz, Richard Helm, Scott McKeen and Liane Faulder. MEXICO UNDO Address: 16604 109th 444-7151 Cost Meal for two: About $45 The Spanish word "Undo" means pretty and I've got to tell you, I'm pretty happy to see this place open up in a city and province starved lor authentic Mexican tood. Mexico Undo Is a lamlly operation, a tiny little outpost that's been open less than a month in a not terribly enticing strip mall right next to the Maylield Inn. The Borbolla family has been in Edmonton lor about a year, arriving Irom the colonial city ol Querataro in the central Mexican highlands. You want authentic? Just try the enchiladas verdes unlike any you'll be served elsewhere In town.

Five twisted corn tortillas stuffed with chicken or feta, bathed in a home-recipe green salsa, and topped with onions, It's an unassuming dish, but an absolute killer. The sopes de chorio con papa ($9.50) are a savoury linger tood, thick little corn Hour tortillas with raised edges topped with potato, chorio, lettuce, cheese and sour cream. And don't overlook the tamales three soft steamed corn dough rolls that arrived at the table already Ireed ol their husks, dense with flavour, with black beans on the side. COL MUSTARD'S CANTEEN Address: 10H12 124th 448-1590 Cost Dinner lor two, without alcohol or tip, around $60 The new dinner menu has ust been introduced. It's simple, casual tare, with a daily homemade soup salads large and small ($6 lor small), appetizer plates ($6 to $14).

A plate ol three grilled radicchio rolls filled with ham and bocconcini is served over a balsamic-laced chiffonade of greens, the cheese melting nicely, the ham cut thicker than prosclutto usually is, but still a good dish A baked goat cheese and tomato fondue with garlic toast ($11) offered deep, dark tomato flavour in the sauce, as though it had been oven-roasted. The big salad section is dinner-sized, so you could probably have a small plate plus a big salad and call it dinner. There's a section ol seven personal (individual) pizzas offering traditional favourites such as their grilled vegetable with aslago, a chicken and artichoke with roasted tomato and feta, and a white pizza three cheeses with lemon and oregano. Shrimps and scallops ill), Vietnamese lettuce wraps baked eggplant parmesan a baked mac n'cheese with aged Cheddar white wine sauce that's getting good reviews and a ribeye, triple A Alberta beef roasted in wild mushroom gravy ANTONIS GREEK RESTAURANT Address: 40. 516 St.

Albert 452-2668 Cost: Dinner lor two with tax and tip (no wine) $75 When It comes to Greek food, I have a certain fondness for plate-smashing. Give me a noisy. Ouzo-inspired buzz, a sizzle from the chaotic kitchen; I don't even mind the odd fly drifting lazily through an open window. Antonis Greek Restaurant has none of that. While large, spotless and tastefully decorated with wood floors and Greek-inspired painted murals, it's, well, suburban.

We asked our cheerful server lor her recommendation for an appetizer and she suggested kalamarl which turned out to be an excellent choice. Garlic-laced and lightly breaded, It was served with tzatziki (yogurt dip), soft, warm pita bread and a hunk of Iresh lemon. Though somewhat too salty, the squid was tender and tempting. We went with two main courses, one a chicken mantza ($11.99) and the other a lamb souvlaki The mantza is best described as a stir-try ol meat, peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and herbs, although I can't be sure about that, because we didn't receive it. Instead, our server brought us a chicken souvlaki.

She discovered her mistake a few minutes later and apologized profusely. We didn't care a bit because the souvlaki plate looked so good, we decided to go with it anyway. Marinated in lemon, basil and olive oil, the chunks of skewered chicken were tender and moist. My lamb souvlaki was llavourful, but overdone. Antonis Is a pleasant enough experience, at a reasonable price.

But the restaurant has a ways to go before it qualifies as something to rave about. i the same. Let's face it, your cat and dog make a lousy team. "Meow?" "Bark!" Nah. I don't get it either.

Mart Sasano sent to the remote district of Battle River Prairie (now Manning). In a series of letters home, she reveals humour, courage and a brilliant snapshot of the era. Letters is a solo performance by Heather D. Swain. Director David Cheoros has adapted the letters of Dr.

Mary Percy Jackson. When: July 27, 7 p.m. Where: Roxy Theatre, 10708 124th St. Tickets: $10; call 453-2440. MAMMA MIA! Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus's smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA returns to Edmonton.

Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek island. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Songs including Dancing Queen; The Winner Takes It Alt, Money, Money, Money and Take A Chance on Me are all featured in this feel-good night of fun and laughter. When: Today and Saturday, 8 p.m.; matinee Saturday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Where: Jubilee Auditorium.

Tickets: plus service charge, available at Ticketmaster, 451-8000. Groups of 20 or more can call 1-800-889-8457. THE RIVER CITY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL The Season of Love and Redemption. I Two Gentlemen of Verona, a fun and funkadelic Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. Starring Sheldon Elter as Valentine and Chris Bullough as Proteus.

The Winter's Tale, a story of ardour, jealousy and redemption that will ultimately have you believing in the power of love. Set in the early days of Mussolini's Italy, this production will star John Wright as Leontes, Annette Loiselle as Hermione and Julien Arnold as Polixenes. Information: Festival ends Sunday. For performance times and ticket prices, check the website at www.rivercityshakespeare.com Tickets: $20, students and seniors are $15 and kids 12 years old and under are free. Passes are $30.

Available at the door or in advance at Tix on the Square, 420-1757, or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca (service charge applies). THE EXQUISITE HOUR One of the most requested remounts in Teatro history. Once again the play marks a farewell of sorts, as playwrightdirector Stewart Lemoine cedes the position of Teatro's artistic director to his longtime colleague Jeff Haslam. The Exquisite Hour is a comedy with a hint of romance thoughtful, provocative, and often uproariously funny. A seemingly well-adjusted bachelor finds his lile forever altered on a summer evening when an alluring stranger materializes in his backyard to ask the question, "Are you satisfied with what you know?" Jeff Haslam is the questing Mr.

Teale. Kate Ryan is the mysterious Mrs. Darimont Stewart Lemoine directs. When: Until July 28: Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; matinees Saturday, 2 p.m. Where: Varscona Theatre, 10329 83rd Ave.

Tickets: $20, $17 for students, seniors and Equity members. Pay-What-You-Can performance Tuesday evening. All seats for Saturday matinees on July 21 and July 28 are $10. For reservations call 433-3399, voice box 1. Tickets also available through Tix on-the-Square, 420-1757, service charge applies.

GREEDY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS It's been a long wait lor the Mcmanus family, but the patriarch has finally kicked the bucket. After years of indulging a grumpy, eccentric billionaire, it's time to set aside rivalry and find out who wormed their way into the old man's affections. Presented by Jubilations Dinner Theatre. When: Until Aug. 12: Wednesday-Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m.

Where: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170th St. Tickets: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Friday and Saturday children 12 and under seniors $36.95 Wednesdays only; plus GST. Call 484-2424. LETTERS FROM BATTLE RIVER: THE ADVENTURES OF DR. MARY PERCY JACKSON Letters from Battle River profiles the life and times of Dr.

Mary Percy Jackson who in 1929, as a young British woman, answered a rail for British doctors and was 4 i hi CHRIS SCHWAK2. THE IOURNAL sunshine on Sugarbowl's patio. Strathcona experience yogurt dip) on soft, warm naan bread. The chicken was tender and moist, yet with a slight char at the edges that brought home the warm flavour of cumin. My companion had the goat cheese lamb burger dotted with garlic mushrooms It was also perfectly cooked, with a slab of goat cheese that was soft, but not runny.

Chef Box has a knack for simple-with-a-twist, a talent also evident in the caper citrus caesar salad which is light and tossed with toasted pita chips. The fragrant curry chicken stew ($9) on steamed rice comes loaded with vegetables for a whole meal in a bowl. For dessert, Sugarbowl has a limited, but attractive array, including tiramisu mousse, bread pudding and a seasonal fruit crisp, which all ring in at $5. Han Faulder Chef Nate Box enjoys a break in the Sugarbowl sweetens Old znybody can impress with caviar. But show me a man who can turn popcorn into a tempting starter, and show you a chef.

Such a man is Nate Box, the inypiration behind the menu at Sugarbowl. 1 he guy is excited about food and committed to offering loyal customers of the Garneau landmark something different and delicious at a reasonable price. Hence, two appetizers on his evening menu steamed soybeans with sea salt and sweet chili lime popcorn ring in at an amazing $4. Lightly tossed with sugar, chili spices and a sharp citrus squeeze, the popcorn pairs nicely with a beer and was the beginning of a noteworthy meal for me and my dining companion on a recent warm Edmonton evening. I chose the kota kebab chunks of spiced-mango chicken served with raita (a ZOO GROOVE, Valley Zoo, Saturday and July 28 at 7:30 p.m., tixinfo: 496-2925 I JCJ Groove to the music Music is said to calm the savage beast.

And definitely, it affects the semi-civilized beast that is humanity: a lullaby soothes a baby to sleep, a heavy beat gets the feet moving and friendships (or more!) started. The Edmonton Valley Zoo takes this theory quite literally, bringing in local musicians to entertain its denizens human and otherwise. Enjoy a drink during a beautiful Edmonton evening while listening to the sounds of Terry McDade's Harpe Jazz (Saturday) or the Hi-Top Bluegrass Band (July 28). In between sets, a zoo interpreter will introduce you to some of the furrier attendees of the night. Another truth about animals is that they I r.

1 9 i 4 SUPPLIED Terry McDade of Harpe Jazz. are usually more active as the sun sets. Get to know the original party animals at the zoo. You should be able to learn a thing or two! Mari Sasano.