JAN 11 / 2003

BACK TO ARCHIVES

Original Joe's - Familiar Setting, New Menu A while back I had the pleasure of going to lunch with Edmonton's best-known and most renowned photographer, Con Boland. We went to Original Joe's, located at 12520 - 102 Avenue, where the Iron Bridge used to be. They layout is the same, Avanti's spa and salon is still flourishing just behind the restaurant, and much seems the same, other than for a pool table and décor differences that make the establishment more informal and homey. Con and I decided to share a Calamari appetizer. These were very finely sliced Calamari, tossed in a light batter that is heartily spiced with chili and served with diced onions and tzatzki. To be honest, I found the Calamari to be among the best I've enjoyed in years. The presentation is just a bit different and the spicing - although not heavy - is most distinctive. Con, who is quite the Calamari connoisseur and who clearly possesses refined taste in many things, considered it "OK". Lately, my guests have been of such distinguished character, I'm getting a little self-conscious. However I still think the Calamari was outstanding. Even more wonderful was the main course I selected. I was drawn to the Prawn Carbonara, even though it had not been my original intention to order pasta. But the combination of sautéed prawns, real bacon pieces, chives, egg whites and Roma tomatoes tossed in an Alfredo sauce and served over penne was too tempting to pass up. Con and I both adored the richly laden Prawn Carbonara. The combination of flavours was all I hoped it would be; and this goes down as one of my favorite pasta dishes in Edmonton. So far, we were batting two-out of two. However Con's Ho Chi Min Noodle Bowl didn't nearly measure up to the other successes we enjoyed. This was a Vietnamese style dish with chicken, prawns, a variety of Asian vegetables and lo mein noodles, served in a delightfully huge bowl. The problem was simply that there were far, far more noodles than all other ingredients combined. The broth was lacking in any depth of taste and the ingredients, although all right, seemed as though they had been boiled to death. Vegetables were totally limp. For dessert we ordered Original Joe's gigantic Chocolate Sundae, complete with whipping cream, chocolate sauce and lots of brownies. This we also quite enjoyed. There was no way anyone leaves that dessert or goes away hungry. Chocolate, ice cream and coffee always seem to go well after a meal. Service is friendly, prompt and people seem to have fun working there. This, of course adds immeasurably to the overall impression of a place. The cost of the meal, including a café latte and a regular coffee and two glasses of wine was about $50.00. Considering we shared an appetizer and a dessert, that seems a bit steep for lunch, although prices generally seem to be moving upwards again. BEST POINTS: Calamari and Prawn Carbonara are super. Service is good. People all seemed to be enjoying a wide array of interesting looking contemporary dishes. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: They really do need to re-orchestrate the Vietnamese Soup dish or take it off the menu. RATING CATEGORY: Con thinks I'm being a bit generous in my old age; but I still give it a 7 out of 10 based on all I saw and what I ordered. There are a few things you should definitely try.