Masalaz – Edmonton, AB

Masalaz Restaurant
4218 – 66 Street
Edmonton, AB
(780) 484 – 0582

Hidden out of view from 66 Street, just a short distance south of Whitemud, is a fantastic restaurant serving both South Indian and Caribbean dishes.  Curious as to what sparked the mixed menu – our server explained that many of the original Caribbean items stayed on the menu when the new owners took over.

With heavy Indian influence in Caribbean cuisine, many of the spices are similar but we were told that their Caribbean menu items differ mostly by the use of potatoes in the curries, and the use of cinnamon and cardamom in the spice mix.

The signage out front was highlighting the dosa, which is a rice flour crepe, and the idli pictured below as the white coloured, steamed cake of lentils and rice.  Served with a bowl of sambar (vegetable stew), and a small dish of coconut chutney.  I have made the trek to this restaurant just for this dish alone.

The dosa is perfectly crisp, and in this platter – wrapped around a scoop of spiced potatoes (similar to the filling found in their vegetable samosa).  The coconut chutney is fantastic addition to the dosa, and even better when dipped or used to scoop out the sambar.

The idli carries a pleasant sour tone, due to the fermentation process it undergoes prior to being steamed, reminicent of sourdough bread – but with a slightly gritty texture.  Anything which helps sop up this bowl of sambar – works for me!

If I am not mistaken, this platter is vegetarian friendly – for those who take this into consideration.

The samosa pictured here were also fantastic.  Plenty of flavour, with enough spice-heat to make it interesting – without blowing out any taste-buds.

Flipping over to the page of Caribbean options, we ordered the Beef Curry. As noted earlier, containing plenty of potato with the chunks of beef to make for a hearty lunch.  Above average for  my heat-threshold, but was still very well balanced, providing a hearty beef flavour within the spicy curry mix.

Optional choice of rice or roti with each entree, we chose the latter.

In past visits, I have had the pleasure of enjoying the king fish, and other S.Indian curries – but yet to try their jerk chicken.  I am sure it won’t be long before I am back to give this a try!

Grannan’s – St. John, NB

Grannan’s Seafood Restaurant
1 Market Square
St. John, NB E2L 4S6
(506) 634 – 1555

We happened to come across Grannan’s as we were exploring the water-front next to Market Square in the historic downtown of St. John, NB.  A seafood restaurant located on the water – should be good, right?

The menu was a little confusing, as the options were all over the map: Thai shrimp, Cajun calamari, spanakopita, mozza sticks,  seafood crepe, maple curry pasta, and an assortment of steaks, seafood and sandwiches. Ultimately, we figured the ‘Grannan Signatures’ would be the safest bet.

Seafarers Platter ($38.79)
Scrod, Atlantic salmon, half of a Fundy Bay lobster,  broiled Digby scallops and shrimp.

The lobster and shrimp were fine, the scallops and scrod were bland, but the salmon was overcooked, rock-solid and just awful.

Seafood Brochette ($43.99)
Freshly shucked lobster, scallops and shrimp in a white wine mushroom sauce flambéd at the table.

Oh my, this was embarrasing and disturbing to watch.  The ‘cook’ rolled up to the table with a portable table-top burner and proceeded to cook my dinner. No interaction – just rolls up to the table and begins without saying a word.

Armed with a spoon and a cold skillet, he begins with the mushrooms.  One by one, turning the mushrooms on the skillet with his spoon (note – skillet is still cold as the butter hasn’t begun melting yet).  After watching this painfully slow exercise, he adds the shrimp.  Clumsily using his spoon, manipulates them in various positions to warm them up.  Next, he attempts to slide the (pre-cooked) lobster into the skillet, but had trouble sliding it off the platter.  So, he positions the spoon under the lobster and uses his thumb in tandem for a makeshift pair of tongs!  Finally, pours in the wine – and finally after a few attempts – manages to make the flame catch. The result – unseasoned mushrooms and shellfish.

This tourist trap caught us, don’t let it get you.

Fritou Halal Fried Chicken – Calgary, AB

Fritou Halal Fried Chicken
216 Saddletowne Circle NE
Calgary, AB
(403) 450-5880
11am-11pm

Fried chicken is one of those things everyone can do, but most people fail to do well. In reading Thomas Keller’s new cookbook Ad-hoc at home, he describes his recipe for fried chicken as “if there’s better, I’ve never had it”. While Keller may be onto something, that doesn’t mean I have to take his word for it. So i’ll keep looking…

Fritou Halal Fried Chicken is part of the Fritou Chicken chain. Each independent owner buys equipment and supplies from Fritou, and then operates the chain in their own preferred method. In this case, as indicated by the name, they offer Halal chicken.

Tucked away in the corner of the city, it can be awfully difficult to find. If you’re looking, know that the Saddledome Circle is one way, and Fritou is on the backside, or the west side of the circle.

The interior for Fritou Halal Fried Chicken is clean and sterile. There isnt much to say about it. The menu is pretty basic. While they serve some Indian Chinese and some pizza, im here for the fried chicken. If anyone ventures forth to try the other offerings, let me know.

Chicken comes in a variety of forms (wings, fingers, popcorn, fried), and some choices are available in spicy or not spicy.

For some reason, we try the chicken wings. I wouldnt bother. They taste like standard bar chicken wings.

The fried chicken is priced to compete with KFC, and comes in a wide variety meals. The chicken itself is pretty good – tender, moist, and juicy. The skin is well seasoned, and often crispy. However, I have had pretty bad skin here occasionally. It’s best to mitigate the risk by asking them to cook it extra crispy. You have a much higher chance at success. I haven’t found much different between spicy and regular.

Now be warned, fried chicken here is not a fast process. They dredge and fry on demand, so your chicken comes fresh. But it certainly takes time. Quite a bit of it.

The jewel of the menu at Fritou Halal comes in the form of the chicken sandwich. Respectably priced at 6 dollars and change, a full marinated, seasoned chicken breast comes straight from the fryer, put into a simple, average bun, with some lettuce, and a bit too much mayo. This is definitely a place where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The crispy, flavourful, moist chicken combines well with the freshness of the lettuce, and the bread binds it all together into simple, manageable bites. This is one of the best chicken sandwiches i’ve had in Alberta hands down. The chicken really shines.

The fries are forgettable. I’d get an extra piece of fried chicken if you’re looking for a bit more to your meal.

Overall, im not sure that it’s worth it to me to drive up to Fritou Halal to get some fried chicken. It’s good, and better than the other competing places i’ve tried (Chicken Cottage, Chicken on the Way), but not better by sufficient enough margin that the extra 30 minutes is worthwhile. If I was in the area, i would definitely stop in. Or, if  I wanted a really tasty chicken sandwich, i’d make the trek as well. Otherwise, I would rather just keep looking for the fried chicken that bests all other fried chickens.