MRKT.

Though we had a birthday lunch last week, Lisa arranged for a little dinner for a few of her friends at MRKT. I've been meaning to go and try it for a while now and I'm glad I finally had the opportunity. The place lives up to its reputation. It was TASTY.

Initially I was going to leave Dexter at home with Don, but due to campaign obligations Don had an event to attend as well. So Dexter came with, and he had a splendid time.

FYI, there isn't an issue for another week or so but MRKT will soon become an 18 years and older-only establishment, much like DADEO is on Whyte ave. I'm glad Dexter snuck in under the wire and enjoyed croquettes, smoked salmon, ricotta, chutney, and sautéed spinach (in addition to walking on the walls with uncle Chris).

The waitress also brought him a plastic cup for water and we would pour just a little splash at a time for him.

Elize was there.

The place is really rustic and cozy.

I drank my usual go-to drink of prosecco.

There is a very big light.

Kris took a picture of me.

And we ate all sorts of things that were savoury, sweet and crunchy.

I was surprised at how into it Dexter was.

He insisted on feeding himself. I was lucky that uncle Kris, Chris, and Tom were there to help hold onto and entertain the little guy.

Notable things of extreme tastiness included the coca-cola ribs, and prawns that were served up with spinach and blue cheese. I didn't actually look at the menu extensively (our party just ordered one of everything) so I can't remember the names of the dishes.

Elize's clutch looked so dainty on the huge family-style table.

Kris enjoys his wine.

Fella.

Other customers have supper too.

I love the globe lights.

Other hungry people sharing the other side of our table.

The chef, Carla Alexander, is actually a girl I knew way way back when I was just a kid. She was dating a guy who was friend with an ex of mine and I always remember her being upbeat, hilarious, and very confident. I'm sorry to say back then I was a bit of a mess, and always look back at my early-adult years like I'm looking at the life of somebody else.

I'm in a very different place now and so much happier. It's great to see that somebody from my past, although it seems like a lifetime ago, is enjoying success and bringing a quality local eatery to Edmonton. Places like MRKT make Edmonton feel like a diverse and creative place, and it pleases me to no end to see an old acquaintance develop such a talent.

I'll make sure to take Don once this election insanity subsides. Yum!