Frosty Adventures.

Today's temperature: -17C/2F

Good thing grandma Chan scored these wicked little boots for Dexter! They're lined with super soft sheep wool.


Great old friends are visiting from out of town, and Leanne suggested that we go to Duchess bakery to enjoy coffees and macaroons. Leanne is also wearing her weather appropriate apparel, and is sporting her amazing fur hat.

Dexter is in his new winter coat, courtesy (again) of grandma Chan.



Yum.


Also, yum.


Ooo... they have new macaroon flavours! Orange poppyseed, lychee, and root beer.


Duchess is actually a perfect venue for Dexter. They have this little ledge near the window that he loves to lean on and look outside.


And he was really into playing with this "caution" sign. At one point it was on the floor and he had positioned himself in-between the two flaps. Then he just lay there like a little Dexter sandwich. Uh... what a performance artist.


Hey, Matt! Welcome back to Edmonton (this photo was taken by Dexter).



And Dan! We miss you too and are glad you're back for a visit (photo also by Dexter).



We were lucky to have scored a great table at the Duchess. We enjoyed a sweet macaroon and tart tasting before browsing some wares at Tu gallery next door.



We had car pooled to the bakery and then it was time for some switch-about. I dropped the dudes off at the LRT on my way to dinner. Don had ridden to work earlier in the day but left his bike at work, and took the train over to meet me at my dinner location. Then Don took the baby home while I went to have supper at The Marc!


I'm so happy to have this little bistro in Edmonton. The location is great! Just a few blocks from the train and also really close to the south-to-north bike trail. It's modern and clean inside, but cozy.


The service is impeccable. Run by the management masterminds at the old Il Portico, you're sure to feel very welcome at the Marc.

I really like the tilted mirrors over the banquette. Reminded me of Balthazar in New York. Very very French bistro.


We had a very early supper. Crystal just popped over after work and it also meant getting home in time so Don could venture out for drinks. Having a toddler and a social life requires team work.



I wore a scoop neck cardigan over a long-sleeved t-shirt.



With a shimmery pleated skirt with tights and knee-high leather high-heeled boots.



Crystal enjoyed a glass of bubbly to celebrate the Friday evening.



So did I.


And oh man. The food. Get ready for steak frites with hand cut fries and truffle aioli, with flank steak and fois gras butter.


Or sirloin with lemon herb butter, with pork bits potato hash.



We couldn't say no to tart lemon tart, and chocolate cake. The middle layer was some delicious crunchy caramel chunks thing. And thick thick ganache all around.



With an intensely full belly I hobbled into the train station.



Got my ticket for my ride home.



Hopped on the train.



Took a picture of the Cambridge Satchel I'm wearing again (big winter coats are more comfortable with hands-free bags).



And I walked home.

The portions of sidewalk that people have shoveled? Fantastic. Please keep up the good work! The pedestrians in winter cities greatly appreciate your efforts.



So that was a culinary day in the life of a girl living in a cold cold city. One car household. Lots of biking and transit use and car pooling when it makes sense. Just because we have a Dexter and live in a car-oriented culture, it doesn't mean we default to using the car. We tend to use it more in the winter, but generally still as a last resort. All it takes is a little organization and communication for us to save trips made by car. Easy!

For the record, Don has now gone out for his evening of drinks.

He walked.