Seventh Heaven at Nineteen

Granville Island beer battered escargot

Nineteen is the brainchild of Chef Andrew Fung, formerly of Blackhawk Golf Course. After attending a patio opening party at Nineteen, we wanted to come by and try their regular menu. We have been to Nineteen a few times since it opened, and with the menu changing seasonally, we have always tried new things when there. In fact, sometimes the decisions were hard to make as they have too many appetizing possibilities! Although there are a few signature items they try to keep on the menu such as their Ahi Tuna Twist and Gorgonzola PEI mussels, everything else on the menu changes with the seasons.

PEI gorgonzola mussels

On our latest visit for the male humans' birthday, we started with an appetizer of Granville Island beer battered escargot, since snails are not exactly common on restaurant menus in Edmonton. The snails were beautifully fried so they were crispy on the outside but still soft and tender on the inside, with just enough Dijon mustard cream to give it some richness. Although no longer on the menu, on a previous visit we had a buttery soft scallop wrapped in salty bacon, served with salty sweet tomato bacon marmalade, crunchy risotto croquettes and a light and creamy cauliflower puree. As well as a melt in your albacore mouth tuna confit nori lightly dressed with spicy miso dressing. Their signature PEI gorgonzola mussels are definitely designed for sharing as the portion is massive! Even the male human who usually hates gorgonzola or any other type of blue cheese enjoyed this dish, as the blue cheese was not overpowering, and was in fact very mild. The broth was surprisingly light, and the mussels were plump and smooth, going down easily.

Herb Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb

For our entrees, I opted for a herb Dijon crusted rack of lamb, cooked medium rare, which turned out to be very soft. The crusting was just the right thickness and did not pull focus from the lamb flavour. While the male hum enjoyed a maple glazed Alberta wild boar which was much more tender and less gamey than he expected it would be.

Apple Cinnamon Tart

Lastly for dessert, we shared their apple cinnamon tart, which had a perfectly flaky pastry shell and the apples were just the way I liked them, neither too sweet nor too tart, and with still some bite to it instead of mushy. Topped with a caramel ice cream, it was a good way to end the night.

Although Nineteen is located quite far away from our downtown home, the drive is always worth it. Other than the desserts, we have eaten something different there every time. With seasonal menus, repeat visits will never be the same and you will never be bored!

Nineteen

5940 Mullen Way

Edmonton, AB  T6R 0R1

780-395-1119

Twitter: @XIXnineteen