Special Features - Golden Fork 2012

Readers’ Choice Awards Thank You Red Deer!

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2 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

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Red Deer Express 3

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Cora Breakfast and Lunch earns best breakfast spot Restaurant a welcome addition to Red Deer

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Landing the top spot in the Breakfast Category in this year’s Golden Fork Awards, Cora Breakfast and Lunch continues to attract an enthusiastic crowd to their array of fruit-laden dishes.

The business, which also snapped up silver in the Best Brunch and bronze in the Best New Restaurant categories, opened in October of 2011.

It’s located at 6858 – Gaetz Ave. “We really do thrive on reputation and word-ofmouth,” explained Jamie Hoover, who owns and operates the business with his wife Lana.

“I think it’s the quality and the freshness that keeps people coming.”

This summer, the Cora network marked its 25th anniversary – it was founded in 1987 by Cora Tsouflidou in Montreal. There are now 130 restaurants across Canada.

From the start, fresh, quality ingredients and an abundance of fruit were highlights of the dishes she offered, said Jamie.

“People are more conscientious of what they’re eating now more than they were 25 years ago, so she was way ahead of the game,” he said.

“There are the decadent choices on there, but for the most part it’s very healthy.

And I think that’s what is giving it longevity.

“We also get comments from our guests all the time that when the dishes come out, they look like they do

in the menu,” he added.

“That’s a big part of our signature – the presentation.”

Lana agrees. “Everyone says it comes out looking as good or better than it does in the menu.”

From French toast selections and tasty egg dishes to healthy fruit and granola combinations and both sweet and savoury choices when it comes to crepes, there is plenty to choose from.

“This is really catering to good choices with lots of flavour,” said Jamie.

After realizing that owning a franchise was what they both wanted to do, the couple were ultimately offered an opportunity in Red Deer. “We came up, stayed overnight, toured around and realized this really is a beautiful city – let’s give it a try. And we’ve fallen in love with it. There is nowhere else in Alberta where we would have felt more a part of the community,” said Jamie.

Meanwhile, both Lana and Jamie also point to their staff as being intrinsic to the restaurant’s popularity. “They are ambassadors. They believe in it and they love it,” said Lana.

“People recognize that this all started from a love and a passion. It’s also served and received with a love and a passion.”

They also work hard to build a welcoming, family-like environment with their 37 employees, said Lana. “We have fun, we do things together and we support each other.

“A really great day is when we’ve all laughed

TASTY - Lana and Jamie Hoover, owners of Cora Breakfast and Lunch in Red Deer, celebrate their gold win in the Breakfast Category, among others in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. and smiled, played pranks, joked with each other and when someone is down we’ve helped to cheer them up.

“At the end of the day, that’s what makes me smile – that we’ve had a great day with each other. And knowing that the people who came in the door felt that, too.”

For the Hoovers, operating such a successful franchise is pretty much a dream come true.

“Lana and I are both very enthusiastic and passionate – and we are here full-time.”

Cynthia Radford/Red Deer Express

Thank You Red Deer for your continued support pp and voting for

editor@reddeerexpress.com

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BRUNCH 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Original O riigiinal Joe Joe’s Joe’s wants wants to to tthank hank k all alll o off you who w ho voted for us in the Golden Fork Awards.

GREATLY APPRECIATED!

2929 - 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB Reservations: 403-343-6666 www.blackknightinn.ca

4 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Downtown eatery ‘on wheels’ lands gold status

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express A unique, local coffee shop has received top honours in this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

Traptow’s Cool Beans Coffee Company Inc. has won gold in the category of Best Eatery on Wheels.

The business, which offers a variety of coffees and other beverages as well as some baking, as well as lunchtime foods including salads, Panini’s, bagels and soup in the winter, is located at 4740 50th St., across from the courthouse downtown.

‘I ALWAYS KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE A BIG HIT JUST BECAUSE IT WAS A BUS.’ KEVIN TRAPTOW “I feel honoured that we are able to do this. We didn’t open and crash and burn which is always a huge fear when you’re starting a business.

“The food industry is a tough industry to be in and we always want to bring our A-game,” said Kevin Traptow, the owner of Traptow’s Cool Beans Coffee Company Inc. Traptow and his wife have six children.

They decided a few years ago that they wanted to do some traveling as a family and visited the United States and also lived in the Philippines for a year.

“We had such a great experience that when we came home we looked at some

DOWNTOWN FIXTURE - Business owner Kevin Traptow sits in front of Cool Beans downtown. The coffee shop won gold for Best Eatery on Wheels in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. options and found an inn in Nova Scotia and put money down on that. Our house wouldn’t sell by the deadline so that fell through and we had to think of something else,” he said.

Thank You to our loyal customers for your conƟnued patronage and voƟng us for SILVER VIETNAMESE Restaurant!

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Erin Fawcett/Red Deer Express

“When we were down in the States they have one of these. You can’t go in it; it’s a drive-thru on either side. But it was really neat.”

This sparked the idea for Cool Beans.

The family did a business plan and then one-day a double-decker bus popped up on eBay for purchase.

“I spent about two weeks talking to the owner of the bus and then out-bid another person in the last 10 seconds by $500. It was really stressful but even more stressful to know that I had just bought a bus and had to get it home from North Dakota,” said Traptow.

This was in 2009 and it took the family about a year and a half to strip the bus down and turn it into a coffee shop.

Since opening in 2011, Traptow said the response from the general public has been

miu Pre

extremely positive.

“We could have started a coffee shop anywhere in any building, but we wanted something that was more cultural and more unique. I always knew it was going to be a big hit just because it was a bus.”

Traptow continues to expand his business and recently added another element – a Mini Beans bus.

“We wanted to have a mobile coffee shop.

And the mini bus matches the big one. It allows us to attend events and different functions.

“My goal is to have three so we can attend various functions at once.”

Traptow also hopes to include a skating rink beside the coffee shop this winter.

For now, Traptow is enjoying his new location which recently opened. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

4815-48 Ave • Red Deer 403-340-1838

2012 Rea Choice A ders’ wards

“We would like to thank our customers for 21 great years. To our staff, past and present a heartfelt thank you.”

Greg & Krista

4030-50 St., Red Deer 347-8901

Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 5

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

earls wins in eight categories in this year’s awards

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express earls restaurant received top honours in a number of categories in this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

The restaurant received gold for Best Appetizers, Best Lunch, Best Wings, Best Patio and Best Atmosphere. They also received silver for Best Ribs, Best All-Around and Friendliest Staff. “The neat part of these awards is that they are unsolicited, so people have to take the time to mark the ballot and get it in,” said Phil Avram, general manager of earls. “We chug along and it’s a good barometer of how we are doing. We are certainly not perfect by any means but it’s just a confirmation of the job that all these kids do. They try hard and plug away every day and it’s good recognition for them for the effort they are putting in for themselves and for earls.

“To be supported by the community is certainly an honour.” earls offers a wide range of foods including salads,

pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches, pastas, steaks and ribs, as well as a variety of desserts. The restaurant also offers an extensive bar service with a number of different wines, beer and cocktails. Corporate chefs create different dishes and cocktails each season to add to the menu, said Avram.

“Consistency is certainly our goal. Our chef has been here for 28 years and our baker has been here for 27 and a half years. There are a few other boys in the kitchen that have been here for 15 or 16 years. In that regard there is certainly consistency and stability in the product.”

He added to receive all of the awards are an honour, but the one that resonates the most is the award for Friendliest Staff.

“That one is certainly pretty special and for people to comment about the staff is great. I’m sure every time our customers come in and dine they don’t get the same waitress or waiter, so it’s a reflection of all the staff,” said Avram. efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

IRRESISTIBLE - Presley Hansen and Alycia Jewan stand in the wonderfully secluded patio at earls. The popular restaurant garnered numerous honours in this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

Thanks Red Deer!

FOOD THAT

LOVES YOU BACK

Cynthia Radford/Red Deer Express

Thank You to all of our staff who work so diligently to bring you the baking, and to all our customers who give us such great support!

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

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NCH BEST LURANT RESTAU EARLS

’ eaders s rd 2012 R e Awa Choic

BEST BAKERY S

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s’ 2012 Readerds ar Choice Aw

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2012 Read Choice Aw ers’ ards

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2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

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2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

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2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

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Your votes have really put the icing on our cake!

Gold Winner

EARLS

EARLS

EARLS

EARLS

A place for great food and great times...with great people

2111-50th Ave.

403-342-4055

B1, 2319 Taylor Drive, Red Deer 342-4005

6 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Thank you

Red Deer!

A big thanks for everyone who voted for us!

Cheers!

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

BREAKFAST 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

In order to servee you better, we will be closed briefly for ns. minor renovations.

Please contact store for more orry informations. Sorry ence for any incovenience this may cause.

Port-O-Call Shopping Centre Red Deer, AB

403-347-1220

FIESTA - Belle Austria displays some of the colourful dishes available at Las Palmeras restaurant, which won gold in this year’s Golden Fork Awards - Best Mexican Restaurant category.

Cynthia Radford/Red Deer Express

We would like to thank our loyal shoppers for their continued support and recognizing our friendly team members by voting for us!

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PRODUCE DEPARTMENT

ORGANIC DEPARTMENT

2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Visit our 2 locations today!

6720 - 52 Avenue

3020 - 22 Street

403-343-6611

403-309-0300

Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 7

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Indian Flame serves up exotic cultural experience

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Anyone with a passion for Indian food, in all its deliciously spicy and succulent offerings, will want to check out the Indian Flame.

With two locations in Red Deer, the restaurant recently landed silver in the Best Indian Food category for this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

The first location at #130, 3 Ironside St. in Inglewood was established three years ago. This past spring, they set up shop in the heart of downtown at #108 – 4807 50th Ave. The additional pizza dishes are served at the Inglewood location only.

It’s a family-owned and operated venture, said Dilbagh Singh, who manages the downtown location.

One of the popular attractions of the restaurant is the lunchtime buffet which runs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are Saturday lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well.

Singh said an emphasis on top customer service combined with exceptional quality and variety in the dishes offered are reasons why customers keep coming back.

“We cook everything from scratch.”

only at

The move to open a second location also showed they were offering an array of foods that were hitting the mark with local fans of Indian food. The menu runs the gamut from tasty starters including beef or chicken samosas to vegetable and fish pakora dishes.

There are also lots of vegetable dishes as well, from Chana Masala (chick peas cooked with spices and tomato gravy) and Aloo Gobhi (potatoes and cauliflower cooked in curry sauce). Non-vegetarian fare includes favourites such as succulent butter chicken, lamb curry and beef vindaloo.

He said that the restaurants also cater for all kinds of functions including business lunches and private parties.

Singh, who moved from India with his family several years ago, enjoys introducing guests to the array of Indian dishes. He’s also eager to hear what folks have to say about the restaurant, and wants people to know that the staff are skilled in getting the flavour just right to suit individual customer tastes as well.

“Some people like mild, so we will make it mild. Others like it medium. Others are crazy for spicy, so we can do that also. We can set the level according the customer taste.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

EXOTIC FLAVOURS - Bhagwan Singh and Dilbagh Singh display some traditional Indian dishes at the Indian Flame Cynthia Radford/Red Deer Express downtown. The restaurant took silver in the Best Indian Food category.

Thank You Red Deer!

Bestt of of Red Deer

Burger Boy 6005 - 54 Ave., Red Deer

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8 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

GOLD winners

SILVER winners Appetizers ........................ earls Breakfast .......................... Cora Brunch ............................. Black Knight Inn Buffet ................................ Red Deer Buffet Cheap Eats ....................... China Ben Chinese ............................. China Ben Fine Dining ...................... Tiffany’s Steakhouse Fries ................................... McDonald’s Greek ................................. It’s All Greek to Me Hamburger ....................... Five Guys Burger & Fries Independent ..................... Ranch House Indian ................................ Astha Italian ................................ La Casa Pergola Kid Friendly ...................... McDonald’s Late Night Eats ............... The Tap House Lunch ................................ earls Mexican ............................. Las Palmeras Pizza .................................. Boston Pizza Ribs.................................... Tony Roma’s Steak ................................. The Keg Sushi.................................. Shiso Take-0ut/Fast Food......... China Ben Vietnamese ...................... Pho Thuy Dong Wings ................................. earls All-around best................ Tiffany’s Steakhouse Friendliest Staff............... The Rock New Restaurant............... The Tap House Pub/Lounge ..................... The Tap House Patio .................................. earls Atmosphere ..................... earls Romantic .......................... Tiffany’s Steakhouse Waiter/Waitress ............... Kenny Innocent (The Rock) Bakery ............................... Tasty Bakery Butcher ............................. Big Bend Market Catering ........................... Red Deer Catering Cup of Coffee ................... Tim Hortons Donuts............................... Tim Hortons Health Food ..................... Nutter’s Ice Cream ......................... Little Ice Cream Shoppe On Wheels ........................ Cool Beans Organic ............................. Save On Foods Produce............................. Save On Foods Seafood ............................. Fisherman’s Pride Wine List ........................... The Keg

BRONZE winners

Appetizers ........................

Breakfast ..........................

Brunch .............................

Buffet ................................

Cheap Eats .......................

Chinese .............................

Fine Dining ......................

Fries ...................................

Greek .................................

Hamburger .......................

Independent .....................

Indian ................................

Italian ................................

Kid Friendly ......................

Late Night Eats ...............

Lunch ................................

Mexican .............................

Pizza ..................................

Ribs....................................

Steak .................................

Sushi..................................

Take-0ut/Fast Food.........

Vietnamese ......................

Wings .................................

All-around best................

Friendliest Staff...............

New Restaurant...............

Pub/Lounge .....................

Patio ..................................

Atmosphere .....................

Romantic ..........................

Waiter/Waitress ...............

Bakery ...............................

Butcher .............................

Catering ...........................

Cup of Coffee ...................

Donuts...............................

Health Food .....................

Ice Cream .........................

On Wheels ........................

Organic .............................

Produce.............................

Seafood .............................

Wine List ...........................

Congratulations to

Marlene Wallace

Marlene is the winner of $250.00 in gift certificates to restaurants in Red Deer.

Marlene’s name was drawn from our Golden Fork ballot entries.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Red Deer Express 9

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Tiffany’s Steakhouse Denny’s Cora Monsieur Wongs The Tap House Monsieur Wongs Redstone New York Fries Saro’s Burger Boy Burger Boy Indian Flame East Side Mario’s The Rock Wendy’s The Tap House Taco Time The Rock earls Tiffany’s Steakhouse Sushi Sushi Wendy’s Noodle House The Tap House earls earls Taco Bell Original Joe’s Toad & Turtle The Rock La Casa Pergola Mandy Lui (Monsieur Wongs) Co-op Deerpark Safeway Port O’ Call Remi’s Starbucks Donut Mill Good Earth Dairy Queen Peppermint Andy’s Sobeys Safeway Port O’ Call Joey’s Tiffany’s Steakhouse

Appetizers ........................ The Tap House Breakfast .......................... Phil’s Brunch .............................. Red Deer Lodge Buffet ................................ Phoenix Buffet Cheap Eats ....................... McDonald’s Chinese ............................. Club Café Fine Dining ....................... The Keg Fries ................................... Five Guys Burger & Fries Greek ................................. Opa Hamburger ....................... A&W Independent ..................... Tiffany’s Steakhouse Indian ................................ N/A Italian ................................ Saro’s Kid Friendly ...................... Applebee’s Late Night Eats ............... McDonald’s Lunch ................................ Dragon City Mexican ............................. Mucho Burrito Pizza .................................. Busters Ribs.................................... Montana’s Steak ................................. Sam’s North Sushi.................................. Momo Sushi Take-0ut/Fast Food......... Burger Boy Vietnamese ...................... Ngoc Linh Wings ................................. earls All-around best................ China Ben Friendliest Staff............... Rusty Pelican New Restaurant............... Cora Pub/Lounge ..................... Bo’s Bar & Grill Patio .................................. The Tap House Atmosphere ..................... Tiffany’s Steakhouse Romantic .......................... The Keg Waiter/Waitress ............... Orlene (Rusty Pelican) Bakery ............................... babycakes Butcher ............................. AG Foods Catering ............................ Richelle’s Kitchen & Catering Cup of Coffee ................... City Roast Donuts............................... Co-op Downtown Health Food ...................... Golden Sun Ice Cream ......................... Menchies On Wheels ........................ Wannawafel Organic ............................. Nutter’s Produce............................. Downtown Market Seafood ............................. Sobeys South Wine List ........................... Redstone

Publishers Message Welcome to our third annual Golden Fork Awards. This year in Red Deer we saw many new restaurants open in our City.

paper ballots as well as online. These people were serious about having their favourites win.

It amazes me every year how so many Red Deerians participate in the voting. The community is more than happy to take the time to have their favourites acknowledged.

We try to highlight different businesses every year so that you, our readers, can get an idea of some restaurants that perhaps you had never thought of trying. We hope that you enjoy this special feature and encourage you to congratulate the winners.

This year we introduced a few new categories. As our community grows so do our options. We felt the need to add an ‘On Wheels’ category so that those who travel to bring their fares to you could also be acknowledged.

The Express tries to make participation as easy as possible by offering online voting as well as ballots that run in the paper for four consecutive weeks. This year I was impressed with how many people voted with their

Thank you again. We are so grateful for the support of our readers. Your votes mean a lot to the businesses that have the honour of winning gold, silver or bronze.

Tracey Scheveers Publisher

10 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Golden Fork Award the ‘icing on the cake’ for local bakery babycakes cupcakery wins bronze award

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express A one-of-a-kind bakery in Red Deer has received recognition in this year’s Golden Fork Awards. babycakes cupcakery won bronze for Best Bakery in the City.

The bakery opened in Red Deer in 2008 and owners Diana Knapton and Andrea Fox continue to up the ante by introducing new flavours.

“I can remember the learning curve and the stress and sweat like it was yesterday,” said Fox. “I think what keeps us going are our personalities and our customer service – I don’t know if I would have called it customer service in the beginning because it’s just us being us and having fun and enjoying what we do.”

Knapton said 90% of the recipes are original to babycakes and the inspiration for new flavours comes

from a variety of outlets as well.

“It really comes from everywhere.

Sometimes it’s just what we dream up and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t,” added Fox. babycakes cupcakery continues to thrive in the City.

“We are a one-of-a-kind in Central Alberta and we still get a lot of people from all over Alberta, whether it’s corporate or just personal, coming to grab our cupcakes because we do it so differently,” said Fox. “It’s pretty neat. One of the neatest things is being a destination for tourism and we are on the list for somewhere that visitors have to come and see.”

Fox said babycakes cupcakery is also unique because the cupcakes are custom made.

“We use the best ingredients, we use no artificial colours or flavouring,” she said.

SWEET TREAT - From left, Andrea Fox and Diana Knapton, owners of babycakes cupcakery, display a delicious tray of cupcakes.

The bakery won bronze for Best Bakery in the City.

“We use all the finest ingredients.”

Knapton added all of the cupcakes are made in-

GOLDEN

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2012 Re Choice aders’ Awards

u o Y k Than ting Us for Vo lavour!

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on-line ordering now available www.bostonpizza.com

For Fast, Tasty Delivery Call 403-343-FOOD (3663)

Cynthia Radford/Red Deer Express

house and from scratch.

“The time that goes into making them is definitely worth it,” she said.

The pair came up with the idea of the cupcakery because they noticed a void in the market.

“We’ve noticed in North America the cupcake industry had become huge,” said Fox. “It’s a great alternative to wedding cakes and to corporate thank yous and gifts.”

A big part of babycakes’ business has been catering to events such a weddings, birthday parties and other special occasions.

“You can really celebrate anything with a cupcake,” said Fox. ‘It’s something that fits with almost every theme

no matter what it is.”

In terms of the Golden Fork Awards, both Knapton and Fox said it’s an honour to be recognized by the community.

‘I THINK WHAT KEEPS US GOING ARE OUR PERSONALITIES AND OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE’ ANDREA FOX “It’s fantastic. It always has been.

“When we opened we knew there were certain bakeries in the City that people have known for so many years but we were sure excited to get on the (Golden Fork Awards) list right from the get-go. To

stay on the list continuously sure has been fantastic and to know we are going in the right direction is great,” said Fox. “We work really hard to never slip. We don’t want to lose the personalities here or the look or the atmosphere or the products.

It’s nice when you get that feedback.”

Going forward Knapton said babycakes will stay the course but there is always talk of growth.

“We have talked about potentially expanding but mostly we just want to stick to our main focus which is quality of products and customer service.

“The better we do, the better it is for the community.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

Thank You Red Deer!

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CHEAP EATS

CHINESE

TAKE OUT/FAST FOOD

ALL ROUND BEST

2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

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No MSG!

Thank You for all Your Support! From all of us at China Ben’s!

7464 Gaetz Avenue, Red Deer Aladdin Plaza

403-343-2760 or 403-343-2773

Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 11

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Fisherman’s Pride gold in seafood category Red Deer store specializes in a fresh and varied selection of product

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express Landing gold in the Best Seafood Category for this year’s Golden Fork Awards, Red Deer’s Fisherman’s Pride Seafood offers an array of fresh product and top customer service to go with it.

Owned by Bobbie and Shean Whitehead since July 1st, the business is located at 5301 – 43 St. in a bright and pleasant facility. Bobbie had worked for the previous owners for more than five years, so she already had a solid knowledge of the product lines and overall operations.

The business, which brings in fresh fish up to six times each week, has been running for nearly a decade. Lobsters are also delivered two to three times each week from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Nothing has been previously frozen, as it typically the case with other stores where fish can be purchased. “There aren’t many places that have a fresh fish market.”

Other featured products include seafood party trays, spices, pate, cookbooks, lobster accessories, gift baskets and Zatarain’s products. “No event is too big or too small. In the spring – May and June – we also do lots of lobster fests around town,” she said.

“We also get very busy around Christmastime with our party platters. And people do love lobster for New Year’s and Christmas as well.”

There is also a recipe board for customers to check out, giving them the opportunity to try out a range of new dishes at home. New recipes are featured every week. Besides being a healthy choice, fish is also a quick and easy cooking option for families, said Bobbie. It’s great for those in a hurry or who wish to serve up something special – cooked lobster for pick-up offers an ideal ‘romantic’ dinner option, she added with a smile.

She also pointed out that customers often call in their orders for pick up later in the day.

Of course, folks tend to absolutely love fish or not like it in the least. Bobbie said some customers, who are looking for healthy options, ask for fish that doesn’t really ‘taste or smell’ like fish. And there are options for them as well, from cuts of halibut to sea bass, she said. “These are light-flavoured fish.”

SEAFOOD SELECTION - Fisherman’s Pride Seafood, owned by Bobbie Whitehead along with her husband Shean, landed gold in the Best Seafood Mark Weber/Red Deer Express Category for this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

Meanwhile, the couple is enjoying the roles of business owners. They are also open to bringing in products that customers may be asking about, from various sauces to chutneys. “It gives you opportunities to meet people. I get to know the customers, and I know what they’re going to order when they walk in the door which is nice. I can cater to them.”

Those with a love for fish also tend to be versatile shoppers. “If we don’t have something that someone wants, they will often try something else. Most of our customers are willing to try something new, which is fun.”

Ultimately, it’s about offering variety and being flexible with what is featured in product lines. “Every week, I try to bring in something we don’t normally carry.

“If people like it, I’ll keep bringing it in.” editor@reddeerexpress.com

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12 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Local ice cream truck silver for Best Eatery On Wheels

BY ERIN FAWCETT Red Deer Express A new, fun, vintage food truck that cruises City streets selling cool ice cream treats has been honoured with a Golden Fork Award.

Peppermint Andy’s was voted silver as Best Eatery On Wheels.

The idea for the ice cream truck came after Andrea Wiseman, who is also a professional photographer, was shooting a wedding in Seattle. “She had hired an ice cream truck there and it was fantastic,” said Wiseman. “It planted a seed but nothing really came of it right away. Then one night we were talking, my husband and I, and I said I wanted to do something over the summer. I was applying for jobs and nothing really came of it and I thought, let’s try something else and let’s see if we can make this ice cream truck work.”

From there Wiseman went to work and researched how to put such a truck together.

“The most important parts are the window, the paint job and the branding – all of that put together.

We had to make sure to get a truck that was big enough to put the freezers in it and we double-checked and triple-checked things. There was a lot of small stuff to think about,” she said, adding that about halfway through the process she couldn’t believe they were actually doing it.

Wiseman found the truck in Edmonton and it was completely gutted. “We wanted a shorter-style with a vintage look. It was perfect.”

Peppermint Andy’s carries a variety of flavours of ice cream from MacKay’s Ice Cream in Cochrane.

“It’s a home business that has been around for 60 or so years. We want to have a small selection of really good quality ice cream.

The simplicity of MacKay’s Ice Cream is perfect for us,” said Wiseman. “We also have ice cream sandwiches – so it’s a chewy cookie with a scoop of whatever ice cream they want. We

LICKITY SPLIT - Owner Andrea Wiseman stands in front of her ice cream truck called Peppermint Andy’s. The business garnered Stephanie Koo Photography silver in the Best Eatery on Wheels category in the Golden Fork Awards. also have homemade popsicles. We get seasonal or organic ingredients. Our lavender lemonade was huge this year.”

Like anything new, Wiseman said her first sum-

Thanks for the cherry on top!

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

Thank you to everyone who voted us best!

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mer was a success but she is still working out some small kinks.

“I’m still finding my own tune right now, but it’s really good. I’m working with the Downtown Business Association and there have been a lot of people that have been super helpful and supportive,” she said.

“I’ve had some trouble with parking downtown and so I’m hoping we can sort some things out for next year. With some of the technical stuff, with wanting to be a food truck parked downtown, it hasn’t been easy. Food trucks are still quite new to the City so we are all trying to find

our way.

“We are hoping to find a food truck parking spot or hoping to rent a little piece of space. Other than that we will stick to events.”

Peppermint Andy’s has been included in many local events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate events.

“For a wedding if you were going to do a dessert, the price of having Peppermint Andy’s is equivalent to the cost of a cupcake,” said Wiseman.

“It’s also a great thing to have if your guests are hanging around for an hour or so between the ceremony and reception while

the bride and groom take photos. It’s a great conversation piece too. It’s a novelty thing and it’s part of the experience of having an ice cream.”

As for the Golden Fork Awards, Wiseman said it’s humbling to have been recognized. “It feels amazing.

I’m kind of blown away.

It gives me a little bit of a boost for next year. I’m so excited to get back into the kitchen with my ideas,” said Wiseman. “Red Deer has the bones to be the greatest city, we have so much potential, we just have to put it to work and I want to be a part of that.” efawcett@reddeerexpress.com

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Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 13

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Red Deer Catering tops in category The family-run operation has been a City fixture since the early 1970s ing banquets from 30 to 3,000 people. One of the annual highlights is the Festival of Trees, which is a fundraiser for the Red A long-time family-owned and operated Deer Regional Health Foundation. That catering business has taken gold status in event alone includes several large banthe Best Catering category in this year’s quets which Red Deer Catering is responsiGolden Fork Awards. ble for including the preview dinner which Red Deer Catering first set up shop back serves about 1,000 people a gourmet meal in 1972 with John Stone at the helm, and featuring several courses. now the third generation of the Stone fam“It involves lots of preparation and planily is working hard to keep up with the ning,” he adds with a smile. Having guests pace of a growing business. seated with their meals in a timely manner As co-owner/manager Andrew Stone happens through setting up several food points out, the business has oven and lines to go through and making sure things cooler equipped catering trucks so that run smoothly. customers receive the best, most efficient They also cover the local high school service at a competitive price - wherever graduation banquets, which can include the event. up to 2,200 people.

Other highlights include complete hardOther highlights include weddings, ware such as china dishes for all courses Christmas parties, barbecues, open housincluding dessert es, meetings, anniand beverages and versaries, house par‘BEING A FAMILY BUSINESS, WE linen table cloths for ties among others.

PUT OUR HEART AND SOUL INTO all tables including Again, as Andrew THIS – IT ISN’T JUST A JOB.’ the buffets. points out, the suc“Everything we ofcess stems from the ANDREW STONE fer is home-cooked commitment to fresh– we don’t have pre-packaged products,” ness and quality. John took years perfectsaid Andrew, adding that recipes are made ing Red Deer Catering’s Caesar dressing, from scratch. “And being a family busi- gravies, sauces and all their dishes. They ness, we put our heart and soul into this also serve nothing but AAA Alberta beef – it isn’t just a job.” (inside round quality or higher).

Things started out comparatively small Red Deer Catering also supports a range at first, with one truck and a couple of ov- of community organizations by bringing ens, explains Andrew. in volunteers from a given group to work at But it wasn’t long before word spread a particular function for example. The givabout the quality of food and the strong en organization is then paid a fee for their commitment to customer service. Today, service. It works as a valuable fundraising Red Deer Catering has 44 ovens ready to be opportunity for these groups, he said. fired up and a sizable network of employ“It works really well both ways.” ees dedicated to hosting an array of events.

Ultimately, Andrew couldn’t imagine a Breakfasts run the gamut from The Ca- more enjoyable line of work. nadian and Sunrise to Continental and The sheer amount of variety that each Wrangler. Lunches can include soups, sal- new function presents keeps things fresh ads, and wraps to beef stew, cold plates and and interesting. Besides the typical favoulasagna. rite dishes and combinations that the comFor dinner, clients can choose from pany offers, there is room for flexibility as the Heritage, Holiday and Prairie Buffets well in terms of perhaps adding different among others. There are special Christ- elements to meals. mas and wedding packages as well.

“I really love my job. It’s always differ“We also have an amazing staff, and ent. There’s no routine – the events are some of them have been with us for more different, the people are different and the than 20 years. We couldn’t do this without meals we serve are different. them.”

“You never know what kind of obstacle The company is also the official caterer you are going to face.” editor@reddeerexpress.com of the Westerner and that has them serv-

BY MARK WEBER Red Deer Express

! s r e e Ch

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

GOLDEN FORK AWARDS

FRIENDLIEST STAFF

WAITER/WAITRESS

2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

THANKS FOR SELECTING OUR STAFF AMONG THE BEST IN THE CITY!

HEADQUARTERS - Andrew Stone, co-owner of Red Deer Catering, stands beside some of the ovens in the operation’s kitchen at Westerner Park. The business took gold in the Best Catering Mark Weber/Red Deer Express category in this year’s Golden Fork Awards.

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14 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards Red Deer Express 15

16 Red Deer Express Golden Fork 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Cheers Red Deer!

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