Edmonton: Plow & Harvest Preview

Last night I was fortunate enough to be invited to a VIP preview for Plow & Harvest, a new restaurant on the west side (10041 170 Street, to be exact). I read a bit about them online beforehand, and aside from the descriptors "fresh, locally-sourced comfort food," I went there not really knowing what to expect.  

 

They have a big, bright, open space and lots of seating, and they even have one of these little devices on each table: a touchscreen tablet that will not only allow you browse the menu, order and pay at your table, but also offers a selection of games and a virtual version of crayons and paper for kids (or adults who like to doodle). A very cool idea.

The staff were all amazingly friendly and hospitable. We were immediately served homemade iced tea and lemonade in big, icy mason jars... the most gorgeous thing on such a hot day. I think I downed mine in like a minute.

Then began the never-ending parade of tiny, yummy tasters:

From the top, left to right:

1. House-brewed iced tea - super refreshing.

2. Creamy potato soup with bacon, cheddar, and green onions. Yep.

3. Pickled cucumbers, jalapenos and onion - I'm not usually a pickle person, but these were crunchy and homemade, so even I could appreciate them.

4. French fries - thick cut with a really tomato-y ketchup (not that vinegary Heinz stuff).

5. Not-So-Sloppy Joes - hearty and flavourful.

6. Grilled cheese sandwich - but none of that Kraft Singles/white bread business. This is toasted artisan bread with arugula, tomato, melty cheese and some kind of bourbon bacon jam concoction (can I get a whole jar of this so I can put it on everything, please?).

7. Mac and cheese with bacon breadcrumbs - creamy and carb-alicious, probably a lot of people's idea of the ultimate comfort food.

8. Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich - with a spicy/creamy slaw on top. Very tasty.

Whenever I go to a new restaurant I always want to try several things from the menu, but ordering five different entrées isn't really a good habit to get into. That's why getting the opportunity to taste a variety of dishes is so great - it gave us a good idea of what Plow & Harvest has to offer, and now I know what to recommend to people (the grilled cheese, fo sho).

From what I can see, this place has no shortage of friendliness, enthusiasm, and crowd-pleaser dishes. A winning combination if there ever was one.

Plow & Harvest is officially open as of today - they're debuting their full menu, which I'm sure will be a hit. Go check them out, and don't forget to snap a selfie in front of the tractor.

Plow and Harvest

10041 170 Street, Edmonton (map)

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