Edmonton, Ab.

Happy Reu Year! 

This review comes from the winter grips of Edmonton! However, it offers a wee escape from those grips, by way of Café Bloom at the majestic Muttart Conservatory (pronounced like a shaggy dog and pastry). This sandwich was really nice, highlighted by the ramekin of fresh veggies! What an option for a side. I suppose that is appropriate when sitting in a conservatory with 4 separate plant ecosystems (Arid, Tropical, Temperate and a rotating exhibit) to move through and enjoy. Would almost feel blasphemous to eat a greasy plate of fries in a venue brimming with so much life and vibrancy. 

I hadn’t been to the conservatory for years, and Bridget had never been (understandable… from NZ by way of Waterton), but it was unbelievable to me how much I liked it. I think it checks all my boxes. 

-Open all the time.. The only day it is closed is Christmas. 

-Inexpensive .. 15 bucks a pop or 50ish for a year pass. 

-Parking.. ample (also it is located right on the train line with it’s own stop).

-Plants.. ample-r than the parking (also available for purchase in a remarkable variety and for pennies on the dollar).

-Staff.. highly wonderful.

-And of course, sandwich variety. 

I mean how much more can you ask for? Able to take the train to a cheap, local destination, walk in on any day of the year (nearly) and take a book into a 26 to 27 degree tropical rainforest, sit amongst the trees and read in the forest all while escaping a -30 degree winter day. And then finish that paradise off with a Reuben. 

Muttart… you have my Mutt-heart.