Parsa Restaurant - Taste of Afghanistan - 309 7th Street South

This new restaurant just opened on May 23 and I was looking forward to trying it out. I stopped by last week and was told to make sure I try the Afghan rice, so I did.  I ordered the Quabulie Palaw and was not disappointed, in fact I really liked it. It came with Afghan rice, containing slivered almonds, shredded carrots, and raisins. I am not a fan of cooked raisins but I wanted to try the dish, and I loved it. In fact the raisins were what made it so good. They added a little touch of sweetness to every bite. There was also a beef dish that tasted like it had a bit of curry in it, a plate of fresh vegetables and a couple pieces of a flat bread. I enjoyed every bite of this meal. Great flavors and use of spices. My flat bread was a little crunchy and the type style used on the menu made it a little hard to read, but otherwise I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.  The staff was very friendly and helpful to explain the dishes. The owner even came out to talk with us and thank us for coming. That was a nice touch. "M" was a little under the weather today and was disappointed that he missed this place, soooooo I'll gladly make the sacrifice and go with him another day. "J"

Hey everybody!  This was a nice little place to eat.  My stomach was in revolt already cause it was so empty, and when they brought out the meal at first, there was one little plate of food.  I almost started to cry, but then came another plate and another and yet another.  My frown was turned upside down and became a nice big grin from ear to ear.  The flavors were very distinct and pleasing to my palate.  What I thought would leave me painfully hungry was very satisfying and I was left not wanting.   We were given a bit of a cultural lesson on the differences of Afghan rice and seasonings.  What a great meal.  Every bite was pleasing and unique in a very good way.  The flat bread was hard and crunchy, but at the same time flavorful.  If you expect a naan bread, this stuff will be a shock.  However if you are expecting a crispy harder bread that could be used as a spoon for the meat and sauce, you'd be right on track. (maybe that's what it is used for ;-)).  In any case I look forward to "M" coming with us so we can go back there again.  Delish!! "C"

Los Del Cid 718 13 St N

What a quaint little restaurant. Seating for 12, background music and "requerdos" from Guatemala decorating the walls. Los Del Cid is family owned and ran, using family recipes. I was excited to try it out. The menu had a good variety of foods at a reasonable range of prices. "M" and I each found something for under $10 and we split it so we could experience both dishes. I was pleased at the interesting mix of flavors and use of ingredients I would have never thought of. I tried to find out what the spices were in one dish but was told it's a family secret. My only complaint is that the dishes we ordered both had deep fried tortillas. Deep fried is not what I usually look for. The flavor was great but cutting in to the food made it break apart and a little difficult to pick up with your fork. But don't feel bad for me, I was able to get it all in my mouth. If you are looking for something a little different you've got to try it out. "J"

This Place was awesome. I thought the food was so good. I ordered some enchiladas and split them with "J" they were not what I'm used to as far as enchiladas go. They were actually like an open-faced tostado. They were delicious. I thought the people who worked here were really nice, I hope they do well with this little restaurant. I was very impressed. Thank you Los Del Cid for a new experience. I can't wait to come back for supper. I told my wife that we should try it together sometime for a date night. "M"

Thuan Hoa Vietnamese 1354 Mayor Magrath Dr.

More Vietnamese food, Yum, did I tell you it's my favorite? Oh! last week I said Mexican was my favorite, well, I guess I like them all. Anyway, I had a great lunch today Bun or Bahn however you can say it. Grilled chicken on rice vermicelli noodles with lettuce and a spring roll. I love to pour on the fish sauce and then soak it with hoisin and sriracha. Mmmmm makes me hungry again just thinking about it. What sets Thuan Hoa apart from the other vietnamese restaurants is that the lunch special includes a salad roll with a great peanut sauce. Squirt in a little sriracha and dip in the roll. Wow! All this for $8.35 couldn't get any better. Makes me wish I didn't have to eat at other places.  "J"

Vietnamese is my favorite food these days. I love it. Thaun Hoa was really really good. I ordered Pho to change things up a little. I love the lunch special, although I didn't order it this time around, you just can't beat getting a free salad roll. You really get a lot for you money, I left full and happy. You can't go wrong with Vietnamese in Lethbridge. The two we've tried are both good. I can't really say one is better than another, they are just different enough. Such a good lunch today, The Sriracha was my favorite part.
"M"

The Mocha Cabana Cafe 317-4th St. S.

I was quite pleased with our lunch today. Today is "cinco de mayo" so of course the lunch special was Mexican, my favorite. OK, I know I say that about everything I eat, but it really is. Anyway, it was pretty darn good. The special was Tortilla soup, and a Ancho chile crusted hamburger patty toppped with goat cheese and a wonderful fresh salsa. This was the hi-lite of the meal. One of the best burgers I have had in a along time. You know, the kind that is so full and juicy that it runs down to your elbow. Don't let the goat cheese scare you off because that flavor complimented the others so well it wouldn't have been the same without it. It was great! The soup was just OK for me. I found it a little lacking in flavor compared to what I am used to for tortilla soup, but it was fine.  I almost bought one of their huge peanut butter cookies for dessert, but I looked across the table and saw "C"s belly and it gave me motivation to say no. Overall for 11 bucks I went back to work happy, full and will come back again.  "J"

First of all, you're right "J" that WAS motivation to skip dessert. It was almost enough to consider a salad next week. Dang! I thought I was early enough tonight to blog first. Thank you Mocha Cabana for an excellent lunch. Today I had the same special as "J". I ordered mine with Chips and Salsa (in honor of "Cinco de Mayo") (which I found out today from my friend in Mexico City, is actually more of an American Holiday to celebrate Mexican heritage) Anyways, back to Mocha Cabana. Food and Service both GOOD. What a good burger. I will have to come back to try something else on the menu to see what else is good.. I was happy with the price today. It was a big lunch, I went back to work full. Overall I was really happy with today's choice. It was a new experience in that I've never had a burger like that. Especially a burger with goat cheese. In fact, I think that's my first experience with goat cheese. Anyways, nice place, it was clean and the food and service were good too. "M"

Enjoy Gardens 1702 23 St N

Well, this was an unexpected stop today. We were actually expecting a different restaurant at this location, but it turned out to be Chinese. That's OK 'cause I love Chinese too. I think I say that about every type of food we eat. Anyway, Enjoy Gardens, what can I say. I wasn't expecting the highest quality food in the city and I was right. Mostly it was the same fair you get any other run of the mill Chinese restaurant. BUT then I saw the squid!!! Yes, salt and chili pepper squid!! I almost fell in love all over again. It was soooo good. In fact it was so good it made up for all the other dishes I had to eat. I might even come back again, for the squid!! Well, to tell you the truth I was also impressed with their Beef & Vegetables, and even with their Ginger Beef. It had lots of flavor and was fairly tender. I would like to say that the other dishes were forgettable, but I must admit today I discovered some new flavors used in Chinese food that I will never forget. (but I would like to)  "J"

Howdy Hi Friends and Neighbors, "C" here.  So as "J" said we were expecting a completely different restaurant when we showed up at this address.  Thanks Telus for your efficiency in publishing businesses that don't  exist where you say they do.  Anyways, there was no WOW factor here, but also no UNWOW factor.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that as far as Chinese food goes it was entirely acceptable cuisine.  The salt and chili pepper squid was really good and the beef and vegetable dish was also very delicious, however the chowmein was so salty it was barely edible.  The won ton soup had the most interestingly flavoured broth.  I'm not sure where my palate stands on the soup!?! All in all a surprise lunch feast and worth the money spent.  I like the buffet/smorg style lunches cause it allows one to choose and experiment with dishes that one might not regularly eat.  Plus as you're aware I like to eat a lot, so you can return and return till you're in a stupor.  Not recommended by any health professional but still an option.  Today's lunch stop was acceptable, mediocre in places, and amazing in others, so overall GOOD!
......I think! "C"

Ya I guess it was ok. True the squid was good, actually if I payed 8.75 just for the squid, it would have been worth it. Everything else was fine. It didn't end up being a bad lunch day. "M"

Squish - Banff National Park

So my wife and I happened to be in Banff for the weekend. We decided to grab lunch at this little deli right on Banff Ave called SQUISH. Man was it good. Really Good. Nice place, clean, friendly and the sandwiches were amazing. I'm serious when I say "It was the best sandwich I've ever eaten." Also, I love Coke Zero, (which my wife would love it if i didn't...its not good for you) But... They have Old School glass Coke bottles. COOL! So I bought one. (Totally worth the $3) Awesome lunch, so Awesome in fact, that I HAD to blog about it. If you get a chance to visit Banff, try a sandwich from Squish. I loved it. (could have used some Sriracha though)  Also, if the other "Nomads" haven't experienced this one before, I wish they could have tried this place with me. Its one of my personal favorites."M"

Mad Moes Pizza 359 Stafford Dr. N.

Today we made a random choice of where to eat and this is what came up. I was a little leery of ready to eat  pizza but I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. The lunch special offered was a "large" slice of pizza & pop for $5. Great price and well worth it. It must have been the biggest slice of pizza I have ever eaten, and for a ready to eat pizza it was pretty good. My only complaint is that it was "ready to eat" so I could tell that my slice had been sitting for a while. The taste was good, the crust was fairly thin with a great crunch to it, not just a thick piece of bread. We took a look thru the menu and they also offer a variety of whole pizzas to order. I also got the impression that they will also custom make your pizza to whatever you want on it. 

If you are looking for a quick slice of pizza, this is the place to come.  "J"

Ya, not a bad choice today. The Price was right, this may very well be the best lunch special we've ever had. $5 for a huge slice of pizza and a pop. Really good deal, not bad pizza either. The guy working there was friendly, the place was clean. I'll probably be back for a quick lunch sometime when I'm in the mood for pizza. "M"






Well this was a nice little surprise now wasn't it?!?  Probably the best lunch value out there.  The pizza was as good as any in Lethbridge.  Service was great.  And you can't beat the price.  I had a huge slice of pizza and a can of pop for $5 gst included.  Holy Cow! Even if you have a pizza made for you it only takes about 10 minutes.  There's plenty of seating here and it's nice and bright inside.  When I go here next time; cause there will definitely be a next time, I will order a custom pizza and a pop.  That way it will be a little fresher than the "by the slice" option.  "C" was very impressed and will definitely return, and send others to experience it too!