You can find pretty much anything here. There is the expected local farmers (including organic) selling produce, dairy and honey. There is also a wide variety of gourmet foods, including pasta, pesto, ready-to-eat dinners, deserts and dips. Local artisans also sell paintings, wood work and handmade glass items and gorgeous handmade silk purses.

A few of my favorites are Olive Me, who make decadent stuffed Olives. Another must-visit is the Cheese Factory - you will find it difficult to go back to the grocery store after sampling. Finally, seek out Aroma Health's natural skin care products and aromatherapy oils.

A few tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and to find the best products before they sell out. There are about 10,000 people (!) who come to the market each Saturday. Second, bring your appetite. There are plenty of samples and food made on the spot to enjoy.

The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 10310 - 83 Avenue.

The best news? Price. This is the least expensive food shop I have found in the city. When you are finished shopping, pop in the restaurant next door for a panini sandwich and expresso. There is almost always locals hanging out and chatting in Italian.

A second location opened recently in the South side. Some prefer the newer and bigger store, though I prefer the original location with its charm in Edmonton's Little Italy.

The shops are located at 5028 104A Street NW and 10878 95 Street NW

The atmosphere is friendly and extremely laid back and is ideal for people watching. The audience is as diverse as the musicians, with bankers and bikers on the dance floor.

Blues on Whyte is located in the historic Commercial Hotel on 10329 82 (Whyte) Avenue. The jam session is from 3 to 8 p.m.

Catch the girls' next show this Friday night at The Roost Niteclub. Doors open at 9pm

For more information:

www.theroostniteclub.com or 426-3150

http://www.myspace.com/capitalcityburlesque

http://www.artgalleryalberta.com/

 Food:

For Appetizers try one (or both) of these:

Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms - Fresh mushrooms stuffed with Broccoli stuffing, lobster bits, and smothered in white cheddar cheese baked to a golden brown.

Coconut Shrimp - dipped in Coconut batter, fried and served with a pina colada dipping sauce.

Both will leave your mouth watering for more.

For Main course ideas try these:

Broiled Fishermans Feast - Maritime Lobster Tail, Haddock fillet, and shrimp with scallops baked with broccoli and cheese rice stuffing. MMMM MMMM GOOD!!!

LobsterChops - Maritime tails split and wrapped around tender scallops skewered and fire-grilled.

 If your still hungry....for dessert try the Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, whether sharing or having it all to yourself, it is a light tasting dessert bound to make your taste buds smile.

When: Sunday, March 25th 2007
11am - 4pm
Where: The Mayfield Inn (16615 - 109 ave)
$5 General Admission
Kids under 12 get in FREE!

Edmonton's favorite collectibles event returns to the Mayfield Inn for it's 5th annual show. Several special guests will be on hand making appearances at the show. Of course, the show would not be the premier collectibles event in Western Canada without the vast dealer area! Over 75 dealers from across Alberta will be present. There are over 100 vendor tables spread across two banquet halls this year and a wide variety of collectible toys, both vintage & modern, as well as Silver, Bronze and Modern age comics will be available for collectors.

Please remember to bring a donation to the Edmonton Food Bank to enter to win one of several great door prizes provided by sponsors.

Be sure to check the website, www.edtoyshow.com for more information.

New Asian Village Indian Restaurant, located on 10149 Saskatchewan Drive has been pleasing Indian food lovers for over 20 years.  The secret of its success is simple.  Great food, reasonable prices and excellent service!

All this keep regulars coming back and also entices new Edmontonians and visitors to sample the delights on offer.

The restaurant is very tastefully decorated with earth tone colours and authentic Indian art adorns the walls.  For a slightly different experience, you can choose to eat in the Maharaja Room, which has silk-tented booths that give the diner a romantic, more private atmosphere.

As you park your vehicle and walk to the restaurant, the tantalizing aromas reach you from almost a block away!  The menu offers many of the usual Indian dishes and also has a good selection of vegetarian and even weight watcher meals.  Meat and seafood entrees begin around $11.95 and appetizers start from $3.75.

The lunch or dinner buffet is a great option for those on a budget or those wishing to sample different Indian dishes.  The all-you-can-eat lunch option is priced at $10.95; Monday to Friday, 11.30 am -2.30 pm.  A dinner buffet is available on Wednesdays, priced at $17.95, 5.00 pm - 10.00 pm.  (Our group highly recommended the Butter Chicken and the chocolate fondue!)

For more information review the New Asian Village website or telephone: (780) 433 3804

Opening hours are:

Daily Luncheon Buffet - Monday thru Friday 11:30-2:30

Dinner - Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 to 10:00 / Friday and Saturday 5:00 to Midnight

There are now 2 more New Asian Village locations in Edmonton:

17507 - 100 Ave and 9308 - 34 Ave. 

With a weekly changing menu with plenty of selection for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, this beautiful jewel is not to be missed!