These are good times to be a foodie in E-Town. Seems lately you can’t walk a block without running into a great food place. Talk about an omnivore’s dilemma!
Adding to this dilemma is Linda Kearney, long-known to Edmontonians as The Queen of Tarts, and who, during the warm months, sells her wares to the salivating masses at the City Market on 104 Street. Linda recently opened up an outlet for her goods in the 29 Armstrong building, north of Jasper Ave and what I want to say to Linda is (as I bow), “All Hail, the Queen!”
Never mind the gorgeous interior of this chic little subterranean café with its French flair, 13 foot ceilings and baskets brimming with baguettes, buns and breads of all kinds, and the tortes, tarts and trays of cakes;
the Queen is also offering sit-down service for lunch where you can find salads, quiche and Croque Monsieur.
…and more, like Vietnamese Banh Mi. Mais oui!
and Soupe du Jour:  Roasted Tomato Chick Pea and Kale. C’est bon.
The real dilemma is choosing a dessert, especially when you’re faced with those wanton little tarts that beckon from behind their glass cages—sinful, but so worth it.
The café/bakery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but trust me, you’ll want to get there early. Like any baker worth his/her salt, Linda knows that the proof is in the pudding (and the bread and the brioche). These products are made with love and quality ingredients–many of which come from local producers–but when they’re gone, they’re gone.
So, slip on that beret you’ve been dying to wear,  head down to the Queen’s realm and grab a baguette, some pâté and a bottle of wine from deVine Wines two doors down and experience a little joie de vivre, Edmonton-style.
My CBC Edmonton AM review of the Q of T can be heard here.
Queen of Tarts on Urbanspoon