Characters Fine Dining
10257 - 105 St., Edmonton
780.421.4100

Chef Shonn Oborowsky (Cook '91)

With a history as a globetrotter, Oborowsky adds seasonal flavours from around the world to a foundation of French cuisine, along with other surprises (peanut butter and peach sauternes jelly with duck foie gras, anyone?) Don't be surprised if the chef visits your table in this lively but comfortable dining room.

Chinois 
Resorts World Sentosa, Hotel Michael
26 Sentosa Gateway, #02-142/143, Singapore
65.6884.7888

Chef Susur Lee (Hokanson Chef in Residence '11)

One of Canada's most revered chefs, Lee chose Singapore, where he's also highly praised, for his first culinary venture outside of North America. In addition to the exotic locale and the "Mediterranean and Zen ambience" of the decor, expect a thorougly modern take on Chinese food.

Corso 32
10345 Jasper Ave., Edmonton
780.421.4622

Chef Daniel Costa (Culinary Arts '05)

One of the most high-profile chefs in Edmonton, Costa strives for Italian authenticity. Eat homemade pasta and meats cured in-house until the wee hours. Let Costa himself tell and show you more, including recipes, on his blog.

D'Arcy's Meat Market and Casual Catering
118, 205 Carnegie Dr., St. Albert
780.418.1200 (retail)
780.914.7444 (catering)

Owner and butcher Kyle Iseke (Retail Meatcutting '09)

Since buying the shop from his dad in 2009, Iseke has added specialties like fresh pepperoni and homemade beef jerky to a selection of beef, pork, chicken and bison, all cut on site and by hand. Also on offer: organic and free-range items.

Lee and Lee Lounge
603 and 601 King St. West, Toronto, Ont.
416.504.7867

Chef Susur Lee (Hokanson Chef in Residence '11)

As far as Asian fusion goes, these places are the talk of Toronto. Pair dishes made for sharing with a lengthy wine list at Lee, or head next door for more of the same, but spicier still for the liveliness of Lee Lounge, one of the city's newest, and quite likely hippest, spots to eat and be seen.

Prairie Bistro
The Enjoy Centre
101 Riel Drive, St. Albert
780.651.7361

Executive chef Shaun Hicks (Cook '03)

Part of St. Albert's Enjoy Centre, Prairie Bistro offers "regionally inspired" breakfast, lunch and dinner made with foods from local farmers and the facility's own green roof. Enjoy it all on a patio overlooking Big Lake or try some of their recipes in your own kitchen.

The Next Act
8224 - 104 St., Edmonton
780.433.9345

Chef Nathan McLaughlin (Cook Apprentice '04)

As the part-owner tasked with kitchen duties, McLaughlin has freshened up the pub grub concept by insisting everything be made in house, from the hamburger patties to the fish batter to surprises like Pulled Pork Nachos and imaginatively decadent desserts.

Niche Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
11011 Jasper Ave., Edmonton
780.761.1011

Chef Nathan Saurette (Culinary Arts '99)
Chef Stuart Chell (Culinary Arts '05)

When Niche opened in January, 2011, so did a French and an Italian place, near enough that he decided not to align his menu too closely to one ethnicity or the other. Instead, diners should expect a specifically Alberta experience (paying homage to the cuisine of settlers like the French and Italians) derived, when possible, from locally sourced foods.

Shang
187 Orchard Street, New York, NY
212.260.7900
Book through Open Table.

Chef Susur Lee (Hokanson Chef in Residence '11)

Looking for Singapore slaw in New York City? No problem! Get that and other inventive, Asian-inspired cuisine at Shang, Lee's first American restaurant, on the city's Lower East Side.

Sherbrooke Liquor
11819 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton 
780.455.4556

Wine specialist Tara Smith (Culinary Arts '98 and Hospitality Supervision '03)

On top of offering around 900 kinds of beer - the largest selection in Edmonton - Sherbrooke also caters to wine connosieurs. That's where Smith comes in, as the store's tasting and event planner.

Unheardof
9602 Whyte Ave., Edmonton
780.432.0480

Chef Debra Andrusky (Culinary Arts '05)
Sous-chef Chris Tom-Kee (Culinary Arts '06)

You're welcome to just drop by for an appetizer, but this regional fine-dining restaurant offers a quiet and romantic environment perfect for whiling away and hour or two, enjoying dishes from a menu that changes with the seasons.

Zentan
1155 14th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
202.379.4366
Book through Open Table.

Chef Susur Lee (Hokanson Chef in Residence '11)

Lee brings his brand of Asian fusion to the American capital, featuring dishes like Mongolian rack of lamb and wasabi mashed potatoes. The menu rounds out with sushi, sashimi and rolls, and an extensive sake list.