West Edmonton Mall offers a taste of Bourbon Street

By Mathew White

EDMONTON – West Edmonton Mall was alive with flavour at the second annual ‘Taste of Bourbon Street’ Wednesday night.

Fourteen restaurants along the mall’s well-known strip took part in the event.  Each restaurant offered a unique selection of food while balloon artists, DJs and executive chefs entertained the large crowd.

Sheri Clegg, media and PR manager with WEM, said the event is “designed to focus attention on Bourbon Street and what it offers.”

“Bourbon Street has an exciting dynamic and a great mix of restaurants. There’s something to appeal to everyone’s tastes.”

Of everything offered, one of the more popular – and exotic – dishes of the evening was the alligator popcorn from the Red Piano.

Tim Barath, cook at the restaurant, explained how the dish is prepared.

“We get that (alligator) straight from Louisiana, hand-cut it, marinate it in butter milk over night and then just flour it and fry it,” said Barath.  “Just like popcorn chicken.”

The dish was served with a spicy-tarragon honey-mustard, which Barath says gives it even more of a twist.  He said the response has been great.

“Edmonton’s always been really big on alligator for some reason,” said Barath.  “We’ve had alligator in our store ever since we opened and I think this has been the best response to the alligator we’ve ever had.”

The event has not yet been confirmed for a third year, but Clegg said she is hopeful it will continue.