An urban gathering place where the farm dictates the menu. This is what RGE RD has been showcasing, now in their eighth year. When they first opened in Westmount they took over the space from another beloved high-end restaurant; The Blue Pear. Many were sad to see them go, as they were one of the few restaurants offering a tasting menu and food at an elevated level at the time. No longer the case, RGE RD and many others have transformed the shape of Edmonton's culinary scene, the 2010s being somewhat of a renaissance period. Years later, RGE RD is still one of the hottest restaurants in the city and they have truly come into their own. Alive with exciting and fresh ideas, Chef Blair Lebsack welcomes guests to "eat off the beaten path." The restaurant offers an à la carte menu as well as a tasting menu, hosts special farm dinner events, is introducing an upcoming "vine club," and has now opened their own whole-animal butcher shop next door known as The Butchery (try their sandwiches!). It is evident that what is currently happening at RGE RD is a dream realized. Surprising no one, all of the top lists in the country have nothing but rave reviews for RGE RD. enRoute magazine landed them at #4 on Canada's Best New Restaurants 2014. VUE Weekly voted them as #1 Best Fine Dining 2018. CBC Edmonton's Best Restaurants 2019 named them as Best Restaurant of the Decade. Edmonton Journal called them the Best Farm to Table 2020. And of course they have made appearances on the top ranking in the country; #48 on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants 2015, #68 on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants 2017, and #42 on Canada's 100 Best 2021. It's nice to see that even over the years, RGE RD has only managed to expand and innovate. This is not a restaurant that has sat still, remaining in the comfort of the status quo. Their ideas have only grown and expanded. My first visit to RGE RD was in September of 2013, not long after their opening. Almost exactly eight years later I made my return on a Saturday evening, eager to "catch up" with the place. Reservations are a must, as was evident by the fact that every single table remained occupied throughout our visit. The interior hasn't changed, which felt comforting to me. You still enter through a hallway and are met with what can only be described as an old farmhouse. It's such a clear visual representation of RGE RD that ties in so perfectly with all parts of their dining experience. The room is full of dimly lit Edison bulbs and there is re-purposed wood as far as the eye can see. Attention to detail is evident in the old-timey farm equipment that has now been fashioned into light fixtures. When they first opened, this type of decor felt groundbreaking. While this type of rustic atmosphere is far from unique these days, it still feels special at RGE RD. Our server was experienced, knowledgeable, and professional, yet also laid-back and approachable. The service is a well-oiled machine and we never found ourselves waiting for attention. The feature cocktail, known as a Grumpy Moose ($15.00) was described and it sounded like the perfect seasonal accompaniment to the meal ahead. Made with Rupert's rye, crab apple syrup, Campari, and citrus, this cocktail took the fall flavour of apple and turned it into something fresh and bright. I enjoyed the bitter sweetness, a beverage that felt playful and not too serious. Everyone in the room was drinking these and I was pleased to be one of them. The food concept at RGE RD is sophisticated and mature while sticking diligently to their core focus; whole animal butchery, wood fire cookery and produce from local terroir. Sourcing ingredients according to best practices and sustainability, it's a wonderful culinary celebration of everything that our province has to offer. The à la carte menu is well-rounded, including small plates and mains. (My favourite is the Questionable Bits which usually features organ meats. Probably my favourite thing to order.) However, on this occasion my sights were set solely on The Road Trip ($99.00 per person). The restaurant asks that you let their award-winning kitchen take the wheel. It's a multi-course, blind-tasting adventure with dishes ranging from farm classics to modern and experimental. This is, by far, one of my favourite ways to experience food. I was beyond ready to start this journey. First to arrive was an amuse-bouche of sorts, a small plate to whet the apatite that consisted of grilled broccoli, pickled broccoli stem, hazelnut mascarpone, and garlic dill oil. Light and lovely, I enjoyed the flavourful char on the broccoli. I found the cubed and pickled broccoli stem to be especially interesting and appreciated the multiple uses of the same vegetable. The textures were wonderful with the velvety mascarpone and satisfying crunch from the hazelnuts. A nice fresh start. Next was a fully vegan course that arrived on a gorgeous plate. White bean hummus, smoked cauliflower, grilled chanterelles, chili oil, and toast read more