On Sunday, I had the opportunity to try a new local restaurant for brunch in the Edmonton region called The Workshop Eatery. Situated in the community of Summerside, the restaurant can be found in The Mosaic Centre, considered Alberta’s most environmentally conscious buildings. The restaurant promises “handcrafted cuisine, inspired by local and seasonal fare, and genuine hospitality”. Overall I would agree with this statement.

Owned and operated by Paul Shufelt, who among his many careers worked with Century Hospitality Group, is bringing his own creative flair to the local food scene in Edmonton. It is always great seeing chefs go there own way and showcase their creative concepts to the world.

The setting of the restaurant is really nice in an unpretentious way with lots of light and an artistic drawing on the feature wall. Some of the selections sounded so incredibly good, like the feature of the day Carrot Cake Pancakes with a maple cream cheese sauce. I almost choose that, but decided to go for the healthier and heartier choice of the “Guilt Free Omelette”. I was not aiming for the least “guilty” meal on the menu, rather I am pescatarian and thus was more limited than my meat eating friends unless of course I wanted to indulge in the super sweet.

We also tried the featured appetizer of Arancini with jalapeno cream sauce. They were absolutely delicious. Overall, it would be a restaurant I would recommend. For southside residents, restaurants like this make a community more vibrant and I hope people will support places like Paul’s.

If I was to change one thing though, it would be the coffee. They individually brew each cup which is great, however you pay a lot for one cup and the coffee mugs are relatively small. I would suggest changing the process or at least increasing the coffee mugs to more “normal” sizes. (think Grande Starbucks size).

This restaurant is the perfect fit for The Mosaic Centre: Beautiful. Sustainable. Healthy. They also serve lunch and dinner and I definitely look forward to going back again in the near future.

Update: Had a great back and forth chat with The Workshop Eatery via Twitter today. First of all, I appreciated their quick acknowledgement of my review. They acknowledged the coffee situation and gave some great insight into their commitment to environmental impacts they create through their restaurant. Part of their goal is to reduce the amount of energy used. That being said, they also said “we hear you” and are looking at coming up with some creative and more cost effective ways that us coffee lovers can better get our fix. Their attention to this, truly shows that they care about their commitment to genuine hospitality. I would like to take a minute to thank Paul and his team for taking the time to acknowledge a minor concern of mine and to share in coming up with new ideas. I am even more impressed with them and look even more forward to recommending their restaurant to my family, friends and client. Kudos – keep up the awesome work.

You’ve decided to buy a home now that you have saved up enough money to put 5% down (or less than 20%). You know you’ll be responsible for a mortgage, however, are you are aware that if your down payment is also less than 20% you’ll also be responsible for qualifying for a conventional mortgage and for mortgage loan insurance?

The first step is understanding: What Is Mortgage Loan Insurance

Mortgage Loan Insurance is basically a guarantee to the lender that you are good for the money, meaning you will not default on your mortgage. If a situation arises were you are not able to pay your mortgage, the insurance ensures that the lender won’t have to cover the balance of the purchase price. The federal government requires the lenders to ensure your mortgage if the home being purchased is made with less than a 20% downpayment. At present there are three companies in Canada that offer mortgage insurance: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) owned by the Canadian government and the only insurer that covers 100 percent, Genworth Financial and Canada Guaranty both of which cover only 90%.

The second step is understanding: How Much Will It Cost Me?

The cost of insurance really varied depending on how little or how much of a down payment you choose to include in your home purchase. For example CMHC highlights the following premiums:

In plain English, is that for example if you purchase a condo at $250,000, you will expect to pay a premium of:

• $8,550 with 5% down
• $5,400 with 10% down
• $3,825 with 15% down

That basically sums up with Mortgage Loan Insurance is and how it affects you and your mortgage. Any questions, please feel free to get in touch (587-400-SOLD (7653)) or send a message my way.

Situated just west of downtown Edmonton, Westmount is a small residential area that dates back to 1910. It was originally developed as a community for the many young professionals who called Edmonton home, and today, the area stays true to that heritage. With two thirds of residents having attended college or university, Westmount is one of the most well educated areas in the city. Are you ready to discover what life is like in Edmonton’s smartest neighbourhood? Here are just a few of the things you’ll find waiting for you in Westmount.

Lots of Great Schools for Students of All Ages

Westmount is home to the local Westglen School, a public K-6 school that offers daily physical education and fine arts classes. The school also offers a mandatory IB program for sixth grade students, which is designed to prepare students for the challenges of higher education and give them the tools they need to participate in an ever-changing society.

To the southwest sits Westminster Junior High in nearby Glenora, a school that offers two special education programs, including the Strategies program for students with learning disabilities. Westminster Junior High emphasizes critical thinking skills and has implemented a school-wide reading program to improve students’ critical thinking capacities.

Ample Shopping Opportunities at Westmount Centre

The Westmount Centre at Groat Road and 111 Avenue NW is the main shopping destination in Westmount. This mall is home to a variety of retailers, making it easy to get groceries or a haircut, find a holiday gift, or do your banking. The Westmount Centre is also home to a variety of health services offices, including Westmount Dental, the Westmount Eye Care Clinic, and HearingLife Canada. Looking for a quick bite? At Westmount, you’ll find lots of cuisine options, including two pizzerias, a steakhouse, a sub shop, a sushi restaurant, and more.

Easy Access to Parks, Golf, and River Views

The Westmount area is conveniently situated close to lots of different natural amenities for the whole family to enjoy. Looking to take a lazy Sunday stroll? You’ll love the nearby MacKinnon Ravine Park, which offers a variety of hiking and cycling trails for avid outdoor enthusiasts. There are also a few smaller parks nearby, including the local Westmount Park. Situated in the heart of Westmount, Westmount Park is home to amenities like a soccer field, a fitness zone, a baseball diamond, a hockey rink, a water park, and multiple playgrounds.

Golfers will love the nearby Victoria Golf Course, the oldest city-run golf course in Canada. This course has been operating since 1896, before the City of Edmonton was incorporated. This public course is a great course for beginners, with gentle slopes and large fairways making for an easy, relaxing game.

Westmount is a great neighbourhood with lots to offer potential new residents. This beautiful, mature community is home to a variety of upscale contemporary homes and affordable condos, making it a prime area for families. Are you ready to find your new family home in Westmount? Contact us today to start your next Westmount home search.