I led my date to believe that we were heading to Red Robin but quickly veered left and surprised her with a night of opulence. You wouldn’t really notice it because it’s in between a donair shop and a coffee house. I had heard good things about this place but had no context beyond that. Wild Tangerine is the dream child of sibling power team Wilson and Judy Wu. They’re take is to provide a “place for casual, spontaneous gatherings with a distinctive flavour.”
Distinctive is the main ingredient they work with. The Cha-Siu Organic Pembina Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Tangerine Glaze seemed foreign to my palate. But not in a good way. Like Radiohead’s new album I wasn’t a fan initially. But with time my taste buds were dancing like Thom Yorke. There was something about how moist the tenderloin was without it seeming “saucy”. The Chinese Brocoli was crunchy and the glaze was spicy but not overpowering. My date on the other hand experienced love at first bite. She had the Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Organic Wild Rice. We’ve made Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry at home but never like this. Everything was crisp and harmonious. I know what I’m ordering next time.
As amazing as these entree’s were, there were two more guests that ceremoniously captured our hearts. Enter, Gnocchi with Coconut Cream. OMG. I’ve never had Gnocchi like this before. It was soft and mushy but without it seeming starchy or dull. The cream was the perfect companion that left you wishing it was a soup. But don’t get me wrong, this is a perfect side dish because it’s beauty is its subtleness. Lastly, we finished the night with Warm Gingered Bread Pudding with Banana Ice Cream. Like my entree, the first few bites seemed foreign and disappointing. As the sweetness of the banana ice cream coalesced with the bite of the ginger I began finding a new love song. Half way into the dessert my date and I were smitten. Our server came by to confirm his suggestion as the best dessert they serve. He was right.
I’m a sucker for compliments so when Wilson (co-owner) came by to check on our table he was fascinated by my watch. “I love the colour orange”, he exclaimed. The thought of giving him my watch for a discount did cross my mind because the prices are a bit steep.
4 High fives for serving 100% Alberta grain/vegetable fed, antibiotic and growth simulate free meals with distinct flavour!