4 minute read
STAY & VISIT AT BLUE WILLOW RESTAURANT
Cover image: Ginger Beef, photo by Curtis Comeau
Just like the landscape it emerged from, the culinary history of the Canadian Prairies is unexpectedly vast. Unique dishes, iconic cocktails, and even forgotten favourites have been birthed from the rolling foothills and stunning grasslands of Wild Rose Country. Ginger beef, flapper pie, and green onion cakes—these are only a few dishes that have rich historical roots in our stunning province.
And behind each of these Albertan dishes is a local legend. From Edmonton’s Green Onion Cake Man Siu To to Calgary’s Caesar connoisseur Walter Chell, we owe a lot to pioneering restaurateurs who helped establish the Prairies as “one to watch” on the national culinary stage. Although our food scene is currently bustling with inventive new concepts and world-class fine dining experiences, none of it would be possible without the impact of established Edmonton institutions like Bistro Praha, Commodore Restaurant, and, most notably, Blue Willow Restaurant.
Opened in 1958, Blue Willow Restaurant is the perfect example of a family-run business that has stayed true to their core values as the city has shifted around them. “My dad’s philosophy has stayed the same,” says Stan Mah, current Blue Willow owner and son of original owner, Vic. We are sitting in the restaurant’s stunning dining room, which is housed in a building that Stan actually designed (with a persistent push from his father!). “When you come into our dining room, welcome to our living room. He treated all our customers as if they were coming into our home.”
Although our interview took place a couple hours before dinner service began, it’s not hard to imagine Blue Willow’s cozy tables filled with adoring patrons, diving into their steaming hot plates of Chicken Chop Suey or Blue Willow’s Special Fried Rice. These delicious dishes are enjoyed on signature Blue Willow chinaware, which is also where the restaurant gets its name.
In addition to Vic’s impeccable personality and the restaurant’s signature Cantonese fare, Blue Willow’s longstanding success can be traced back to Vic’s first Edmonton restaurant, the Pan American Café. With some savings and a couple successful restaurants under his belt, Vic purchased this run-down restaurant on Jasper Ave. Over the years, he worked with a team of partners to turn the Pan American into one of the best places to dine—then eventually became the sole owner. At this point, he tore down the building and built the first Blue Willow restaurant, complete with two floors, a bridge in the dining room, and an intimate dance floor for late night clientele.
“Blue Willow is the longest single-family restaurant operating under the same name in Edmonton. We’ve been operating for 68 years,” remarks Stan. Sure, he admits, there’s been some changes. A brief delivery-only business, partnerships with Edmonton festivals, and modified hours are only a few of the ways that Blue Willow has had to adapt. Plus, by introducing Szechuan and Mandarin cooking into the restaurant, Stan has been thrilled to continue to contribute to the rich multicultural tapestry of Edmonton’s dining scene. “We wanted to introduce Edmontonians to a different style of cooking. Now, we have three different chefs who each cook in their different styles.”
But, although Blue Willow has been thrilled to change with the times, some things Stan misses from the good old days is the mindset of slowing down and sitting with your meal, which Stan considers a key part of the fine-dining experience. “People are so busy these days, they are often in a rush,” he says. “When you are dining, your next activity [should be] staying in the dining room, having dessert, and enjoying good conversation.”
That’s why Blue Willow delivers all their dishes in signature warmers, which keeps your food hot for an hour, inviting you to enjoy your food and really meet people. While some restaurants prioritize quick table turnover and speedy service (some are even using robotic waiters!), Stan takes pride in connecting with all his customers and will never rush anyone out of his restaurant.
Even from this brief exchange, it's clear that Vic’s ethos is still an integral part of Blue Willow Restaurant. So, next time you step into Blue Willow, rest assured that Stan’s dining room is just like his father’s: a cozy, comforting living room that feels just like home for newcomers and old timers alike.
Blue Willow: 11107–103 Ave. | 780-428-0584 | bluewillowrestaurant.com
