Authentic phở. Classic-rock references. Hidden street art. These are a few of the things that make downtown unique for Brett Geislinger, head brewer at Campio Brewing Co.
Brett was raised on an acreage outside Sherwood Park. After university, he spent time in London, England and Toronto, learning the secrets of a strong brew. Now, living in the Wîhkwêntôwin (formerly Oliver) area and working at Campio (10257 105 Street NW), Brett has leaned into the hustle and bustle he experienced after university.
“I like the vibrancy of living in the heart of the city, it’s just way more appealing and exciting,” says Brett. “The biggest part of why we live in the city now is quick access to everything we need.”
Here are five of his favourite downtown destinations:
The magic’s in the broth
Brett backpacked through Vietnam a few years ago. When he got back, he dedicated himself to finding the best phở in Edmonton. For him, Phở Tàu Bay (10660 98 Street) is the closest he’s come to the North Vietnamese food’s distinctive flavour.
“Maybe it’s the grass or maybe how steamy they make it,” Brett says. “Phở Tàu Bay only makes soup, which I think is pretty awesome.”
Lookin’ out my back door
DOSC (10190 104 Street) is a bit of a shapeshifter, which is one of the reasons Brett likes the space.
“It’s a good place to go for a nice chill coffee meeting or something in the morning. And then at night, it turns into a steakhouse restaurant/cocktail bar,” says Brett.
Campio has released a beer in collaboration with DOSC. Called Lookin’ Out My Back Door (like the song by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and because, well, the two restaurants are a stone’s throw away from one another), the beer is a mimosa-esque tart Pale Ale that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
Hidden gems
A few blocks away, you’ll find several back doors and murals along the Rice Howard Way Alley of Light. It’s next to Craft Beer Market and features art by Nathan Panousis and Josh Harnack.
“There’s murals of animals back there and then some weird stuff going on,” says Brett. “It’s always interesting to look at whenever we do deliveries to Craft.”
Fun facts: Harnack designed the label for Campio’s Framboise Sour Red Ale. He also worked on the mural of three feet in Alex Decoteau Park, which is about 460 feet (or 140 metres) south of Campio.
Great gifts
“Is it Shop Chop or Chop Shop?”
Like many of us, Brett can’t quite get the hang of the name of the store—it’s Shop Chop (#102, 10265 107 Street). But he knows it’s a great place for presents such as jewelry, home decor and stationery.
“It’s a really good go-to if I need a gift for my partner and I don’t have a great idea of what to get her,” says Brett. “I know I can stumble in there and find something that very much matches her vibe.”
Schnitzels galore
When it comes to special occasions, Brett and his family often go to Bistro Praha (10117 101 Street), one of downtown’s oldest restaurants. It specializes in schnitzels, European wieners, goulash and crêpes.
“We really like schnitzel as a group,” says Brett. “Bistro Praha has some of the best downtown. Their duck is great as well. It’s just a really nice, classy-but-still-pretty-casual place to go for nice family occasions.”
Editor’s note: the pic at the top of the post shows Brett Geislinger behind the taps at Campio Brewing Co.