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Samuel Lee is very close to being a vegan, but not quite.
“I can’t resist the taste of ice cream,” admits Lee, owner and operator of the first Nuttea Nut Mylk Tea franchise in Edmonton. “I’m definitely trying, though.”
Lee will have more opportunities to explore the option of going fully vegan with his new enterprise, a plant-based operation that makes “mylk” from various nuts through a process of cold pressing and baking. The beverage that comes from this process is then mixed with tea, coffee or fresh fruits for a refreshing drink. You can also enjoy it as-is in flavors like avocado, mango, banh oatmeal or chocolate hazelnut.
Nuttea first originated in Taiwan, expanding next to Hong Kong, where Samuel grew up. You can now find it in seven countries, including Australia, the UK, Macau and multiple locations in Hong Kong.
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“I studied in Edmonton when I was younger and then moved back here after returning to Hong Kong for a period of time,” Lee says. “I was never a businessman but I decided to try it, and I wanted to do something that used no animal products.”
Lee is especially thrilled that the store is situated in the old Strathcona Hotel at 8204 Gateway Blvd., a cozy little space just downstairs from Leopold’s Tavern.
“A friend of mine told me about this historical hotel and it’s so amazing,” he says. “It’s an important landmark in the early history of Edmonton.
“I think people would just like to see the building as much as buying one of our drinks.”
High Level Street Car Cask Series
Now that summer’s near, are you jonesing for a beer or two and a spectacular view?
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The Common is taking care of that with their High Level Street Car Cask Series, which kicked off May 12. The full-season series puts together three winning elements: a couple of glasses of cask beer, a beautiful view of Edmonton from a streetcar atop the High Level Bridge and some munchies for good measure. The whole thing is wound up on the return trip to The Common with a pour of beer after at the end.
The second installation of the series is Thursday, May 26 with two limited casks courtesy of Town Square Brewing, plus food from FU’s Repair Shop. Tickets are $57.77, available on Eventbrite. You can opt for the 5-6 p.m. trip or the 8-9 p.m. jaunt. check The Common website for info on future Streetcar dates; the series ends Oct. 20.