Jun. 18, 2008 - Issue #661: Cowboy Junkies

Careit Urban Deli

Careit does takeout you’ll care about

I learned about the new Careit Urban Deli through the best form of advertising there is—word of mouth. A friend of mine who lives in southwest Edmonton told me that I absolutely had to try it out. Since I love to both cook and eat out with her, I knew her recommendation would be a winner, but I never would have expected a hidden gem in such an unusual neighbourhood. 

I had heard that Careit—the name refers to the care the operators put into their natural-focused foods—had a couple of tables to eat at, but was mainly a take-away place. Since I didn’t feel like cooking, I decided to pop by after work. While the deli wasn’t exactly on my way home, I jumped on the Anthony Henday, headed west at Callingwood/62 Ave, and a couple of minutes later I pulled up in a small strip mall in the Hamptons. 

Dave, Cam and Louie are the masterminds behind Careit, three friends who play hockey together and share a love of food. The three main cooks are all red seal chefs who have combined their experience from some of the top restaurants in Edmonton and created a top-shelf take-out menu for the culinary challenged or those too busy to create their own magic in the kitchen.

Their somewhat unusual location in a new southwest neighbourhood is a result of the three owners living in south Edmonton, and because they wanted their deli to be part of a small community. They knew their goods would be in demand, and decided that they would prefer to become a destination instead of trying to compete with a larger grocery store in some parking lot. I found the deli to be warm and inviting, and the owners to be personable with great customer service.

Careit has definitely carved a unique identity in its neighbourhood, but I believe the concept will blow a taste of fresh cuisine into our city. The deli’s tagline is “The healthy side of take out,” and by the popularity it has developed since opening this January, I would say that the place is doing all the right things. Careit create’s quality, nutritional meals that are ideal for working professionals and busy families. While other pre-packaged dinner options are available out there, Careit creates high quality, gourmet foods that are all fresh, and never frozen. 

While the deli meats, cheese and olives are attractive, it’s the take-home menu and hot and ready counter that keep the patrons returning. When I arrived at 5:30 pm there were still a number of dinner options available, including some of the deli’s most popular such as Red Thai Curry, Chicken Carbonara and Lemon Tarragon Shrimp with Penne. Smaller servings of biryani rice, spaghetti squash and mini Yorkshire puddings stuffed with beef were scattered among the day’s fresh options. 

Careit Urban Deli sells and serves Spring Creek premium beef, a product with the promise of no antibiotics or hormones. The deli’s natural take on food extends to its other free-range meats, produce and ingredients, and it even roasts its own turkey, chicken and beef deli meats on site. The operators make all of their soups and sauces from scratch, making sure their care is reflected in everything they make. Their commitment is to be as natural as possible without the extra cost.

Careit also carries a specialty drink with Elixers, a concentrated, all-natural liquid made from herbs, roots, flowers and fruits. The health boost is paired with carbonated natural spring water that produces a yummy Italian soda flavour, but without all of the sugar. Usually sold at high-end health spas, I finished the peach-flavoured Virtual Buddha for $3.75 before I even left the shop.

Careit is basically a deli specializing in high-end, delicious take away meals that are packed with flavour. You can certainly tell that there are chef’s preparing the meals based of the variety of dishes and the specific ingredients that make each item unique. I walked out with a family-sized Madagascar Peppered Steak $14.99, a gourmet spin on beef stroganoff, but the quality Spring Creek beef and peppercorn spice stood apart from any homemade dish I’ve had. 

I was torn between the spaghetti squash and the salad, but Dave sold me on the signature spinach salad and GOJI dressing ($8.95). I couldn’t quite figure out what was added to make the dressing so delicious, but I know I’ll be able to have more, as the trio is planning on releasing a series of dressings later this month. He also revealed plans to serve a duck comfit salad with sour cherry dressing. The creativity in the kitchen is sure to produce a variety of items based on season ingredients, customer demand and culinary imagination. 

Careit has successfully developed a menu of take-away items that carry the taste from a gourmet restaurant, but with affordable prices. While most pre-packaged dinners are frozen or full of preservatives, the chefs at Careit have created an economical way to eat healthy without compromising taste or requiring much of your time. The variety of dishes at Careit Urban Café has something that will appeal to anyone’s palate. I’m already excited for my next visit, and I plan to spread the word. V 
 

Mon - Fri (11 am - 7:30 pm)
Sat (11 am -  6 pm); Sun (12 pm - 5 pm)
Careit Urban Deli
5236 - 199 st, 486.1123

More info about Careit Urban Deli (Crestwood) →
More info about Careit Urban Deli (The Hamptons) →

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