If you read the post below, you'll realize I just returned from a holiday visit to Edmonton, the land of my birth.

I hit two favourite restaurants -- The King and I, a Thai joint, and Koutouki, a Greek one -- and am happy to report that since my last visit to the city, prices appear to be up about 30 per cent.

For example, a souvlaki dinner at Koutouki is now $26. I would think you could easily get an equivalent in the $15 to $20 range in Toronto.*

* Update: I walked by Asteria, on the Danforth in T.O., on Jan. 9. The pork souvlaki dinner is $9.95. I've eaten there, and while the decor is more basic than Koutouki, the food is pretty tasty.

Count on spending at least $70 for two at the King and I, which is up substantially from the cost of my last visit (although I can't precisely remember that cost :) ). I think you could do a little better on cost even here in the Big Smoke, and the quality would likely be better.

There might be an Alberta Advantage, but it ain't in restaurants.