nick_motown's Profile
Mexican withdrawal in Calgary
I agree with most people that Calgary is not awash in good Mexican. I lived in Houston for a while and there is nothing that really compares to the Tex-Mex and Mexican there.
Juan's on 8th Ave is alright. El Sombrero has about the same level of food with a better atmosphere.
A surprising find is Las Palmeras in Red Deer. It's definitely worth a stop in on the drive to Edmonton.
Where to find a good, freshly made donut in Edmonton
Heh.
There's a bazaar (aka flea market) on the north side that has one of those deep-frying and flipping machines.
If you ever pass through Hinton, AB, near Jasper on a day other than Sunday and can find Peter's Bakery in the valley shopping district, treat yourself to a dozen from the German couple that works there. They are seriously the best donuts I have ever had.
Blowfish Sushi, 625 11th Ave SW, Calgary
Okay, so there are a few differences between what I could order and what you ate! It may have been us. There was a couple outside, a table of four a few tables away, and that was about it. Probably us.
That's why I say give it a year. If the chef and staff can work on things and get a regular clientele, then they can make a go of it. Make a few changes, especially the fact that what you ordered off the menu was obviously miles away from what they offer regulars! I agree that our waiter was off the norm (Lance, though who knows if that's his real name or his name for the night) and that was a negative influence. The waitress that seated us seemed more in tune with the process of serving a meal.
They can be expensive, but they have to be worth it, and I'm not talking about buffet value. I have walked out of restaurants totally satisfied, out $150, and never thought about the money, because I would refer to that meal as a golden standard for some time to come. That's what they have to deliver for what they ask for.
As Pants points out, though, they may not have a year to turn it around.
Cochrane... anything to check out?
Java Jamboree? Agreed. Among the best espresso I have ever had and great snacks to boot.
Check out their bottomless portafilter, too!
Blowfish Sushi, 625 11th Ave SW, Calgary
My wife and I went on a Friday night expecting a packed restaurant, but were greeted to a nearly empty space. At 7:30. That doesn't bode well, but it's not too intimidating.
We ordered wine, gyoza, and three rolls. A limited menu to me means that the chef is confident that everything you order will please you. Blowfish breaks that rule. The gyoza and shrimp tempura roll were great and might be worth a second try if not for the next two items. The cajun roll is a tasteless, deep fried item. The pizza roll was a bed of deep fried rice topped with deep fried seaweed, some salmon, a $0.79 can of pizza sauce and some mozzarella. It was like eating a McDonald's hashbrown with some stuff on top.
Many problems came up on our walk home: it was expensive for the quantity and quality served, we weren't trusted with the soy sauce which was kindly poured for us, but had to pour our own wine, repeated requests for water went unanswered, and the deep frier needs to be cleaned. At least I didn't feel like I was alone; the couple that sat down next to us and left before us displayed obvious signs of dismay at the size and quality of their orders.
I'd go elsewhere for sushi or dinner. There are too many good restaurants in Calgary to spend your evening (and wad of cash) here. Give it a year. If it's still around, it might be worth another look.
