djdragan's Profile
Mothers Day Brunch at The Rimrock - Banff?
Looking to do a quick getaway this weekend for Mothers Day in Banff. The Rimrock is offering a Mothers Day Brunch on Sunday. We have done brunch at Banff Springs many times (and love it) but wouldn't mind a change. Has anyone tried the brunch at the Rimrock before? Is it a regular weekly thing, or just something they offer for special occaisons, is if comparable to Banff Springs in selection and quality?
Wa's Sushi Calgary
Tried Wa's about a year and a half ago and thought it was decent. My goto place is Sushi Club in Kensington.
New Pizza Place Coming to NW Calgary/Royal Oak
Thanks beggsy, I missed that. From what I saw, it looks like there is still quite a bit of work to be done in there before opening day.
New Pizza Place Coming to NW Calgary/Royal Oak
Stopped by Taste of Saigon in the Royal Oak Shopping Center on Thursday night for some takeout and noticed a sign a couple of doors down for a new place being built. I believe it was called Rock Wood Fired Pizza and Spirits. Windows were not covered up, so I took a peek, lots of brick in the dining room and I noticed 2 garage doors on the side leading to what looks like a patio.
Found a website, logo looks the same so I am assuming it is the same franchise. Looks like they are out of the US with locations in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, plus one location in Red Deer. Anyone tried these guys before? Always nice to see more options coming in to the NW.
http://therockwfp.com/
Maui Noodles and Shrimp Trucks?
I am jealous! I"ve already looked up recipes for hawiian Scampi! Rice dumped in sauce is definately the way to go.
Nathans hot dogs at Safeway...what varieties (Calgary)
howlin, which Sobey's did you find them at? I haven't seen them at our local Tuscany Sobey's.
Maui Noodles and Shrimp Trucks?
Probably too late for you pilotgirl, but I hope you had a chance to try Geste's Shrimp truck in Kahalui during your trip. My wife and I just got back yesterday from a trip to Maui, and I am still thinking about those shrimp! We ate there twice, my favourite was the Hawaiaan Scampi, we also tried the Spicy Pineapple and the Hot and Spicy, which were also very good. The crab and mac salad was also good. Good sized shrimp (12 per order, that tasted pretty fresh and are made to order.
5 Guys Burgers in Calgary?
Lol, its pretty close to where I work, so its nice to see another lunch option in the area.
5 Guys Burgers in Calgary?
Just had lunch there this afternoon, had a cheesburger with grilled mushrooms, grilled onions lettuce and jalapenos, very tasty and messy (like it should be). I also had an order of regular fries, they were nice and crispy today, JJ78, you must have caught them on an off day (still way to many for one person to eat). Dining area was fairly clean, there was someone busing tables and cleaning.
They were a lot quieter then I expected for that time of day (around 1pm). There were only about 3 or 4 people ahead of me and only about 1/2 of the tables were occupied. I did have to wait about 10 min or so for my order, not sure if that is normal or not. The guy that took my order seemed friendy enough, as was the guy that put my order together.
I did notice an older gentleman sitting at one of the tables with a laptop and a bot of 5 Guys stuff (hats, shirts). Maybe he was the owner/manager and everyone was on their best behavior?
"Dirty" recipes that are crowd pleasers
My wife makes one called Poor Mans Pie
1 package of chocolate wafers
2 boxes of Jello Instant Pudding (pistachio flavour)
1 tub of Cool Whip
make pudding as per box instructions. Apply to one side of each chocolate wafer and layer vertically in a dish. Cover entirely with cool whip. Let sit in fridge for at least a few hours, prfereably overnight. Wafers will fully absorb the pudding and take on the consistancy of a very moist cake. Shes taken to many a work potluck...always a favourite.
Thai Food in Calgary?
Ordered takeout from the Crowchild Square location a week or so ago. Ordered the usual Green Prawn Curry and Swimming Rama, both were great as always. Also got some spring rolls and Thai Roti. The Roti was kind of soggy by the time I got it home, one of the drawbacks of not eating in. The spring rolls were a bit greasy, I can't remember ever ordering these before, so not too sure if this is allways the case.
The dining room was very nice with quite a few more tables then the 11 Ave location, it was also quite busy on a Friday evening.
I did drive by the 11 Ave location and noticed a new sign was up, I only caught "Thai" in big letters on the sign, so I'm not sure if it has changed names or management. Anyone know what the deal is?
Thai Food in Calgary?
Was driving near the Dalhousie area on Friday and noticed a sign for a New Chili Club Thai House location just off of Crowchild Trail. Looked it up and address is listed as 5403 Crowchild Trail NW. Anyone been yet?
I noticed that their website only lists the 17ave location (actually listed as 1904 36 St SW) and this new Crowchild location. The 11 Ave location was our go to location, although we haven't been in a couple of months - since our daughter was born.
Is 11th ave closed now/relocated to the NW, or are these just different owners? The menu on the website looks pretty much the same as what I recall from 11th ave.
5 Guys Burgers in Calgary?
I think that will make it 2 locations in Calgary and one in Airdrie. Anyone know if The Mcleod Tr store is open yet? I was heading south on MacLeod last week and noticed that the sign was up.
Where to buy: LOBSTER (Calgary)
Are there any disadvantages to buying at a grocery store (Safeway, Superstore, Sobeys, T&T)? Just curious as I have never purchased live lobster before and have always wondered.
Open Table - Always a Bad Table
I usually don't have any problems with Open Table rezzy's. The only problem we have had was a couple of years ago. It was New Years Eve, but we (my wife and I) booked well in advance and for an early reservation (5pm) as we had to be somewhere by 7:30.
We walked in to a totally empty restaurant and were seated in the corner right against the front windows of the restaurant. Being the middle of winter in Calgary, it was a pretty cold evening (probably about -25 celsius or so). It was quite cold at our table so we asked if it was possible to move to another table that was a bit warmer. Our server said that was not possible as the restaurant was fully booked that evening. We tried to explain the we would be gone by 7 at the latest to no avail. So we struggled through dinner (with coats on) in a completely empty restaurant. Another 2 top came in just we were finishing up and getting ready to pay.
I don't think it was an Open Table issue as much as poor judgement by the server/management. We haven't been back since.
Restaurants in NE Calgary
I 2nd Nando's. My sister and her husband were visiting from Edmonton this past weekend. My bro-in-law LOVES Nando's but they don't have one in Edmonton, so he really wanted to go. I think we got the family pack (whole chicken, 2 sides and buns). Easily fed 4 adults, and came to about $40 with a couple of soft drinks.
I think I went a couple times when they first opened, but haven't been back since. It was very tasty chicken, way better then Swiss Chalet IMO. You can order different spice levels of chicken. Some of their sauces (at the table) have a kick, so be careful.
Asafoetida/Hing in YYC?
Theres a few Indian grocery stores in the strip behind the Safeway in Falconridge. We picked up some hing a while ago at the grocery store in this strip. I can't remember the name, but it was a few doors down from a restaurant called Nirvana (5075 Falconridge Blvd. NE). I believe there are at least a couple of other indian grocers (as well as clothing and jewellers) in the same strip. Also a couple of indian meatsops there which may not be of much interest to you, but your BF may want to check them out. (great marinated chicken wings at Mann Bros. )
How is the Aria Buffet?
My wife and I tried the Aria buffet for breakfast back in September. I thought the quality was really good. It is not very big though (as others have mentioned), while the selection for breakfast was more then enough, I could see how lunch/dinner selections could be limited.
I also thought it had a weird, Ikea cafeteria vibe to it. It was quite bright and very modern. Again, while this was fine for breakfast, I don't think this would be a good atmosphere for dinner.
If the price for dinner is $33.95 I think you would be better of at Bellagio. We were just in Vegas again last week and went there for dinner one night. IIRC it was around $35 or $36 each so pretty comparable to Aria, but is much bigger. Great selection of items (including 2 types of lamb!!) - I'm a big lamb fan, and overall good quality of items. I was a bit dissapointed by the dessert selections, but we were pretty full by that time anyway, so it didn't bother us too much.
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Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
SA Meat Shops Calgary
I haven't been able to get down there in a while, but this is a great place! They have great pies too. I have tried the Chicken Piri Piri and Steak pies, awesome, flaky pastry. They used to also carry pretty decent lamb sausage, but the last time I was in, I was told they only make it on special order now.
They also carry some SA groceries too...love the Choc-kits!
Worth a Detour in to Philly?
Thanks for all the suggestions. I didn't mean any offense. I would love to spend some time in Philadelphia, as I am sure there is plenty thereto see and do.
Our schedule for this trip ir already pretty full, and unfortunately, we just don't have enough time to have more then one meal there. We leave DC on Thursday morning and have to be at La Guardia to pickup a buddy that afternoon. We go to the Giants game Sunday evening and then head back to DC on Monday morning for the Eagles/Redskins game.
If its any consolation, I'll be cheering on the Eagles!!
Worth a Detour in to Philly?
Coming out to the east coast from Western Canada next week for a boys trip. We're actually flying in and out of Washington DC, but will be driving up to New York City next Tursday for a few days to catch a couple of hockey games and the Giants/Cowboys game on Sunday, then going back to DC to catch a Caps game and the Redskins/Eagles.
Looking at our driving route, I notice we will be driving through Pennsylvania and fairly close to Philadelphia. Google has the quickest route via the 295.
I would love to to try an good authentic cheesesteak either on the way to or from NYC (ideally both ways). Can anyone recommend a few places that would be in close proximity to the 295, or is it worth the time to go in to Philadelphia?
Edmonton >>> Calgary??
Yes, I bought some beef marked as Prime at the Beacon Hill Costco in the NW (off Stoney and Sarcee) back in May. I also saw it the last time the wife and I were there (about a week ago).
southeast Calgary recommendations?
Theres a pretty good Indian restaurant called Karma in that commercial strip on 130 Ave that DeeDub mentioned.
http://www.karmacalgary.com/
I have a craving for good Roti
I noticed a new place on 17ave sw (new for me anyway as I don't get down there that often). It was in the small strip mall at the intersection of 17 ave and 5 st SW in the sme strip as the 7-11 and Papa Johns. I believe there used to be a Vietnamese Resto there previously. I can't remember the name, but I do recal a sign out front for a Roti Ninner Special.
Poutine in YYC?
I agree that NY Fries has a pretty decent version. If you ever do want to try something different, I would recommend the Lobster Poutine at Brava Bistro. It is amazing!
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Brava Bistro
723 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B6, CA
Sushi Club - Calgary
Thanks,
I had a feeling they were closed, we had some relatives in from out of town and wanted to take them there last night. We ended up at Zipang. It was only my 2nd time there, and I must say I was a bit dissapointed. Rolls were a bit sloppyand some of the fish did not taste the freshest. In particular, the spicy tuna rolls were pretty bad. The fish had a very soft consistency almost as if it was pureed. It also had a pretty strong fishy taste which I usually don't get with most tuna rolls or nigiri.
I will say that the nigiri was very good though, really big pieces of fish and good quality too.
Sushi Club - Calgary
Anyone know their hours? Are they open on Tuesdays? Trying to call, but no answer.
Bison Mountain Bistro, Banff
Hi Sebell,
We ate at a few different places around around our hotel (Chateau Lake Louise). We got in late Friday and had some dessert/coffee at the Lakeview Lounge. Pretty nice setting as the Element Skating event was going on and we were able to watch some of the action.
For late breakfast/early lunch on Saturday we went to the Deli. The sandwiches are all pre-made, but they tasted pretty fresh to us, and we both enjoyed ours (roast beef for me and a tuna salad for the wife).
We went back to the Lakeview Lounge that afternoon, and had the High Tea. It was a bit pricey ($39pp), but everything was great (loved the scones) and we had a really nice table by a window.
We tried Poppy's Brasserie for dinner that night, They offered a buffet for about $29pp, but we decided to order off the menu. We had soup to start (seafood chowder and french onion). Both were pretty bland and watery. I had the lasagna which was ok, and my wife had a veggie and noodle stirfry with tofu. She wasn't a big fan of it saying it was a bit bland. I tried a bit and other then the tofu (which I can't stand) I thought it was decent. We skipped dessert as we had a lot of sweets at tea in the afternoon.
All in all the food was decent, but I felt the quality should have been a bit better (particularily for the dinner we had) given the prices we charge.
I remember reading that the Post Hotel, located in the village has good food. You might want to give them a try. BTW the village is only about a 5 min drive from the Chateau. We took a quick drive around the village on Sat afternoon, but it didn't look like there is much there. There is a strip mall there, and I think I may have seen a pizza place and a coffee shop. Some of the other hotels may have some options as well.
Have fun, its beautiful up there!
Bison Mountain Bistro, Banff
We went up to Lake Louise this weekend to spend our first anniversay and stopped by the Bison on the way up for dinner on Friday. Unfortuantely we failed to make reservations, and the upstairs dining room was full so they could only seat us in the Deli/Lounge on the ground floor. (too bad as I really wanted to try their merguez corn dogs).
It was a smaller menu, and my wife and I ended up sharing a few different things. The roasted mushroom pizza, the shrimp and crab mini tacos, and the Alberta cheese hog plate.
Wow, what a great meal! The pizza was amazing, tons of different types of mushrooms, a very intense flavour, and the lemon was a nice touch.
The cheese hog was also very tasty. Excellent cheese ( a creamy goat cheese, and gouda) and some lovely prosciutto and wild boar pancetta (although I think it was supposed to be a sausage - the pancetta was great so we didn't mind). This also came with some great bread as well as crackers, dried fruit (cranberries and figs), pickles, and some seasoned cashews. On fridays all their deli stuff was 50% off, so this was a great deal for $9!
The taco's were our least favourite, they were quite fresh, but we found them a bit bland.
All in all, it was still a great meal. So good in fact, that we decided to try them out for brunch on Sunday on our way back to Calgary. Another great meal. I had the Broeck Back Benny, and my wife ordered the omlette of the day (which was roasted mushroom and goat cheese).
One of the best bennie's I have ever had. Great hollondaise over a perfectly poached egg, back bacon, and caramalized onion compote on a homemade biscuit. Even the potatos on the side were excellent.
I tried a bite of my wifes omlette and thought it was a bit dry, but she had asked for it without the cheese and really enjoyed it. The ketchup they served (looked homemade) was also very nice, with a smokey taste.
We also split a side of banana bread, which was also great, very moist and not too sweet.
