Jigga's Profile
Rec's for Sunday lunch -YYC
Another good suggestion - my fave brunch place in the city.
Rec's for Sunday lunch -YYC
After suggesting Boxwood I just had to go for lunch on Sunday myself - and I had yet another amazing meal. Roasted chicken sandwich, shared roasted chicken soup and pork chili with husband (not ground pork, but shredded roasted pork), house made lemonade, and a chocolate chunk and cranberry cookie: It was to die for. The place was packed too - why don't we have more places like this in Calgary?
Rec's for Sunday lunch -YYC
I second Boxwood. You could also try Una Pizza, which is also open on Sunday for lunch (and it's licensed).
Small Corn Tortillas in YYC
I have no idea how big the Las/Los Tortillas ones are. I can only comment on Coop's. They're small (like 5 inches, which is what was requested as a recommendation) (and dry, which I suspect is not what was requested as a recommendation). Why are we still having this discussion?
Small Corn Tortillas in YYC
I did read the first post. And if we're going to get anal here, Bill said that the Las (Los) Tortillas ones are too big, not that the Coop ones are too big. The Coop ones I purchased were the small ones (described in the first post as "about 5 inches in diameter"). Too bad there isn't an emoticon for "argh" as well.
Small Corn Tortillas in YYC
While Coop has them (at various locations), I would not recommend them. I recently bought them and they were very, very dry, despite being within the best before period.
Favorite coffeehouse/cafe with wifi and why?
I second the Kawa recommendation. One further bonus with Kawa - I have always found the staff to be particularly friendly and accomodating.
Olives stuffed with Anchovies - Calgary
Agreed - I get them there all the time. They go very well in martinis.
Boxwood (Calgary)
I went for a late lunch on Saturday (about 3:45) and loved my meal (as did my husband). We had the white bean, napa cabbage, and roasted chicken soup, porchetta sandwiches, and Saskatoon berry bread pudding (with salt caramel and vanilla ice cream). It was one of the best lunches we've had in a long time. The soup was magnificent - piping hot, so flavorful, and very filling (it honestly tasted like something my Dad would make, and he's the best soup chef I've ever met). The sandwiches were also divine, even my husband who is usually critical of sandwiches in this city, loved them. The bread was fresh and had a great chewy bite to it, and the meat was juicy, tender, and well seasoned. I finished with the bread pudding, which was complemented wonderfully by the salt caramel. We will definitely be back. Oh - I also really appreciated that there were a few different non-alcoholic drink selections (nice for a pregnant woman who would like something other than the usual).
Wedding Venue Help-Alberta
Raw Bar has excellent food - I have been in for lunch several times in the past few weeks (on the patio by the pool) and have thoroughly enjoyed my meals each time. I believe that event catering would be done by the same group.
New Mex on 17th SW? (Cgy)
I have also been to Los Chilitos recently. The food was very good, but I agree that the service was really sub par. There was only one server on during a busy Saturday lunch and she was clearly overwhelmed. We were very patient with the ridiculously long waits for everything, but lost our patience when we finally went to pay and were charged the same price (over 10 dollars) for a double marg (i.e. with 2 shots of alcohol) and a virgin marg (i.e. juice). The waitress and manager laughed when we said that this made no sense - and said to us "that's how we do it here". We haven't been back since.
Downtown Calgary - Non-Alcoholic Drinks?
It's a bit outside downtown, but Raw Bar at Hotel Arts has a really great drink menu with innovative non-alcoholic and alcoholic options. Being relegated to the non-alcoholic myself for the next 7 months, I appreciate something other than the boring old virgin caesar/marg/daq or cran and soda ... maybe your friend would too.
Also, the bartender at Rush (which has a lounge and is downtown) seems pretty creative in making non-alcoholic drinks (again other than the usual fare I try to avoid).
U&Me Calgary
I see that U&Me is still closed following the fire in Chinatown. I also seem to see that they are doing renovations ... has anyone heard anything about when they expect to re-open? I've tried some other dim sum places in the city but they just don't compare to U&Me.
Coffee Beans - Calgary
Thanks for the advice Sneaky and John. And I suspected that the 5 lb bag was a bit much ... I'll control myself better next time!
Coffee Beans - Calgary
I know from being a regular reader of this site that you're a real coffee expert/lover John - so I have a few questions for you on the espresso bean topic:
1. What do you think of the espresso beans from Artigiano (for example, in comparison to those from Kawa)?
2. How do you store your espresso beans once you open the bag? I bought a 5 lb bag from Kawa (we drink alot of espresso ...) but don't know what to do with the bag now that it's open.
Thanks!
Una Pizza (Calgary)
I think foodkarma was referring to your quotation from your original post "Pizza was $14. I'd have paid twice that, it was that good."
Una Pizza (Calgary)
You can go at either time (it's loud, so any "kid noise" just blends right in and there were kids there on Friday night when I went), but be aware of 2 things: (1) it's busy, so you may have to wait in line (unless you have a reso, but they only take them for 6 or more ppl); and (2) it's crowded (which is more of a problem if you have a little one with a car seat etc.) Other than that, I'm sure you're 2 1/2 yr old will love the place and the food!
Una Pizza (Calgary)
I went to Una on Friday night and fell in love with the place. It really is the best pizza in the city. The crust is perfectly crisp and chewy, and the toppings are so flavorful. I also loved the energy in the restaurant - lively and hip, but not pretentious. Our server was excellent - friendly and intelligent and very efficient. I can't wait to go back again. We totally need more places like this in Calgary. In fact it didn't even feel like I was in Calgary when I was there!
Calgary - Freshest Sushi/Sashimi in Town?
I'm planning on going out for sushi for dinner this Friday night. I've gotten food poisoning (and been hospitalized) from sashimi 2 times in the past from not so fresh fish (neither time in Calgary), so I've sworn off raw fish for several years now. But the craving is getting to me . So my question is: Where would you recommend going in Calgary for the freshest sushi/sashimi? I don't care where in the city the restaurant is located - freshness (and then deliciousness, in that order) are my top priorities.
The elusive search for a great sandwich and soup restaurant (Calgary)
Is there anywhere to sit down and eat at Peppino's? I checked out their website and it strikes me more as a take-out place. Thanks for the info.
The elusive search for a great sandwich and soup restaurant (Calgary)
I am on the search for a good sit down sandwich and soup restaurant in Calgary. I'd prefer something closer to the core. My husband and I are always at a loss on the weekends when it comes to looking for something like this - and inevitably we end up at Spolumbo's Deli (which is excellent, both for fresh sandwiches and soup, but we'd like some variety). We used to enjoy Gruman's Deli before it closed. Any ideas?
Over Easy Breakfast - Calgary
I went there recently too and really enjoyed it. The decor was fresh and bright, the service was attentive and friendly, and the food was delicious and (surprisingly) inventive (for breakfast food). I got something called (I think) "my favourite breakfast"), which was a bagel sandwich with fresh made guac. I loved it, and will go back again for sure.
As for Renfrew/Bridgeland residents being spoiled for breakfast/brunch, I totally agree - and don't forget about Big Fish (which I believe is the best of the bunch for weekend brunch - my sister in law actually drives into town from Rocky Ridge to enjoy Big Fish on the weekends).
5 Guys Burgers in Calgary?
They are indeed opening a Calgary location - not sure where or when, but I know one of the guys involved in the venture. I'll post further if I hear anything else.
Caffe Artigiano Calgary
Has anyone else noticed a decline in the quality of the food served at Artigiano (the one on 6th Ave and 3rd St)? I used to really enjoy the scones and muffins, but it seems that lately they have a new baker/new recipes and they seem to not replenish their stock frequently enough (resulting in seriously stale goods).
Dim Sum in Calgary
Thanks for all your input - it looks like I've got a few new places to try this weekend!
Dim Sum in Calgary
My husband and I used to be regular diners at U & M for its weekend dim sum, but have not felt like going back since reading about the serious health violations (although such negative publicity and fines may actually have significantly improved its cleanliness).
Does anyone have an alternative favorite dim sum place in Chinatown (not in the suburbs) that s/he can recommend? As a side note, I prefer the places you order off the menu - not the places with the carts.
Also, can you include days and times that dim sum is offered at your recommendations (if you are aware of these)?
Thanks!
Lethbridge
I totally disagree with your statement that Lethbridge is "a culinary wasteland". I grew up in Lethbridge and return to visit frequently, and coming from a family of extreme foodies I can promise you that there are indeed some very good choices (if you venture outside the mediocre chains like the Keg, Cheesecake Cafe, and the like). They are locally owned and operated - in fact you'll often be served by the chef owners or at least see these individuals bustling around the establishments.
I'd suggest the following: Coco Pazzo (a family owned Italian place on 3rd Ave that makes its own wood fired thin crust pizza and fresh pasta); 360 near Galt Gardens and Park Place Mall (a more contemporary take on Italian) and the panini/gelato place next door (owned by the same Italian family that owns and runs 360 and Coco Pazzo); Miros near Galt Gardens (I'm not sure how to describe this place other than to say that it's got a small well executed menu and is chef owned and operated); Plum down the street from Galt Gardens (a great little lounge/restaurant with amazing creative fresh food, owned and operated by another local businessman and with chefs from the LCC's culinary program); O-Sho Japanese Restaurant near the Courthouse; and Lighthouse Japanese Restaurant. There are also several good Chinese places and Vietnamese places that are not chains and serve food just as good as some of my favourite places here in Calgary.
Hopefully you'll try some of these places next time you're in Lethbridge!
Pub NE Calgary
Nixx (formerly Nicastro) 2416 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary - (403) 277-7715
and Boccavino 2220 - Centre St. NE, Calgary - (403) 276-2030 both hockey (Nixx has a massive number of tvs), are independent, and have good food.
Nice, Big, Meaty Dinner... But... (Calgary)
I second that suggestion on Mercato - best steak in the City, I think, and lots of veggie options.
