Bagel Guy's Profile
Kingsland Market - new honest to goodness farmers market in the works (Calgary)
This looks lke a really good lineup to me. I'll be there on opening day with bells on!
Sea. Mckenzie Towne Calgary
Had a wonderful lunch at Sea. Fish & Chips in Mckenzie Towne, Calgary, today. We both had cod with sweet potato fries. The cod was perfectly cooked, with literally no oil left on the plate. The batter was nice and thin, crispy and delicious. The yam fries were about as good as they get -- tender, just a touch of sweet, not filling at all, and no oil left over. Service was excellent, even though the place was completely full at 11:45. We were served in about 15 minutes, which was fine. Polite and gracious server/owner who did his best (which was pretty good) to loo after everyone. The aftertaste was as it should be ... nice cod and yam fries; not that terrible oily taste that's so prevalent elsewhere now.
For anyone in the deep south, this is certainly the place to go. They have quite a good menu (also burgers, crab salad, and a local micro-brewery beer). The place is clean and comfortable. We will certainly be back.
Sea. FIsh & Chips, 45 High Street, SE. McKenzie Towne.
Kingsland Market - new honest to goodness farmers market in the works (Calgary)
I know some of the people involved, and I think you'll see an excellent producers market. AFAIK, this is the best "farmers market" news we've had in Calgary for a very long time. The Calgary Kingsland Farmers Market will shine!
Kingsland Market - new honest to goodness farmers market in the works (Calgary)
Finally, a plan that will work for a real calgary farmers market. The people behind it (a group of 6) are excellent business people, understand the issues, and have an excellent plan. They also won't engage in constant war with the vendors. Real food from Alberta farmers. It just doesn't get any better than this.
Kensington gossip - Calgary
Miss L and I went to *Delicious Thai* in Kensington for lunch yesterday. The deep fried chicken wings stuffed with pork were really nice, flavorful and very different for a Thai place. We both liked that. The chicken Pad Thai was very disappointing. It was dry, very light in color, and had an overwhelming fish sauce flavor that just wouldn't go away. Pretty sure there was MSG too, as my head began to act up almost immediately after lunch. This Pad Thai was nothing like any other I've had. Linda agreed. The service was nice and friendly.
Cafe Koi becoming Convergence Cafe
Now, if only Coke could have figured that out a lot earlier!
Jubilations? (YYC)
The food at Jubilations has always been OK. Although it ain't gourmet, we have always been pretty happy. Sky360. on the other hand, has always been disappointing to us. My son went most recently for a special dinner with his wife and both were very disappointed. Jubilations = Yes, with lots of fun musical theatre. Sky360 = No.
Edmonton - gjetost or Norwegian fudge cheese
It's almost always available at Superstore, currently $14.99 for 500 gm. Also available at Alpine Sausage (Richmond Rd SW) in Calgary for a slightly higher price. This is a very traditional and delicate Norwegian cheese that should *never* be eaten in chunks. It should always be sliced very thinly and (usually) served with a little bit of butter on the bread of your choice or a flatbread. An acquired taste, for sure; but once you've got it, you're hooked for life!
Best New Fish & Chips in Calgary - The British Chippy
They can't wrap the fish 'n chips in newspaper --- Health Code.
Best New Fish & Chips in Calgary - The British Chippy
That's just because you're a latecomer to the City and don't understand these things, John. ;-)
Best New Fish & Chips in Calgary - The British Chippy
It has 28 seats, and takeout. I'm told it was jam-packed full for dinner yesterday, with line up and all.
Best New Fish & Chips in Calgary - The British Chippy
For Calgary, I liked the price. Cod and Chips (serving size, just right) $11.99. Value = priceless. IMO, this place is much, much better than Boyd's, Trawler's, Captain's or anywhere else in town.
Best New Fish & Chips in Calgary - The British Chippy
You're right, John. Maybe we can convince the City to establish a new quadrant, "Far South, Mountain Side".
It's crazy to only have 4 quadrants in Calgary now. I will try to remember to qualify. You should be in "Beltline, West" if anything.
Best New Fish & Chips in Calgary - The British Chippy
Today was opening day for *The British Chippy* (Shoppes at Bridlewood Plaza, 2335-162nd Ave SW, Unit 233). I've been waiting for some time to visit this place, mostly because they advertise themselves as "authentic" British Fish 'n Chips. Whenever there's a new fish 'n chips place in Calgary, I have to try it. "Authentic British" has always intrigued me, since it usually signals greasy overcooked fish, soggy beer batter, flaccid fries and decor suited for the 1970s. My mission was to see if this new place matched the sterotype. My expectations were not high.
Man, was I surprised. This is, without a doubt, the best fish 'n chips I've had in Calgary to date! Anywhere, for that matter. Miss L agrees completely. The cod is hand-cut in house, a nice 6 oz. portion. The batter is home-made from an old (secret?) family recipe. (The owners, Gary and Simone Hodgkinson, bring 3 generations of traditional British fish 'n chips to Calgary.) The potatoes (local and organic) made the very best chips I have ever had in Calgary. Flavorful, nicely browned, and very very good. The batter for the fish is light and crispy, with no aftertaste. The fries are perfect. They clearly cook at the right temperature, which results in a very pleasant and tasy meal. Mmmm ...
Being "traditional" British (northern), you won't find any halibut or pepper here. Yup, no pepper (but you can ask and you will receive). There's also a shortage of Canadian drinks, although there is a really good selection of British pop. They also have traditional mushy peas (fresh, no preservatives or coloring), and a curry sauce (which I haven't tried yet, but will). The service is outstanding, and the place is very clean, even after the opening day lunch rush.
This is definitely one of my favorite new little restaurants in Calgary. It's a perfect location for residents of the SW, and a little bit out of the way for other Calgarians ... But definitely worth the drive. The British Chippy is all about fish 'n chips and nothing else. And it works.
Their website is http://www.thebritishchippy.com
Edmonton - gjetost or Norwegian fudge cheese
It's definitely an acquired taste. But once you do acquire it, you will never turn back!
Calgary Fish and Chips?
Yup, he has been quite inconsistent lately; so much so that I just don't go there as much any more. Fish is good (and usually there's plenty); fries are usually good; but sometimes it's better than other times ... sometimes not. Maybe he has just been there too long and it's time to pass the deep fryer to someone else.
CrossIron Mills Mall, Calgary... food
There's a Teriyaki Experience down by IKEA. Linda and I were desperate for a late lunch today, and we were in the neighborhood, so we thought "it must be OK" since we knew it was very much like Edo. Well, that was our worst mistake. This "experience" is not one we want to repeat. This "experience" makes Edo look like a culinary delight beyond all imagining! The precooked shredded chicken (shredded goes farther) barely touched the stovetop, just to heat it up, but certainly not to brown it. Certainly not a nice flavor. Meanwhile, the veggies must have been cooking (and cooking) since they saw us coming in the door. And a not a mushroom in sight. Sorry, but this was a Terrible Experience.
Grounds for Reading - Calgary
Anyone been to this coffee shop / library? What can you tell me?
Excellent Squid, Bizarre Server (CGY)
You go and see. The food was pretty good, and it deserves a visit. I'll go back for a taste of other menu items. The server probably thinks he's quite funny and personable. I'm convinced he's trying his best.
Excellent Squid, Bizarre Server (CGY)
Because most asian restaurants have a unique hot mustard that's typically served with dry pork dishes. And it is sooo nice. Sometimes you have to ask for it, though.
Excellent Squid, Bizarre Server (CGY)
Had Saturday lunch at "Brother's Taste of Asia" (2335-162 Ave SW) , when it wasn't busy. We shared Shanghai Noodles w/pork and an order of Ginger Squid. The Shanghai Noodles were perfectly done with just enough flavor to make them very tasty. These noodles are better than most in town, IMO. The pork was quite good, but a little too thick cut for our tastes; but still very nice. Strangely, when I asked for some hot mustard for the pork, our very bizarre waiter said, "No mustard. Very strange restaurant." He has worked there for 2 1/2 years.
The Ginger Squid was ordered by mistake (lost in translation). We had asked for Salt & Pepper Squid, but we got the Ginger version. But it was absolutely superb. Spicy and oh, so tender. And it stayed tender throughout the meal. The Squid was about as perfect as it could get. They were served in a lot more sauce than they needed, however. And, they would be better named Spicy Thai Squid. Having said that, it was just about perfect. Our waiter, on the other hand, was downright weird. The service was very good, but he was one strange server. Have to get used to him, since we'll be back for sure.
Lunch at Garden Bay Restaurant & Marina,Pender Harbour, Sunshine Coast, BC
So, what was the idea behind identifying the server as "mature"? Was s/he too old to work? Moved with a walker? So, what are you really saying?
Having said that, I must try the place again when I'm back. Nice review. Thanks.
Blush Lane is fantastic (Cgy)
Went out to Blush Lane at West Springs on Saturday. Their new store at West Springs completely blew me away. What a fantastic store. Beautiful selection or organic and natural food products, pretty good pricing overall. I have rarely seen a place with such good and diverse selection. Whoever is buying for them sure knows how to get the mix. This is a great place. Parking is probably a little bit tight ... not too much when all the other stores are busy too ... but it could be worse.
Sweetgrass CGY Comes Alive
Well, Sweetgrass Market wasn't quite alive this Saturday, but Bob tells me it will be a' rockin' next Saturday when they are doing a breakfast for everyone. It sure was busy, though, with lots of work still going on, and most vendors almost ... almost ready. Going there next Saturday again to see for myself. Hope the promise comes true.
Sweetgrass CGY Comes Alive
The other day I went out to the Sweetgrass Market (85th Street and 9th Ave SW), which is being renovated and revitalized by new owner Bob Whitworth (Simple Simon Pies). Progress is fantastic, and the new Sweetgrass should be open within a couple of weeks, just in time for Stampede.
There is still lots of work going on: New displays, ovens, coolers, freezers, and vendor booths. Bob tells me all the new vendors have signed on to make a full house of the Market. He says we can expect to see (of course) Simple Simon Pies, Meals to Go, authentic Greek Food, Soups, an Ice Cream Shop, Indian food, Honeys, Seafood, a Butcher, Florist, a Bakery, lots of Produce ... and much more.
Good luck, Bob. We really need a nice place there.
The Calgary Farmer's Market
My sources are good - and here's the FFWD story: http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/news-views/news/fast-forward-pulled-from-farmers-market-3926/
The Calgary Farmer's Market
The Fast Forward Weekly article which reported on CFM and its many vendors was removed by CFM management shortly after the newspaper's arrival there on Friday. It appears they didn't want anyone reading about happenings at the Market.
The Calgary Farmer's Market
With a feew changes, there will be space for parking behind the building, as well as the limited space in front. I'm told it could handle 600+ cars, which is what the current CFM does. Take a look at the satellite view from Mapquest or Google Earth.
The Calgary Farmer's Market
The current (and future) CFM management don't want to hear about competition (ie., consumer choice), so we can forget about that happening. Many current vendors won't be able to go to the new location because of "licensing" fees and infrastructure costs. Many won't be invited. Rents will increase (read the Herald article), so we can expect even higher prices. The remaining vendors, sadly, will not be the small independents. They won't be big chains, but they will have to make the same kind of investment as the big chains do just to get in. And, no, you won't see much in the way of competing products. Traffic will be a nightmare (do Google Earth and look around). I'm doing Crossroads with John and others. I suspect that's where the real Calgary market scene will develop.
Coming Soon to Calgary: loungeburger?
Spoke with the brother of one of the owners, and the name (LoungeBurger) says it all. It's quite a large operation (4 or 5K sqft), and is currently scheduled to open June 15.
