Padmanadi Calgary: Indonesian Vegan Restaurant Review

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I took my parents out for lunch. I was initially going to take them to Pho Pham in Chinatown, but I noticed there were no vegetarian options. Boss Lady suggested Padmanadi so that Ludwig could have a wider selection of food. Let’s listen to Dai Dai for this post.

The last time I took my parents and in-laws out for dinner at Emerald Garden, Boss Lady complained that I hadn’t ordered enough lobster. I should have ordered two. That way, she said, everyone could eat lobster to their heart’s content. She was right. I tend not to order much because I don’t want to overeat. Boss Lady reminded me that I don’t have to eat it all. I just have to make sure there’s enough food for everyone at the table.

I took her unsolicited advice to heart when I ordered lunch. For the three of us, I picked: Satay with Peanut Sauce ($10), Deep Fried Tofu ($13), Roti Canai ($13), Curry Chicken ($22), Rendang ($20), Kwetiau Goreng ($19), Jasmine Tea ($3.75) and a small bowl of Jasmine Rice ($2.75). I didn’t order a fourth main dish because I wanted to leave room for dessert after Boss Lady spotted the deep-fried bananas with ice cream.

Our server, Hufsa, stood out for how genuinely thoughtful she was. Rather than having us order individual teas, she suggested we share a pot. I also appreciated the restaurant’s personal touches, from the bright yellow mugs with their sleek handles to the fresh lemon slices in our water glasses.

Ludwig watched eagerly as the food began filling our table. He quickly reached for a piece of tofu, but I barked that we hadn’t taken our pictures yet. He pulled his hand back, visibly annoyed, and sat looking a little sullen while we snapped a few photos. It was completely out of character for him. Normally, he sits back patiently and waits for Boss Lady to tell him which dishes are vegetarian.

I knew Ludwig would like the tofu dish. The plate was piled high with puffed-up, golden cubes of tofu. The outside was a thin, delicate layer while the inside was light and airy; it was like eating delicious, crispy air. The dipping sauce was sweet soy sauce, thick and dark like balsamic vinegar. Ludwig ate each piece like popcorn, a delighted smile stretching across his face.

I knew Boss Lady would enjoy the satay skewers. The faux chicken was soft and chewy, with crisp edges. The peanut sauce was generously applied and sweet, but not overpoweringly so. When I asked Boss Lady what she thought, she said everything was good. However, next time, she suggested skipping the chicken skewers and ordering the rendang instead, as she found the two dishes too similar.

The rendang was delicious, though it wasn’t as spicy as advertised. The faux meat was softer than beef, with a texture more akin to bean curd. Rather than swimming in curry, it was coated in an almost dry sauce with rich, nutty and roasted flavours. Some of the potatoes, however, were slightly undercooked.

Boss Lady closed her eyes with the first bite of kwetiau goreng, looking downright ecstatic. She pointed out that the bean sprouts were still crunchy and not overcooked. The thick, luscious noodles had the most delectable chew and were fragrant with smoky wok hei.

As Ludwig took a bite of the noodles, his face lit up. Gleefully, he announced that he was going to quote me, repeating a line I often use on my blog: “I would order this again!” I made a mental note to find some new material, though, in my defence, that’s genuinely how I judge whether a dish is good.

The yellow curry and noodles were my favourite dishes. The curry had a pleasant heat, and the mix of cauliflower, carrots and broccoli retained a clean, snappy bite. The faux chicken had a texture remarkably similar to the real thing, firm and springy, while the creamy curry was so good I could have drunk it. Boss Lady and I shared a bowl of jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.

The roti arrived piping hot. Ludwig tore into the bread with gusto. I enjoyed peeling apart its delicate, flaky layers before dipping each piece into the curry.

Boss Lady recalled the time she humoured Ludwig by going to a vegetarian restaurant in Richmond. Her assessment was blunt: the hostess looked mean, the restaurant was filthy, and she walked out. Padmanadi, she declared, was the exact opposite: modern, bright and spotless, with exceptional service. She’s right. Hufsa packed our leftovers, kept our teapot filled with hot water and, after noticing what messy eaters we were, brought us extra napkins. She even offered to take our picture at the end of the meal. Hufsa the kind of server other restaurants should be trying to poach.

Ludwig noted that food goes down so smoothly when it’s vegetarian. I agreed though Boss Lady did not, as she moaned that she had eaten too much. She was even too full for her favourite dessert, deep-fried bananas with ice cream.

Boss Lady now wants to bring my siblings here when they visit. Padmanadi also offers catering, something I’ll have to keep in mind for our next big family gathering. Hitting the Sauce gives Padmanadi two phat thumbs up.

Mount Pleasant Vintage Calgary: Happy Hour Review

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Divine Offering wanted to check out Mount Pleasant Vintage, a new restaurant that took over the former Home and Away space in Victoria Park. I’m glad she suggested it, as it’s a refreshing addition to Calgary’s restaurant scene. Let’s listen to A Bar Song (Tipsy) for this post.

Mount Pleasant Vintage is both a restaurant and a shop selling second-hand furniture, décor and merchandise. Even the table and chairs we used were for sale. I settled into a comfy green leather chair overlooking the patio and front of the restaurant.

Divine Offering ordered a cocktail and was ID’ed by our server. She was flattered, while my mind drifted far, far back to the days when I was last ID’ed. I ordered the Colterenzio Pinot Grigio (HH $8; regular $14), a full-bodied, fruit-forward wine with a sharp tang on the finish.

The music didn’t match the crowd’s age. I recognized an old Usher song playing in the background. The customers, much like the staff, skewed young, mostly mid-twenties and under with a few old fogeys scattered about. The menu is priced accordingly, with some mains in the low $30s and sandwiches and casual plates in the low $20s. I recognized two bottles on the wine menu: Testalonga Stay Brave Orange Chenin Blanc ($15, $68); and Clos Chibonne Tentations Rosé ($15, $68), both from Juice Imports‘ portfolio. The latter retails for $35–$40, making its $68 restaurant price a relatively low markup.

We ordered the OG Snappy Dog (HH $1.50, Reg $6), Tater Tots (HH $4, Reg $7), Beef Tartare (HH $10, Reg $21), and Aguachile Verde (HH $12, Reg $24), as well as sides of cheese sauce ($2), onions (50 cents) and sauerkraut ($1). Happy hour runs daily from 2:30–5 p.m. and again after 9 p.m.

The juicy, flavour-packed OG Snappy Dog is a must-order. Topped with onions and sauerkraut, it reminded me of Costco’s all-beef dog, only grilled instead of steamed. During happy hour, it’s the same price, too. I’d pass on the cheese sauce for the tater tots though, as I found it pretty bland.

The beef tartare was tasty. The dark orange egg yolk was incredibly thick, coating the well-seasoned beef as I mixed it in. The beef had a pleasantly chewy texture, though the grilled sour dough bread could have been crispier. I preferred using the chips from the aguachile verde, as their crunch provided better contrast and brought out the beef’s smokiness. I would order this again.

For my second drink, I picked Campo Viejo Tempranillo (HH $8, Reg $14). The red wine was drinkable, with berry notes and tannins that puckered my mouth a little. It was served a bit warmer than room temperature, and I would have preferred it to be cooler.

The tuna aguachile verde was another hit, layering soy sauce, avocado, garlic aioli, cucumber, pickled and raw red onions, citrus and heat with the tuna. We preferred it with the bread from the beef tartare, as its simplicity allowed the tuna’s texture to standout.

The service, from the hostess to the bussers to our server, was exceptionally friendly and efficient. Despite the packed restaurant and constant turnover, staff kept everyone’s water topped up and checked that we were happy with our food.

Divine Offering loved everything about Mount Pleasant Vintage and plans to return this week with her friend. Maybe they will get ID’ed again.

If I were younger, this is where I’d regularly hang out. It’s lively rather than shout-to-be-heard loud, though anyone who relies on a hearing aid may find it challenging. Regardless of age, there’s a lot to like about this new addition to Victoria Park. I’ll be returning, as I’d like to try the main dishes, like the charcoal-grilled chicken teriyaki ($30) and the teriyaki chicken thigh banh mi ($21). Hitting the Sauce gives Mount Pleasant Vintage two phat thumbs up.

Bars/Lounges · Italian · Seafood · Special Occasion · Vancouver/Richmond

Water Street Cafe in Vancouver: Dinner and Live Music in Gastown

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My sister, Me Shell, invited Chew Steel and me out to celebrate Kevin’s birthday at Water Street Cafe in Gastown. We sat on the second floor, where the restaurant features live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Let’s listen to “Hotel California” for this post.

Water Street Cafe attracts tourists with its prime location across from Gastown’s iconic Steam Clock. Built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders, the clock doubles as a steam vent. Every 15 minutes, it whistles and releases steam with a shrill pwee-pwoo-pwee-pwooo. Having grown up in Vancouver, I know the sound well.

The musician, Sean from the Yukon, had such a good voice that both Kevin and Chew Steel remarked on it. Meanwhile, a table of American tourists in the corner was determined to record the Gastown Steam Clock. They shushed everyone in the restaurant and even asked the musician to stop playing. My gosh, all that fuss for a wheezing whistle that sounded more like a malfunction than a musical performance. By the third pwee-pwoo, I was cringing in my seat.

Me Shell ordered a whole whack of appetizers for the table: Bison Carpaccio ($25), two orders of West Coast Crab Cakes ($27), two orders of Garlic Cheese Toast ($14), two orders of Lemon Pepper Fries ($13), Burrata & Pesto ($21), Burrata Caprese ($26), and a Caesar Salad ($20). For our mains, Chew Steel and I picked the Seafood Gnocchi ($38), Me Shell selected Mushroom Gnocchi ($33), and Kevin ordered the Maple-Bourbon Short Rib ($48). The kids ordered the seafood gnocchi and the Rigatoni Arrabbiata ($36).

I was really impressed with the appetizers. The bison carpaccio was a rich bite. The meat was paired with Grana Padano and creamy truffle aioli. With the addition of spring greens and crispy capers, each bite was a satisfying contrast of soft and crunchy.

Chew Steel really enjoyed the garlic cheese toast, which is made with the restaurant’s signature house-made focaccia. The bread was ultra light, crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside. The decadent cheese was a mixture of garlic butter, Parmesan, mozzarella, and chevre; it was hot and gooey.

I tried both the burrata with pesto and caprese-style. The latter was my favourite of the two; the fresh milky white burrata contrasted with juicy, tart tomatoes and balsamic drizzle.

Kevin and Chew Steel raved about the West Coast crab cakes. Crisp on the outside, the filling was a soft mixture of blue crab, baby shrimp and saffron aioli. I liked the pop of corn and distinct crab flavour.

The Caesar was very tasty. The house-made dressing was heavy-handed, garlicky, and covered every Romaine heart crevice. Chew Steel isn’t a fan of garlic, but I am.

The lemon pepper fries were surprisingly good. The fries were puffy and extra crispy, like Costco’s battered version, dusted with a subtle but bright lemon pepper seasoning. The potato filling was soft and fluffy.

Kevin picked the best-looking entree. The portion of the short rib and whipped potato was generous. He gave a piece to all his kids to try, and offered us a bite. We were so full from the appetizers, we declined.

The gnocchi was exceptionally soft and almost custardy, collapsing against my teeth rather than offering any chew. My favourite seafood was the jumbo tiger prawns, which had a satisfying snap. The Manila clams were tiny, while the baby scallops tasted fresh. The lemon-dill sauce was velvety and rich.

The 2022 Blue Grouse Ortega from the Cowichan Valley ($58) paired well with our gnocchi. After a bite of the creamy seafood, the Ortega tasted especially crisp and refreshing.

Baby K kept working his way through the rigatoni while Me Shell repeatedly warned him to stop before he made himself sick. His eyes were huge, and each forkful seemed harder to swallow than the last, but he kept shovelling pasta into his mouth as though finishing it were a moral obligation. When I asked why he wouldn’t surrender, Me Shell explained that he couldn’t bear to waste food. Eventually, his big sister staged an intervention and pushed the plate out of reach.

Chew Steel was particularly taken with both the food and the live music. Thank you to Me Shell for treating us to such a lovely evening, and happy birthday to Kevin. Between the talented musician, delicious meal and far too much rigatoni, it was a memorable night.

Japanese · Sushi · Vancouver/Richmond

Mega Sushi Richmond Review: A Mega-Generous Japanese Lunch

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Narc asked what I was craving for lunch. Sushi! The last time I ate Japanese food was in December 2025. He didn’t know where to order from, and the only place I knew was Mega Sushi. It was a 20-minute drive each way, but Narc was willing to make the trip. He dragged Jellybean along so he could use the HOV lane. Let’s listen to “The Distance” for this post.

Narc ordered far too much food. He’s just like Boss Lady that way. For himself, Enforcer and the kids, he chose the Sushi and Sashimi Lunch ($24.95), which came with miso soup, sunomono, appetizer tempura, salad, fruit and a daily special. Chew Steel and I shared two Chopped Scallop Rolls ($6.45), along with a Negitoro Roll ($5.95), Salmon Belly ($4.65), Tuna Belly ($4.65), Tako ($3.75) and Wild Salmon ($4.65). Narc also added two orders each of the Assorted Tempura ($14.95) and Ebi Mayo ($11.95) and an extra negitoro roll.

Chew Steel and I benefited from Narc’s overordering, sampling the green salad, miso soup and sunomono. Everything tasted notably fresh. I was surprised to discover that the included fruit was a quarter of a particularly juicy orange.

The tuna belly practically melted in my mouth, while the salmon belly tasted rich and fresh. The ratio of fish to rice was just right, keeping each bite balanced. Chew Steel also commented on the quality of the rice, which was well seasoned, firm and served at room temperature.

The chopped scallop roll also had an excellent ratio of filling to rice. The combination of silky scallops and creamy mayonnaise felt luxurious on the tongue. Each roll was so plump that we could only finish one. I would order it again. The negitoro roll was also generously packed with minced tuna and green onion.

The cooked dishes were less impressive. The assorted tempura was fairly average, and the shrimp and vegetables were surprisingly small. Perhaps I’m being harsh because I usually order tempura from Sukiyaki House, where it is consistently excellent, with its light and lacey batter and long, elegant vegetables.

The Ebi Mayo ($11.95) didn’t travel particularly well either. The coating had hardened, while liquid had collected at the bottom of the takeout container. This may be one of those dishes that needs to be eaten immediately at the restaurant. This is another dish that Sukiyaki House excels in, with its crunchy, munchy shrimp morsels.

I couldn’t believe how much food was left over. By the time I returned home late that night, however, every last scrap was gone. Thanks, Narc, for the lovely feast. For fresh nigiri, plump scallop rolls and a mega-generous lunch special, Hitting the Sauce gives Mega Sushi two phat thumbs up.

Delta · Indian

Clay Oven Review: Excellent Indian Food in Delta, B.C.

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Narc and his wife, Enforcer, took us to their favourite local Indian restaurant, Clay Oven. Chew Steel and I were especially looking forward to this meal because B.C. is home to some of the best Indian food. Let’s listen to “Gallan Goodiyaan” for this post.

The restaurant is small, with only a few tables inside and a patio providing additional seating. Hanging Edison bulbs brighten the room, while faux greenery gives the dining space a clean feel.

Enforcer, who visits regularly, told me the restaurant has been in the family for years. The parents originally ran the business, but the next generation has since taken over, modernizing the restaurant while the parents continue to cook in the kitchen.

For appetizers, Narc picked two orders of the Fish Pakora ($16.95) and two orders of Dahi Puri ($9.95). The kids and Narc ordered mild Butter Chicken ($21.95), Enforcer picked Shrimp Curry ($21.95), and Chew Steel and I selected the Mixed Grill ($26.95). We also added an extra order of fresh Naan ($2.95).

Oh hot diggety damn, is the food ever good! The fish pakoras arrived steaming hot and meaty. Inside, the fish was flaky, while the thin, seasoned batter was crisp and almost melted on my tongue. They were so good I could have eaten the entire plate for dinner. I’d order them again without hesitation.

Roblox was a fan of the dahi puri: delicate, crisp shells filled with cool yogurt, soft potato, pomegranate, mint and spices. Each one delivered a big mouthful of tangy, sweet and salty flavours. Pro tip: eat them quickly before the shells turn soggy.

I wouldn’t normally order such a large dish, but I wanted to try as much as possible, and the owner recommended the Mixed Grill as the best introduction to Clay Oven’s grilled specialties. It arrived on a sizzling platter loaded with jumbo shrimp, seekh kebab, and chicken tikka.

Chew Steel’s favourite was the chicken tikka. The bone-in pieces were juicy and tender, with a lightly charred exterior and a vibrant red coating that gave way to tender white meat inside. The accompanying bowl of butter sauce was sweet and tomatoey, while the bed of onions and charred pepper sizzled from the hot platter.

The jumbo shrimp were plump with a satisfying snap, while the seekh kebab had a well-seasoned, sausage-like texture with a pleasantly salty finish. The homemade naan was remarkably thin and light, with a delicate crispness that reminded me of a cracker, yet it stayed soft and pliable. The portion was generous enough that I took half of it home for lunch the next day.

Clay Oven served some of the best Indian food I’ve had in a long time. The fish pakoras alone are worth returning for, and next time I’m in Delta, I’ll happily work my way further through the menu. Hitting the Sauce gives Clay Oven two phat thumbs up.

Delta · Mexican · Restaurants

Four Winds Brewing Co. Taproom Review: Tacos in Delta, B.C.

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Chew Steel and I returned to B.C. to visit my family and stayed with my brother, Narc. Shortly after arriving, we took my nephew and niece, Roblox and Jellybean, to Four Winds Brewing Co. Taproom for tacos. Let’s listen to “Raining Tacos” for this post, a song Roblox likely knows all too well.

The taproom sits in a strip mall in an industrial area in Ladner. There isn’t much to look at outside, but inside, the room was busy with locals and people stopping in during their work breaks.

Chew Steel and I left the kids at the table while we went inside to order. Before leaving, I reminded them not to talk to strangers, then noticed the two men sitting at the next table. I hoped they didn’t take it personally. I just wanted to return both children safely to my brother.

We ordered at the counter, where the friendly staff told us they would bring everything to our table. We ordered lemonade ($3.95), an Original Saison ($7.50), salsa and chips ($10), five pork carnitas ($5.75), two Baja fish ($6.50) and four Bang Bang shrimp ($6.50) tacos.

The kids’ lemonade arrived in a modest pour, and both agreed it tasted a little like Gatorade. My saison was bubbly and fruity, with a crisp finish and enough depth to keep it interesting.

The salsa and chips were addictive. The thick-cut chips arrived warm and tasted homemade, while the salsa roja was thin and almost broth-like, with a gentle kick. Jellybean is sensitive to spice, so her tingling tongue confirmed that there was at least some heat.

The pork carnitas featured crispy roasted pork, charred pineapple salsa, radish, cilantro and cheese. The meat was juicy, with crisp, charred edges and a pleasantly salty flavour. A spoonful of leftover salsa brought everything together. Roblox enjoyed this taco, although he thought the kitchen could have been more generous with the pork.

The Baja taco came with a large piece of line-caught ling cod, coleslaw, chipotle aioli, green cabbage, pico de gallo and cilantro. The fish was crunchy, although the thick batter was a little oily. The house-made tortilla was soft and tasted fresh. This was the heartiest of the three tacos and the one I would order again.

The Bang Bang shrimp was topped with spicy sauce, guacamole, shaved red onion and pico de gallo. The shrimp was large and its batter crisp, while the toppings added freshness to each bite. I particularly liked the chunks of avocado and the sauces. Despite its name, I didn’t find it especially spicy. Jellybean disagreed, but she enjoyed her tacos.

Three tacos were enough to fill me up, but heartier eaters may want to order more. Roblox had eaten a late breakfast and still wasn’t full after three pork carnitas. With an early dinner ahead of us, he decided not to order another.

Four Winds may not offer much of a view, but the tacos were very good, my saison hit the spot, and the staff were hospitable. Come to this location for the food, not the scenery. If you want both, Four Winds also has a beach house location in Tsawwassen.

Wine tasting

Metrovino Aperitivo: Fresh Look at Lambrusco

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Last Tuesday, Divine Offering, Québécoise, and I attended Aperitivo at Metrovino ($15), a casual tasting featuring Alessio Altariva of Fattoria Moretto. The event sold out quickly, which came as no surprise. Let’s listen to “Come On-a My House” for this post.

The tasting offered a very different picture of Lambrusco from the sweet, fizzy, mass-produced wine many people know. Alessio’s family makes small-batch Lambrusco from organically farmed grapes grown on just under 11 hectares, with a focus on Grasparossa, a variety native to Castelvetro in Emilia-Romagna.

Divine Offering and I arrived five minutes early and spotted Richard Harvey, one of Metrovino’s founders. He recognized us, too, and warmly welcomed us in. After lurking in the aisles trying to spot wines from the previous tasting we attended, we moseyed over to Eva Hudson’s station, where she was carving three different ages of Parmigiano-Reggiano and serving them with fresh, crusty bread. Nearby, plates of cheese and charcuterie were laid out.

Over the course of the tasting, we moved between Eva and Richard to sample and repeatedly revisit the winery’s flagship Lambruscos, Tasso ($35) and Semprebon ($35).

As Richard poured, he called Lambrusco “the most Italian wine”, soulful, friendly and distinctive, with countless regional foods to pair with it. The wine’s soft bubbles refresh the palate between rich, salty bites. The region where Lambrusco is made, Emilia-Romagna, also gives us Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma as natural companions for the wine.

The Lambruscos I had tried before this tasting reminded me more of sangria. Fattoria Moretto’s versions were different. They had the character of red wine but with a bright, juicy freshness. The gentle bubbles made each sip refreshing without stealing the show.

Tasso was the drier of the two, with a little more structure, while Semprebon was softer, fruitier, and a bit sweeter. Eva told us customers are almost evenly divided between them.

I was particularly interested in Québécoise’s verdict. Earlier this month, she had taken a sip of Cirelli’s “Orange,” pointed to the grapes we were eating and declared, matter-of-factly, “It tastes just like these.”

She preferred Tasso, while Divine Offering leaned toward Semprebon. I changed my mind with nearly every taste before eventually settling on four bottles of Tasso and two of Semprebon. Whether that was my own decision or Québécoise’s influence is still up for debate.

Throughout the evening, I noticed people stopping to chat with Alessio. Meanwhile, the three of us stood off to the side asking one another, ‘Do you think that’s the winemaker?’ then quickly looking in the opposite direction. We were fairly certain it was. However, agreeing that it must be Alessio seemed much easier than walking over and saying hello. It was like high school all over again.

I’m leading a member-led wine tasting at Eau Claire Athletic Club this month, and these Lambruscos will be among the bottles I bring. They’re an excellent conversation wine, easy to share and pair with cheese and charcuterie, yet different enough to challenge what guests think they know about Lambrusco. If their reactions are anything like mine, I suspect a few will be bringing a bottle from Fattoria Moretto to their next party. Hitting the Sauce gives Metrovino’s Aperitivo tasting two phat thumbs up.

For a regularly updated list of tastings and special events, visit my Calgary Wine Tastings & Events Guide.

Chinese · Dim Sum

Golden Sands Calgary: A New Dim Sum Favourite

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Boss Lady’s birthday is coming up, so I took her for dim sum at what I consider the best spot in the city: Golden Sands. Let’s listen to Mama Said for this post.

I called the day before to make a reservation, and we arrived promptly at 11:00 a.m. We were shown to a small table by the window. Right away, I noticed how friendly the staff were, extending the same warm, polite hospitality to non-regulars like us.

We were asked what tea we wanted. My mother was silent for a couple of moments and then requested bo-lay, a tea, according to her, that pairs well with dim sum. Over in the corner, I saw a chef eating his lunch. I always find it reassuring to see staff eating at their own restaurant. After all, they know what goes on in the kitchen better than anyone.

I encouraged Boss Lady to order whatever she wanted, but she hesitated because I was picking up the tab and she didn’t want to order too much. I sighed, picked up the menu checklist and went through every item with her.

Together, we chose: Steamed Scallop & Shrimp with Black Truffle ($9.88), Prawn Dumplings ($8.25), Steamed Pork Shao Mai with Fish Roe ($8.25), Chicken Feet ($7.50), Salt & Chilli Pepper Squid Tentacle ($14.88), and Beef Flat Rice Noodles ($18.88). She declined my suggestion to add lobster or quail to our lunch.

The beef rice noodles arrived first. I could see the dark brown sear of the wok on the noodles and the charred, bright green onions. The beef itself was ultra velvety, with a tenderized softness. I was struck by how generous the mound of noodles and beef was, even larger than the one at Emerald Garden.

The meat in the shao mai was so juicy. As I bit into the dumpling, the meat fell apart into tender chunks. The texture here is springier and loosely packed. I found this surprising because at other restaurants, sui mai is more like a finely ground pork ball with a tougher, mealier grind.

Our server came by to check on us and spotted a strand of hair in my mother’s dish. She asked Boss Lady if it was hers. My mother pulled it out, laughed and confirmed it was hers, adding that she wouldn’t complain to the kitchen. They both had a good chuckle.

The har gow was the size of a baby’s fist. The translucent white wrapper was silky, slightly sweet and sticky. When I took a bite, the soft wrapper gave way to a jumble of whole, crunchy pink shrimp. I liked alternating between the Chinese mustard and spicy red sauce, dabbing each onto my dumplings for a blunt hit of heat, much like horseradish with prime rib.

The truffle, scallop, and shrimp dumpling was tricky to eat. The slippery pieces of seafood shifted around inside the wrapper like an overstuffed inari pocket before tumbling onto my plate. The dollop of black truffle was assertive and earthy. Despite the logistics of eating this dumpling, it’s worth ordering.

The fried squid is the best I’ve had for dim sum in Calgary, even edging out Ho Won. The white squid at Golden Sands tasted as if it had never been frozen, each piece toothsome and bouncy. The batter was thin and light, fragile like tempura and not at all oily, with just the right amount of salt. It also arrived piping hot from the fryer. The squid at Ho Won is more uniform, each piece tubular and noticeably chewier, with a gloriously thick, brittle batter. I like both versions, but the natural sweetness of the squid at Golden Sands inches it ahead.

My mother noted that the quality of the food reminded her of Vancouver and Richmond, but at a lower price. If a restaurant can impress Boss Lady, you know it’s a winner. I can’t wait to return and try more of the dinner menu. Hitting the Sauce gives Golden Sands two phat thumbs up.

Looking for more best eats in Calgary? View my 2026 Guide of Best Restaurants in Calgary.

Wine tasting

Metrovino Burg & Beaujo Wine Tasting with Baptiste Burrier

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Last week, I attended my very first Metrovino event. Their events sell out so fast that by the time I learn about the tasting, it’s usually sold out. My luck seems to be changing because I finally managed to snag tickets to their 30th-anniversary celebration, Burg & Beaujo with Baptiste Burrier ($65). Let’s listen to Love You Madly for this post.

Metrovino marked its 30th anniversary alongside its longstanding relationship with the family behind Château de Beauregard. For decades, its wines occupied a significant place on Metrovino’s shelves. Helping celebrate the occasion was Baptiste Burrier of Château de Beauregard, whose family has cultivated vineyards in southern Burgundy for 17 generations. I wanted to speak with Baptiste, but I didn’t know what to say to a 17th-generation winemaker.

Divine Offering and I were greeted by Isaiah, who explained the structure of the standup event, pointing to three stations and a bodaciously loaded cheese station. He mentioned that Richard would be at the back station showcasing all the wines.

Curiously, I noticed that throughout the evening, whenever someone mentioned Richard’s name, their intonation gave special emphasis. And throughout the evening, everyone seemed to defer to him. Richard, as I later discovered, is one of the founders of Metrovino.

This was also my first time in the store. It’s larger than it appears from the outside, with high ceilings. There are so many aisles, it felt like a corn maze, but with wine. Throughout the evening, Divine Offering and I had fun playing peek-a-boo.

There were 13 wines to try throughout the evening. We moseyed over to the white wine station. I spoke to Sarah, and she explained that Beauregard Mâcon-Solutré-Pouilly was aged in previously used oak barrels, which adds texture and softness without the pronounced oak flavours of new barrels. The result is a wine that feels richer and fresher.

When I tried wine #4, Harvey Davidson Pouilly-Fuissé Les Murgers, a new wine term entered my vocabulary: appellation. An appellation is a legally defined wine-growing area with rules on how the wine is made. The Burrier family owns vineyards in several appellations.

At the next table, I recognized Al Drinkle, the aptly named partner at Metrovino. I’ve been a big fan of his essays ever since I stumbled on his article, The Price of Chinese Food.

In his section, I tried #6, the 2024 La Rochette Bourgogne Pinot Noir Montagne de Cra. Al called this wine a good chugger. I enjoyed how the wine danced on my tongue. I bought a bottle.

Al described #7, the La Rochette Beaujolais-Villages “La Verchère” as a mindblowing sipping wine. He likened the wine’s simplicity and drinkability to a good pizza, contrasting it to the layered complexity of a Michelin-starred dish.

I finally met Richard when I sampled #9, the Harvey Davidson Chiroubles Saint-Roch. This was one of Richard’s favourite wines, as was mine. I found it a touch sweet and really fun to drink. I couldn’t leave without two bottles.

Eva poured me a taste from what appeared to be a double magnum of #10, the Beauregard Moulin-à-Vent Clos des Perelles. This wine was juicy and pleasurable to sip. I would have bought a bottle if they had any in stock.

After this tasting, Richard stepped away to make a speech. The room was so packed that I couldn’t see him from the back. All I could make out was that he was perched high above the crowd, possibly standing on a ladder or table.

Richard spoke about the honour of having Baptiste Burrier attend, Metrovino’s longstanding relationship with the Burrier family, and his admiration for Château de Beauregard. I noticed the way the audience looked up at him. There was a genuine sense of respect and affection. It reminded me, at least in my imagination, of students looking toward Professor Dumbledore in the book series, Harry Potter.

A staff member then encouraged everyone to grab something to eat, stay hydrated between wines, and, if needed, let them arrange a safe ride home.

When Richard returned to his station, I tried #12 Joseph Burrier Juliénas Beauvernay. It was so gulpable, I brought home two bottles. He shared an interesting perspective on this wine and Beaujolais in general.

Beaujolais is often enjoyed young for its fresh, fun and juicy qualities. However, he pointed out that Beaujolais from recognized, high-quality wine-growing areas, such as this Juliénas, can also benefit from aging.

Juliénas is an appellation known for producing wines with greater depth and aging potential. He noted that as the wine ages, those fruity notes give way to more savoury flavours. By drinking Beaujolais only when it’s young, you’re missing out on another side of what it has to offer.

If this was my introduction to Metrovino tastings, I can already tell it won’t be my last. I’ll be back.

For a regularly updated list of tastings and special events, visit my Calgary Wine Tastings & Events Guide.

Burg & Beaujo with Baptiste Burrier Tasting

Here is the complete line-up and the prices offered, and the 15% discount offered that evening. An asterisk (*) denotes the wines I purchased.

1) 2024 La Rochette Macon-Milly Lamartine Montagne de Cra ($41 → $34.85)

2) 2022 Beauregard Mâcon-Solutré-Pouilly ($44 → $37)

3) 2023 Beauregard Pouilly-Fuissé ($60 → $51)

4) 2023 Harvey Davidson Pouilly-Fuissé Les Murgers ($63 → $53.55)

5) 2022 Beauregard Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Vers Cras ($85 → $72.25)

*6) 2024 La Rochette Bourgogne Pinot Noir Montagne de Cra ($43 → $36.55)

7) 2023 La Rochette Beaujolais-Villages “La Verchère” ($31 → $26.35)

8) 2024 Joseph Burrier Saint-Amour Côte de Besset ($45 → $38.25)

**9) 2023 Harvey Davidson Chiroubles Saint-Roch ($41 → $34.85)

10) 2023 Beauregard Moulin-à-Vent Clos des Perelles (N/A)

11) 2021 Beauregard Moulin-à-Vent La Salomine ($63 → $53.55)

**12) 2022 Joseph Burrier Juliénas Beauvernay ($42 → $35.70)

*13) 2019 Beauregard Fleurie Colonie de Rochegres ($46 → $39.10)

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Tenuta I Collazzi Wine Tasting at Eau Claire Athletic Club

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It doesn’t take much to convince me to attend a wine tasting. So when food-and-beverage manager Robert Jewell emailed members about a new wine club at the Eau Claire Athletic Club, I clicked yes. For this post, let’s listen to Via con me.

For our first official tasting ($25), Luigi Perri and Bernard Pearson, co-owners of First Choice Cellars, introduced us to the wines of Tenuta I Collazzi, a historic Tuscan estate near Florence, owned by the Marchi family since 1933. At the heart of the property stands Villa I Collazzi, a Renaissance villa said to have hosted notable guests over the years, including King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Art lovers may recognize another connection. The villa’s design is attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Renaissance master behind David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The estate produces a range of Tuscan wines under the Collazzi label, which was the focus of the evening’s tasting.

Wine 1: Otto Muri (2023) IGT Toscana

The first wine we tried was Otto Muri (2023) IGT Toscana. Luigi described “pineapple, minerality, and soft acidity,” stating it was a “very pleasant, crisp and clean white wine.” Members can purchase this wine through Robert for $28.

‘Toscana’ means the wine was produced in Tuscany. IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, a classification that identifies where a wine comes from and offers winemakers more flexibility than some of Italy’s stricter wine rules, including Tuscany’s. Many of Tuscany’s famous Super Tuscans are wines that broke with tradition and are labelled IGT because they blend Sangiovese with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Wine 2: Bastioni (2022) Chianti Classico D.O.C.G.

The second wine we tried was the Bastioni (2022) Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. The Bastioni was fuller in flavour, due to the addition of Merlot. Luigi detected plum, blackberry, and vanilla, with some soft acidity. Chew Steel tasted sour cherries. This wine retails for around $30. The wine is available to members through Robert for $27.

D.O.C.G. stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, which is Italy’s highest traditional wine designation. It indicates that a wine comes from a specific region and has met strict regulations governing production, origin, and quality before being released for sale.

Wine 3: Liberta (2022)

I enjoyed the third wine, the Liberta (2022), which Luigi called a baby Super Tuscan. The wine is aged in brand-new oak barrels. He described dark, intense berry notes, vanilla, soft tannins and acidity. This wine was Chew Steel’s favourite of the evening. Of the first three wines, this is the one I’d pick.

Luigi explained that acidity in wine is good when eating because it makes you salivate, which opens your taste buds so you taste more. I found Liberta smooth and easy to sip. No surprise, this wine is a hot seller by the glass at restaurants. Expect to pay between $30 and $37 retail. Robert is offering Liberta to members for $27. Bernard noted that in the United States, the retail cost is $50 US. For the ballers out there, you can buy this baby in a double magnum, which is a four-litre bottle ($250), for your next dinner party, through Robert.

Wine 4: Super Tuscan, Collazzi Toscana (2021)

Ding, ding, ding! The last wine was my favourite, the Super Tuscan, Collazzi Toscana (2021). Collazzi Toscana is made entirely from Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. There is no Sangiovese. Silky and beautifully balanced, this is the wine I’d buy by the case.

Luigi described this wine as having a massive body and a little bitterness, like biting into a grape seed. Bernard mentioned that most of the Collazzi Toscana ends up in Switzerland due to the demand for the wine. Expect to pay $80 or more per bottle. Through the wine club, members can purchase Collazzi Toscana for $60.

For anyone looking to stock their cellar, Luigi and Bernie have extended a special offer to members. Purchase five cases of Bastioni, Liberta, or Collazzi through Robert, and they’ll include a complimentary 3L bottle of Liberta, which is the equivalent of four standard bottles of wine.

I certainly don’t need five cases myself, but I’d happily go in on a group order with a few friends. Then we’d have the perfect excuse to crack open a double magnum and celebrate.

Upcoming event: 1996 First Growth Bordeaux

I learned a lot during the tasting. The most practical takeaway was Luigi’s advice to open the wines about 45 minutes before serving to allow them to breathe and fully express themselves. The most expensive lesson is that Eau Claire Athletic Club is co-hosting a tasting of 1996 First Growth Bordeaux.

For those of us who are new to the wine world, ‘First Growth’ doesn’t refer to how grapes grow. The term comes from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which ranks Bordeaux’s top estates into different tiers. First Growth is the highest rank, reserved for a handful of wineries that have maintained their prestige for more than 170 years.

1996 First Growth Bordeaux Tasting

The lineup includes all five First Growth estates: Château Haut-Brion ($1,300), Château Lafite Rothschild ($2,000), Château Latour ($1,600), Château Margaux ($1,700), and Château Mouton Rothschild ($1,500). These wines are being offered at prices well below what you would typically pay on today’s market, assuming you can find them.

Luigi and Bernard explained that opportunities like this are uncommon. Beyond their rarity, these wines are among the most celebrated bottles in the world from one of Bordeaux’s great vintages. Few people ever get the opportunity to taste all five First Growths side by side, let alone from the same celebrated vintage.

Contact

The event is open to both members and guests. If you’re interested in attending or learning more, feel free to reach out through my blog, and I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

For a regularly updated list of tastings and special events, visit my Calgary Wine Tastings & Events Guide.

Cheap Eats · Chinatown · Chinese · Dim Sum · Restaurants

U & Me Calgary Review: Cantonese Dim Sum in Chinatown

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Boss Lady and Ludwig invited me out for dim sum at U & Me, their go-to spot in Chinatown. Inviting someone there for the first time always leads to confusion.

“Want to go to U & Me?”

“You and me? What do you mean? Go where?”

“No, U & Me is the restaurant.”

“Oh.”

As I walked up the stairs, I noticed soothing spa music playing in the background. Let’s listen to some similar music for this post.

It had been years since my last visit to U & Me, and I was surprised to see the restaurant redecorated. Pink blossoms and lanterns hung from the ceiling.

Lo and behold, when I was shown to my table, I ran into my old colleague, Office Dad. It felt oddly appropriate introducing Office Dad to my actual dad, Ludwig. After a studied glance, Office Dad declared that I looked exactly like my mother, Boss Lady. My mother and I warily observed each other.

Boss Lady always orders too much. We picked six dishes: Meat & Peanut Dumpling ($6.55), Shrimp BBQ Pork Rice Roll ($6.95), Shrimp Leek Dumpling ($6.55), Chinese Donut Rice Roll ($7.55) Vegetarian Bean Curd Roll ($6.95), Gai lan / Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce ($10.95), and Beef Soy Sauce Flat Noodles / Chow Fun ($14.25). A nice perk, U & Me serves tea free of charge.

The first dish to arrive was the beef chow fun. Ludwig noted there was a generous amount of beef, and he was right. I was surprised by the number of large slices scattered across the noodles. The noodles were slick and glossy, generously coated in soy sauce. The beef was both chewy and tender. I would order this again.

As a vegetarian, Ludwig was assured by Boss Lady that she would only serve him the vegetables and noodles. At my mother’s encouragement, I spooned some into his bowl. He immediately scowled and accused me of slipping in an offensive piece of beef.

Unmoved by my cries of being falsely accused, he waited for a second opinion. My mother came to my defence and poked through the noodles in his bowl, confirming there was no meat. Ludwig nodded, satisfied by her verdict. I decided from then on that he could get his own damn noodles.

I liked the Chinese doughnut dish, particularly the contrast between the crunchy doughnut, the soft, chewy centre, and the silky rice noodle sheets. The real pop of flavour comes from the sauces, a peanut-based sauce and hoisin, which add sweet or nutty notes to every mouthful. This dish is a winner.

The gai lan arrived next, the leaves and stems cooked through, soft and saturated from the garlic sauce. I would have preferred the greens with more of a bite, like Central Grand’s version.

The white rice wrapper in the shrimp and pork rolls was wrinkly thin. I enjoyed the meaty cubes of char sui, though I found the shrimp extra salty. Surprisingly, the shrimp and pork roll tasted even better the next day.

The peanut and pork dumplings are usually one of my favourite dishes, but this time I found one part of the filling mushy. That said, the wrapper remained pleasantly firm, and the peanuts added a satisfying crunch.

The shrimp and chive dumplings contained crunchy shrimp with a satisfying snap. The chives added a pleasant herby savouriness to the filling, a nice change from the plain old shrimp haw gow.

I couldn’t help but marvel at my dad’s appetite. For such a skinny man, he can really pack the food away. When he reached for another Chinese doughnut, I lifted the plate toward him, as it was across the table.

Boss Lady complained that I was causing more trouble than I was helping, and to let him get it himself. I glanced over at Ludwig, expecting some reaction, but his expression never changed. Completely unfazed, he happily speared another piece of gai lan and carried on eating.

Ludwig’s favourite dish was the vegetarian bean curd. The exterior was crisp and crunchy, while the inside was packed with wood ear mushrooms and carrots, giving it plenty of texture. I enjoyed the process of dipping the bean curd into its accompanying soy sauce, the mustard, and the red sauce. I would order this dish again.

The service at U & Me was efficient. Our tea was regularly refilled, and extras like red and yellow mustard, takeout boxes (25 cents each), and a bag arrived promptly when asked. The food was hot, fresh, and well-priced. It’s easy to see why U & Me remains popular with my parents and the downtown office crowd.

Looking for more restaurants and longtime Calgary favourites? I keep a running list of spots worth revisiting.

Bars/Lounges · Wine tasting

Juice Imports at Unfiltered Wine Bar: Testalonga, Jochen Beurer, and Cirelli

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I saw on Instagram that Mark Couillard from Juice Imports was showcasing three wines from their portfolio at Unfiltered Wine Bar. I immediately texted Divine Offering to see if she wanted to go. Lucky for me, she’s always game for my pour decisions. Let’s listen to Passin Me By for this post.

I arrived early. Too tired to walk or shop, I figured I would get a glass of wine and do a little reading. At the door, I was welcomed by one of the owners, Haafiz Hasham, who introduced himself. His partner and wife, Nina, was at the bar.

I ordered a glass of La Spinetta Il Rosé di Casanova ($13 HH, Reg $17), which was on happy hour. The rosé was pleasing, light, a tiny bit tart, with a finish that left no aftertaste. Haafiz pointed to the notes of tangerine and said it tasted like peach iced tea.

When Divine Offering arrived, we ordered Mark’s wine flights ($32), which consisted of 3 oz pours of Testalonga ‘Keep on Punching’ (Swartland, South Africa), Cirellli ‘Orange’ (Abruzzo, Italy) and Jochen Beurer ‘A Nice Red Wine’ (Wurttemberg, Germany). Mark walked us through each tasting.

Testalonga is one of Juice Imports’ longest-running producers. Mark described the environment at Testalonga’s farm as dry, arid, and desert-like. He mentioned that the chenin blanc was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel, which imparted freshness and minerality to the wine. Mark noted the soft fruitiness and characteristics of green apple, white peach, and chamomile. The wine smelled like juicy fruit to me.

The second wine, Cirelli’s ‘Orange’, opened with a beautiful floral fragrance. Divine Offering said it smelled like orange blossom. Mark’s tasting notes were orange blossom, dried apricot, orange marmalade and almond. He mentioned ‘Orange’ flies off the shelves. I liked that it felt distinctive without being difficult to drink. Divine Offering said it was the most approachable wine of the evening.

I asked Mark who was carrying Circelli. He paused to think and confirmed Vine Arts, which is only five blocks away from Unfiltered Wine Bar. I called the store immediately and found out there were just five bottles left at $37 each. I asked them to hold the remaining for us, which we picked up after the tasting.

The last wine, Jochen Beurer’s ‘A Nice Red Wine,’ was a little dry yet surprisingly punchy. Mark pointed out that the pale colour didn’t match the wine’s intensity. The tasting notes were ‘tart cherry, raspberry, strawberry, earthy’. At $18 a glass and $81 a bottle, this was Beurer’s entry-level wine. That was the moment I realized their top bottles likely belong to a different tax bracket than mine. Mark was especially excited that the label artwork was created by Calgary artist Katie Green. I’m a fan of her work, having seen her murals around Calgary’s East Village.

It was a fun evening. I’m glad Unfiltered Wine Bar hosts these events with Juice Imports. It gives me the opportunity to try new wines and learn a little more about Juice Imports’ portfolio.

Chinese · Restaurants · Seafood

Emerald Garden Calgary: Garlic Lobster and Cantonese Comfort Food

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I took my parents and in-laws to Emerald Garden for an early Mother’s Day dinner. I preordered the lobster a day ahead, knowing it’s my mother, Boss Lady, favourite dish. This was my third visit, and somehow the food keeps getting better. Let’s listen to Mom by Meghan Trainor.

Though we arrived right at 5:00 p.m., the parking lot was already packed. Inside, the room felt pleasantly old-school, the kind of Chinese restaurant that hasn’t changed much since it first opened, likely back in the 80s.

Our round table had a spinning lazy Susan in the centre. Throughout the evening, I noticed most of the dining room was filled with Asian families, usually a reliable sign that the food is good.

I ordered tea for my parents while Chew Steel and I drank a Heineken ($7.95). Bobbino ordered a gin martini ($7.95), and G-Mah a Coke Zero ($2.95). Glasses of ice water were already waiting at the table when we arrived. Our server brought out complimentary broth to start the meal.

I find the pacing at Chinese restaurants intense. The food comes out of the kitchen fast and rarely in measured courses. Usually, the meal starts with soup, a platter of cold cuts and jellyfish, maybe Peking duck. Then suddenly, the rest of the dishes hit the table all at once. Growing up, and even now, I always found myself slightly panicking. Especially when we had guests over, as my mother would order me to serve food onto their plates, all the while the lazy Susan spins nonstop in every direction. By the time I finished serving one person, another dish arrives.

The first dish after the soup was the Garlic Lobster ($79). The lobster meat was sweet and bouncy, coated in chili, salt, pepper, and crisp bits of fried garlic. I much prefer this style over the heavy cream sauce versions. The chef also did a good job chopping the lobster into manageable pieces, making it surprisingly easy to eat.

Initially, I was annoyed when Boss Lady insisted we order lobster instead of crab. She was right. Lobster is far easier to eat. The meat slips out cleanly, so you don’t have to fight for every bite. I’d absolutely order this again.

The Stir-fried Snow Peas with Minced Garlic ($24.95) were bright green and perfectly cooked, tender but still lightly crunchy. The minced garlic added just enough punch without overpowering the peas’ delicate flavour. My parents especially loved this dish, and it was the first time G-Mah and Bobbino had tried snow peas prepared this way.

The Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab ($28.95) had a rich, savoury coating that was almost dusty and dry on the palate, similar to Parmesan cheese. The batter itself tasted deeply seasoned and buttery from the salted egg yolk. It’s a solid dish, though quite heavy after a few pieces. Next time, I’d probably order another seafood dish that isn’t deep-fried. Bobbino was especially impressed with the quality of the seafood.

The House Special Fried Noodles ($18.95) came loaded with char siu, small shrimp, and vegetables over a nest of crispy fried noodles. Some noodles stayed crunchy, while others softened as they soaked up the savoury translucent sauce. My parents were initially surprised by how saucy the dish was, but ended up really liking it. A winner in my books.

The Braised E-Fu Noodles ($17.95) was ordered for Ludwig, since it was one of the vegetarian options on the menu. I liked the soft, springy egg noodles and the juicy slices of Chinese mushroom. Next time, I might just get him the vegetable fried noodles instead. Or better yet, maybe my mom can help translate so we can request tofu or something a little more customized from the kitchen.

The Ginger Fried Beef ($18.95) was ordered for Chew Steel and Bobbino, as I’ve never really been a ginger beef fan myself. Still, I tried a piece. The beef was crunchy and heavily coated in a sticky-sweet sauce. G-Mah noticed the dishes weren’t nearly as drenched in sauce as the versions served at the other Chinese restaurants she usually frequents. Boss Lady said she preferred ginger beef over sweet and sour pork.

The Salt and Pepper Eggplant ($20.95) featured thick slices of eggplant with a smooth, custardy interior beneath a light tempura-style batter. The coating tasted clean and crisp, like the oil was fresh. Simple but very well executed. This was Ludwig’s favourite dish. I would get this again.

Our server also brought out complimentary mango pudding for dessert, a light ending to the meal. My parents enjoyed the feast so much that I already promised to bring them back for Father’s Day. My recommendation is to dine in rather than order takeout, as the food really shines when it arrives fresh from the kitchen. Hitting the Sauce gives Emerald Garden two phat thumbs up.

Looking for more restaurants and longtime Calgary favourites? I keep a running list of spots worth revisiting.

Mediterranean · Restaurants · Special Occasion · Steakhouse

Park By Sidewalk Citizen: Avenue’s 2026 Mediterranean Runner-Up

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August 2026 update: Avenue Calgary readers named Park By Sidewalk Citizen a runner-up in the city’s Best Mediterranean Restaurants category for 2026.

Kournikova, Betty, Québécoise and I met up at my house before dinner. We started the evening with a bottle of Roza Petsovits by Franz Weninger. Kournikova took one sip and let out a pent up sigh, declaring she enjoyed it just as much as she had at Weninger’s tasting at Vine Arts. She recalled Franz saying he doesn’t make wine for taste, but for feeling. Judging from how much we drank, I’d say we were all feeling pretty good. Let’s listen to Amour Plastique for this post.

For dinner, I suggested Park by Sidewalk Citizen. Kournikova cares about the quality of meat, and Park offers three specialty plates: Cultured Heritage Chicken ($65), Beeswax Dry-Aged Lamb ($85), and Aged Alberta AAA Beef Three Ways ($115). Betty always orders beef tartare, dessert, and pasta, all of which Park does well. Québécoise gravitates toward vegetables, and Park offers seven options. Everyone agreed, though Kournikova reminded me we still need to try IBU next.

Our gallant server, Russ, greeted us enthusiastically and presented us with three table options. Québécoise immediately chose the side booth table and remarked that she appreciated being given a choice. I noticed Russ offering the same option to other guests as well. The right table shapes the entire experience.

Québécoise, who has a professional eye for design, admired the plywood walls for their rough beauty and unexpected complexity. She said the entire room was exceptionally well done. Coming from her, that’s high praise.

The owner came over to say hello. I recognized her from the media buzz surrounding Guy Fieri’s visit. She asked whether we were celebrating anything special. I told her we were celebrating friendship. So corny, but true.

We started with cocktails and later, a bottle of Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, France ($85). We also ordered a lot of food: Shrimp ($21), Calamari ($16), Baby Kale ($18), Seared Cauliflower ($19), Parisian Gnocchi ($20), and the Aged Alberta Beef Three Ways. I wanted to try the dry-aged lamb, but no one else was interested. Kournikova told Betty to take the pictures before I could even ask. She knows me too well. Though I suspect her thoughtfulness had more to do with avoiding photography duties herself. I don’t blame her. That’s why I outsource.

I was surprised by how much I liked the baby kale salad. The kale was small, delicate, and tender. Fat dark-red sour cherries burst with juice, while the pecans added a delicate crunch. I didn’t find the figs overly sweet, and the ricotta brought balance and creaminess to the dish. I would order this again.

The fan favourite was the shrimp. I loved the red sauce and the polenta underneath, slick with some sort of oil. I usually don’t like polenta, but Park’s version was damn fine. The shrimp were massive, crunchy, seasoned with guanciale, chili, and garlic.

I was most interested in trying the calamari. Park’s version was different from what I’m accustomed. I noticed heat from the berbere, which is an East African spice blend commonly used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cooking. The ringlets and curly pieces of squid lay over a pretty backdrop of white labneh and cucumbers.

Kournikova, Betty, and Québécoise all declared the cauliflower their favourite vegetable dish of the night. The plate featured at least half a dozen large florets, seasoned with brown butter, harissa, labneh, and sesame. Despite the deep sear, the cauliflower retained its shape and texture. While I enjoyed it, I was even more impressed by the fried Brussels sprouts.

The Brussels sprouts were firm and slightly sweet from the sauce. The pork cheeks were crispy, and when you bit into one, you’d get a hot burst of rich, rendered pork fat. My friends all noticed the luscious, herbaceous green sauce coating the sprouts. I would order this again.

I thought the steak was even better than the last time I tried the aged Alberta AAA beef three-ways. I liked the contrast between the soft, chewy centre of the 21-day dry-aged striploin and the luscious cap of fat along the edge. The 45-day tallow-aged short rib seemed especially tender and rich. Québécoise enjoyed the spice on the steak, along with the onions, which were still crunchy and lightly pickled.

By the end of the meal, we still had four large pieces of steak, some gnocchi, and a quarter of the Brussels sprouts left. Kournikova observed that we had over-ordered, and everyone insisted I take the leftovers home.

Chef Stefan Gusztak came by near the end of the meal to say hello. We follow each other on Instagram, and I guess he recognized me, something that never happens to me. He also surprised us with dessert, a thoughtful gesture that was entirely unnecessary but very much appreciated. Unfortunately, the photo I took does not do it justice.

Kournikova noted that the house-made Turtles ice cream ($10) wasn’t as dense as she expected. Instead, it was lighter, colder, and creamier. My eyes nearly rolled into the back of my head as it melted across my tongue. The daily doughnut ($7) was such a wholesome treat, reminding me of elementary school hot-dog-and-doughnut day, except infinitely better. The cool custard filling wasn’t overly sweet, balanced by the sweeter chocolate layer on top. Without question, it was the dough that made it so special. It was light and clean tasting, without any oily heaviness.

This was my second visit, and I stand by what I wrote in my earlier post. Park by Sidewalk Citizen is where I’d take out-of-town guests to show off Alberta beef. The beautiful solarium matches the calibre of the cooking, while the service and hospitality are bar none. Hitting the Sauce gives Park by Sidewalk Citizen two phat thumbs up.

Want more dinner spots worth dressing up for? I keep a running list of Calgary’s best date night restaurants.

Bars/Lounges · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Crazyweed Canmore Review: Happy Hour and Mountain Views

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On our way back from Banff, I suggested we stop at Crazyweed in Canmore. The last time I ate there was probably around 2010. Back then, having moved from Vancouver, I found Calgary’s restaurant scene underwhelming. Chew Steel insisted I simply wasn’t going to the right places. Early in our relationship, he introduced me to restaurants like Wa’s Japanese, Petite, and Crazyweed. Let’s listen to Espresso for this post.

I tried to make reservations, but everything between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. was booked, likely because happy hour runs daily from 2-5 p.m., with 50% off drinks and 25% off appetizers. An employee initially asked if we were okay sitting at the bar. I was disappointed, but I said yes. She paused, then offered us a table with a view instead, explaining she would need it back by 3:30 p.m. for another reservation. We assured her we’d be gone within the hour.

I was thrilled with our table. The oversized leather chair overlooked the mountains and was comfortable enough to settle into for the hour. The blue and brown room was filled with large, healthy tropical plants, giving the space a relaxed energy.

On the menu, I noticed bottles priced around $50, with many more in the $60 range, making this a surprisingly affordable place to share wine. I was impressed with the wine program, particularly because the list was written in layman’s terms. I’m not at the point where I can scan a wine list and instantly understand the selections. However, I can read. Below is the menu’s description of the Kir Yianni 2022 Naoussa Cuvée Villages Xinomavro, a wine our server recommended:

Vibrant red + black fruit on the nose w/ aromas of strawberries, cherries + plums. A crisp & forward mouthfeel with delicate notes of sweet spices and tobacco, full body with good acidity and smooth tannins that add structure and lead to a pleasant finish. Distinctions Cold Medal 95 points, the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025!

We shared three appetizers: the Pickle Brined Fried Chicken (HH $18, Regular $26), the Burrata (HH $19.50, Regular $26), and the Beef Tartare (HH $20.24, Regular $27).

The first dish we tried was the beef tartare, made with Alberta Sterling Silver tenderloin. I enjoyed the cool, creamy richness of the beef and its soft, slightly chewy texture. The tartare was well-balanced, seasoned with curry leaf aioli, crispy capers, and lemon zest. My wine (HH $10, reg. $20) seemed to bring out the dish’s black pepper notes. Crazyweed does one of the better beef tartares I’ve had in a while.

Divine Offering’s favourite dish of the afternoon was the pickle-brined fried chicken. The lemon and butterleaf help cut into the richness of the hot, crunchy chicken and the decadence of the garlic aioli. Absolutely scrumptious. I would get the fried chicken again.

I find burrata is either a hit or a miss. There are so few ingredients that if anything is off, the whole dish fails. This version was a winner. The grilled crostini was toothsome yet crunchy, the ideal backdrop to the cool, clean softness of the white cheese and fresh tomato. I loved the occasional pop of salt. Everything turned luscious once the bread was dredged through the green oil.

The food was so good we ate in silence, chewing slowly to stretch out the meal for as long as possible. I made a mental note to return to Canmore for Crazyweed alone. Hitting the Sauce gives Crazyweed two phat thumbs up.

Want more travel recommendations? I keep a running collection of restaurant and travel guides organized by city.

Bars/Lounges · Special Occasion · Sushi

Fairmont Banff Springs: Is Fairmont Gold Worth It?

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After 16 years in Calgary, Banff remains my favourite place to disappear for a weekend. Last Halloween, Divine Offering and I had planned a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, but I had to cancel at the last minute. We finally made it out in late April. For this travel post, let’s listen to I Ain’t Worried by OneRepublic.

My sister-in-law suggested booking Fairmont Gold, the hotel-within-a-hotel upgrade. It gives you access to a dedicated lounge for breakfast, snacks, and evening canapés. There’s also a separate entrance and a team to help you with your stay.

With shoulder-season pricing, rooms were at their lowest of the year. A double queen-size Gold room was around $700 (Alberta resident rate) while a basic non-Gold room hovered around $400. In peak season, those rates easily double. Daily charges also included the Resort Experience Fee ($65), the Room Tourism Fee ($15.29), valet parking ($60), and the Alberta Tourism Levy ($31.18).

The day before we left, a windstorm rolled into Calgary. The snow hadn’t started up yet, so we headed out early to stay ahead of it. If you’re driving to Banff, remember to pick up a Banff Pass ($49 for 2 days). You’ll need a pass even if your car stays parked at the hotel.

We arrived super early. The Fairmont Gold concierge team, Georgine and Katie, welcomed us and assured us they’d handle the luggage. Katie promised to text once the room was ready. When Georgine asked about our plans for the morning, I admitted I needed a moment to regroup before heading into town. She pointed us toward the Gold lounge and encouraged us to settle in with a bite to eat.

The Gold lounge is larger than I expected. A central kitchen anchors a table full of hot breakfast items. Separate stations offer coffee, tea, smoothies, and cold drinks. Breakfast spread across the central table includes eggs benny, hash browns, scrambled eggs, sausages, yogurt, oatmeal, bacon, baked goods, fruit, and smoked salmon. On the other side of the reception area, there’s an honour bar and more rooms to relax.

Just as we were about to leave, Katie texted to let us know they’d prioritized our room so I could rest before heading into town. She’d also moved us to a quieter section of the hotel for a better night’s sleep. It was a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Part of the appeal of staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs is getting to explore the historic castle itself. We started our morning with a wilderness walk alongside Lily, the hotel dog. She led us to Bow Falls, occasionally glancing back while I rested on a bench trying to catch my breath. I’ve never felt so judged by a dog. She was clearly unimpressed with my pace. After returning Lily, we headed into town for lunch.

I wanted to try Yama Onigiri, a small Japanese cafe. There are only two tables and a few stools to eat in. The majority of customers take out. I ordered the soup and onigiri combo ($14.99), which included a premium pork miso, a Hokkaido scallop onigiri, and a strawberry matcha with oat milk ($7.80). Divine Offering ordered the classic tuna onigiri ($7.50) and a mochi matcha tiramisu ($6.50).

The strawberry matcha is a must-order. The cool, jelly-like strawberry compote tasted like fresh, sweet strawberries. The matcha oat milk was grassy, clean and creamy. How good was this strawberry matcha? Better than a glass of wine. Coming from me, that’s high praise indeed.

The miso soup was served steaming hot. Though not large, it’s a hearty bowl, generously filled with firm white onions, bright orange carrots, and slices of stewed pork. I would order the soup again.

The warm rice in the Hokkaido scallop onigiri was perfectly chewy and buttery. The filling of dried scallops and bonito flakes was salty and deeply savoury. Despite its baseball size, I was still hungry and ordered a second one. I should have ordered a dessert instead. The rice in the second onigiri was noticeably mushier.

We spent the walk back browsing the shops along Banff Avenue, picking up small gifts for my parents, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. By the time we got back to the hotel, I was ready for a nap.

Our room was comfortable and, while not especially large, still felt spacious enough. I accidentally turned on the secondary shower spray and flooded part of the bathroom floor. One text from the Fairmont Gold team solved the problem almost immediately. Adam sent up a technician right away, and by the time we returned, the bathroom was spotless, stocked with fresh towels, and set up with a new bath mat.

That evening, we joined a history tour of the hotel led by Ben, a British expat. He walked us through the grand staircases, ballroom, and other historic spaces while explaining the hotel’s Scottish-inspired architecture. One of the most interesting parts of the tour was learning about the Canadian Pacific Railway and how the hotel was originally built to lure wealthy travellers west. There’s so much history tucked into the Banff Springs, and I liked that the hotel offered so many ways to experience it.

After our tour, we stopped by the Gold lounge for evening canapés. The spread included chicken wings, steak bites, salads, cheeses, and vegetables. The next evening featured pork ribs, shrimp skewers, and perogies with all the fixings. I also noticed my pinot noir ($14) from the honour bar cost two dollars less than the same glass at Rundle Bar, where we headed later for cocktails.

On Saturday, we signed up for a cocktail class ($60) on the second floor of Rundle Bar, led by Vincente. He taught us how to make three cocktails and shared practical techniques we could realistically use at home. At the end of the class, we were encouraged to sit back and finish our drinks beside the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Bow Valley and Mount Rundle. The views alone made the experience feel worth it.

Later that evening, we walked down the hill to Fire & Falls: Stories Around the Campfire, held outside the Waldhaus Pub. What a highlight. Ben was our guide again. While he took the other guests on a short wildlife walk, I stayed behind by the fire, wrapped in the smell of smoke, heat and cold mountain air. That’s when I spoke with Shawayne Dunston, an author and poet who kept me company beside the flames. At one point, he improvised a poem on the spot before recommending a stack of books he thought I’d enjoy reading.

When the group returned, we gathered around the crackling fire to roast marshmallows while Ben shared stories about wildlife in Banff. Long after the others drifted off for the evening, Divine Offering and I stayed behind beside the glowing embers and ended up in conversation with the CEO of Top Dish Inc. We had an interesting discussion on data, consumer behaviour, and customer service.

No stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs is complete without a visit to the hotel spa’s mineral pools ($125 for three hours). I could have booked a massage ($420 for 90 minutes), which would have included access to the pools, but since I already had one scheduled for the following Monday, I settled on the day pass instead.

Divine Offering and I spent Sunday morning moving between the indoor mineral pool, outdoor heated pool, whirlpools, sauna, and steam room. We finished the experience in the spa lounge, sipping tea and enjoying another sweeping view of the mountains. By the time we checked out, we both felt relaxed.

During the off-season, I think Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Banff Springs is absolutely worth it. Between the lounge access, thoughtful service, and the chance to slow down and appreciate the history, architecture, and atmosphere of the iconic castle-like hotel, the experience felt restorative. A special thank you to Georgine, Katie, Adam, Ben, Shawayne, Vincente, and the rest of the Fairmont Gold team for making the weekend feel so welcoming from start to finish.

Want more travel recommendations? I keep a running collection of travel and restaurant guides organized by city.

Disclaimer: I paid for all my expenses at Fairmont Banff Springs.

Greek · Restaurants

Calypso’s Greek Taverna Calgary Review: A Go-To Greek Spot

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On Sunday, Chew Steel and I met up with Captain M and Dr. V to their favourite Greek spot, Calypso’s Greek Taverna, just north of downtown Calgary. When we arrived, we noticed the restaurant’s sign now reads: Brunch Glory & Calypso’s Greek Taverna. It’s the same room, split across two services: brunch from 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., dinner from 4:00. p.m. –9:00 p.m. It’s a model I’m seeing more often in Calgary. Let’s listen to Opalite for this post.

Captain M booked us a booth near the back, facing the blue and white room. Jennifer, our server, set the tone early and set it high. She’d pause at our table with dishes on the way out, showcasing the bounty before it landed elsewhere. At one point, she floated by with a cinnamon dessert, letting the warm scent drift toward us.

We started with a bottle of Greek red wine ($44) and an order of dolmades ($16.95). For mains, Chew Steel chose the Surf and Turf Beef Tenderloin ($30.95), while Dr. V and I opted for the Lamb Souvlaki ($29.95). Captain M originally ordered the Chicken Souvlaki ($23.95), but at the last minute, he changed his mind and wanted the surf and turf.

Jennifer informed us the dolmades are house made, simmered in beef stock, and finished with a creamy sauce. The still steaming grape leaves gave easily under a knife, revealing plump, cigar-like parcels of ground beef and rice. The lemony sauce stayed light, while the garlic was extra pungent. This is a version worth ordering.

Our entrees came with a salad, and we all went with the Caesar. The dressing was cool and thick, smooth like whipped cream. The salad was built from the best parts of the romaine head: baby leaves with pale green ribs rather than the watery white cores. The ridged edges held onto the dressing, while the mini croutons delivered a dry crunch before dissolving on the tongue. This salad leans hard on garlic, so much that it lingered the next day.

The souvlaki arrived next, four white plates, each with a mound of rice, potatoes, and glistening vegetables, all built around a skewer. There was a small hiccup. When Captain M switched from chicken to surf and turf, Dr. V’s lamb came out as chicken instead. Chew Steel offered to take it, Captain M said he’d share, and Dr. V stated she was fine keeping it. I was the only one who didn’t offer a solution that involved giving up my lamb. Jennifer stepped in with a fix: Dr. V would eat the chicken, and a lamb skewer would follow shortly after.

The lamb kebabs slid easily off the skewer. The exterior had a light, slightly grassy edge while the center was cooked to medium rare. I liked how the silky centre was still pink and buttery smooth. I tried a piece of Chew Steel’s shrimp and sirloin. Compared to the lamb, the beef was tighter with a leaner chew. I prefer the tenderness and juiciness of lamb over beef. I would order the lamb again.

At the end of the meal, Jennifer sent over a large dessert to make up for the mix-up. It wasn’t necessary as Dr. V ended up with both lamb and chicken, plus lunch for the next day. But once the warm fragrance hit us, we weren’t about to refuse. The galaktoboureko, a phyllo-encased custard, finished our meal with restrained sweetness.

The food is worth returning, but it’s the way you’re looked after that stays with you days later. Our server, Jennifer, runs the room with a level of generosity and hospitality that changes the entire experience. If you’re thinking about what to do for Mother’s Day, Calpyso is hosting belly dancing and live music on May 15. Check it out. You won’t regret it.

For more date night options in Calgary, check out my list of where to book.

Banh Mi · Cheap Eats

Banh Mi Boy Calgary Review: A Late-Night Banh Mi Spot in Altadore

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I’d just finished my appointment when L floated the idea of lunch. I wasn’t in the mood to sit down anywhere, so I suggested takeout. There’s a new spot that opened up in Altadore, Banh Mi Boy. I’ve been creeping on their Google reviews for months. I’m skeptical of Google reviews, but seeing John Manzo and Chung Niem gave me pause. That was enough to seal the deal for me! Let’s listen to Fight for Your Right by the Beastie Boys.

Banh Mi Boy is a small, tidy shop, brightened by a colourful mural and hanging paper lanterns. It’s mostly takeout, though there are two small tables and a standing counter if you want to eat in. Street parking out front makes it easy to pull up and grab your food.

The woman taking my order had the vibe of an owner, clarifying, double-checking, and writing everything down. She pointed me to the Crackling Pork Belly Sub ($13.50), which John and Chung both flagged on Google, but I’ve been told to avoid fatty foods. I settled on an Assorted Cold Cut ($12.50) and a Beef Sate Sub ($12.50 + $1.50 for cheese) for Chew Steel. Five minutes, and I was out the door.

The beef satay sub came warm, a touch smaller than mine, likely from being toasted. Chew Steel picked up on the slow creep of spicy heat in the beef, set against light, crumbly bread. He doesn’t usually comment on my banh mi orders, but this time he said he’d come back, and that it beat Bake Chef’s sate beef sub.

My sub had three layers of cold cuts. It had a more natural texture than Thai Tai’s, though not as thick and rough as Saigon Deli’s. A stack of crunchy carrots, spicy jalapeños, and chunky cucumbers cut through the generous smear of rich brown pâté. The cucumbers tasted especially fresh. I would get this again.

Size-wise, these subs are bigger than Trung Nguyen and Kim Anh but not as heavy as My Tho BBQ. For the area, it’s priced well, and the owners are certainly generous when it comes to filling up the subs. Banh Mi Boy deserves bonus points for its mixed pickled vegetables, something you still see more consistently in Forest Lawn than this far southwest.

It took me a while to try Banh Mi Boy. Being in Altadore, I assumed the flavours might be dialled back, but I stand corrected. The shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, making it an easy late-night stop after a night out.

Update (June 2026): Added notes from a return visit to reassess the cold cut combo after my taste buds recovered.

I went back to try the cold cut combo again because my taste buds were still a little off on my previous visit. This time, I could better appreciate the pâté. Its dark brown colour and smooth texture are distinctive, though its savoury flavour remains a bit of a mystery to me. It’s familiar, rich, and hard to pin down. The generous spread was nicely balanced against a pile of ultra-crunchy carrots, cucumbers, and jalapeños. My only qualm is that I couldn’t tell whether the homemade mayonnaise was added. If it was, its flavour got lost among the other ingredients.

At $12.50 for a sandwich that’s nearly a foot long, it’s one of the best values in Altadore. Banh Mi Boy has earned a spot on my list of Calgary’s top bánh mì destinations.

Photo note: If the bánh mì in the photo above appears to be floating in mid-air, that’s because I edited out my hand. The original shot wasn’t particularly flattering, but the sandwich looked great.

Looking for more hidden gems? See my guide to the best bánh mì in Calgary.

Chinese · Vegetarian

Padmanadi: Vegan Takeout

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My father is back in town! To celebrate this joyous news, Chew Steel and I brought takeout to my parents’ house. I thought long and hard about where to order from and decided on Padmanadi, a vegan restaurant in Calgary’s Heritage / Kingsland area. Let’s listen to If You Leave by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for this post.

I’ve eaten from Padmanadi Restaurant and Eatery at work events. I still remember how shockingly delicious their faux chicken drumettes and satay skewers were in 2024. This was the first time Chew Steel and Boss Lady had ever eaten at a vegan restaurant.

I ordered noodles, the Kwetiau Goren ($19), Ginger Beef ($21), Curry Chicken ($22), Coconut Rice (four orders, $12), Mushroom Tofu ($18), Spicy and Savoury Eggplant ($18) and the Fried Enoki Mushrooms ($16). The prices were reasonable for the quantity and quality.

The employee on the phone recommended adding fried enoki mushrooms for texture. When probed, he responded that the mushrooms hold up really well in takeout containers. He’s correct. This dish did add a contrast to the softness of the curry and rice. Boss Lady stated she liked all the dishes, though she nibbled the most on the enoki mushrooms.

Chew Steel’s favourite dish was the ginger beef, made from soy beef strips. Ludwig noticed a meaty chew to the ginger soy, with strands that mimicked the toughness of flank steak. I reassured him it was not meat.

The flat rice noodles were slick and smooth, thick and chewy. There was a generous amount of mock meat, and crunchy strands of carrots and bok choy. Ludwig thought the noodles were superb. We all appreciated the spicy heat. The noodles are a winner.

I was especially impressed with the heavy coconut curry. The faux chicken even had ridges that reminded me of chicken breast texture. The vegetables still retained their freshness and shape. The rich sauce was beautifully absorbed by the fluffy coconut rice. I would get this again.

For me, the standouts were the noodles and the curry chicken. I also liked how the vegetables in all the dishes still had a clean bite. It’s no small feat to time them so precisely, especially for takeout. Even the snow peas snapped lightly, with a touch of sweetness.

Chew Steel remarked that all the dishes tasted distinct from each other. Neither he nor Boss Lady missed eating meat. Ludwig was overjoyed that he could eat everything, as he’s normally restricted by his diet. He went back for three rounds.

We’re already looking forward to our next meal. I’m thinking of adding soy beef redang, roti, and the sweet-and-sour ‘shrimp’ to our order. Thanks, Padmanadi you were a parental success! Hitting the Sauce gives Padmanadi two phat thumbs up.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Vine Arts Wine Tasting Calgary: Franz Weninger (Juice Imports) Review

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My friends Lululemon, Divine Offering, Kournikova, and 47 attended Juice Import’s special event ($60) with Franz Weninger, a winemaker from Austria and Hungary. We arrived at Vine Arts in Calgary’s Beltline District and were welcomed by Erik Mercier and Mark Couillard with a glass of Weinland White. Before I forget, let’s play a little music to go along with this post, Hospital by Sightlines.

We sat at the front of the tasting table closest to Franz. A semicircle of red wines, in varying red jewel hues, surrounded each of us. As we settled in, we nibbled on our cheese-and-meat platter from Peasant Cheese. Lululemon offered me her meat because she’s a vegetarian, and 47 later asked me if I wanted her tomato because she wryly noticed that I enjoyed mine a little too much. I was happy to be the recipient of their charity castoffs. I could taste the warmth of the sun in the sweet tomato. Peasant Cheese uses the best produce on its boards.

Franz wineries were built on his father’s organic farm by converting the estate to biodynamic farming, a practice that treats the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem to enhance soil and plant well-being. I usually find wine knowledge dry, but he has a Harry Potter way of talking about biodynamics that, well, is lumos!

Right off the bat, he stated he doesn’t like being asked about his favourite wines or to describe a wine’s characteristics. He believes that, as everyone has different tastes, it should be they who describe their experiences, not him. Franz identifies first and foremost as a farmer. He’d rather focus on making good wine, and for him, that begins with the land and seeking balance.

The first wine we sampled was the Rosza Petsovits (Vine Arts discount: $31.48), a blend of Syrah, Blaufrankisch and Merlot. The vineyard was his grandmother’s. She was born in 1921, and he recalled she grew vegetables on the land. The plot was part of Hungary until it became Austria due to regional politics.

I felt energized after sipping this wine. There was a charge to it. I caught Kournikova and 47 looking at each other and nodding in approval. I made a mental note to snag a couple of bottles. I could see myself sipping on this on my patio in the summer.

The next wine, the Balf Kékfrankos (Vine Arts discount: $32.09), caught me off guard. One sip and it opened into something piney, almost forest-like. The Sankt Laurent and Pinot Noir grapes are grown on limestone in Austria, and the Syrah is grown in Hungary. The grapes are grown at a lower altitude in warmer conditions than in the next wine, the Hochaker Blaufrankisch. I bought a bottle.

We compared the Balf to the Hochacker Blaufrankish, which is grown at a higher altitude with colder temperatures, producing a darker wine with more power. I found this wine acidic and thought it paired well with the hard cheese.

The Kirchholz Blaufrankisch (Vine Arts discount: $49.05) was so good, I had to buy a bottle. I found this wine super smooth. We learned it comes from a single vineyard from one of his most prized sites, land once owned by the Church. The 50- to 80-year-old vines grow on stony topsoil.

My favourite bottle was the Saybritz Blaufrankisch (Vine Arts discount: $67.04). I can’t describe the flavour, but I can feel the love in this wine. The land once belonged to Franz’s great-aunt in a northern part of Austria, who grew fruit and vegetables. The 55-year-old vines lie on blue-green slate, under a topsoil of calcareous clay. The plot is so tiny, no machine works the land, and it’s even too small for a horse. I bought a bottle for my friends and me to enjoy.

Next up was the Steiner Kékfrankos. This one felt different right away, impressive and silky. Franz spoke about the long process of learning how to draw the best from his land. Limestone, concrete, and wood all play their part, but for him the real question is where to draw the line between intervention and letting the land speak.

The last wine was the Kalkofen Blaufrankisch. This wine really woke up my taste buds. I found it heavy yet smooth. Kournikova said she could taste smokiness.

Erik peeked in as we were wrapping up. I asked if any of Franz’s wines were available, as I know they’re often sold out. He paused, then said there were only a few bottles of each, though we could order more through Vine Arts.

I immediately reached over and grabbed four from Franz’s tasting display. Someone in the back called out that his credit card was ready too, and it wasn’t fair that I took them all. I pointed him to the shop floor and said there were more there. I don’t go to Juice Imports tastings to make friends. I bring my own.

I was chatting with Jesse, the owner of Vine Arts, and asked if anything else was tucked away. He found one more Rosza Petsovits. Forty-seven clearly wanted it, and since I already had two, I passed it over. Lululemon commended my generosity. I agreed. My good deed for the day was accomplished.

This wine tasting was bittersweet because I had plans to visit Austria with Juice Imports in 2026 with Lululemon and Divine Offering. Unfortunately, our trip was cancelled due to unforeseen obstacles. Thank you, Franz and Juice Imports, for bringing that Austrian / Hungarian magic to Calgary! Hitting the Sauce gives Franz Weninger and his land two phat thumbs up.

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.

Mediterranean · Restaurants · Special Occasion · Steakhouse

Park by Sidewalk Citizen Calgary: Aged Alberta AAA Beef Three Ways

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August 2026 update: Avenue Calgary readers named Park By Sidewalk Citizen a runner-up in the city’s Best Mediterranean Restaurants category for 2026.

Five Stars was in Calgary for 24 hours. After reading Elizabeth Chooney-Booth’s praise for Park by Sidewalk Citizen’s aged Alberta beef platter in the Calgary Herald, I booked a reservation. Let’s listen to Gymnopédie No.1 for this post.

This is the second time I’ve ever eaten at Park by Sidewalk Citizen and this experience was the exact opposite. Our server, Phil, showed us a private corner in the solarium. The room itself is beautiful, filled with Calgary’s trademark sunlight and green plants.

We debated on ordering the beeswax Dry-Aged Lamb ($85), a dish Guy Fieri tried that is supposed to be killer. I told him when in Alberta, let’s go with the Aged Alberta AAA Beef, Three Ways ($115). We also added the Tabbouleh ($18) and Parisian Gnocchi ($20).

I’m off the sauce again, so I picked a Ginger-Fig Kombucha ($8) while Five Stars chose the Orange-Vanilla. The kombucha is fermented in-house for two weeks in an oak barrel, then carbonated again to make it bubbly. The orange-vanilla was sweeter than the ginger-fig. Five Stars thought he detected alcohol. I told him, forlornly, that there’s only a minimal amount of alcohol in kombucha, not enough to get you tipsy.

Five Stars described the texture of the gnocchi as a cross between a pillow and cotton candy, as it melted and clung to the roof of his mouth. Delighted, he mentioned he barely had to chew. The gnocchi, according to Five Stars, is a masterclass in how gnocchi should taste.

Crunching into the mushrooms was so sensual, as each meaty bite released a savoury juice. The 12-month Manchego and labneh added creamy butteriness and caramelized nuttiness, while the truffle came through mostly on the nose. The gnocchi was slightly salty, which worked. The dish was served piping hot. The portion was enough for two to split. If you are a larger group, order at least two plates to share. It’s that good.

Our beef platter showcased aged Alberta AAA beef three ways: 45-day tallow-aged short rib, 21-day dry-aged striploin, and 28-day-aged chuck. This should be Calgary’s national dish, not ginger beef. Each steak was its own composition, shaped by technique, flavour, and style. Phil discussed the process of tallow-aging the short rib for 45 days, but with my brain fog, I had difficulty understanding how dry-aging and tallow-aging shaped the flavour.

The short rib was beautifully sliced. The sensation of your teeth slicing through the tender meat was so pleasant that you slowed down, taking your time to chew and linger over each bite. Five Stars noted that the rib’s aftertaste was slightly wild, with a more complex beef flavour. It tasted unlike any steak I’ve had before.

We both loved eating the smoky charred shishito peppers and the pickled onions with the steak, as they just added another dimension. The peppers’ skin was papery-soft, and the innards weren’t too spicy. The shishito peppers were better than I had in Tokyo.

Next up was the 21-day, dry-aged sirloin. One piece had a nice crunch of white fat on the edge. Five Stars said it was what you expect when you order a steak. He regretted eating the short rib first, as it was so outstanding that anything else wouldn’t compare. I disagree. I enjoyed the firmer, cleaner, familiar taste of beef. It was interesting to switch between cuts for comparison.

The 28-day-aged, skewered chuck was a surprise winner, thin, silky, and lightly sweetened by the sauce, with a smoky grill flavour. I haven’t eaten at Shokunin in a while, and I would like to do a cross-comparison. I would order the chuck again.

Five Stars mentioned the tabbouleh was a good palate cleanser between the meats. I enjoyed the salad’s complexity. It was spicy from the jalapeños, cool from the crisp cucumbers, pungent from the red onions, and tangy from the room-temperature tomatoes.

Phil is not only well-versed in the menu and cooking process, but he is also sharp. We wondered out loud whether we were supposed to slice into the meat on the big bone or if it was just there for show. I suspect the latter. Phil handled it tactfully, turning what could have been awkward into something funny. If I were a manager for an upscale restaurant, I would poach him in a second.

This is easily one of the best restaurants in Calgary if you care about both food and room. When the cooking hits this hard and the service keeps pace, it’s hard to forget a meal like this. Hitting the Sauce gives Chef Gusztak and Phil two phat thumbs up.

Cheap Eats · Comfort food · Fast Food

Cluck N Cleaver Calgary: Worth It on SkipTheDishes?

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I still had a Skip the Dishes gift certificate from work, quietly begging to be used. A quick scroll through my options led me to Cluck N Cleaver in Calgary’s Beltline. I was surprised to see prices that rivalled fast food. Even better, the Skip markup was so minimal it barely mattered.

I’ve eaten here twice before, and each time the quality of the chicken has stood out. This is the kind of meat that actually fills you up, the opposite of the fleeting satisfaction you get from McDonald’s. I also noticed a few new additions, including under $10 light meals and Tuesday tender specials. For clarity, I’m listing pickup prices below. And before I forget, let’s listen to What’s On Your Mind by the Greyhounds.

The Boneless Bites ($9.25) come in at a generous 1/3 pound of dark meat. The coating is craggy, with a slightly crumbly finish that clings to the chicken in uneven, crunchy clusters. Inside, the meat is succulent and silky. If you’re a dark meat person, this is your lane. The honey mustard was solid, though it doesn’t dethrone the version at the Eau Claire Exchange, which is my gold standard.

The Chicken Tenders ($9.25) are equally substantial, four large pieces. The breading is more uniform here, giving you that classic crisp bite. Chew Steel and I weren’t sold on the ranch dip, a purely personal preference, but I’d happily come back and try the hot or house special sauces. I don’t like white meat, and this was so good, it’s an easy reorder.

The Chipotle Corn and Bean Salad ($5.95) delivers sweet bursts from deep yellow corn, hearty black beans, and a light acidity that keeps things from feeling heavy. Chew Steel picked up on the cilantro. I notoriously hate cilantro, and didn’t notice it. I would get this again. The fries are much better than McDonald’s too, crisp yet soft, with no overcooked dry bits.

We enjoyed the Rotisserie Chicken Salad ($7.50) the next day for lunch. It’s a creamy mix of mayo, celery, and green onion, rich and sturdy enough to hold up against a bed of crisp lettuce and sour dough bread. I wish I could make chicken salad this good.

Whenever I’m feeling sick, I’ve been leaning heavily on McNuggets and McFlurries. That ends today. When the price nearly the same, but the food more substantial, Cluck N Cleaver is an easy upgrade. If you’re looking for where to eat in Calgary without spending much, this is one I will keep coming back to.

Bars/Lounges · Mediterranean · Restaurants

The Sound Room and Turkish Kebab House: A Calgary night out

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On Friday, I was feeling spry and suggested to Chew Steel that we start at the Sound Room, then head to Turkish Kebab House in Calgary’s Manchester area. Let’s listen to Colours by Black Pumas for this post.

The Sound Room is my favourite place to decompress. I love the ritual of descending into the dimly lit basement, claiming an empty table, and heading to the bar for a cold beer. A vinyl record spins behind the bar, filling the room with music set just right, loud enough to enjoy every note, yet soft enough to engage in conversation.

Chew Steel ordered a glass of Okami Kasu ($8.50, 16 oz), a Japanese rice lager, while I chose the Honeybush Hard Ice Tea ($8.50, 16 oz). Ol’ Beautiful makes seasonal ice teas, but Honeybush is the only one for me. It’s dry, with subtle stone-fruit notes, refreshing and lightly effervescent with tiny bubbles. It’s so good I bought a six-pack ($16) to enjoy at home, for those times I can’t make it to the Sound Room.

We left soon after to make our reservation at Turkish Kebab. The restaurant is larger than it appears from the outside, filled with groups of all ages enjoying big meals. Without asking if we had a reservation, a manager quickly found us a table.

The service is calm and proficient. Soon after, our order was taken, and glasses of water and bread, hummus, and acili ezme, a spicy vegetable dip, were dropped off. We gobbled down the warm, chewy bread with hummus and tangy vegetable dip. I could really taste the bright red pepper characteristics in the acili ezeme. We didn’t have to wait long before our food arrived.

We shared two platters, the Adana Kebab ($24.95) and the Adana Mix ($24.95). The Adana kebabs contained minced lamb and beef. The latter had an adana kebab and one beef shish. The beef shish stood out for its deep charcoal-grilled aroma, crisp edges, and juicy interior. Each bite reminded me of eating yakitori late at night in Japan, intoxicatingly smoky.

The Adana kebab had a softer, tender texture, yet was rich in taste. I enjoyed the subtle grassy notes of the lamb. All the skewers were served piping hot and nicely seasoned by the BBQ’s char.

Both platters come with buttery rice, green salad and fries. The green salad was so large I couldn’t finish it all. The long, silky grains of rice were a simple foil to all the fire-kissed meats. The fries were battered, similar to those you find at the Costco food court.

I pulled a Peggy Hill social blunder. As we stood up to leave, I noticed the table next to us had ordered the karışık ızgara platter, a glorious mountain of grilled meats. Without thinking, I enthusiastically commented on the bounty. The entire table stared back at me with cautious suspicion. Especially the toddler.

Despite my faux pas, I’d happily return to Turkish Kebab House. Next time I’m ordering the massive platter of meats for two. And I’ll remember to admire with my inside voice.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Bars/Lounges · French · Restaurants · Special Occasion · Steakhouse

Francine’s Calgary: A French Date Night Worth Booking

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August 2026 update: Francine’s was selected for the inaugural Canada’s 100 Best Recommends list, an unranked collection of exceptional casual restaurants chosen by the publication’s judges.

Divine Offering turned 31! To celebrate this occasion, we went to Francine’s in Calgary’s Chinatown district. Though it was a Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m., the restaurant was packed with customers celebrating, and staff hustling to keep up with the steady stream of drink orders. Let’s listen to Fight Song by Rachel Platten for this post.

When I arrived, a customer at a nearby table looked strangely familiar. I’m notorious for thinking I recognize people I actually don’t know and giving them awkward, puzzled stares. Before I could embarrass myself further, I broke eye contact and headed to my table.

The tables at Francine’s are New York tight. If you’re over a size six, take the outside chair; otherwise, you may find your seat uncomfortably close to the next table. The close quarters also make for good eavesdropping, if you’re into that sort of thing. A particularly loud group of Flames-jersey-wearing diners made it nearly impossible for me to hear Divine Offering. I had to shout several times just to get her to repeat herself.

Perhaps I am so hyper-observant because I’ve been off the sauce for more than half the month due to medical treatments, an adjustment I’m still getting used to. While the birthday girl gleefully nursed a Francine 75 (1.5 oz, $16), murmuring demurely about how strong it was, I, mournfully, made do with a house pineapple pulp soda ($6). I worked my way through the slightly tart, bubbly drink while enviously watching the tables around me happily lingering over their glasses of wine.

We shared the Tuna Tartare ($22.95), silky pink cubes of tuna tossed with bits of apple, crunchy potato chip sticks for texture, and calamansi, an Asian citrus, that reminded me of fresh grapefruit. I preferred the calamansi to lemon or yuzu as its flavour was brighter, slightly sweet, and fragrant. I would order this again.

For our main, we shared the Steak À La Francine for two ($78.95). The generous 14-oz confit Delmonico-style steak was served with potato purée and a little gem salad. I encouraged Divine Offering to order a glass of wine. She ordered Francine’s house red (6 oz, $13). I enjoyed the salad, crisp lettuce leaves lightly glossed with olive oil and brightened with fresh mint. The freshness helped balance the richness of the steak and potatoes. When I order the steak frites ($39.99) in the future, I’ll be adding a salad. It nicely cuts through the richness of all that steak and fries.

The purée was a welcome component for soaking up the saucy steak, though it wasn’t quite as mind-blowing as the ultra-crispy fries. I ordered French fries ($9.95) near the end of the meal because I was craving them. By that point, however, I was completely stuffed, so I brought the leftovers home to Chew Steel.

Our server told us the steak had been braised for three days. That evening, instead of the usual peppercorn sauce, it was prepared with an Asian spin. The meat was ridiculously tender, and the subtle sauce, with its faint hint of five-spice, reminded me of duck. Divine Offering loved the steak’s charred, crispy edges. For a few moments, we ate in silence, listening to the satisfying crackle of the fries.

Now that I’ve tried both versions, the steak frites with peppercorn sauce and the Steak À La Francine with the Asian twist, here’s my advice. If it’s your first visit to Francine’s, go for the steak frites with peppercorn sauce. If you love duck or want something slightly lighter than the peppercorn version or something to think about, order the latter if it’s being featured. Both are excellent, and you really can’t go wrong.

For dessert, I suggested Divine Offering order the French Toast ($12.95). I raved about the soft, eggy toast, covered in honey caramel and topped with cold honey ice cream, and how the salty notes from the sauce and 14-month Comté cheese elevate this dessert to legendary status. Our server thoughtfully added a candle for the birthday girl. Divine Offering sat in quiet concentration, clearly delighted with each mouthful.

The next day, after finishing my workout at the Eau Claire Athletic Club, Robert Jewell, the food and beverage manager at the Exchange, came up to me and asked how I liked Francine’s. Small world! It turns out he was the mystery diner. It seems you never quite know who might be sitting at the next table at Francine’s.

Robert previously hosted TV’s A Is for Apple, worked with Chef Michael Allemeier, and oversaw several Concorde restaurants. I recognized Chef Allemeier’s name from my days in Vancouver, when he was the chef at Bishop’s, an upscale restaurant that was well out of my budget at the time. Robert also explained why I’m so obsessed with the Exchange’s chicken fingers and fries ($15 on the kids’ menu). He states the honey mustard poppyseed sauce is made from scratch, with all local ingredients. I also love the fries, which are clearly homemade and very potatoey.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Happy Hour · Patio · Pizza

Posto Pizza: Sunday all-day happy hour in Calgary

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Winegurlsushi, Juliejuliehu, and I were finally meeting in real life. After years of exchanging messages on Instagram, we locked in a date. We’d come close before. A few months ago, we missed each other in an exchange of homemade goods when Winegurlsushi dropped off sourdough focaccia, and I left behind a jar of my chilli oil. We picked a Sunday and committed. I invited Lovegastrogirl and Divine Offering along. Let’s listen to AudioSlave for this post.

I threw out Posto Pizzeria & Bar as our meeting spot because it checked every box. It’s one of only two pizza places where Lovegastrogirl will eat the crust, which already tells you everything you need to know. Sundays come with an all-day happy hour deal: $15 pizzas (with a drink), 25% off wine bottles, cocktails knocked down by $4, and house wine for $6. I hadn’t been back since 2014, when Posto was the place for gourmet pizza. It felt like time for a revisit.

The moment I walked in, a waft of Italian cooking wrapped around me. The restaurant was buzzing, with the room full. Almost every table was taken. Reservations are a good idea here. Just note there’s a $15 charge per missing guest, which, honestly, is fair given how quickly they could fill that seat. Winegurlsushi couldn’t make it in the end, but luckily, I wasn’t charged for her cancellation.

Divine Offering and I both went for the Peach Bellini ($16, or $12 during happy hour). Compared to Cactus Club’s version, this one leaned less sweet, more like a lightly boozy peach slush. Lovegastrogirl went with the Espresso Martini. I had a sip, and we both agreed it was quite sweet.

I immediately thought of Quebecoise while scanning the “flex zone” wine list. The selections, Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino ($127), Bertani Amarone ($125), and Borgogno No Name Nebbiolo ($110), all look to be priced surprisingly close to retail. I made a mental note to tell her. I’d be curious to hear her take.

I took full advantage of the happy hour pricing and ordered two pizzas, partly for the table, partly so I wouldn’t have to cook the next day. I picked the Ok…Ok… ($26, HH $15) and the Smoked Salmon Club ($28, HH $15). Juliejuliehu went for the Meet Your Maker ($28, HH $15) plus a Caesar ($17). Lovegastrogirl ordered the Velvet Underground ($25, HH $15), and Divine Offering echoed my choice with the Ok…Ok….

The Ok…Ok… was scrumptious. The thin, delicate layers reminded me of Hasselback potatoes. The crust was fluffy, generously dolloped with creme fraîche, leeks, potatoes and smoked pancetta. Divine Offering is a fan. She said she can’t remember ever having potato slices on a pizza, but they were very thin and didn’t feel weird. The pancetta was thinly sliced, too, a proportional ratio.

The crust at Posto is a standout. Thin and crunchy, but still airy, with blistered bubbles that add texture and a subtle smokiness. It’s the kind of crust you don’t leave behind, which explains why Lovegastrogirl actually eats hers here.

The smoked salmon pizza leaned even more indulgent, layered with cultured cream cheese and thick slices of chilled smoked salmon. I loved the contrast of textures, the delicate crunch of pickled onions, the bright pop of capers, and the fresh arugula lifting each bite. The coolness of the salmon against the warm crust, finished with a hint of coarse salt, made it feel especially luxurious.

Divine Offering thought it was good, but not something she’d order again. I, on the other hand, really enjoyed it, though I’d agree it’s best shared. It’s a rich dish for one.

Lovegastrogirl’s Velvet Underground was loaded with meaty shiitake mushrooms and looked so good I’ve already earmarked it for my next visit. Juliejuliehu was quiet about her Meet Your Maker, but the pizza looked appetizing, heavily speckled with sausage, salami, calabrese, smoked pancetta, and bubbling white cheese.

One of the best things about this crew is the unspoken understanding that this is a space for honest conversation, spirited venting, and plenty of strong opinions on where we love to eat. We’re already planning our next meet-up. The agenda: a Chinatown whirlwind, starting with drinks at Prosperity Bar, followed by dinner at Paper Lantern, and ending on a sweet note at Francine’s.

It’s been over a decade since Posto first opened, and I’m happy to say it’s even better than I remember, and I already thought it was fantastic. Hitting the Sauce gives Posto two phat thumbs up.

For more reviews like this, see my picks for best pizza in Calgary.

Bars/Lounges · Dessert · French · Restaurants · Special Occasion · Wine tasting

Varbar Wine Bar – Fondue and champagne in Calgary

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Lululemon treated me to a belated birthday dinner at Varbar with fondue and champagne. The evening struck a chord between indulgence and charm, securing its place on my list of must-try spots in Calgary when you’re in the mood to celebrate. For this post, let’s listen to Mykonos by Fleet Foxes.

The restaurant is tiny, even smaller than Bar Gigi. Four tables for two, a bar with four stools, it feels like someone carved out an attic or closet and turned it into a tiny, sparkly playground for unapologetic lushes.

I have limited experience with champagne, mostly through Juice Imports tastings and time spent with good neighbours, Quebecoise, Sirski, and Kournikova. What I do know is this: I don’t care for the yeasty styles, which thankfully, weren’t on the menu at Varbar.

Lululemon ordered us a champagne flight ($45), fondue for two ($65), kimchi brussels sprouts ($7), and a glass of Pommery Brut Ŕose ($28). Our flight came first, and I followed her lead, tasting each glass and deciding which one we wanted to save for last.

The first one we tried, Bolinger Champagne Special Cuvee ($34 glass), reminded Lululemon of autumn and pear cider. I noticed the tang at the end and then no aftertaste. The bubbles were fine and gentle on the tongue.

The second champagne was Charles Mignon Réserve Rosé ($25 per glass). I enjoyed the clean, bright bubbles and the way they sparkled on the palate. Lululemon noted hints of rose and lychee. I thought it was absolutely delicious.

The Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve ($26 per glass) was equally impressive. Compared to the first two, it leaned softer and more toasty, with a gentle roundness that made it feel a little more unique.

Lululemon wanted us to try one more, so we landed on the Pommery Brut Rosé ($28). It ended up being her favourite, fresh, dry, with bright strawberry and raspberry notes, and the liveliest bubbles of the night.

Our fondue came with bread cubes, pickles, pickled white onions, baby potatoes, and green apples. Lululemon’s favourite were the in-house-made kimchi brussels sprouts, which were crunchy and tangy, and the apples.

I’ve had fondue three times before, once at a restaurant and twice at a friend’s house. Varbar’s gruyère and emmental fondue is the best I’ve had. The cheese itself was silky, nutty and savoury with a touch of sweetness.

I think one reason is that the cheese is served bubbling hot, which makes a big difference in its texture. It was stretchy and smooth, evenly coating each ingredient. I especially loved the acidity of the pickles cutting through the richness of the molten cheese, alongside the contrast between the cold, plain potatoes and the juicy green apples.

At the bottom of the pot, the cheese formed this golden, crispy crust that’s completely different from the silky fondue. It’s deeper, saltier, with a crunch that reminds me of the edges of a fancy grilled cheese sandwich.

Everything was so decadent, I wanted to weep with joy. Unfortunately, I was too dehydrated from treatment to shed a tear, so I did the only reasonable thing and kept eating.

Lululemon’s birthday is coming up, and I’ll need to come up with something spectacular. She’s a vegetarian, which makes this a tough act to follow. Best case, I take her back to VarBar and try to recreate the magic. Thank you, Lululemon, for such a thoughtful and memorable night.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Bakery · Cheap Eats · Comfort food · Mediterranean

Doughlicious and Doughboy in Calgary: Saturday special

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I’ve heard great things about Doughlicious, a family-owned Mediterranean one-stop market in Calgary’s Greenview Industrial / McCall area, but didn’t venture in until this weekend. I’m late to the party, and that’s entirely on me. Let’s listen to Peaches and Cream by 112 for this one.

I recognized the owner, Mohamed, from Doughlicious Instagram account. I told him I’ve been enjoying his reels. He smiled, a little skeptically, and said some were better than others. He asked if I needed more time with the menu, but I already knew what I wanted.

I wanted to bring something back for my friend, Lululemon, who since the summer has been showing up with her famous weekly soups, plus a steady stream of thoughtful treats and gifts. Since she’s vegetarian, I ordered the muhammara and cheese pie ($6.99), vegetarian samosas (6 for $7.50), hummus (16 oz, $9.99), their famous homemade white pita and doughnuts ($11.99). She later texted me the samosas leaned more toward filling than shell, exactly how she likes them, and that they were the best she’s had in Calgary. For future parties, I’m officially switching from Nooren to Doughlicious, not just for the food but for the hospitality and the opportunity to grab other goodies in one stop.

Mohamed mentioned the homemade pita is his top seller. I can see why. It’s soft, pliable, and thin with just a soft little chew to it. It’s the kind of pita that actually feels alive, unlike the usual grocery store versions.

The hummus follows the same philosophy. It’s not overly processed or perfectly smooth, but textured in a way that lets each ingredient come through. Nutty, slightly tangy, finished with olive oil that ties it all together.

At the counter, there’s a wide range of options. Meat pies, vegetarian pies, samosas, wraps, and kebobs. The smoked chicken and brisket are available on the weekend-only. I ordered both for Chew Steel for our Valentine’s dinner, a whole roasted and smoked chicken ($28) and a pound of applewood smoked brisket ($30).

Mohamed asked for a few minutes to prepare everything and invited me to help myself to tea. I wandered around the shop, admiring shelves lined with tahini, spice blends, juices, and desserts. A steady stream of customers came through, many leaving with stacks of pita and trays of food.

I walked over to Doughboy, which shares the space with Doughlicious. There are two young staffers who were hustling to keep up with orders. The doughnut holes are fried fresh right in front of you, then assembled to order. I went with two combos, Bueno Supreme (dozen, $11.99) and Dubai Chocolate (dozen, $11.99). The doughnuts are superb. The shell shatters on first bite, giving way to a warm, airy interior that tastes clean rather than greasy. It’s that combination of light dough and well-handled oil that sets them apart.

The toppings are just as thoughtful. Chew Steel gravitated toward the sweeter option, milk chocolate and pistachio butter, drizzled over crisp phyllo and crushed pistachios. I preferred the more restrained combination of Bueno wafers, Nutella, and fresh strawberries. I expected the toppings to tip things into overly sweet or soggy territory, but they didn’t. At $9.99 to $11.99 per order, these are standouts you expect to see featured in Avenue Magazine.

We saved the meat for dinner at home. The brisket arrived in clean, even slices, showing off its marbling. It held together beautifully. No masking with a heavy sauce. Just well-executed, tender pieces of beef. The garlic sauce, served cold and silky, added a smooth, rounded richness without overpowering.

The chicken was just as impressive. Full, generous pieces of meat, intact and beautifully cooked. No dryness, no gross blue or red stringy bits. It’s the kind of chicken where you notice the quality right away. This doesn’t taste like a grocery store chicken, nor should it, as it’s almost double the cost, and worth every extra nickel.

Doughlicious and Doughboy are busy, and for good reason. There’s a disconnect in the best way for the customer. The kind of quality you expect to pay more for, at prices that are understated. They could charge 18% more, and I’d still come back, just not as frequently. At these prices, you don’t need to save it as a treat.

Just a heads up, the parking lot can get a little lively, so bring a bit of patience on the way in and out. It’s a popular spot, and everyone’s just very enthusiastic about snagging a space.

For more budget-friendly finds, see my guide to Calgary’s best cheap eats.

Restaurants · Seafood

The Exchange: Eau Claire Athletic Club in Calgary

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On Saturday, Québécoise, Sirski, Deal and No Deal met us for dinner at the Exchange in Eau Claire. This dinner was particularly epic because we got to meet one of the chefs at the Exchange, Carla. Let’s listen to “Work It”.

Chef Carla stopped by our table to let us know one of the dishes we ordered wasn’t available. I was excited to meet her, as some of our favourite dishes have been her creations. She was humble and warm, speaking passionately about her food philosophy and love of food. I learned she moved from Peru to Calgary a few years ago and previously worked at Shokunin and Eight, which is owned by Chef Darren MacLean. It’s always impressive to meet a chef who has worked at MacLean’s restaurants, as I imagine the expectations there are not exactly laxydaisy. I’ve never eaten at Eight, but to get a sense of the experience, read food writer Elizabeth Chorney-Booth’s article.

If Québécoise hadn’t been with us, I would have happily asked our server, Liam, to choose the wine as he has great taste. I tend to order based on what I recognize, which isn’t always the smartest strategy when my wine knowledge is limited. Québécoise, on the other hand, approaches a list strategically, by region, vintage, style, and price. She buys enough wine to know retail pricing versus restaurant markup, which is a skill in itself. She spotted the Chablis Servin Les Pargues ($75) and immediately said it was a steal by restaurant standards.

The Chablis isn’t the buttery, oaky style often associated with California chardonnay. It’s clean, crisp, and bright, with a refreshing citrus note. Chew Steel was a big fan. Speaking of value, I forgot to tell Québécoise that our friends took us out to dinner at the Argyle Restaurant. The Glencoe Club recently started offering 750 mL wine bottles at retail price plus $20. That’s practically philanthropic for a club with a membership waitlist that feels more than generational.

Whenever there’s a feature with Peruvian influences at the Exchange, we get it because the flavours are incredible. I still remember the lomo saltado with buttered rice ($50), the Peruvian pork sandwich ($24), and, most recently, the halibut with squid-ink risotto ($27). I asked our server, Liam, if the halibut was better than my usual order of Chicken Tenders ($15). Fighting a laugh, he confidently announced the risotto’s deep, umami flavour was off the charts.

The risotto was silky and buttery, coated in a squid-ink sauce that tasted earthy and savoury. The halibut was meaty and juicy. I loved flaking the firm fish into the risotto and dragging each bite through the sauce. The halibut’s clean, wholesome flavour balanced the dish’s rich creaminess. Chew Steel especially liked the bright pop from the cilantro drizzle dotting the plate.

Side note. Liam is friends with Francine’s chef-owner Garrett Martin, and sous chef Jordan Anderson. We bonded over similar dining experiences eating the French toast, steak frites, and trout crêpes at Francine’s. He said the amount of thought that went into both the food and the drinks there is kind of wild.

With Deal and No Deal dining with us, both with a shared sweet tooth, dessert was non-negotiable. I’ve sampled three desserts at Exchange so far, and the Carrot Cake ($11) stands out. Gently spiced and moist, it’s elevated by a tangy yogurt-cream cheese spread, generously garnished pistachios and candied Beck Farm carrots for texture and sweetness. I’d order it again, which says a lot, as I’m not usually a dessert person.

Chef talent, off-the-charts savoury depth, smart wine picks, and carrot cake worth breaking the scale over? Yes, the Exchange worked it again. Thank you, Chef Carla, for a great meal.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

17th Ave · Pizza

Una Pizza + Wine: Lunch special in Calgary

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I took Bex Oxo out for a belated lunch. Since we share a love of a good deal, we checked out Una Pizzeria‘s lunch special. For this post, let’s listen to Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush.

From Monday to Friday until 2PM, Una offers a $20 lunch special that includes a pop, tea or coffee. I went with a crispy Diet Coke, and Bex Oxo ordered an Americano.

You start with a small kale Caesar, and “small” is a lie. It’s bigger than a side, about half a regular order. I like the chew of the kale, and the dry crunchiness from the toasted garlic panko crumbs, grated cheese, and prosciutto. The boiled egg adds a richness, while the citrus in the dressing cuts through the heavy flavours of the meat and cheese. The kale salad tastes like a charcuterie board decided to become a salad.

You can pick between pasta or a pizza. For pizza, options are the Sweet & Spicy or 4-Maggi. We went Sweet & Spicy. It’s about half a regular pizza, the perfect personal size. The crust is light and crisp, though the center gets a bit wet from the sauce. Each slice holds some meaty goodness from the chorizo and prosciutto, sweet heat from habanero honey, and peppery arugula to freshen things up. I still boxed half because that salad was filling.

Mid-lunch, a pack of grade 4–5 kids rolled in and confidently ordered. They came in polite and organized. When offered by their server, they refused the kids’ menu as they found the selection limited. Instead, they shared pizzas, expertly split the bills and were making post-lunch plans. One offered up his house for entertainment. Another piped up and told everyone to relax and to enjoy a bit more time at Una. My mouth must have dropped open. What baby ballers, living their best lives. If I were their mother, I would be so proud.

Another thing I love about UNA is the service. It’s consistently excellent at every location. It honestly feels like they hire people for their ability to genuinely care. Every staff member gives off serious Care Bear Stare vibes.

Twenty bucks for a drink, a substantial salad, and a personal pizza or pasta is one of the best lunch deals in the city right now. Hitting the Sauce gives Una and their staff two phat thumbs up.

For more reviews like this, see my picks for best pizza in Calgary.

Bars/Lounges · Chinatown · French · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion · Steakhouse · Wine tasting

Francine’s Calgary: Canada’s 100 Best Recommends 2026

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August 2026 update: Francine’s was selected for the inaugural Canada’s 100 Best Recommends list, an unranked collection of exceptional casual restaurants chosen by the publication’s judges.

For my birthday, Chew Steel and I checked out Francine’s, a new French restaurant that opened up in Calgary’s Chinatown district. I’ve eaten at Francine’s before at a pop-up and a special event dinner, so I knew we were in for a treat. Let’s listen to Paradise by Sade for this post.

I made reservations at the last minute, so I was only able to secure bar seats at 5:15 p.m. As it was so early in the evening, we weren’t super hungry and just ordered two mains, the Steak Frites ($39.95) and the Smoky Trout and Crepes ($42.95). I wanted to try the trout dish because I read an Instagram post by the chef/owner, Garrett Martin, about his creative process for creating some of the dishes.

We started with a cocktail, a Francine’s martini ($17) for me and a Crepe Suzette Old-Fashioned ($16) for Chew Steel. The ice-cold gin-forward martini was aromatic and herby, marked with a distinct note of fennel. As we sipped, I noticed how quickly the room filled on a Tuesday evening. An older Asian couple sat beside us. It was cute to watch him, intently absorbed watching a YouTube video on his phone while his partner quietly ate, content in her own private little world.

The steak frites were among the best I’ve ever had. I don’t want to be dramatic, but the steak here is a must-eat-before-you-die type of experience. The bavette butcher’s steak was beautifully textured, sliced thin yet generously wide, with a charred, rugged exterior and a ruby-red interior that offered a juicy chew. The peppercorn glaze was rich and smooth, with a peppery bite that cut through the steak.

The fries were ridiculously delicious, golden and light, with an ultra-crunchy shell giving way to a whipped potatoey centre. Jordan, our bartender, nailed the wine pairings. For the steak, he paired it with a glass of Cabernet Franc (Domaine La Paleine, $10, 3oz).

The trout was soft and smoky, with a flavour profile reminiscent of salmon. We tore off a piece of crepe and wrapped it around a piece of trout, two types of pickled onion, cucumber, bright green spinach and chives. Each bite was decadent, drippy and messy.

The trout reminded me of Neptune’s famous johnny cakes, but the flavours were more refined. There wasn’t anything fishy or overly sweet. The combination of what I thought were unusual ingredients blew me away. The flavours were rounded and worked so well together that it made me think of head chef Koji Kobayashi’s fine-dining creations at Sukiyaki House. Jordan selected a bright white wine (Juste Le Blanc, Jurancon Sec $8.50, 3 oz) that cut through the smokiness and the decadent white sauce.

The mains are a generous portion, but I still wanted dessert. We shared the French Toast ($12.95) with honey-caramel, honey ice cream, and 15-month Comte cheese, paired with a glass of sherry (Moscatel Peromesa Jerez Valdespino, $13).

The dessert is worthy of Michelin recognition. The thick-cut bread was warm and eggy, layered with sweet, cold ice cream and topped with salty flakes of cheese. This dish, as well as the two before, had us licking our lips and scraping the plate for every last drop of caramel.

How good was the food? So damn fine, I sent Lovegastro, Quebecoise, Betty, Kournikova, Juliejuliehu and Divine Offering text messages raving about Francine’s and making future plans to revisit.

How indulgent was the food? I had a chemo follow-up appointment the very next day and had gained two pounds. I’m not sure whether that jump was due to fluid and inflammation or to the peppercorn glaze, but I choose to believe it was the sauce doing the heavy lifting.

The crowning glory is the value. For this level of cooking, the prices make Francine’s an easy choice any night of the week, not just for special occasions. Wines matched to each course are $6–10, and the steak frites is priced below lower than chains like The Keg and Cactus Club. Francine’s is one of the best restaurants in Calgary right now, and I’m looking forward to my next visit. Go, you won’t regret it!

Bars/Lounges · Curry · Indian · Mexican

La Hacienda & Himalayan Nepali Cuisine

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After Christmas and before my first chemo appointment, I wanted to go out for cocktails and a bite to eat. December was a month of indulgent platters from Peasant Cheese and memorable meals at Cassis Bistro, Sukiyaki House, and The Exchange Restaurant. January, by contrast, is about cooking nourishing foods, rest and gentle exercise. For this post, let’s listen to “Clean” by Taylor Swift.

Our first stop was La Hacienda, located in Calgary’s Marda Loop neighbourhood. This bar and its family of restaurants, such as Bar Rocca and DOPO, are difficult to find if you aren’t a regular or from the area. While locals may find this quirky characteristic charming, when the weather is -27, I was not amused. Lucky for us, our server/bartender, a man with large expressive eyes and floppy brown hair, offered us cocktails and conversation well worth the chilly adventure over.

We sat at a table between the bar and the washroom. The green print wallpaper, framed photos and lamps give a calming 1920’s vibe, like you’re sitting in your fancy aunt’s parlour, but it’s loaded with booze.

Our first round of drinks were nice, but it the second round, based on our server’s recommendation, was the winner. Tequila Margarita ($17, plus an upcharge for Don Fulano Blanco). I love a good margarita, but this one? Pure bliss. I didn’t see the bill, but it tasted like it was worth every nickel. More complex than a basic margarita but still dangerously easy to sip, with tropical vibes and a hint of grapefruit.

Our server ended the night with a taste from La Hacienda’s portfolio, a super damn delicious sake. It was light, with a softer, gentler flavour than most sakes I’ve tried. Next time I’m at Sukiyaki House, I’m going to show Judith this label and ask her thoughts on this sake.

We learned a lot from our server. He knew all about where these unique bottles were sourced and who the producers were. He also told us the food served at La Hacienda is created by the head chef at Penny Crown, formerly from DOPO. If you haven’t been to this cocktail bar, go! Hopefully, you will get the same experience we received.

Chew Steel and I were planning on dining at DOPO next, but our reservations got mixed up. Instead, we head back to our hood to the Himalayan. Ah, we could spot Himalyan’s clear signage a mile away, even with my poor eyesight. Despite arriving as the last customers of the night, our servers assured us to take our time.

I knew what we wanted: Machha Ko Jol ($26), Cha Chau Noodles with Chicken ($23), a side Daal ($6) and extra naan ($4). The Maccha curry is usually my favourite, but the pieces of fish seem more mushy and lack the tantalizing toothsome bite they had on previous visits.

The Cha Cha noodles were superb! The noodles were al dente and chewy, tangled up with crunchy cabbage and carrot strands. And the chicken was juicy and tender, nicely flavoured from what tasted like a high-temperature wok or grill. The chau chau noodles never disappoint, nor does the Himalyan Eggplant dish, which we usually order.

The next restaurant outing I have planned is Penny Crown, another restaurant part of the burgeoning empire of tiny restaurants. I waited 30 days before my birthday to book Penny Crown because it is so popular. Based on the buzz alone, I’m expecting something special —as in Bar Gigi, Sukiyaki House, Cassis level good. To be continued.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Chinese · Seafood

Emerald Garden – Chinese takeout in Calgary

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For my mom’s early Christmas dinner, I ordered takeout from Emerald Garden, located in Calgary’s Mount Pleasant / Capitol Hill area. This was my second visit, and I was even more impressed than on my previous visit. When I entered, I was helped by a woman who had the aura of a manager or owner, efficient, alert, and someone clearly running a tight ship. Let’s listen to “Beige” by Yoke Lore.

I called the day before to pre order the Crab HK Style ($79.99), Tendon Beef Hotpot ($22.99), Fish and Tofu Hotpot ($22.99), Beef Chowfun ($17.99), and Ginger Beef ($17.99). I ordered in English, and the person on the phone clarified what I was requesting in Cantonese. She said a few words that I didn’t recognize, so I just said yes, in Cantonese, because I didn’t know what else to do.

When I arrived, the manager / owner asked if I wanted tong, a complimentary soup made from meat bones, vegetables, and herbs. I didn’t hesitate as I love a good Chinese broth. It’s so simple, comforting, and soul-satisfying.

I asked my mom, Boss Lady, to make rice before I arrived at her house, as hot pot and ginger beef are best with plain steamed rice. We started with the crab, and for Calgary, it was excellent. The crab tasted fresh, with fluffy, sweet meat. Boss Lady approvingly noted that the restaurant had done a good job pre-cracking the shells. She loved the HK-style seasoning, which is a dry, fragrant mix of garlic, chili peppers, scallions, fermented black beans, and salt and pepper. While she would have preferred a bit more garlic and heat, she still thought it was excellent. She suggested ordering the lobster next time, since the meat pulls out more easily. I’d definitely get this again.

The beef hot pot came with tender brisket, small pieces of opaque tendon, and firm, juicy radish. Boss Lady commented on the high quality of the beef. The tendon was so soft it barely had any chew, and the brisket was braised until almost shredded. The sauce was light and savoury with hints of ginger and star anise.

The fish hot pot was another winner. The fish came in long, thick pieces, battered and fried, fully saturated in a light, clear sauce. The tofu was the spongy kind that compresses when you bite into it, releasing a burst of juice. This is definitely a dish I’d order again.

The ginger beef had lost its crunch by the time we opened the container, but it was still enjoyable, with more meat than batter, sweet and gingery. This was Boss Lady’s first encounter with deep-fried ginger beef, which is very different from the B.C. version, which is typically stir-fried with vegetables. Chew Steel reminded her that this particular style was invented in Calgary. I tried to draw a comparison to Vancouver’s honey garlic ribs and Calgary’s ginger beef, but Chew Steel firmly shook his head in disagreement.

The beef ho fun noodles outshone Phoenix Gate’s by a mile. The rice noodles were thick, sticky, and glossy, with a fragrant wok hei you could smell immediately. Chew Steel mentioned to Boss Lady that this is one of my favourite noodle dishes, and she noted how challenging it is to pull off without a proper wok and an extremely hot stovetop.

This dinner was a success! Boss Lady was happy, and it was hands down some of the best Chinese food I’ve had in Calgary. Chew Steel was also a fan, though he couldn’t help but note that everything on the table fell somewhere on the beige-to-brown spectrum. Next time, I’ll throw in some gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or snow peas for a pop of green. To be continued now that I found a new favourite Chinese restaurant in town.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Bars/Lounges

Bar Rocca: Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2025

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On Chew Steel’s birthday, he couldn’t decide on where to go. I suggested we stay local and check out one of the many new eateries popping up in Calgary’s Marda Loop neighbourhood, like Bar Rocca. Let’s listen to ‘Take You Higher’ by Leisure.

I read in the Herald that the same person behind DOPO, Penny Crown, La Hacienda, and Pizza Face owns Bar Rocca. The space actually has personality, unlike the neighbourhood’s new orange and white community entrance sign. The tall white tiled walls, brick, and foliage have character that you don’t see much in Calgary. The wine bar looks like a cross between a greenhouse and a corridor you find in some European side street.

At 6:00 pm on a Monday, the bar was quiet so that we could pick our own seats. We sat close to the fireplace at the back of the restaurant. I could peep through the bar and saw an employee intensely whipping something in a big bowl.

To start, the birthday boy went for a Classic Old-Fashioned ($18), and I asked our server, Team Tony (according to the receipt) to pick a wine for me. He brought over a delightful glass of Tilenus Mengia ($19).

As the night went on, Team Tony kept nailing the pairings, and I couldn’t help thinking of myself at his age. My swill pairings were chosen for one reason, cheapness. Yellow Tail, Apothic, Painted Turtle and whatever fit my sad little budget.

The first dish we tried, the Prosciutto & Stracciatella ($38) is a winner. What I loved most was the temperature of all the ingredients. The chilled burrata tasted like cold whipped cream. The prosciutto was soft and cool on my tongue, hammy and not the fatty, rubbery stuff you get at Costco. The bread was warm and the balsamic drizzle was sweet and sticky like figs. Chew Steel said it reminded him of a deconstructed ham and cheese sandwich. The portion was generous. There’s a ton of meat on this plate, just like on my own bones.

Chew Steel wanted to try the Spicy Tuna Tartare ($28). Damn, she’s a spicy one! The texture reminded me of a negitoro maki, minced and creamy. The watercress and onion added a subtle crunch, like celery. L picked up some citrus notes. Team Tony paired it with a white wine our server described as “a little salty,” and together it was perfect.

Google’s Danni T recommended the Polpetti ($18), a duo of big meatballs, so I ordered it. The meatballs were soft and tender, and the red sauce was salty, tangy, and hearty. I ended up mopping up the leftover sauce with my toast.

The restaurant scene in Altadore is changing and for the better. Gone are the days when eating out in Marda Loop meant choosing from Merchants, Original Joe’s, Trop, or Globefish. Bar Rocca won me over, especially with its service, wine and food pairings.

Restaurants · Special Occasion

True Wild Distilling: Avenue Calgary’s Best Cocktail Bar 2026

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August 2026 update: Avenue Calgary’s judges named True Wild Distilling one of the city’s six Best New Restaurants for 2026.

On Friday night, the good neighbours reunited! We picked True Wild Distillery for dinner. Kournikova and Betty stopped by my place first, where we popped open a bottle of champagne Kournikova had brought along. With Québécoise absent due to prior plans, we toasted and indulged a little extra, with only three flutes filled. Let’s cue up The Fate of Ophelia for this post.

The white building seems somewhat out of place in the midst of an industrial area. When Chew Steel first brought me here for a surprise date, I joked that I hoped he wasn’t planning to murder me. Inside and out, it’s an impressive space, with high ceilings and a whimsical staircase spiralling upstairs. We were seated right next to the kitchen, arguably the best table in the house, with a sweeping view of the entire restaurant.

Betty ordered the Paper Lantern cocktail ($18), while I followed Kournikova’s lead with a dry, dirty gin martini, stirred. Its flavour was floral and perfectly balanced, and the single olive was so delicious that I found myself wishing I’d asked for more, but our server had a stern vibe, so I held back.

I’d been to True Wild before, so I recommended the beef tartare, fries, and any of the cocktails. We shared the Beef Tartare ($28), Fennel Salad ($24), Pickled Vegetables ($11), Roasted and Glazed Pork Belly ($48), and the Grilled Steelhead Trout ($46). When we asked our server if our order would be sufficient, she recommended another side, so we added the Kennebec Fries ($10). To complement the meal, we also ordered a bottle of Lionel Osmin & Cie Villa Plage Blanche ($70).

The beef tartare had changed since my last visit. Previously, it arrived beneath a nest of matchstick potatoes. This time it came with a potato chips. The meat itself was milder tasting than I remembered, served at a slightly warmer temperature with sweet and tart notes. We like to think of Betty as a bit of a beef tartare devotee, and her current favourite is at Pat and Betty’s, while Kournikova’s favourite spot is FinePrint.

The fennel salad was a standout. Crisp slices of fennel that tasted freshly picked and were dressed in a lovely walnut vinaigrette. It was so simple and refreshing. We would order the salad again.

The pickled vegetables were also a winner. Nice tang, crunch, and the vinegar balance was subtle and perfect. Kournikova pickles her own veggies, and even she agreed they were good. Betty noted the varied selection, cabbage, carrots, and beans, all served with an aioli.

The roasted and glazed pork belly was everyone’s favourite. Betty noted it was buttery with so much flavour, while Kournikova praised the crispy skin, noting that people often get it wrong. Here, the chefs had it perfectly rendered, fat and all. The sugar pumpkin was served roasted, dry and soft, which provided an appreciated contrast to the richness of the meats.

The grilled steelhead was also expertly cooked. The flesh was tender, rich, and soft. However, I was so full I couldn’t finish my portion, and it hurt my soul to leave food on my plate that tasted so good.

We munched away on the fries, which were just as good as last time. We definitely over-ordered. For three women, sharing two mains and a salad is more than enough, as the main courses are generously sized, particularly the pork dish.

I’m looking forward to our next dinner. Bar Gigi, Carino, or maybe The Exchange in Eau Claire. To be continued.

Cheap Eats · Chinese · Dim Sum

Phoenix Gate Chinese Cuisine – Seven takeout boxes later

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On Beep Beep’s last day in Calgary, we went for dim sum at Phoenix Gate. My previous two visits had been great, so I figured the third would be just as good. Let’s listen to Love and Happiness by Al Green.

I ordered: BBQ Pork Rice Roll ($6.25), BBQ Pork Baked Buns ($6.50),
Sui Mai ($7.50), Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles with Beef ($15.95), Stir-Fried Turnip Cake in XO Sauce ($7.50), Peanut and Meat Steamed Dumplings ($6.50) and Seafood Fried Chowmein ($18.95). Our feast was too big for our two-seater table. I had to strategically stack the half-eaten bamboo steamers and plates to make room for all the abundance of food.

The fried turnip cake was my favourite. The exterior was crispy and chewy, while the delicate, wobbly middle melted in your mouth. I also loved that hit of fried garlic and punch of XO sauce. I would order this again.

The rice rolls really hit the spot. The soft, delicate wrappers were filled with tasty BBQ shavings. There wasn’t as much filling as the last two times I came, but honestly, we still loved it and would order it again. The rice rolls were my second favourite dish.

The siu mai was enormous, like a meatball topped with a massive crowning of shrimp and tobiko. Unfortunately, the wrapper fell apart when I picked it up, and the filling leaned a little dry. Still, very tasty.

The BBQ bun was huge, but too doughy, like it wasn’t baked long enough. The filling wasn’t too sweet, which I prefer. I brought them to work the next day and baked them in the toaster, which really improved the texture.

One disappointment was the pork and meat steamed dumpling. The wrapper fell apart too easily; it was so moist and fragile that it broke apart with just a touch of my chopsticks.

The stir-fried rice noodles with beef were missing that smoky wok hei aroma, but the bright white bean sprouts added a refreshing crunch against the soft beef slices and slick noodles. Interestingly, when Chew Steel reheated the leftovers the next day, he thought they tasted even better.

The chow mein had scallops, squid, prawns, and glossy bok choy, all intermingled with a clear sauce. The noodles on the side of the plate were crispy, whereas the middle ones were more soaked through. I wanted a little salt or MSG to liven up the flavouring. When Chew Steel ate it later that afternoon, he disagreed, saying it was delicious, though the noodles were very saucy.

There was so much food left over that I had to buy seven takeout boxes. Five went to my mother, Boss Lady, who skipped our invitation at the last minute because she was too busy snoopervising, and the other two boxes went to Chew Steel.

I know I nitpicked a few dishes, but Phoenix Gate still delivers some tasty eats. The portions are generous to a fault, and everything arrives piping hot. Next round, I’m heading back for dinner and going straight for the Peking duck, lobster, and stuffed crab claws. To be continued.

17th Ave · French · Restaurants · Seafood

Cassis Bistro Calgary: Avenue’s 2026 French Restaurant Runner-Up

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August 2026 update: Avenue Calgary named Cassis Bistro a runner-up in its 2026 Best French Restaurants readers’ choice category.

One of Beep Beep’s favourite spots in Calgary is Cassis Bistro. I’ve yet to meet anyone who isn’t smitten with this place. My own siblings were also instant fans. Let’s listen to Jardin d’Hiverv for this post.

This one’s a short post because we skipped appetizers and dessert. Beep Beep’s a light eater, and my own appetite’s still finding its way back post-surgery. But these mussels at Cassis deserve a special shoutout because they were so damn good.

I notice on the menu that Cassis now brings in mussels ($34) from Salt Spring Island. Best decision ever. Some of the mussels were so fat that they were the size of a large oyster. Every mussel was steamed perfectly, silky and tender, with an almost custardy center that melts on the tongue, right down to the very last shell. And then there’s that taste, fragrant of the sea and delicately sweet. The wine our server picked, Pouilly-Fume ($18) went so well with the mussels.

I noticed the duck fat fried frites are different now. Each one is longer and not as brittle as before, resulting in elegant, crispy stems with a still-soft center. When I dipped each frite into the rich, garlicky aioli, I nearly wept with joy. I held back my tears from a fraying thread of self-dignity.

We also shared an order of Beef Tartare au Couteau ($32), with more of those golden frites and a salad. According to my French friend, Fougui, no one does it better than Cassis. I love the pomp and ceremony of cracking that bright orange organic egg farm yolk and stirring the creaminess into the tartare.

The cool pieces of beef pop with the flavour of briny capers and mustard. The portion of beef tartare is generous. Our server selected a glass of Cotes Du Rhones ($14) that Beep Beep mentioned paired well with bright flavours in the tartare.

When we left the patio, I bumped into the owner, who, fun fact, happens to live a few blocks away from me. I told him the mussels were so good I would be back in a week. What I really wanted to say to him was never, ever retire. Calgary needs Cassis like a moule needs its frites.

Brunch · Burgers · Comfort food · Sandwiches

Munch: 2026 Best Sandwich Shops in Calgary (Runner up, Avenue Calgary)

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Beep Beep and I just finished a macaron class at Ollia Macaron. I suggested we get some lunch at Munch, a sandwich shop my friend Lululemon has been raving about. Lululemon recommended the vegetarian sandwiches, saying they were so good they even outshone Scoozfava just a block away. For this post, let’s listen to ‘Macho Man’ by the Village People.

When we arrived, I saw the male owner making all the sandwiches and then bringing them out to each customer. There was only one other employee, who would take the orders and tidy up.

I ordered the Hot Chick Sandwich ($14), Brooklyn Chopped Cheese ($17) and the Potato Clouds ($8.50). Beep Beep slipped in her credit card before I could, and paid.

As we sat, salivating from the smells wafting from the kitchen, she observed it was neat to see the chef cook up each sandwich fresh for each person. I noticed the chef would drop off the food to each customer, despite being the only person cooking. When our sandwiches were ready, the other employee called out to us to come and get our food from the counter.

Of the two sandwiches, Beep Beep crowned the hot chicken as the clear winner. The chicken leaned more sweet than spicy, packing plenty of sauce. The soft bun acted like a sponge, soaking up all the flavours and slaw. I even had to dart back to the counter for an extra napkin. Each sandwich came piled high with a generous handful of crispy Ripple chips on the side.

I loved the Brooklyn Sandwich, which, when hot, tasted like a Big Mac, but better because of the crusty bun. The warm mozzarella cheese pull was delightful. I would get this again.

Another standout was the Potato Clouds. Get this! Each one was like a fluffy potato pancake, tasting somewhere between a corn dog, a doughnut, and a latke. Dipped into the tangy sour cream and smoky chili oil, these were a winner. Unique and freaking delicious. That chili oil is so good, I wondered if it was homemade. It’s even better than my version.

Lululemon, you never steer me wrong. In my next visit, I plan to try some of the vegetarian sandwiches. Hitting the Sauce gives the one-person show chef two phat thumbs up.

Bars/Lounges · Restaurants · Seafood

The Exchange: Meeting Chef Carla Davila Carlin

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Beep Beep came to visit me! To celebrate, we booked a massage at Vital Performance Care, and then we dropped by for dinner at The Exchange in Eau Claire with Chew Steel. Let’s listen to ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ for this post.

We kicked things off with The First Bloom Gin & T ($15) — a fragrant goblet of organic gin, grapefruit tonic, ice, and rose petals. Chew Steel opted for the smoked old-fashioned, which was as smooth and well-crafted as it looked. But it was Liam, our server, who truly impressed with his wine recommendation: a bottle of Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir ($105) from the Russian River Valley. I don’t usually go for Pinots, but this one won me over — vibrant and full of flavour, like ripe strawberries steeped in warm tea.

Chew Steel’s Peruvian Pork Sandwich ($24) was sumptuous. When I took a bite, the richness of the crisp pork belly, enveloped in a warm, crusty bun, packed a flavourful bite. And that carrot soup hit the spot. Thick and hot, each sip was perfectly seasoned and so soul-satisfying. You could taste the love in the sandwich and soup! I would order this again.

I’ve ordered the Roasted Pork Copa ($33) twice now because it’s that good. The sweetly glazed pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, even better when dipped into the tart cherry sauce. The stewed farro is silky with just the right bit of chew, and the generous portion could easily satisfy two. Beep Beep declared her wine paired nicely with the pork.

I enjoyed the Highwood Crossing Organic Grain Bowl ($22). The yuzu vinaigrette was bright and complemented the emerald green avocado, pea shoots, grilled chicken, and grains. All the ingredients tasted fresh.

I’ve also tried the Poached Icelandic Cod ($31), a customer favourite, and the portion is impressively generous. The sauce leans a bit too sweet and milky for my taste, but the Spiced Humbolt Squid ($18) more than makes up for it — thick-cut, tender, and coated in a crisp gluten-free cornmeal crumb. Personally, I’d love it even more in a light tempura batter, but then again, I’ve been living on McNuggets and Oreo McFlurries lately, so I know my palate might not be the gold standard.

We plan to take G-Mah, Bobbino, and my mother, Boss Lady, in the next month. I have my eye on some other dishes. Our Italian friend Fit told us the garlic and olive oil tagliatelle is stellar, which says a lot, knowing her food preferences. I’m also keen to try the burger and ribeye steak, both of which were recommended by other servers. In any case, Hitting the Sauce gives The Exchange two phat thumbs up.

Cheap Eats · Restaurants

Pathway Momos: A low-key momo spot in Calgary

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Divine Offering has spoiled me twice now with takeout from Pathway Momo’s, located in South Airways, in the northeast quadrant of Calgary. She’s been obsessed with these momos since the pandemic. After tasting them myself, I get her love for Nepalese dumplings. Let’s listen to Touch by Katseye for this post.

Momos are in a league of their own. Infused with aromatic spices and wrapped in a delicate, silky dough, it packs a whallop of flavour. You can get these babies steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, tandoori-style, soup-based (jhol), or marinated in a spicy vegetable chilli sauce (sadeko). The sadeko is so hot and fiery that it made me pause in panic, then meekly go back for tentative seconds.

Divine Offering always orders at least three varieties. This time, she picked steamed pork ($11.99), vegetarian adeko ($12.49), and chicken jhol ($11.99). Texture-wise, I love the pork dumplings for the firm and juicy filling and the pop of coriander. Though I usually prefer dumplings with a crispy pan-fried edge, with the momos, I like them steamed to let the wrappers shine. The casing is toothsome and just dry enough to hold its unique shape in your mouth, yet pliant enough to soak up the sauce.

The chicken filling is softer and less dense than pork. Divine Offering prefers the chicken, for its light, marinated flavour and heat from the chilli oil. The vegetarian momos are bright and fresh. The filling tastes like real vegetables, minced, not frozen or puréed mush. The dumplings are so good, I plan to place an order for my friends Lululemon and Bex.oxo.

Divine Offering pointed out the craftsmanship in each dumpling, noting how each type is folded differently — pinched, crimped, or pleated. She said the jhol style gets even better the next day, like leftover ravioli.

There’s something addictive about eating these dumplings cold. The coolness of the wrapper contrasts even more with the warm spices. Each bite is so yummy and delectable. I must have eaten a dozen, with zero remorse.

I haven’t been to the restaurant myself yet. There are two locations, one in the NE and the newest location in the SW. Divine Offering swears by this NE spot, calling it a casual, diner-like place serving food so good it could easily charge more.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Calgary without spending much, this is one I’ll keep coming back to. I plan to go and do a friend and family pickup and drop-off, or maybe host a momo party. These dumplings are so good, they need to be shared with the world. Hitting the Sauce gives Pathway Momos two phat thumbs up.

Wine tasting

Vine Styles Calgary Saturday Wine Tastings

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Vine Styles in Kensington offers free tastings every Saturday, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Divine Offering and I dropped by as Mark from Juice Imports was sampling three newish wines. For this post, let’s listen to Oh! Darling.

There was quite a line to taste these wines, proof that Vine Styles is full of “grape” neighbours from the hood. Throughout the afternoon, groups of friends, of all ages, dropped in.

Mark was showcasing Dormilona 2024 Blanco ($37.95), Francesco Cirelli 2024 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo ($35.95), and Clos Cibonne 2024 Tentations Rosé ($38.95).

I’m familiar with Dormilona wines, a woman-led winery in Margaret River, Western Australia. Mark described this wine as creamy, crisp, and fresh. I liked the vibrancy of this white wine and picked up a bottle. It’s hard to find a wine that pairs well with salads, and apparently, this one pairs nicely with any vegetables and mint.

The flavour of Francesco Cirelli was unique to me. Mark mentioned this Italian white was an easy-drinking, savoury wine that paired well with seafood, such as ceviche. Divine Offering picked up a bottle because it stood out from the wines she had been stocking. She tasted peach or apricot, and thought it would be a good, cold summer wine. I remembered that I was already sharing a case of white wine from Domaine Richaud with Lululemon and Divine Offering, so I bowed out.

The third wine, Clos Cibonne 2024 Tentations Rosé, was described as a classic Provence rosé. Unsure of what that meant, I looked up an AI definition and got “A classic Provence rosé is pale and elegant, with crisp notes of citrus, red berries, and herbs, finishing clean and refreshingly dry.” The Tentations rosé was lovely, but with a case of Domaine Richaud rosé already at home, I decided to pass this time.

We tried the other three tastings from another wine merchant. Divine Offering bought a bottle of the Terenzuola Vermentino Vero ($38.95, discount $35.06). She found this wine smooth and thought it would pair well with a variety of snacks. She doesn’t usually drink a lot of red wine, so she must have liked this one.

I bought a bottle of the Fontana Vecchia Piedirosso ($31.95, discount $28.76). Described as bold and full-bodied, I took to the fragrance and the juicy flavour. I was told this wine pairs well with any protein, pasta and pizza.

If you haven’t been to Vine Styles, check it out. On a Saturday afternoon, it’s a lively spot to discover something new. Even better, time your visit so you can leave with the perfect bottle for dinner.

Seafood · Special Occasion · Wine tasting

Bar Gigi: Avenue Calgary’s Best Restaurants (2025/2026)

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I just had the best meal of 2025. Sure, the year’s only half over, but I don’t anticipate eating better than I did at Bar Gigi last Saturday. For this post, let’s listen to E-Pro.

I was shocked by how small Bar Gigi is. There are barely a handful of tables, which explains why reservations are so hard to snag. If you make one, keep it. In a restaurant this tiny, a last-minute cancellation can take a real bite out of the night’s sales.

Our server was an absolute star. When I mentioned my recent appetite issues, she suggested half pours of wine and smaller portions so we could try even more dishes. Who does that? Let me answer that for you: no one. No one but her! From here on, I’m calling our server Fairy Godmother, or FG for short.

FG recommended pairing a glass of the Bernard Defaix Chardonnay Chablis (2023, $20) with the scallop crudo ($22). The scallops were silky, lovelier yet with a delicate crunch from celery and onion crisp on the top. Chew Steel thought the wine went well with the thick viscosity of the green lime yuzu.

FG paired the Loimer Grüner Veltliner (2023, $20) with the prawn toast ($21). Since I can’t pair wine with food for the life of me, I was in bliss. The bread had a buttery, golden crunch that gave way to a rich prawn filling with an almost devilled egg-like creaminess. It reminded me of the fried goodness of a dim sum shrimp spring roll. Served icy cold, the wine sliced right through the toast’s fatty goodness.

FG recommended dipping our toast into the green yuzu sauce, which cut through the richness of the dish. Chew Steel initially rebuffed the suggestion, but after one dip, he agreed it was a winning combination. I reprimanded him. FG had already proven her worth. We do not question FG.

I’m unsure if FG paired the Squash Blossom ($18) with a glass of pink Améztola Txkoil Rebentis Hondarrable Zurl (2023) or a Sauvignon Blanc, Château de Poot (2022). I just know I had both on the table, and that I was having the time of my life.

The fried squash blossom was a winner. Lightly battered, delicate and sweet, it was stuffed with warm ricotta as smooth and heavy as whipped potatoes. Topped with just a hint of honey, this was easily one of the best things I’ve eaten all year.

I was full at this point, but I ordered the Chew Steel Potato Bread ($14) because I could see him eyeing it as it sailed past us to the following table. I took a bite. The bread was warm and pliable, made decadent with salty charred leek butter, bespeckled with black olives. I took a swig of my rose, loving how smooth it tasted against the herby oil and salty bread.

For Chew Steel’s main, we ordered the Ricotta Cavatelli with Morels and Tarragon ($34) paired with a glass Reserve de Vignerons Cab Franc (2023, $16). The wine was delicious on its own and with the pasta, which Chew Steel mentioned brought out the creamy nutmeg flavour in the sauce.

Though I was too full to eat Chew Steel’s pasta, I somehow still had room for dessert: the Sour Cherries Amaretto Cream Phyllo Pastry ($14). Oh, this was way too good to share. I loved the cold, tart cherries against the soft whipped cream and crunchy phyllo. I would order this again in a heartbeat.

We washed dessert down with Lo Milla grappa ($14). At this point, I just remember raving and rambling about how happy I was to finally find a restaurant that quenched the thirst Bar Von Der Fels left behind.

I think there’s something so magical about a small restaurant run by big talent. Bar Gigi is one of the best restaurants in Calgary right now, and I’m looking forward to my next visit. Hitting the Sauce gives Bar Gigi and FG two phat thumbs up.

For more standout meals, see my guide to the best date night restaurants in Calgary.

Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Juice Import x Unfiltered Wine Bar

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Lululemon and I dropped by to visit Mark Couillard from Juice Imports, as he was featuring a tasting at Unfiltered Wine Bar in Calgary’s Sunalta community. Let’s listen to ‘Milkshake’ for this post.

When we arrived, there was a line-up to get in. I’m unsure if it’s usually this busy or if it was Mark’s featured wines that were ‘bringing in all the oenophiles into the yard’. In any case, I’m thankful Lululemon made a reservation.

We chose Mark’s flight ($31), which featured three wines: Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher, Clos Cibonne Tentations Rose, and Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso.

The first wine we tried was Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher ($81/bottle). Lululemon noticed immediately that her wine was cloudy, and mine was clear. Mark explained that Lululemon’s glass was from the last pour, while mine came from the first pour of the bottle. He described the wine as having a slightly brassy character, similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a tart, fresh, and fun profile. I recalled buying another bottle from Laurent Saillard, Lucky You, last year.

The second wine, Clos Cibonne Tenttions Rose ($77/bottle), was some damn easy sipping. Mark informed us that the winery is located in a very hot climate, which is cooled off by the sea breeze. He described floral notes of melon, peach, and strawberry. I could taste strawberries.

The last wine we tried, Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso ($72/bottle), hails from Sicily. The red wine had a distinct fragrance. Cantina Marilina is a women-led organic farm, located in the province of Siracusa. He described the wine as bold, plummy, fruity, with herbaceous notes. I could taste cherry. I recognized this label as Lululemon, Divine Offering and I both shared a case of Cantina Marilina’s Fedelie Rosato.

After our fun tasting, Lululemon took me to Una’s takeaway store for a pizza slice and fried dough balls. I ate more there than I have in a month! If you’re after a quick bite, a slice is the perfect nightcap.

Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Minerality? Erik Mercier from Juice Imports

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A recent health development has kept me mostly at home over the past few weeks. However, I’ve been punctuating my sad little existence with the occasional jaunt. For example, I prebooked a Vine Arts wine tasting ($50) with Erik Mercier from Juice Imports before I was diagnosed, and I figured going wouldn’t literally kill me, so I went. Let’s listen to ‘Edelweiss’ for this post.

Having attended Juice Import’s tasting for years, I realized early on that the two business partners, Erik and Mark, have a passion so deep for their work that they are willing to host these lovely tastings essentially for free. The only things in life that are free are air and pain. So, not to be dramatic, but I’ll always gladly take in a Juice Import’s tasting. The fee for the tasting goes towards using the space, which Vine Art kindly allows them to use for a minimal cost.

My friend Divine Offering came this time, along with Lululemon. I wanted Divine Offering to meet Erik and Lululemon, as we are all taking a wine tour with Erik and Mark in 2026. We sat in the front of the tasting room, where we soaked in the sun-filled room and the shining variety of white wines, varying in minerality.

Our welcome bubbles were Meinklang Epic ($29, discount $26). I found this wine refreshing with lovely tiny bubbles. I bought a bottle.

I hadn’t eaten much that day, and oh boy, was that cheese platter delicious. Peasant Cheese always does it right. The brie was soft and gooey, even better when paired with various crackers and dried apricots. The hard cheese was buttery yet creamy. And those big, fat, sweet red cherries tasted like it was just been plucked from a tree in the Okanogan.

The first wine was Testalong Cortez Chenin Blanc ($57). Testalong is one of the top three wineries in South Africa. Grown on decomposed granite with quartz and silica, Erik observed the stony characteristics. I find it challenging to describe minerality because I haven’t had much experience tasting things like stone or flint. Erik explained that flavours in wine that aren’t fruity, floral, or spicy are often considered mineral notes.

We compared Testalong Cortez with Escala Humana Chenin Blanc ($37.50), a wine from Argentina. Erik described this wine as fruity, with floral notes and citrus aromas. Lululemon liked this wine a lot. Divine Offering mentioned it complemented the fruit on her plate. Both purchased a bottle.

The Maloof Thistle Pinot Gris ($40, discount $36) was just right for me. Erik could taste both spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, as well as the iced tea and lemon. The grapes grow on ‘Jory soil’, found in Oregon. The soil is volcanic, which is considered ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. I picked up a bottle for my in-laws, Turned and Dave.

The fourth wine was a real goodie, Gut Oggau Timotheus ($80). I love Gut wines, but I have what you call a beer budget, so I just sat and enjoyed experiencing the Juicy Fruit-like flavour. Erik mentioned the winery has a cult status in New York and Paris, and is served at Noma, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Copenhagen. There’s actually a whole page dedicated to Gut wines.

The fourth wine we tasted was Le Grappin Macon Villages ($50). The smell was lovely. Erik noted that this was a white burgundy, an excellent value for such a bright and fresh wine. I had trouble describing what I could taste.

Erik mentioned that the winery farms its grapes with great intensity. Someone at the table asked what that meant, and he explained that when you grow fewer grapes, it gets more attention. He said to think of growing one ton of grapes versus ten tons on the same plot of land. When there are more grapes, they compete for nutrients, which can dilute their concentration of sugar and alcohol.

My favourite bottle just so happened to be Marnes Blanches Savignin Les Molates ($62, discounted to $55). Domaine Des Marnes Blanches is the first winery I fell in love with from Juice Import’s portfolio. The trick I learned at home, however, is to pair the wine with cheese. For some reason, it tastes so much better.

I smelled brown sugar. Erik mentioned this wine could be aged for 30 years. I couldn’t muffle my snicker in time. I’m not waiting three decades to drink a nice bottle of wine. Erik suggested pairing this wine with Comte cheese. He sniffed and sipped, tasting spicy, peppery, green tea and tropical fruit. Lululemon mentioned the Savignin les Molates reminded her of lasagna. Yes, I could see it. Divine Offering found it creamy, sweet, yet herbal and smooth. Lululemon, Divine Offering, and I bought a bottle.

I asked if wines with minerality are less approachable to novice wine drinkers because it’s harder to describe what they taste. Erik disagreed, saying a novice drinker can’t tell the difference, as it takes a lot of practice. People aren’t naturally good at tasting notes in wine. He says that, in comparison, semi-knowledgeable drinkers are worse than novice drinkers, as they get in their heads a little knowledge and become resistant to trying certain wines. For example, those who claim they dislike sweet wines, such as Riesling, are missing out, as many are delicious and highly regarded by both wine experts and novices.

Another guest asked about the best places to drink wine in Paris and New York. I tuned out because I didn’t find it relevant in my near future. I perked up when Erik mentioned that Class Clown in Calgary has an incredible natural wine selection at bargain prices, just a few dollars above retail price.

I mentioned the Ship and Anchor has an inexpensive wine list, with several bottles from Juice Imports. Erik confirmed, but noted that his business partner had drunk all of the Ship’s champagne because it was priced so cheaply. Erik recommended Missy This That for the best wine selection.

On August 14, Juice Imports and Salt and Brick are hosting an intimate dinner featuring a rare selection of Burgundy wines ($350). I was very tempted, but since I can’t eat much, I figured it would be wasted on me. However, if you are interested, you might still be able to get a ticket.

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.

Japanese · Restaurants · Sushi

Sukiyaki House Calgary: Avenue’s 2026 Japanese Restaurant Runner-Up

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August 2026 update: Avenue Calgary readers named Sukiyaki House a runner-up in the city’s Best Japanese Restaurants category for 2026.

Before my brother and his kids left the province, I took the whole crew to Sukiyaki House. Sure, BC has no shortage of Japanese restaurants, but I had a feeling this place would stand out. Let’s listen to “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine for this post.

When we arrived, Justin greeted me and asked what brought us in. I gestured toward my clan and said my family was visiting. Once we got to the table, the kids asked me about Justin. I told them he was the owner’s son and a graduate of the Haskayne School of Business. They both looked thoroughly impressed and whispered I’m famous. Sadly, I’m not famous. I’m not even verified on LinkedIn. The owners just make a point to get to know their guests.

I ordered a range of appetizers. First up was Roblox and Jellybean’s favourite dish: seared tuna tataki. The tuna was delicate and soft, which contrasted with the crunchy garnish. Jellybean thought the sauce tasted like a juicy orange. Roblox said the tuna tasted like the inside of sashimi. Jellybean leaned in and said, “This is the best thing I’ve eaten the whole trip.”

The karrage was a hit. Narc said he could eat a whole bucket of this chicken. Roblox found his words and noted it was super crunchy on the outside and very soft on the inside. Another winner!

Narc enjoyed the fried shrimp, noting the generous ratio of shrimp to batter. I took a bite and noticed the flavour of sesame oil in the creamy sauce.

Boss Lady loved the octopus tataki and the marinated squid. She even ate the greens, noting how fresh the garnishes were. Asians love their vegetables. The kids pointed out that the octopus was both chewy and crunchy.

Narc noticed how different the California roll tasted with real crab. When I chewed, the taste of the fluffy crab filled my entire mouth. There was so much crab that it was poking out slightly at the ends. My mother nodded in approval.

With the sashimi and nigiri platter, Boss Lady’s favourite was the wild sockeye salmon and scallop nigiri. She practically squealed with delight when she bit into the enormous piece of scallop. Tentative on her first bite of raw scallop, Jellybean wasn’t quite sure what to make of the smooth, silky texture. Both kids liked the sashimi and devoured everything.

I realized at this point I’d forgotten the tempura and miso soup. Not that it mattered, as everyone was already stuffed. My mother was really impressed with the food and said she’s never had better in Vancouver. I patted her on the head. Boss Lady doesn’t hand out compliments lightly, and especially not for other people’s cooking.

Near the end of the meal, Judith came by to check on us. When Jellybean asked who she was, I said, “That’s Judith. She and Justin are Anna’s kids, and Anna owns the restaurant.” Roblox and Jellybean looked at me in awe and asked, “You know Anna, too?”

I nodded and then ordered them dessert, homemade mochi with red bean paste. I told them Anna made the desserts herself. Boss Lady admired the knife work and couldn’t stop marvelling at the fruit, especially the longan.

This lunch was a resounding success, as I knew it would be, as it is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Calgary for a reason. Hitting the Sauce gives Sukiyaki House two phat thumbs up.

Chinatown · Dim Sum

Central Grand – Dim Sum in Calgary

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My brother Narc was in town! My mother, Boss Lady, immediately called for a family reunion over dim sum. I remembered Judith, one of the owners at Sukiyaki House, once mentioning she dines often at Central Grand. What is good enough for Judith is more than good enough for me! Let’s listen to Kiss by Prince for this post.

We arrived around 10:30 a.m. and snagged one of the last big tables. The moment we sat down, I could feel my anxiety rise. Customers at the table next to us stood to get to their seats, pressing in so close to my nephew, Roblox, that I felt my nerves tighten. I hadn’t even poured the tea yet when my mother rattled off five orders in less than a minute, filling up our table in frightening speeed.

Two minutes in, as I was pouring tea, Boss Lady was already dropping siu mai into Roblox’s dish, which he doesn’t like, while urging us to eat quickly before the food got cold. Narc gently reminded Boss Lady that there’s no need to put food on their plate, the kids will get it themselves.

I have a recent condition that makes it hard for me to eat, so I asked Roblox and Jellybean to help me describe the food I couldn’t try. My niece observed that the rice crepe doughnut wasn’t as fluffy as she was used to, saying it could be more voluminous, but still thought it tasted perfect with the sauce.

Jellybean softly prodded her brother to describe the soup dumplings, to which he responded: “It’s just… soup and dumplings. What is there to say about soup dumplings?” I foresee engineering as a possibility in Roblox’s future.

With that description and hearing everyone around the table devour the dishes, I thought: to hell with it. One siu mai won’t kill me. My first bite filled my mouth with hot juices and large, crunchy goodness. Damn, this was one damn good dumpling!

Jellybean enjoyed the coconut buns, which looked to me like they were baked in-house. She loved the fluffiness of the bun and noted the sweetness of the coconut filling. Roblox noticed a hair in the remaining bun—or a hair bun, if you will. These things happen. I flagged down a server. He offered to get me a new one, but the place was so busy he must have forgotten. It was fine as we were already getting too full.

Boss Lady selected more dishes, and then she began her shuffle of food onto plates to make room for even more food. She then asked Roblox if he wanted lobster or crab. Roblox’s eyes lit up. Narc interrupted their conversation and stated that dim sum was enough, then encouraged me to try the beef tripe, which he said had good seasoning. He would have preferred a slightly chewier texture, but was happy with it overall.

We tried two types of squid. Everyone preferred the tentacle version over the sweet, battered strips. The tentacle version was served hot, and the coating was crispier. This was Narc’s favourite dish.

I loved my mother’s go-to dish, a meat and vegetable steamed dumpling. The saucy filling was steaming hot and generously portioned, punctuated with crunchy peanuts. Best of all, the wrapping was chewy and tender, not oversteamed. I’d get this again.

Another winner was the rice noodles with soy sauce. It didn’t look like much, but once you picked one up, you could dig into these big, thin rice sheets.

Ludwig’s favourite dish was the gai lan, which had to be ordered from the kitchen. Boss Lady critically gazed at the gai lan and announced that we got premium pieces. I could smell the garlic. Ludwig and Boss Lady both agreed the gai lan was perfectly crunchy—better, they said, than the one at U and Me.

The price for all this food was more than reasonable, at around $20 per person. Central Grand is also one of the few places that still offers cart service. I have to give props to the staff. They worked hard and were always around to help with any requests. And despite the lineups outside, we got plenty of tea refills and all the side sauces without even asking. Hitting the Sauce gives Central Grand two phat thumbs up.

Indian · London

Southall in London review: Prince of Wales Pub

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Chew Steel and I planned to try Indian food our entire trip, having heard it was excellent in England. However, we ended up skipping Haveli in Newcastle due to the long Uber ride and passing over Mowgli in Liverpool, despite my guide Paul’s strong recommendation. So, on our last night in London, I finally made it happen. Let’s listen to Alright by Supergrass for this post.

We arrived at our airport hotel late afternoon, and I found an article listing the best Indian food in London’s Southall community. Cross-checking with Google reviews, I narrowed it down to my top three. Once in Southall, I used Google Maps to find the closest spots on my list and spotted the Prince of Wales, a Punjabi pub located about a ten-minute walk away in a residential area.

The interior was cozy, almost like a vintage pub. The old-fashioned lamps emitted a yellow glow, and the scattered TV screens and games offered entertainment all around. The well-used tables and seats were filled with a mix of older and younger patrons, mostly Caucasian men and women. A few Indian guests sat with authority around the room, drinking beer and quietly observing the crowd.

We sat next to a father giving work and life advice to his daughter, and his wife quickly spotted us and asked us if this was our first time at the Prince of Wales. When we responded yes, she told us to get the chicken tikka masala, while her husband recommended one of the grills, their specialty. They both warned us: ask for less spice unless you know you can handle it. We ended up with the chicken grill (£18), chicken tikka masala with less spice (£14), two pints of Peroni beer (£7), and naan (£2).

The food took a while, but it was worth the wait. The grilled chicken platter arrived with a side of sizzle, filling the air with sharp crackles and hisses as white steam rose upward. I sat, inhaling the fragrance of spices and smoke.

I gave most of the tikka to Chew Steel, as it was more his style. The lean meat had the texture of chicken breast, caramelized slightly on the outside. The wings were more to my liking, extra chubby with crispy skin. I would alternate between dunking my wings in the side of herby, cilantro-heavy sauce and a brown sauce that was sweet and thick.

My favourite, however, was the chicken kebab, made of ground meat. The texture was soft and springy, and I enjoyed the delicate charred flavour. Chew Steel mentioned it was nice to have chicken prepared in three ways: boneless, bone-in, and ground.

This chicken tikka masala had bold, robust notes, with no sweetness or creaminess to soften the edges. The smoky depth of the grilled chicken stood out, layered with the tangy notes of tomato, ginger, and spices. I appreciated the bluntness of the flavours, as it reminded me of homemade food.

The naan was flat and dry, more like a flatbread than the soft, airy naan I get back in Calgary. However, it obviously wasn’t all bad, as I still gobbled it up.

Our final dinner of the trip was a success, a great find on my part, made possible with a bit of financial aid from Chew Steel. Hitting the Sauce gives Prince of Wales Pub two phat thumbs up.

Bars/Lounges · Beer · Restaurants · Vegetarian · Wings

Edinburgh review: Salt Horse – where to drink craft beer

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We took a day trip to Edinburgh from Newcastle. It’s a 1.5-hour train ride away, and staying in Newcastle meant we saved around $500 on our hotel room. For this post, let’s listen to the Arctic Monkeys, Do I Wanna Know?.

My brother, Narc, strongly recommended visiting Edinburgh Castle (£24), and his wife suggested the Palace of Holyroodhouse (£25). However, he texted me “Hollywood”, so the entire time we were in Edinburgh, I told locals who asked me where I was going next that I was heading to Hollywood Castle, instead of “Haw-Lee-rood” Palace.

We arrived at the train station and walked up the Royal Mile. Holy, I’ve never seen such an impressive mile in my life. We walked down cobble streets aligned with towering medieval and Renaissance buildings. The piercing sound of bagpipes, mournful yet inspiring, almost stopped us in our tracks. The sight of the buildings, churches, and ancient castles was even more stunning to me than my visits to Dubrovnik or Greece. Chew Steel asked me if my father had ever visited Scotland. No, I responded, he hasn’t, likely because Scotland doesn’t have enough composers to compel him to fly over.

In no time, we made it to Edinburgh Castle, just as the rain began to fall. Not the warm summer rain I’m used to in Calgary, but a sharp, bone-cold drizzle that chilled my bare legs and arms like a bottle of wine. I miscalculated the weather. In Liverpool and Newcastle, a heatwave occurred, and I incorrectly assumed the weather would be warmer.

No worries, I wrongly thought again, as I would be warm once inside the castle. Edinburgh Castle is perched on a rock, and most of the tour is outside, exploring the main gate, the open plaza, the main courtyard, and the artillery areas. The warmest spot was the prison, which was cozy with its puppet light show and rows of hammocks and blankets. I was shivering so badly I wanted to crawl into one of the beds.

I also realized too late why my brother liked this castle so much. It was all military-related: the Mons Meg, a medieval cannon; the One O’Clock Gun; and a section dedicated to a vast array of medals, swords, and other symbols of military valour. The castle was originally a royal residence, but it later evolved into a military fortress. Edinburgh itself has a very long military history.

When we left, the sun came out again and dried my clothes. For lunch, we headed to Salt Horse, which is located in the centre of the city, a few blocks away from all the action. We sat down, a table away from an Asian female and her Caucasian partner. This detail will make sense in the following paragraphs.

The bartender knows his craft, not just about the history of the brewery or the style of beer making, but also about current anecdotes related to certain bottles. I told him about a delicious raspberry I tried at the Broad Chare. He recommended I try Timmermans Black Pepper Lambicus (£6.80), a bubbly Belgian beer. Chew Steel ordered Kriek Boon (£6).

What a lovely beverage! Thick and fragrant, the black cherries tasted and smelled a little like fresh pink roses. The black pepper was subtle and complemented the dark fruit. I’m a fan. Chew Steel enjoyed his beer was well.

As we sipped our beers, our bartender dropped off a plate of wings at our table. I told him we hadn’t ordered this, and he looked genuinely puzzled. The woman sitting next to us chimed in, “That was ours.” He laughed and said, “Oh well, you can see why I got confused about who ordered what. Right?” He gestured to us and then to them. One interracial couple exchanged a glance with another, and a silent moment of recognition passed between us. I joked to our doppelgangers, “We all look alike.” She laughed and offered to share the wings, which was very Asian of her. I declined, even though I really wanted one, and introduced myself, because we’re probably related, somehow.

Her name was Lisa; she was originally from San Francisco and now lived in Paris. She and her husband were heading to Montreal and Quebec City. I gave them some travel tips — where to go and, just as importantly, where not to go. Lisa wished us goodbye, and her husband disclosed Lisa was after some haggis, as she’s a devout foodie. For once in my life, I bit my tongue, but my eyes registered with Lisa’s husband, and I nodded in understanding.

For food, Chew Steel and I both ordered the Bowhouse (£15), which features dry-aged beef and bone marrow, accompanied by homemade, twice-cooked fries. This is a tasty burger! I could taste the bone marrow in the patty, which complemented the dryish texture well. I would come here again.

After our meal, we made it down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which was much more hospitable. The palace was full of interesting twists and turns, like the royal portraits and Mary, Queen of Scots’ private chambers, where her secretary was murdered by her husband. We finished the tour with a walk through the royal gardens.

We checked out some other areas, famous streets, and the most impressive statue honouring writer Sir Walter Scott, housed under a towering Gothic structure. Exhausted, we headed back to Newcastle for the night. One more day in London and we were back home! To be continued.

Newcastle UK

Newcastle upon Tyne review: Geordie Bangers, The Broad Chare (Bib Gourmand) and Hen & Hops

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We took a train from Liverpool to Newcastle. After we dropped off our luggage at the hotel, we searched for Grainger Market because I had read great things about the sausage rolls at Geordie Banger, a third-generation butchery family. Let’s listen to “Blur” by Parklife for this post.

Judging from the menus in Liverpool and Edinburgh, I could see locals are fond of their sausages and meat pies. I was curious, as my only experience with sausage rolls comes from the frozen ones by Schneiders, where the puff pastry is dry and papery, wrapped around a spongy, unappetizing filling. Frozen meat pies from Safeway aren’t much better, the crust is either tough and dry or undercooked and soggy.

Whelp, we Canadians have been missing out! Take a gander at these gorgeous sausages! The crust-to-sausage ratio is insane. And the texture of the meat and pastry was off the hook. With each bite, my teeth would sink through the crisp casing, releasing a flood of hearty, juicy flavour.

The Cumberland sausage roll was our favourite. The herbs tasted familiar, and the pork had a natural sweetness. The crust is minimal, thin and crispy, with just enough sturdiness to support the fatty goodness.

Everything we tried was so steaming hot that we burned our mouths eating it. I couldn’t believe a portion this big was only £3. The black pudding sausage had a creaminess and flavour profile that reminded me of pâté. The jalapeño was mild, adding just enough of a kick to wake up the taste buds.

The owner chatted with us and told us to go to Broad Chare. I already had it on my list, as it was recommended in the Michelin guide. And when we came back before returning to London, he gave me some free sausage rolls to take on our train ride back. Two hours later, the sausages were still warm. While I was eating, I noticed another passenger casting a jealous glance at mine. That’s right, I thought with glee, I’ve got a big one!

We walked to the Biscuit Factory, an art gallery that sells commercial art, crafts, and other designs. Formerly a Victorian warehouse, it was filled with contemporary art at reasonable prices.

Afterwards, we walked to Seven Stories, a national centre for children’s books. We strolled through several floors dedicated to British children’s literature. It started to rain, so we ducked into a nearby pub to enjoy a drink while the weather cleared.

Eventually, we made our way over to the Broad Chare. The crowd didn’t feel as warm and welcoming as in Liverpool. I was surprised to catch some older women casting wary glances in my direction. The only time I’ve gotten looks like this was at Avitus in Marda Loop.

I read on Broad Chare’s website that they offer a house beer that pairs well with all the food, so when I went up to order a round, I mentioned that I had heard the pub has a beer that complements all the food. The bartender said flat out, “I have no idea what you are talking about”. I asked if there were any house taps, and he pointed to the Writer’s Block, which I recognized immediately and requested. When I sat down, I looked up the website and found the passage I was referring to.

L went up for the next round and ordered me a raspberry beer (£6.60), which tasted like a raspberry smoothie. We also shared the Monkfish Cheeks (£8) and Scotch Egg (£8).

The Scotch egg was fantastic! Crunchy shell, jammy yolk, it fired off on all cylinders. The Monkfish cheeks were full of umami, and the meat was dense and firm. The homemade tartar sauce was also lovely.

While my raspberry beer was stellar, and I loved the food, we decided to leave and walk around the neighbourhood. The architecture in the city centre is stunning, a fascinating hodgepodge of historic buildings, statues, and churches from different eras.

It was also a Saturday night, and in Newcastle, that meant the streets came alive. I’d never seen anything quite like it. Hordes of women, both young and old, flooded the sidewalks, strutting confidently in head-turning outfits. Every pub was jam-packed, the air hot and humid. The nightclubs drew a slightly different crowd. All around, there was a chorus of hoots, hollers, and shouted greetings flying between groups.

After all the chaos outside, we found a quiet reprieve at Hen & Hops, a cosy little chicken‑and‑beer spot right by our hotel. Tame‑looking diners filled the snug space, totally removed from the raucous nightlife scene. It felt calming and safe from any mayhem.

I wasn’t hungry, but Chew Steel ordered a Chicken Burger (£14.50). I took a bite and enjoyed the onion jam and plump fried chicken filet. Crisp romaine, a huge piece of chicken, there’s a lot to like about this burger. I would return.

Overall, we enjoyed our short visit to Newcastle. We went to bed to get ready for our day trip to Edinburgh. To be continued.

Bars/Lounges · Liverpool · Special Occasion

Liverpool review: The Bridewell, Belzan (Bib Gourmand)

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Chew Steel returned to our hotel room from his conference and saw me washed up and in bed, scrolling on my phone. He asked if I had eaten, and I said yes, I had gone to McDonald’s, but it was even worse than the one back home in Canada. He shook his head in disapproval and told me to get ready, as the night was still young. Let’s listen to “Hello, Goodbye” by the Beatles for this post.

Chew Steel took me to The Bridewell, a converted historic Victorian correctional facility now specializing in beer. I’m so glad I don’t live near this pub as it would be the death of me. The bones of Bridewell still reveal that it was once a police station, as the old cells with sliding doors are left intact to confine customers. I preferred sitting out in the main room, where I could see the bar and watch the crowd gather.

When Chew Steel bought me my first gin and soda (£5), I noticed several blueberries peeking out from the ice cubes. I used my compostable straw to poke out the berries, and later, when it disintegrated, I used my piano fingers to fish out the sugary balls of fruit. The fizz was clean and bubbly, while the gin was perfectly boozy and sweet from the blueberries.

I went up to get a second round, and I told our bartender how much I loved the garnish in my drink. He smiled and presented me with this masterpiece. Oh boy, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and orange slices! It was like a fruit salad topped with gin. I felt like I won the lottery. I leaned back and happily ate my fruit.

The next morning, I was on my own. I ventured over to Liverpool Cathedral, which is the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth-largest in the world. Stepping into the cathedral was an experience. There was a heatwave, so the moment I entered, the cathedral’s cool hush was like a calming balm on my skin. It’s a vast sanctuary of towering columns and impossibly high ceilings, chapels and wooden carvings.

Multi-coloured stained glass windows bring your eyes up to the expansive stone and woodwork. I was surprised to learn that Liverpool Cathedral is relatively new because it looks so old. Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1978.

Next, I walked over to another St. George’s Hall, but it was closed for a private function, and I didn’t want to buy tickets for a light show. I bought some biscuits from Marks & Spencer for my mom and dropped by the hotel to change. Chew Steel came back from his conference, and off we went to explore the streets before our dinner at Belzan, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the suburbs.

Belzan is a must-visit spot. It’s a tiny restaurant, and from appearances, it seems to have been a café at one point. The modest room features a half-dozen small seats and a bar with a small countertop. The staff were exceptionally personable, recommending dishes and taking the time to describe the beer, wine and food in detail.

We both opted for the fixed-price menu (£40), which included a glass of wine, an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. We added an extra course, the Guinness Rarebit Potato (£13). For our appetizers, we selected the Barbecued Courgette, Butterbean Hummus with Pine Nut Gremolata and Broad Beans with Goat Curds and Caramelized Honey.

A courgette is a type of summer squash, similar to zucchini, with a light, melon-like flavour. Initially, I thought this was an odd combination of ingredients, but the mint pesto and sweet raisins worked surprisingly well with the hummus, adding a pop of herby freshness and a touch of sweetness. I also liked the buttery taste of the roasted pine nuts.

The other appetizer was just as good. The broad beans were so sweet, perfectly blanched, so each bite was toothsome. I liked the stiffness of the creamy yogurt and the subtle sweetness of the honey. Simple and delicious.

The rarebit was interesting and our favourite appetizer. It tasted familiar yet surprisingly unique, similar to a delicate layered potato cake, but topped with a rich, heavy cheese sauce.

For our mains, we chose the Barbecued Pork Collar, served with Provençal Sauce and Paprika Aioli and the Steamed Sea Trout, with Vichyssoise, Watercress, and Mussels.

The steamed sea trout had a delicate freshness, tender and buttery, almost melting on the tongue. Its richness reminds me of salmon, flavourful and slightly fatty. I loved it. The mussels, on the other hand, were pickled, cold, and tart, which didn’t work for me personally.

The pork collar was really succulent, and I liked the smooth texture of the meat. The mustard added a gentle and clean flavour with no lingering aftertaste. I especially enjoyed the briny, salty bite from the olives and the tangy tomato sauce.

For dessert, we ordered English Strawberries, Crème Fraîche Ice Cream, Malt, and Chocolate Mousse with Hazelnuts and Rapeseed. The ice cream was light and icy, melting quickly on my tongue. The strawberries were stewed and juicy, topped with a buttery crumble. The combination reminded me of a McDonald’s strawberry sundae, but so much better.

Chew Steel took a bite of my ice cream and immediately got buyer’s remorse. I ended up switching desserts with him. While I love ice cream, nothing quite beats the silky richness of a good chocolate mousse. The whipped chocolate paired nicely with the crunchy hazelnuts. I looked up “rapeseed” as it sounded off-putting, and learned it comes from the Latin word rapum, meaning turnip, a distant relative in the plant family.

The meal at Belzan was one of the best we’ve had in a long time. Chew Steel wondered which restaurant in Calgary would be comparable. I heard Bar Gigi offers a similar vibe and style of food, though snagging a reservation there at a decent hour is nearly impossible. Either way, this experience has inspired me to visit Bar Gigi sometime soon. In any case, Hitting the Sauce gives Belzan two phat thumbs up.

Liverpool · Seafood

Liverpool review: Two stops – Johnny English and Yanni’s Fish and Chips

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Chew Steel has a work thing in Liverpool, so I tagged along for a little June getaway. For this post, let’s listen to “Mr. Postman” by the Beatles.

We flew from Calgary to Heathrow and then took a series of trains to Liverpool. After we checked into our hotel, we headed out for some fish and chips. My first choice, Yanni’s, was closed for the day, so we supped at Johnny English Fish and Chips. You order at the front counter and then find yourself a seat.

We shared an order of large fish and chips (£11.50) and a pint of beer to accompany it (£6). The fish was fried to order, so we waited about 10 minutes. As long as a Subway sub and double in width, the batter on the fish was brittle and golden brown, so thick it almost overpowered the delicate notes of the fish. The fish was so hot I poked pieces apart and waited for it to cool. I noticed the piece I cut was much thinner than Chew Steel’s portion, which was at least twice as thick. I started forking into his portion to reach the denser white flesh.

The chips were extra crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. At nearly four times the size of Canadian fries, they had a deeper, more authentic potato flavour. I prefer these fatter, stockier UK-style chips over our thinner Canadian ones.

We capped the night with beer at Albert’s Schenke with Chew Steel’s colleague, BK, and his sister, Daisy. The staff were extra welcoming. I found the vast majority of people I interacted with in Liverpool were exceptionally friendly.

While Chew Steel worked the next morning, I took a Liverpool Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour ($44). I was the only one on the tour, so my guide, Paul, a recently retired math professor, gave me a private tour.

I’ve had tours by drama majors, and it’s always fun. However, with a math professor, it was a different beast. There’s no whimsy or frivolity. Paul was all about historical accuracy and would test me on the meaning and value of numbers so I could visualize the enormity of the industry throughout Liverpool’s maritime history. I learned how the docks played a significant role in the city’s development and economy, as did Liverpool’s investment in the slave trade with the Confederate States of America.

It was a hot morning, so we stopped in the shade and visited historical places, such as the Cunard Building, the Port of Liverpool Building, and the Liver Building. The architecture was deliberately designed to impress all who entered, from sailors seeking letters to those engaged in all acts of commerce.

I asked Paul how it felt to transition from lecturing on mathematics to history, and he said it was nice to move from teaching something no one wanted to take to something people genuinely have an interest in. Some of the last stops were more solemn and sad. He talked about the city’s ties to slavery, from the capture of the very last Confederate vessel in Liverpool to a more recent event in which Confederate sympathizers came to Liverpool to celebrate their heritage and put up a plaque honouring Confederate soldiers.

We walked over to St Nicholas’ Church Gardens. Paul stopped by a bench and pointed to a bronze sculpture of what appeared to be a man wrapped in a blanket lying on a bench. He pointed to the wounds on the man’s feet from being nailed to a crucifix. Paul explained how the Canadian Christian artist sculpted a homeless man to represent Jesus and detailed the pope’s reaction to the sculpture.

Paul switched over to the Beatles and gestured to the sculpture of all four musicians. He referenced a picture of two people taking a photo with the statues and Paul McCarthy photobombing them in their picture. After two and a half hours of walking and learning, I headed to Yanni’s for fish and chips.

This chippery gets a lot of love from the local newspaper, the Echo. I ordered a large piece of fish (£7.50) and waited about ten minutes. I ordered fish only, but I was still bestowed some complimentary chips!

The batter was lighter and thinner than Johnny’s Fish and Chips, and the fish was sweeter. The chips were softer and had a fresh potato taste. Overall, I preferred the texture and flavour of the fish at Yanni’s to those at Johnny’s.

I booked a second tour for the afternoon. Next up was the Mystery Beatles Bus Tour ($44), which turned out to be a mixed experience. Things got off to an awkward start when the tour guide and bus driver had to step in and scold a few guests who were jostling to get on board, “We’ll all get on—please be civil.”

The guide himself looked a bit weary at first, but once the tour began, he perked up and did a great job narrating the stories behind the songs and landmarks we passed—Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, and the former homes of the band members.

What let the tour down was the sound system. For a tour centred on the Beatles’ history and music, I expected higher audio quality. Instead, the music came through like it was playing from the CD/tape combo system my dad bought me in the 90s. I sat in the very front, and even then, the sound was muffled and flat. The bus was stifling, and the landmark stops were more like peeking through a keyhole and then jumping back on the bus. In hindsight, I should have booked a walking tour. I would have seen less but learned more.

The tour ended with a free pass to the Cavern Pub. Based on what I’d read, I expected something like a UK version of a Nashville watering hole, buzzing with live music and atmosphere. I stayed for two performers. I made the mistake of requesting “Paperback Writer,” which I learned is not the sort of song you ask from a performer without a band. I ended the evening with a meal at McDonald’s because, at least there, I knew what kind of disappointment to expect.