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… Continue reading Banh Mi Boy Calgary Review: A Late-Night Banh Mi Spot in Altadore
Padmandi: Best Vegan Restaurant in Calgary (That Actually Hold Up)
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 Padmandi, a vegan restaurant in Calgary’s Heritage / Kingsland area. Let’s listen to If You Leave by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the… Continue reading Padmandi: Best Vegan Restaurant in Calgary (That Actually Hold Up)
Vine Arts Wine Tasting Calgary: Franz Weninger (Juice Imports) Review
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… Continue reading Vine Arts Wine Tasting Calgary: Franz Weninger (Juice Imports) Review
Park by Sidewalk Citizen: One of Calgary’s best meals
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xm7s9eGxU This is the second time I’ve ever eaten at Park by Sidewalk Citizen and this experience… Continue reading Park by Sidewalk Citizen: One of Calgary’s best meals
Cluck N Cleaver Calgary: Worth It on SkipTheDishes?
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… Continue reading Cluck N Cleaver Calgary: Worth It on SkipTheDishes?
The Sound Room and Turkish Kebab House: A Calgary night out
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G383538qzQ The Sound Room is my favourite place to decompress. I love the ritual of descending into… Continue reading The Sound Room and Turkish Kebab House: A Calgary night out
Francine: A Standout French Restaurant in Calgary
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… Continue reading Francine: A Standout French Restaurant in Calgary
Posto – Sunday all-day happy hour in Calgary
Happy Hour, Pizza Wine, Sunday
Varbar Wine Bar – Fondue and champagne in Calgary
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT-dxG4WWf4 The restaurant is… Continue reading Varbar Wine Bar – Fondue and champagne in Calgary
Doughlicious and Doughboy in Calgary: Saturday special
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl2NCXzg1FQ&list=RDwl2NCXzg1FQ&start_radio=1 I recognized the owner, Mohamed, from Doughlicious Instagram account. I… Continue reading Doughlicious and Doughboy in Calgary: Saturday special
The Exchange: Eau Claire Athletic Club in Calgary
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”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eWe9RcT4DI&list=PLRZ3_G5bS4_A5ScYwakjaDghYWBBlMODh&index=10 Chef Carla stopped by our table to let us know one of the… Continue reading The Exchange: Eau Claire Athletic Club in Calgary
Una Pizza + Wine: Lunch special in Calgary
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp43OdtAAkM&list=RDwp43OdtAAkM&index=1 From Monday to Friday until 2PM, Una offers a $20 lunch special that includes a pop,… Continue reading Una Pizza + Wine: Lunch special in Calgary
Francine Calgary: A Date Night That Actually Holds Up
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. https://youtu.be/C0BLKudnyNo?si=3VyL0pBEXjXW9nYQ I made… Continue reading Francine Calgary: A Date Night That Actually Holds Up
La Hacienda & Himalayan Nepali Cuisine: Same night, different worlds
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… Continue reading La Hacienda & Himalayan Nepali Cuisine: Same night, different worlds
Emerald Garden – Chinese takeout
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,… Continue reading Emerald Garden – Chinese takeout
Bar Rocca: Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2025
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiYz5v7Pe0o I read in the Herald that the same person behind DOPO,… Continue reading Bar Rocca: Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2025
Exchange – Praise beef at Eau Claire Athletic Club
Last Sunday, Chew Steel and I invited Boss Lady, G-Mah and Bobbino to dinner at the Exchange, located in Calgary's Eau Claire neighbourhood. This visit was our fifth time there and hands-down the best. I even caught sight of the head chef this time, Eric Um! I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that he trained… Continue reading Exchange – Praise beef at Eau Claire Athletic Club
True Wild Distillery: Calgary’s Best New Restaurant 2026 (Avenue Calgary)
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… Continue reading True Wild Distillery: Calgary’s Best New Restaurant 2026 (Avenue Calgary)
Phoenix Gate Chinese Cuisine – Seven takeout boxes later
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8AMZmWqgRM I ordered: BBQ Pork Rice Roll ($6.25), BBQ Pork Baked Buns ($6.50),Sui Mai… Continue reading Phoenix Gate Chinese Cuisine – Seven takeout boxes later
Cassis Bistro Calgary: Is it still worth it?
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. https://youtu.be/XjKFMWpcf4M This one's a short post because we skipped appetizers and dessert. Beep Beep's a light eater, and… Continue reading Cassis Bistro Calgary: Is it still worth it?
Munch: 2026 Best Sandwich Shops in Calgary (Runner up, Avenue Calgary)
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… Continue reading Munch: 2026 Best Sandwich Shops in Calgary (Runner up, Avenue Calgary)
The Exchange: Meeting Chef Carla Davila Carlin
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmpRLQZkTb8 We kicked things off with The First Bloom Gin & T… Continue reading The Exchange: Meeting Chef Carla Davila Carlin
Pathway Momos: A low-key momo spot in Calgary
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9CZykYZkOQ Momos are in… Continue reading Pathway Momos: A low-key momo spot in Calgary
Saturday Tastings at Vine Styles
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BznFjbcBVs There was quite a line to taste these wines, proof that Vine Styles is full of… Continue reading Saturday Tastings at Vine Styles
Bar Gigi: Avenue Calgary’s Best Restaurants (2025/2026)
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 in Calgary's Bridgeland community. For this post, let's listen to E-Pro by Beck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIrG6xBW5Wk I was shocked at how small Bar Gigi is. There were barely a… Continue reading Bar Gigi: Avenue Calgary’s Best Restaurants (2025/2026)
Calgary Wine Tasting: Juice Import x Unfiltered Wine Bar
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGL2rytTraA When we arrived, there was a line-up to get in. I'm unsure if it's usually this busy or if it was… Continue reading Calgary Wine Tasting: Juice Import x Unfiltered Wine Bar
Calgary Wine Tasting: Minerality? Erik Mercier from Juice Imports
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,… Continue reading Calgary Wine Tasting: Minerality? Erik Mercier from Juice Imports
Sukiyaki House: A family-friendly Japanese restaurant in Calgary
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SXX-pWzOY8 When we arrived, Justin greeted me and asked… Continue reading Sukiyaki House: A family-friendly Japanese restaurant in Calgary
Central Grand – Dim Sum
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… Continue reading Central Grand – Dim Sum
Southall in London review: Prince of Wales Pub
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… Continue reading Southall in London review: Prince of Wales Pub
Edinburgh review: Salt Horse – where to drink craft beer
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?. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOSxM0rNPM My brother, Narc, strongly recommended visiting Edinburgh Castle (£24), and his wife suggested… Continue reading Edinburgh review: Salt Horse – where to drink craft beer
Newcastle upon Tyne review: Geordie Bangers, The Broad Chare (Bib Gourmand) and Hen & Hops
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSuHrTfcikU Judging from the menus in Liverpool… Continue reading Newcastle upon Tyne review: Geordie Bangers, The Broad Chare (Bib Gourmand) and Hen & Hops
Liverpool review: The Bridewell, Belzan (Bib Gourmand)
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… Continue reading Liverpool review: The Bridewell, Belzan (Bib Gourmand)
Liverpool review: Two stops – Johnny English and Yanni’s Fish and Chips
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. https://youtu.be/v2Kk5IG2b8E?si=Z0D-MjY9vBb7JRKM 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… Continue reading Liverpool review: Two stops – Johnny English and Yanni’s Fish and Chips
Where to eat in Calgary: Bastion Burgers, Holy Grill and Pure Saigonese
Five Stars is back! Chew Steel and I picked him up at the airport. We stopped by to show filial piety to our parents and then Ubered out to try the burgers at Bastion Burgers. Let's listen to "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat for this post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88sARuFu-tc Bastion is located in PinBar, a bar that… Continue reading Where to eat in Calgary: Bastion Burgers, Holy Grill and Pure Saigonese
Where to eat in Calgary: Bar Chouette, Lonely Mouth and Hayden Block BBQ
My brother Five Stars was in town for two nights. I asked him to pick the restaurants because he never lets me forget if the food isn't up to his standard. Twenty years ago, I chose an Italian restaurant for lunch in downtown Vancouver, and he still bitches about that meal. For this post, let's… Continue reading Where to eat in Calgary: Bar Chouette, Lonely Mouth and Hayden Block BBQ
Pure Saigonese: Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Calgary
Chew Steel and I decided to head out for dinner on Friday night. I've been dying to try Pure Saigonese, Lam Pham's newest restaurant in Marda Loop. In the evenings, Pure Saigonese takes over Diner Deluxe. What a smart way to utilize a space, especially in these economic times. Let's listen to "This Girl," featuring… Continue reading Pure Saigonese: Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Calgary
Gut Oggau with Juice Imports: Vine Arts in Calgary
Last Sunday, my friend Lululemon took me to a Juice Imports tasting ($35) at Vine Arts. I was extra excited. The wines are from Gut Oggau, located in Austria, where Lululemon and I are visiting with Juice Imports in 2026 for a wine tour. Let's listen to for this post "The Lonely Goatherd". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmmOJx_Hxto Typically,… Continue reading Gut Oggau with Juice Imports: Vine Arts in Calgary
Calcutta Cricket – Best Indian in Calgary
On Friday, I wanted to blow off some steam. I suggested to Chew Steel that we check out the Sound Room, my new favourite hangout. For this post, let's listen to "Iron Man" by El Michels Affair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Lk6YRS5b0 I adore the Sound Room. The hard-iced tea, the retro basement vibes, and the music just hit… Continue reading Calcutta Cricket – Best Indian in Calgary
Rhone Ragers – Juice Imports
Erik is back in town! I saw on Instagram he was hosting Rhone Ragers ($50) at Vine Arts. I immediately called my trusty wine pal, Lululemon, to find out if she was up for some natural wines. Let's listen to "Voulez-Vou" by Abba for this post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za05HBtGsgU I was early, so I shopped and picked… Continue reading Rhone Ragers – Juice Imports
Mikko Alkio of Clos Alkio – Vine Arts
On Wednesday, Divine Offering and I went to a wine tasting at Vine Arts - Meet the Maker – Mikko Alkio of Clos Alkio. For this post, let's listen to Caminito a Motel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eD_X11Ji6c We checked out Sound Bar before the tasting. It's a cozy, dimly lit space reminiscent of a chic basement. I was… Continue reading Mikko Alkio of Clos Alkio – Vine Arts
Cabo San Lucas review – Best taco spots in town
This post is for my friend Westjet, who is currently in San Jose. I wanted to share my recommendations, as Cabo is just a short Uber ride away, and I'll also include some alternatives in San Jose. Let's listen to this post, "Float On" by Modest Mouse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTAud5O7Qqk Once we landed in Cabo last December,… Continue reading Cabo San Lucas review – Best taco spots in town
Kama: A modern Mediterranean restaurant in Calgary
For my birthday, Bex Oxo took me to see Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons, a candlelight musical experience. As her birthday is two days before mine, I took her out for dinner before the concert at Kama. Let's listen to "Believer" by Imagine Dragon for this post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wtfhZwyrcc I was jonesing for a glass of wine,… Continue reading Kama: A modern Mediterranean restaurant in Calgary
Letty Pizza x Roy Oh: Collaboration in Calgary
For my birthday dinner, I picked Letty Pizza. I saw on Instagram that Roy Oh was doing a collab. For those too young to know, Roy is one of OG Asian fusion chefs in Calgary, the other being Duncan Ly. In 2011, I hosted a celebration dinner at Roy’s first restaurant, Anju, to mark my… Continue reading Letty Pizza x Roy Oh: Collaboration in Calgary
Banh Mi Date #19 – Saigon Deli
It's my birthday weekend! I kicked things off with a banh mi from Saigon Deli, and completed my mission to go on 19 banh mi dates! Let's listen to "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnZ0xdMU4yY My nickname should be the Fairy Food Godmother, because whenever I visit Forest Lawn, I bring treats for everyone. It… Continue reading Banh Mi Date #19 – Saigon Deli
Masa Mama: Tacos in Marda Loop
Since my last post in 2024, I've had some pretty fantastic meals— Juice Import's event at Our Daily Brett, girl's night at Bridgette Bar, and most recently, Paper Lantern x Francine's collab. But despite eating all that delicious food, I lost my mojo. However, I can feel it start to trickle back. Let's listen to… Continue reading Masa Mama: Tacos in Marda Loop
Supper Club Calgary: An Intimate Dinner with Francine’s Chef Garret Martin & Bar Manager Nate Wry
Town Hospitality organized an event. The lineup included Chef Garret Martin and Bar Manager Nate Wry of Francine's, Sugar Water Events, and Kyo-Jean Chung from Crush Imports. Garret previously ran Major Tom and later, Francine's, where I ate one of the best steaks in my life. Set from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. dinner included… Continue reading Supper Club Calgary: An Intimate Dinner with Francine’s Chef Garret Martin & Bar Manager Nate Wry
Where to eat in the Beltline / Victoria Park: Ten Foot Henry and Shelter
Lululemon and I met up on Saturday for dinner. She said there was one stipulation: I wouldn't fight her for the bill. I said sure, only if I got the next one. We debated which restaurant to visit and ended up at my recommendation, Ten Foot Henry. I like this spot for the wine list… Continue reading Where to eat in the Beltline / Victoria Park: Ten Foot Henry and Shelter
Hayden Block: 2026 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Calgary Runner Up
Chew Steel wanted to go out for dinner on Friday, so I told him to pick the restaurant. He was hesitant, as I last gave him free rein when we first started dating in 2010. He picked Hayden Block, located in Calgary's Kensington neighbourhood. Let's listen to "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eNoms9wsGc I've been… Continue reading Hayden Block: 2026 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Calgary Runner Up
FinePrint: Stephen Avenue gem
The good neighbours reunited! Quebecoise, Betty, Kournikova and I met up for our girls' night. It's been a while, as Betty was busy giving birth to a handsome little fellow. We settled on FinePrint, located in Calgary's prime downtown location on Stephen Avenue. Let's listen to "I'll Be Seeing You" by Jimmy Durante. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSzmuWImK7Q Quebecoise… Continue reading FinePrint: Stephen Avenue gem
Hitting the Sauce 