Emerald Garden

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For my mom’s early Christmas dinner, I ordered takeout from Emerald Garden. 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.

Bars/Lounges

Bar Rocca

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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 Marda Loop, 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 · Seafood · Steakhouse

Exchange – Praise beef

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Last Sunday, Chew Steel and I invited Boss Lady, G-Mah and Bobbino to dinner at the Exchange. 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 with Duncan Ly, which is a great endorsement. Let’s cue up Mystical Magical while I relive our evening.

The last time we visited, we ordered the Alberta Beef Burger ($22) and the Pasta Garlic and Olive Oil Tagliatelle ($22). The burger was sumptuous, two smash-style beef patties with crispy edges and deep, meaty flavour. Each bite was hot and juicy, with melted cheese cascading over the patties. The thick-cut red tomato was perfectly ripe. The brioche bun was light and sweet. The fries impressed too, chunky, crispy, with a soft mealy center. The burger and fries combo is a winner. I would get this again.

The tagliatelle was a treat. The noodles had that unmistakable homemade texture, less slick than dried pasta, a little puffy, with a firm, toothsome bite. The sauce was simple and elegant, lightly dressed with garlic, olive oil, and what I thought was lemon juice. The portion was so generous that I shared a quarter of it with Chew Steel.

When we revisited with our family, I convinced my mom to go for the steak. Being from B.C., she’s always had a bit of a hyped interest in Alberta beef. She thought the ribeye would be too big for her, so she chose the Steak Sandwich ($27). Holy smokes, this was hands down the best steak sandwich I’ve ever had. Superior than Hy’s, better than Caesars, my benchmarks.

Cooked perfectly to medium, each slice of steak was pink, juicy, and tender. The focaccia was light, its crisp edge a perfect contrast to the buttery softness of the steak. The sauce, a mix of lemon aioli, roasted garlic, butter, and watercress, sealed the deal. This was the clear winner of the night. I’d order it again in a heartbeat.

Chew Steel and G-Mah ordered the special of the week, Corn Pie with Aji Amarillo & Prawns ($35). The shrimp was perfectly cooked, soft but with a snap to it. The sauce was delicious, well-balanced, rich, and had a hint of kick to it. The corn pie was soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I would get this again.

Bobbino ordered the Roast Pork Coppa ($33), which I’ve written about previously. I ordered a small bowl of chilli beef soup ($8) as my appetite was lacking. The chilli was comforting and well-seasoned. The addition of the pea shoots added a fresh crunch. The soups are a great option if you’re looking for something soothing and nourishing.

To date, my favourites are the steak sandwich, cheeseburger, pork belly sandwich and the carrot soup. The manager mentioned that new dishes and special dinners are on the horizon. That’s excellent news, as I’m looking forward to tasting what Chef Eric Um dreams up.

Restaurants · Special Occasion

True Wild Distillery – Girls’ Night

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On Friday night, the good neighbours reunited! 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.

We picked True Wild Distillery for dinner. 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 – Mussel Mania

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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

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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

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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

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Divine Offering has spoiled me twice now with takeout from Pathway Momo’s. 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.

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

Saturday Tastings at Vine Styles

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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.