Newcastle upon Tyne – 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.

Liverpool – The Bridewell and 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 – 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 the public’s, churches, and 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.

Brunch · Burgers · Vietnamese

Bastion Burgers, Holy Grill and Pure Saigonese

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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.

Bastion is located in PinBar, a bar that reminded me a little of the now-defunct Cambie Hostel in Vancouver, from the pleasantly drawn graffiti in the washroom stalls to the moody shadows in the room.

We sat ourselves, and shortly after, our server stopped by. Five Stars ordered a regular iced tea ($6), and I ordered a hard iced tea ($15). Curious, he sipped my cocktail and winced, squealing it tasted like rubbing alcohol. I shared the O.G. Smashy ($13) and the American Cheese ($14) with Five Stars.

The O.G. was smaller than the American Cheese, as it wasn’t stacked because it didn’t come with lettuce and tomato. The caramelized onions made it taste more savoury and sweet. Five Stars noted that the skirt was perfect on the patty, teetering on burnt and ultra-thin.

The American Cheese was the star of the two. Five Stars fawned over the crisp, lacy layers of the smashed patties. The layers of beef made the burgers unique. But what won me over was the full-on beef flavour and the hot melted orange cheese that stuck to my teeth, balanced against the perfect proportion of chilled tomato, lettuce, and onion. Each bite was decadent yet refreshing. Five Stars exclaimed he could taste each distinct layer of meat, sauce, vegetable, and the bun.

I asked Five Stars if the American cheeseburger beat Class Clown’s. He said he’d need a side-by-side taste test as it had been a while since his last visit. Still, he admitted Bastion was easily on par. Class Clown has the edge with its killer wine list, but the absurd waitlist is brutal.

The side of the tater tots was ultra crunchy and hot from the fryer. Five Stars liked garlic aioli and dipping the crisp edges of the beef into it. I would get the tots and the American Cheese again. Five Stars was already planning his next visit before we’d even finished.

The next day, I took Five Stars to Holy Grill. I’ve had my eye on this Calgary classic for years. My brother-in-law Dave swears by the burgers, and I’ve eaten their food when I worked at Bow Valley Square. The building would throw parties for all the employees; their caterer was Holy Grill. The food is straight-up legit. I remember one spread with pizza, burgers, skewers, calamari, mussels, and other delights. Everything tasted homemade. I parked myself by the table and ate like Honey Boo Boo before a pageant.

I like the simplicity of the setup at Holy Grill on 10 Ave SW. You go up to the kitchen to order and pay. Five Stars wanted to try the eggs benedict ($18.99) with smash browns, while I picked the beef dip panini ($19.89). I requested soft eggs, which arrived with warm orange yolks that were runny when poked. He was especially thrilled by the little jar of extra hollandaise. He’s always griping that most places skimp on it, so he thought it was a thoughtful move by Holy Grill to throw in a bonus pour.

The panini was stacked with thin slices of roast beef and melted mozzarella. The shell was crunchy, while the beef dip added a soft, wet kiss of beefy broth. Five Stars praised the juicy beef slices and said he’d return for the same dishes. I preferred Five Stars smash browns over the fries I got with my panino. The potatoes were crunchy on the outside while the inside was hot and meltingly soft. We’ll be back, but I’m adding a burger to the lineup next time.

For dinner, Chew Steel and I took Five Stars to Pure Saigonese. But first, we stopped at Side Hustle for a drink. It’s my favourite lounge in the city. Maybe it’s the welcoming all-female crew, the laid-back crowd, or the safe vibe from the combination of all the above.

After, we moseyed over to Pure Saigonese and finally met the famous Matt. If you look at Google’s reviews, you will see that more than half of the customers are gushing about his service. I’ll admit, I thought his friends were behind those rave reviews, especially since, on previous visits, the service of the non-Matts didn’t quite match the high standard of the food. But Matt is the real deal. He is professional, helpful, and busy hustling to manage the entire restaurant.

Since we ordered drinks, wings were half off ($8), so we took advantage and ordered house salted chili and chili lime nuac. The chili lime guac cham batter was buttery and sweet, with the tiniest tingle of heat. The house-seasoned chili chicken wings were good as well, though tamer. The batter reminds me of Church’s chicken. Size-wise, the wings are bigger than pub wings but not as fat as Lonely Mouth.

I always order the shrimp mango papaya salad ($12) and the shrimp tempura ($15). Our plate contained four mega-charred prawns. I love the contrast between the wildly crunchy vegetables, peanuts, and sweet-tart dressing.

Everyone’s favourite was the seafood rice ($20). What hooked me was the unbeatable trio of real Dungeness crab, shrimp, and tobiko. The generous chunks of flaky white crab meat tasted sweet and delicate, and combined with those chewy grains of rice and those briny bursts of tobiko, I couldn’t stop shovelling the rice into my mouth.

Five Stars is on a rigorous diet, borderline unhealthy, but even he couldn’t resist. He complained that the food was so good he couldn’t stop eating like a pig. Lam should patent the seafood fried rice. I usually don’t order fried rice, as I make a good one at home. However, nothing beats Lam’s top-notch ingredients. This one’s a game-changer.

Lam Pham came out to say hi and dropped off a treat for us – the roasted duck crostini ($12). The crostini was lightly toasted and airy, while the pate was creamy and not overpowering. Five Stars thought it tasted like a duck Yorkshire pudding, like a Sunday roast, but not as heavy. Chew Steel raved about this bite, even though he’s not usually a pate guy. He just returned from Vietnam and said the food at Pure Saigonese is as good or even better than what he had in Vietnam.

My older brother Narc is coming to pay homage to my parents in July. I’m not 100% sure where I’ll take him yet, but it feels like a case worth investigating. Somewhere where the flavour is worth interrogating, and the BBQ meat doesn’t crack under pressure. To be continued.

French · Japanese · Restaurants · Wings

Bar Chouette, Lonely Mouth and Hayden Block BBQ

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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 listen to “Juice” by Lizzo.

Five Stars picked three places to try: Bar Chouette, Lonely Mouth and Hayden Block. Out of the three, he was most interested in Bar Chouette, as his favourite Calgary restaurant was Foreign Concept. He still remembers the pork belly baos and wanted to check out Duncan Ly’s latest venture.

Bar Chouette was packed on Friday night, so I’d definitely recommend making a reservation. Duncan Ly wasn’t there, but his brigade of all-male chefs was on point, firing off gorgeously plated food that tasted as good as it looked. Duncan has a knack for hiring the right chefs. I’ve never experienced a lacklustre meal at any of his restaurants. I stole a picture of the chefs from Instagram. Apparently, their names are Willow, Lawrence and Jeremy.

I requested a nice white wine and was given a glass of Villa Maria Sauvignon ($17). Five Stars enjoyed a non-alcoholic Corona ($9), and Chew Steel ordered a beer. My wine smelled tropical, and it wasn’t as brassy as most New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but it was clean and refreshing.

For food, we shared the Beef Tartare ($20), Squid Ink Spaghetti ($32) and Steak Frites ($52). We didn’t order much because Five Stars is on a diet, and Chew Steel is cutting back. Two mains and one appetizer were perfect for us because the mains were generously portioned.

The beef tartare was just fabulous. Light and airy, the tapioca cracker delivered a salty, slightly shellfish-like flavour. The tartare itself tasted like an insanely good chilled cheeseburger with a pop of mustard. I would get this again. Chew Steel thought it was one of the best tartares in the city.

I asked our server for something that would go well with the steak for my second glass of wine. Our server recommended Le Spinetta Nebbiola ($20), and oh boy, was this glass of red a winner! I would order this wine again; it was smooth, full-bodied, with a nice finish. Chew Steel thought the wines we tried at Bar Chouette were phenomenal.

The steak frites make for an ideal sharing platter. The steak looked like a 12-ounce striploin, nestled between a heaping salad and a mountain of triple-cooked potatoes. Five Stars complimented the nice sear and smoky char on the steak. The fries were hot and crispy, with a soft, mealy interior. Some of the wedges on the bottom of the plate were soaked in that decadent peppercorn sauce, making for some blissful bites. I liked the bitterness from the greens and the citrusy salad dressing, which helped cut through the richness of the gravy.

The squid ink spaghetti was a standout. There was such a generous amount of clams, octopus, and prawns. The noodles had a silky texture, packing heat from the creamy panang curry that clung perfectly to them. The crunch from the sweet peas and the aroma of the fresh dill rounded out the spice in this dish. The squid ink pasta is one of my favourite dishes in the city.

The table next to us was lively. A group of six women, maybe ten to 15 years older than me, were there before us. As we finished our meal, they were still surrounded by bottles of wine and an endless stream of plates. At one point, I heard them laughing hysterically about an incident in the washroom. I turned to Chew Steel and said I hope that will be me in the future.

The next morning, Five Stars and I walked to Lonely Mouth for lunch. My office gave me a Concorde birthday gift certificate, and it’s been burning a fat hole in my wallet ever since. We decided on Lonely Mouth because Five Stars used Chatgpt to pick a restaurant based on his desire for snacky and salty food.

He’s even gone as far as consulting Chatgpt to figure out why I won’t just trash a restaurant. Five Stars has been bugging me non-stop to be blunter in my blog. He wants it all, the good, the bad, and the overcooked. Apparently, my writing style really gets under his skin. He asked Chatgpt why I won’t just say it like it is. Chatgpt didn’t nail it.

Five Stars ordered a house-made lemon soda ($5), and since I wanted to make the most of the long weekend, I indulged in a noontime Suntory Toki Whisky ($17). I enjoyed this drink the last time I ordered it, but this round fell flat. The soda lacked its usual super fizz and was missing that lemony spritz I remembered.

We shared the bluefin tuna tartare ($20) and the chicken wings ($18). Five Star’s eyes popped open when he took his first bite. He said this dish hits the mark perfectly, with the salty crunch from the udon crackers and the creamy texture from the bluefin tuna, avocado, and miso sauce. The crackers tasted like they were cooked in old oil, and I noticed the tuna filling seemed sparse. Proportionally, there was way more cracker than tartare.

The chicken wings were impressive. The wings were so hot that they scalded my greedy piano-like fingers. As we ate, the juice would squirt across the table. The batter is light and melts on your tongue, while the yuzu sauce is bright and lemony. The flats were slightly above the size of pub wings, but the drums were full of massive, juicy meat. The batter-to-meat ratio was insane.

We shopped along 17th, and I decided to walk home. Despite being younger and at an optimal weight, Five Stars could barely make it. He puffed, pouted, and threatened to call an Uber every few blocks. I carried all the gifts he bought for his wife and kid, and even offered to carry his extra clothes because he was too hot. I persuaded him to continue walking to make space for dinner at Hayden Block.

I’d initially planned to take Five Stars to Pure Saigonese, but he was craving BBQ. He brought up our last visit to Hayden Block and wanted to return, saying he can’t get decent barbecue back in BC.

We ordered the beef brisket ($20), beef rib ($38), broccoli salad ($7), corn and bacon on the cob ($7), cornbread ($2), and a round of beers. Oh my gosh—somehow, the food keeps improving every time we come. Every dish was absolutely delicious.

The brisket arrived in two well-marbled slabs. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a natural smoky sweetness that didn’t need much besides a little sauce. We leaned into the house BBQ sauce, which brought a tangy, vinegary kick. Chew Steel thought he could taste a hint of cumin in the sauce.

I always get the cornbread. Soft and crumbly, I love that grainy texture against the smoothness of the butter. The corn on the cob was just right: hot, firm, and sweet, wrapped in a crispy layer of bacon that added a salty crunch to every bite. This side is also a winner.

The broccoli salad is always a hit. The dressing was sweet but balanced, and not soggy or oversaturated, unlike salads that sit too long. It brought a fresh, wholesome contrast to all the meat, and the pickles added a sharp acidity that helped cut into the meats.

Then there was the beef rib, the showstopper. The bone alone was nearly the size of a foot-long sub. The rib this time around was less fatty than our last visit, but still moist. We gave it our best shot, but still left with half the rib to take home.

The next morning, I planned on taking Five Stars to Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus, but we were feasted out. He’s coming back in May, so we can add Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus and Pure Sagionese Kitchen to the list.

When he returned home to BC, Five Stars texted that he had suffered from shin splints, likely due to all the walking. He also weighed himself and still lost weight from our weekend of gluttony. I think he burns so many calories running that mouth of his. In any case, this long weekend was a food-filled hit!

Restaurants

Pure Saigonese

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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 Kylie Auldist.

I called to make a reservation, but the restaurant was fully booked. The hostess recommended I come over, and they would find us a seat shortly. When we arrived, we learned the estimated wait was 30 minutes. We decided to have a cocktail at Side Hustle, which is connected to Pure Saigonese.

Side Hustle has a calm, 70s cocktail vibe, with the music set at just the right volume. I’ve visited a few times, and I notice that the staff is welcoming and attentive no matter how busy it gets. We sipped on an old-fashioned cocktail that hit the spot and scored a wicked deal at just twelve bucks during happy hour.

The hostess from Pure walked over to collect us. I was impressed she came instead of just calling me. We were seated by the front entrance, facing the bar. Every time the door opened, a cold draft would hit me. Ah, the joy of Calgary in March, when snow dumps are both a surprise and somehow totally not.

For drinks, we ordered a pint of Asahi ($9, 16 oz). For food, we shared the Shrimp Tempura ($15), Papaya and Mango Salad with Shrimp ($12), and AA Tenderloin Pot of Pho ($32). Portion-wise, this was perfect for us, but if you have a larger appetite, I’d order four dishes per couple or more if you want leftovers.

The salad was absolutely on point. The char on the grilled shrimp reminded me of grilled shrimp tacos from Mexico. The dressing has that perfect balance of sweet, tart and spicy. The fresh basil paired with the crunchy papaya and mango strands made it so herby and fragrant. Chew Steel enjoyed the dry crunch from the shrimp chips. I would get this again.

Oh boy, the tempura shrimp had my inner fei po clapping in delight. The shrimp was giant and sweet with a crisp, delicate batter. The richness of the mayonnaise, combined with the pop of salty tobiko, took me back to Japan. I would easily enjoy the shrimp with a bowl of rice for a meal, like a tempura don.

The AA beef pho didn’t disappoint. Our bowl contained two large pieces of ruby red steak, meatballs, flank and beef ribs. While many restaurants in Calgary make great pho, what sets Pure apart is the quality and tenderness of the meat. The beef ribs are exceptionally soft and meaty. The noodles are smooth and bouncy. The dark broth tasted how it looked and smelled, intensely rich. Chew Steel noticed that even the hoisin sauce was different, almost like it had a hint of chilli oil.

Lam’s food reminds me of the original Anju. I’m already planning a dinner for my father when he comes to Calgary. It has a family-friendly vibe, and I can see my parents feeling comfortable here. Hitting the Sauce gives Pure Saigonese two phat thumbs up.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Gut Oggau – Vine Arts

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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”.

Typically, it’s Erik who speaks at their tastings. However, this time around, his business partner, Mark Coulliard, led the class. I like the speed at which he speaks, which is fast enough that I don’t zone out and that he’s to the point. Mark is a skilled storyteller, weaving between his personal experiences at the winery while dropping juicy nuggets of information.

Juice Imports doesn’t make any money off these tastings, and to add to the incredible value, he and Erik offered Gut Oggau wines at a much lower price point. The reason? Though these high-quality obscure Austrian wines are priced accordingly, many people in Canada, unfamiliar with Gut Oggau, may be reluctant to spend the money. While wine bars in New York and Tokyo are willing to pay for these high-in-demand wines, the locals here haven’t caught on. So they wanted us to taste them at a lower price point. The Guu collection ranges from $60 and up; even by Mark’s standards, the line-up we were trying was an indulgence.

The label on each bottle features a person, and I initially assumed that each name and image represented a family member. However, I soon discovered that they were part of a fictional family. I felt a sense of disappointment, as I had grown fond of the idea of a large, eclectic family who boozed it up together.

Mark met the owners, Stephanie and Eduard Tscheppe, in 2016 when Erik signed them. Now, not even a decade later, the wines are world-renowned. Throughout our tasting, Mark would reminisce about their subsequent visit to their 17th-century farmhouse, eating at their sister’s Michelin restaurant and picking out any bottle they fancied in the cellar. I nearly fainted from excitement when he recounted how wine was poured from 12-litre bottles.

The first wine we sampled was the Theodora (Gruner/Welshrizling), Gut’s version of white. A mellow yellow, Mark described the wine as light and fresh. I thought it was nice and lemony. I learned that their wine is made in Austrian wood, which is more neutral than oak.

My favourite wine was the Emmeran Gewurtztraminer (discount $61). Lululemon and I loved the floral fragrance. Mark mentioned he likes a good Gewurztraminer, especially when it’s so aromatic, juicy, and bright. To him, the Emmeran tastes like spring. We learned this wine is produced from forty-year-old vines with a low grape yield. Lululemon got a bottle. I wanted to buy this bottle, but it’s beyond my 2025 budget, even with the big discount.

The next wine was Cecilia (discount $75), an orange rose wine. Mark noted this was a new wine, at least for him. As he sipped, he described the wine as unique, explaining it was very different from all the others. Mark informed us that Cecilia is made with a blend of unknown red and white grapes. An easy-to-drink wine, he described the flavour as rosy oranges. I found this one subtle, light and interesting. If I weren’t such a small potato, I would substitute water with Cecilia.

The fourth tasting was Masquerade Rose (discount $35). The rose smelled like port, with a dessert-like sweetness that reminded me of cherries. Mark characterized this wine as bright, easy, and approachable. I bought a bottle for myself and one for Lululemon, who treated me to this tasting. When asked how long it takes to hold onto these wines, Mark recommended five years.

The fifth wine was a winner, though apparently, transporting a living product across the ocean turned Athanasius Blaufrankisch/Zweigelt (discount $40) into a frothy, spritzy red wine. I liked the juicy, light flavour and the bright red hue. I bought two bottles, and Lululemon bought one. Mark explained that most wineries remove the C02, but natural wines make them more alive and fresh.

The sixth wine was Joschuari Blaufrankisch. I found this wine punchier and heavier than the previous ones. We learned the Gut land consists of low-yielding plots of 30-40 plants, all scattered around different soil types, making various wines. Mark stated these are soulful wines made from super high-quality grapes. For example, they cut out grapes to concentrate on the remaining ones.

Mark treated us to a special bottle, Edmund, made from unpruned vines. Mark described this as bright and fresh with teeth. I loved this wine. I found it unusual but in a good way. When asked what temperature red wine should be drunk, Mark suggested 13 degrees or popping the bottle in the fridge half an hour before consuming it.

The conversation about the price of wine going up in Alberta came up. Mark predicted that customers at restaurants would either face higher prices or have fewer options, while other establishments might start offering cheaper, more standardized wines. He rationalized that most customers have a budget, and convincing them to spend more is becoming increasingly difficult. I couldn’t agree more. With the rising costs of everything, I’ve found myself cutting back and dining out less.

Regardless, this was the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Afterward, Lululemon took me to Cold Beer and Pizza, a casual little joint across the street. She plied me with fresh bread, dips and my beloved Ol’ Beautiful hard ice tea as we plotted our wine getaway in 2026. Thank you, Lululemon and Mark, for a glorious afternoon.

Indian

Calcutta Cricket – Best Indian in Calgary

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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.

I adore the Sound Room. The hard-iced tea, the retro basement vibes, and the music just hit right. I even like the crowd. It’s filled with people in our age demographic, not too old or too young, comfortably in the middle. But were we in the mean or mode? The room is too dimly lit for me to figure it out.

After a drink, Chew Steel and I decided to get a bite to eat. We conveniently strode up the stairs to the restaurant above Sound Bar, Calcutta Cricket. We sat at the bar as the entire restaurant was booked solid.

I almost skipped ordering an alcoholic drink since I didn’t see anything I recognized. Chew Steel encouraged me to order a glass of wine. Our server recommended Cork Twisted, stating the blend of pinot noir, riesling, and Gewurztraminer ($14, 5 oz) brought everything to the table. What a smooth talker. After that description, I ordered a glass. I thoroughly enjoyed the wine. It took me back to a drink we had as kids, Rubina, but this much better.

Chew Steel ordered a Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Kati Roll ($9). I enjoy the kati rolls, but Chew Steel is absolutely hooked on these little pockets of tandoori goodness. He gets one each time we visit. The sauce is sweet, followed by a kick of heat. I also like the raw, crunchy onions and nicely spiced chicken, all enveloped in ultra-flaky bread.

We tried the Murgh Makhani ($21) for the first time, Calcutta’s take on the original 1950s butter chicken masala recipe from Moti Mahal in Delhi. I would order this again. I loved how the sauce was complex and refined, not the one-note, sweet, bland butter chicken versions you get elsewhere.

We ordered the Malai Chicken ($27) again. I love the char flavour and the silky, soft meat. It tastes so good that I don’t think it needs the addition of the white cashew cream sauce. Chew Steel and I agreed this is our favourite dish at Calcutta.

The naan ($4) overflows the metal bowl like a billowing piece of fabric. We alternate between the buttery naan and plain white basmati ($3) to sop up the sauces. The most important thing for me in an Indian restaurant is the naan, which can make or break a meal. Calcutta’s version is excellent: hot, crispy, and airy.

It’s a beautiful restaurant, and what stood out to me was how all the staff genuinely seemed happy to be there. In the background, you can see the chefs calmly cooking at their stations, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. I don’t know why I’m so fixated. Maybe I’m watching too much Severance. In any case, if you love Indian food, you have to give Calcutta a try.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Rhone Ragers – Juice Imports

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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.

I was early, so I shopped and picked up some Ol’ Beautiful Hard Ice Tea ($18) and non-alcoholic mocktails from Wild Folk ($5.50). At 3:00 p.m., I noted that Lululemon hadn’t arrived yet, which is uncharacteristic of her. Usually, I text her the day of, but I knew she had back-to-back events, so I didn’t want to bug her. It turns out she forgot but managed to scoot down in time. I drank her welcome bubbles because I figured, why not?

Erik knows how to set up a tasting. The pastel colours in each glass shone in the sunlight and lit up like liquid gems. I’m also noticing his wine gatherings always attract a young female demographic.

Erik chose his favourite region for this tasting, with rare examples to sip. He mentioned that Rhone Valley is the ancestral home of many of the world’s favourite grapes: Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.

First up was a South African white wine, Testalonga Bandits Kloof Grenache Blanc. The fragrance was unusual, as I wasn’t familiar with it and couldn’t identify any particular scents.

Erik described the land, how scary baboons hung around the winery and how it took the owner ten years to produce his first vintage. Aged for two years, I found this wine really bright on the tongue. He took a sip and described the wine as tasting like a lemon meringue or a salty margarita. He thought this was a nice, contemplative wine to sip in a quiet space.

In contrast was the Dormilona Yokel Grenache Rosé. I liked how the wine wasn’t tart or sweet like other rosés. Erik mentioned that grapes grow in very hot temperatures, as high as the mid-40s. If you live by the winery, you can drop by with an empty one-litre and get it refilled. Lululemon is a huge fan of this woman-led winery, and she bought a bottle.

In contrast to the rosé, which everyone in the room agreed was very gulpable, we tried an orange wine, Broc Cellars Grenache Gris. This scent was nice, but again, I found it unfamiliar. The Grenache is grown from 110-year-old vines and aged sandstone jars. Erik mentioned this as one of the best vintages he tried, as it was a great season. Erik tasted blood orange, Aperol spritz, and rose hip tea.

We were looking at the labels on the bottle and Erik noted how much money goes into a label and how many other things can increase the cost of a bottle, such as the cork, weight, colour and gloss on a label.

I observed one man sitting at the back of the table. I’ll refer to him herein as the Winefather. When he spoke, it reminded me of a school principal speaking at an elementary school assembly. I was mesmerized as he punctuated Erik’s lecture with his own nuggets of knowledge. He exuded mystery with his European accent and authoritative tone, which sharply contrasted with Erik’s gentle, easygoing charm.

The next wine was from southern Rhone, Domaine Richaud A La Source (discount $27.64). I admired the pretty scent and the raspberry hue. The winemaker told Erik he knew he would be famous at a young age and decided to drop out of school at 14 to pursue his dream. I’m glad his confidence wasn’t misplaced. Both Lululemon and I bought a bottle.

We tried the last two wines side by side. The first of the two was a super badass wine, Matthieu Barret Cornas Gore ($220). The scent was beautiful. Lululemon smelled olives. I found this wine tangy, like cherries. Erik described the wine as wild, bombastic, and dark-fruited. We learned this wine is fermented in glass.

The other wine, Martin Texiere Brezeme (discount $41.61), was more to my liking. I appreciated the black tea notes and the herbal element. The Brezeme is made two kilometres away from the Cornas Gore. Erik informed us the wine is made from 100% Syrah grapes and, unlike the Cornas, was destemmed and aged in a neutral barrel. I bought two bottles.

Two wine tastings in a week! It’s been a wild ride. I’ve also blown my monthly budget but stocked up on some epic wine for future parties.

Lululemon asked Erik if he would organize and host a wine tour for us. He said he was up for it. Lululemon has a lot of friends, so I’m optimistic that I’ll be enjoying a Juice Imports tour in 2026-2027.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Mikko Alkio of Clos Alkio – Vine Arts

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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.

We checked out Sound Bar before the tasting. It’s a cozy, dimly lit space reminiscent of a chic basement. I was early and walked up to someone I thought was Divine Offering. After the woman told me she was not Divine Offering, I noticed she wasn’t even of the same ethnicity. This isn’t the first time I’ve made an error like this. Face blindness is a real thing.

Divine Offering texted me and asked me if I was inside. Yes, of course, I responded. Why would I wait outside in -25 weather? It turned out that someone had locked the door, and she couldn’t get in. When I went to open the door, another customer next to her yelled at me for locking him out. I responded indignantly that I didn’t lock him out. I was letting him in! He apologized.

I’m a big fan of the hard iced tea ($7) —it’s bubbly, full of rich black tea notes, and perfectly sweet without overpowering the tea flavour. Divine Offering tried a blood orange beer ($5), and for her second drink, she went for the non-alcoholic Bees Knees cocktail, which she loved. Divine Offering liked that the music was at just the right volume—not too loud. She also mentioned wanting to come back to try their snacks.

Right on time, we walked across the street to Vine Arts. Mikko, the winemaker, is from Finland. We learned that he’s familiar with Calgary. As a youth, he did a homestay in Calgary, where the hosts became like a second family.

His passion for wine became a business when he and his family moved to Barcelona so his three kids could immerse themselves in the city’s tennis scene. As there were no iPhones at the time to distract him, he developed a deep appreciation for Spanish wines. Despite being a partner at a law firm in Finland, he also chose to create a side hustle as the proprietor of a world-class winery in Priorat, Spain.

The first wine we tried in his line-up was Fam de Vida Chenin Blanc 2022 ($60.54). I found this wine fresh and clean, with a non-typical sweetness. Mikko noted that 14% of the wine was produced in high-quality inox tanks, with no oak aging, producing 900 bottles. Mikko said to wait eight to 10 years for the wine to mature. Divine Offering loved this wine so much that she purchased a bottle.

The second wine was a 2021 Fam de Vida Ull de Liebre ($64.50). I marvelled at the pretty purple hue and its smooth flavour. Mikko mentioned he was pleased this wine was well-received at one of Spain’s biggest festivals, which showcased thousands of Spanish wines. He shared that, much like law, the devil’s in the details regarding winemaking. He’s all about precision. His grapes use significantly less water than other wineries and have about five times less sulphur than other winemakers.

The third wine was my favourite – Fam de Vida Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($85.70). The fragrance was so lovely, reminding me of something very pretty and floral. It tasted clean and vibrant. I loved it so much that I stopped eating the cheese and charcuterie before me and sipped as slowly as possible. Mikko recommended aging this wine for ten years, but there’s no way I will wait a decade. I liked this one so much I bought two bottles. I asked Mikko what he would pair with this wine. He looked surprised as if the answer was so obvious, and apparently, it was to everyone except me. Cheese! Divine Offering also bought a bottle.

Mikko clearly favoured the fourth tasting – Fam de Vida Syrah 2022 ($88.70). This wine is aged in French oak for 14 months. He recommends tasting the difference after ten hours and then again the next day. I’m an impatient drinker, so this bottle was a no-go for me to purchase.

You can tell by listening to Mikko that he is obsessed with grapes, which is reflected in his wine quality. He’s all about letting his grapes speak for themselves, making wines that authentically reflect the land and the fruit.

The fifth wine was Caminito a Motel 2021 ($36.85). The wine is named after a song his son recommended, Caminito a Motel. Mikko would often listen to this song while searching for property.

Carminito a Motel is a blend of 35% Garnatxa, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Carinyena, with a 15% alcohol content. Aged in French oak for eight months, Mikko recommended opening this wine in five, 10 and 15 years. I bought three bottles for friends of mine who like to age their wines.

The last wine of the evening was Clos Alkio 2021 ($108.24), a top blend Mikko is so proud of he put his name on it. Plucked from aged vines, the grapes blend 30% Garnatxa Negra, 30% Carinyena, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Divine Offering and I had a blast. The wine importer who set up the event was a great host, ensuring we had everything to be comfortable. Thank you, Mikko, for braving the cold Canadian prairie and sharing your wines. Hitting the Sauce gives this wine tasting two phat thumbs up.