Canela Vegan Bakery & Cafe

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Before our wine tasting at Bricks Wine Company, Sunflower was determined to treat me to brunch. She added that it would be a smart idea to load up on food before our wine tasting. I don’t enjoy arguing with my friends, so I relented and accepted her hospitality. For this post, let’s listen to “Vienna” by Gretta Ray.

Sunflower is a good influence on me. Since meeting her, I’ve started replacing some of my typical meals with vegetarian dishes. She’s also introduced me to some incredible eateries I wouldn’t typically try, such as Vegan Street. Since we were already in Inglewood, she suggested we try Canela Vegan Bakery & Cafe.

The cafe is spacious and pretty. The glass windows emit natural sunlight that bounces off the white walls. The back of the room houses an open kitchen, while the front showcases a coffee station. We chatted with the helpful employee in the pastry section, as she’s tried everything and gave us a rundown of her favourite items.

Sunflower and I shared the Frittata ($6.95), Chai Maple Cinnamon Roll ($5.25), and a Sausage Roll ($7.25). Sunshine ordered a Chocolate Cinnamon Roll ($5.25) to go for her fiancé. For beverages, Sunflower ordered a Latte ($5.95) with coconut milk, and I requested a Filtered Coffee ($2.75) with coconut milk. I never drank a coffee with coconut milk, and I felt like a dinosaur when I admitted it out loud. I need to get out more. The coffee world has changed since 1999.

Vegan food is tasty stuff! I enjoyed the creamy texture of the frittata, and the clean, simple flavour of the starchy filling, which reminded me of lo bak go (Chinese turnip cake). Sunflower liked the addition of peas, a vegetable she stated is underrated. Tasting this dish inspired me to remake this at home.

The “sausage” roll was my second favourite dish. The filling was nutty and cheesy, with a bit of heat. Adding mustard was the perfect condiment to the warm, flaky crust.

The chai in the cinnamon roll was noticeably fragrant. Sunflower mentioned she thought the pastry would have been better if it was served warm. I was just impressed that a pastry could be tasty with all vegan ingredients, and I appreciated the staff splitting all the goodies in half so we could share everything. I noticed all the staff were smiling as they worked, and they looked genuinely happy. There must be something in the filtered water.

Thanks, Sunflower, for brunch and a new foodie experience. We’ll have to check out The Allium for the Sunday night special for our next culinary adventure.

Bakery · Deli · Dessert · Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Italian Centre Shop

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My father-in-law Bobbino and I are trying to get in as many beer and pizza lunches as possible before my sabbatical ends. We usually head to Richmond Pub or Newcastle Pub, but I was craving something different on Monday. For this post, let’s listen to “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel.

I suggested we drop by the Italian Centre Shop for pizza and wine / beer. Unfortunately, we arrived right at the busiest time. A line-up snaked around the corner, and I noticed with mild irritation that each customer (including myself) asked several questions before ordering. However, the employee at the cashier did an admirable job getting all the customers through while still ensuring each order was perfect. For example, when I ordered my pizzas, she instructed the pizza maker to ensure the prosciutto and tomato were on every slice.

I ordered a glass of dry red wine ($6), a Peroni ($6), and two pizzas – the Diavolo ($16) and the Fresco ($16). The eating area consisted mainly of small tables for two, and each table was taken by what looked like regulars. I could tell they were regulars because they didn’t ooh and aah like Bobbino and I when we saw our food. Bobbino exclaimed how good they smelled and looked. The young pizza maker smiled and informed us that he makes each pizza with love.

The flavour of the olive oil, bocconcini and fresh, thinly sliced ripe tomatoes in the Fresca pizza was gentle and soft. Even the saltiness in the prosciutto was subtle. Yes, I could taste the love. The Diavola was the saucier of the two pizzas, with a zing of heat from the spicy soppressata and peppers. The edges of the crust are thin and light, darkened in tiny spots on the crust.

I recommend over ordering even though this style of pizza is best eaten fresh from the oven. It is so satisfying to punctuate the meal with different flavours. Pro-tip, each 12-inch pizza is more than enough food for one person. We had enough leftovers to take home to L and his mother, Mama G.

When I went to get some boxes to pack the leftover pizza, I saw the man who is always featured on the Italian Centre Shop’s Instagram account. I recognized him but didn’t want to be awkward, so I feigned ignorance. There’s nothing worse than being a groupie.

When Bobbino went to find something sweet for Mama G’s dessert, I scoped out the dried kinds of pasta and produce. Mamma Mia! How can I resist you? The selection, quality, and prices are far more palatable than Calgary Coop and Safeway! I’m going to start shopping here for my arugula, garlic, olive oil, Di Cecco pasta, and canned tomatoes. Hitting the Sauce gives the Italian Centre Shop two phat thumbs up.

Bakery · Brunch · Dessert · French

Le Comptoir, by François

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My friend Bex.oxo told me about a new French cafe in Marda Loop, Le Comptoir, by François. Her roommate Valentina recently arrived from Ukraine and started working there, so we decided to visit on a sunny afternoon. Let’s listen to “Le Gorille” by George Brassens for this post.

This quaint cafe only fits a couple of people inside, but the patio is outfitted with a fireplace and a heater, complete with piles of folded blankets and stacks of wood. We chose to sit on the couch in front of the fire. Between the crackling flames, the French music filtrating the air, and the general adorableness of the outdoor / indoor room, we were transported to somewhere else. I felt like I was in a scene in one of my favourite books.

I ordered the Mushroom Quiche ($12) and a glass of red wine ($13). Bex.oxo picked the Pistachio Crumble ($8.75), and she bought me the Almond Croissant ($4.85) and Mediterranean Cake ($11) to eat the next day.

Bex.oxo cut her cake in half to share with me. I refused to eat her treat, but I did take a bite for the blog. She appreciated the thin crust, as it’s more delicate than the pies she bakes. For the record, my friend bakes the best pumpkin pie, all from scratch. I thought the nuggets of berries added a nice tartness to counter the sweetness of the pistachio cream.

The quiche is not the soggy, eggy mess I make at home. Instead, the pastry was thin and crispy. The custard was silky, hot and cheesy, studded with savoury, crunchy mushroom slices. Bex.oxo mentioned the owner comes in every morning to bake everything fresh.

Valentine told us the staff from the shop next door, Gardenia Flowers, bought cake to cheer themselves up. Three of the employees are from Iran, so they too, were dealing with shock and sadness from the crisis occurring in their homeland. I stopped by Gardenia to handpick a bouquet to brighten my living room.

Valentine also told us about a two-table “secret” speakeasy inside a beauty salon at the back of the building. We visited at 5:00 pm, but it wasn’t open yet. So instead, we decided to walk home and try visiting again in the future.

I shared the Mediterranean cake with L. Holy cannoli! The sweetness of the almond icing paired beautifully with the citrus in the orange cake. The cake was bright, citrusy and fragrant. I would order this again.

The next day I reheated the almond croissant in my air fryer. I was impressed with the soft, buttery layers of pastry. What I loved was the exterior of the croissant was flaky and not the dry, crackly type that leads to a thousand uneaten crumbs.

Bex.oxo wished more places like this existed in Calgary. I don’t generally hang out in Marda Loop, but Le Comptoir, by François, will be a regular spot for us. This cafe is worth a stop if you have half an hour to an hour to spare. I recommend stopping by for leisurely breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack. Hitting the Sauce gives Le Comptoir two fat thumbs up.

Bakery · Dessert · French · Restaurants

Yann Haute Patisserie

February 16, 2022February 16, 2022 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

L and I started a new tradition. We go out to a restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day on any day other than February 14th. The reason is that most restaurants are far too busy to give us the experience we want. For this post, let’s listen to “White Wedding” by Billie Idol.

L picked up a lovely sake, a dozen long-stemmed red roses and he made my favourite dish, spam musubi. I, in turn, surprised him with desserts from Yann Haute Patisserie. I have to say that we both killed it this year. The roses were gorgeous, and the sweet sake and salty spam musubi pairing hit the spot. However, the star of the show was the desserts.

I ordered a set of Lovely Eclairs ($16), Paris-Calgary ($7.90), and Mille-Feuille ($7.90). The pair of eclairs came in chocolate and vanilla. The chocolate was intense – the glaze, the chocolate itself and the ganache filling. In comparison, the vanilla eclair was light, and the vanilla bean flavour filling was pronounced, but in a wholesome way, like an old-fashioned vanilla ice-cream cone. Of the two, I preferred the heavy, luxurious flavour bomb of the chocolate.

I let L eat the macaron that crowned the Paris-Calgary dessert. He said the macaron tasted terrific. The dessert itself was like a Ferrero Rocher but with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The center was piped with hazelnut praline and cream. The flavour reminded me of a chocolate hedgehog. L couldn’t believe how much work went into this dessert – the gooey center, crispy shortbread, cream and puff pastry.

The mille-feuille was made of beautiful crispy layers of caramelized puff pastry, oozing with thick, creamy Madagascar vanilla bean cream. L exclaimed that whoever made this dessert has mad culinary skill. I concur.

L loved that all the pastries weren’t too sweet. He said all the desserts were excellent yet different from each other. I’m not a sweets person, but I’m such a fan I plan to return to buy some more cakes. Honestly, I would be happy to make a meal out of these creations. The pastry chef at Yann Haute is so talented, I’m turning over a new leaf. Hitting the Sauce gives Yann Haute (and L) two phat thumbs up.

Bakery · Dessert · French · Restaurants

Le Picquenic and Peasant Cheese – Valentine’s Day

February 15, 2021February 18, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I told L I was taking care of our Valentine’s Day plans. He looked suspiciously skeptical and I knew he thought I was tricking him again. I swear, give your spouse a test the occasional time and he’ll never forget his lesson. I actually didn’t have any sinister plans. Quite the opposite. I felt that after 10 years of taking me out for Valentine’s Day, I could do something he liked. For this post, let’s listen to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Franki Valli.

I ordered L a Valentine’s Tea Box ($34 per set) because I thought it would appeal to his British sensibilities. I was impressed with Le Picquenic special touches, like the card, ribbon, and flowers on the box.

The Kyoto cherry rose tea was lovely. The tea smelled sweet and fragrant. You could taste and smell the roses and what I thought was almond.

The cucumbers in my heart shaped sandwich were thinly sliced. I thought I could taste a hint of dill and perhaps cream cheese.

The egg salad was a classic high noon tea sandwich. The filling was creamy and eggy, pressed between two slices of soft white bread.

L enjoyed the turkey and cucumber croissant. He thought it was a delicate bite. I found the croissant sweet.

The prosciutto and brie canapé was tasty. There was a lot of prosciutto in one bite and I enjoyed the saltiness from the meat.

The blueberry scone was baked just the way I like it – a little dry and crumbly. I like that texture because the butter tastes creamier against a crustier surface. The jam added a smidge of sweetness to the savoury scone.

The cream puff was my favourite of the bunch. The whipped cream inside the pastry was puffy and cloud-like.

For dinner, I ordered a Valentine’s Cheese Platter ($50) from Peasant Cheese. For this occasion, Peasant Cheese added macarons and cannelé from the French bakery Yann Boutique. What a spread! The presentation, quality of cheeses and assortment of condiments and crackers is bar none. In the dozen or so times I’ve ordered from Peasant Cheese, I’ve always been impressed.

I’ve ordered the mixed cheese plates before and I usually get olives, pickles and other sour and tart accompaniments. This time around, we were treated to dried fruit like apricots, figs, and other candied treats. I loved the radish slices and pea shoots. I wrapped each radish slice with brie and ate it like a wrap.

There was so much food on this platter, we only managed to eat a third of it. We left the remaining amount to be snacked on in the following days. I know that recently, people are building their own cheese plates. Personally, I cannot make one as pretty as Peasant Cheese. Food also tastes better when you don’t make it. Hitting the Sauce gives Peasant Cheese two fat thumbs up.

Dessert

Palm Three Kitchen – Euphoria Cake

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Due to a bunch of reasons, my birthday plans were postponed. Instead of ordering takeout, I opted to make a bolognese lasagna using a combination of Marcella Hazan’s recipe and Smitten Kitchen’s recipe. For this post, let’s listen to “In My Life” by the Beatles.

For dessert, I told L I would order my own cake as I feared if I left him to his own devices, he would buy me one from Dairy Queen. My friend Asian Persuasian reposted an Instagram story from Palm Three Kitchen that caught my eye. When I quizzed Asian Persuasian, she told me the owner is a pastry chef and not a home cook.

The dessert I picked was the Euphoria Cake (6 inch, $20). When I ordered, I mentioned the cake was for my birthday and I wanted it delivered before dinner. Payment was contactless as I was able to e-transfer the money.

I was shocked that Palm Three Kitchen added a huge helium birthday balloon to my cake. I was so delighted and so excited that I wondered if I received enough attention as a child. A grown-ass woman should not be in hysterics upon receiving a balloon, no matter how awesome it is.

The Euphoria cake is perfect for my taste – decadent and not too sweet. The high quality dark chocolate made this dessert satiating, especially after a rich meal. Also, you don’t need a big portion because each bite is so satisfying. The 6 inch cake will feed between 4-5 servings.

What I enjoyed about this cake is each of the five layers offered a different textural sensation. The base is made of a light chocolate cake, then topped with a rich ganache, chocolate goo, a thick chocolate shell, and a heavy dusting of cocoa powder.

My favourite layer was the hard chocolate shell. The chocolate reminded me of the Moritz icy squares I used to eat as a kid. The chocolate was cool and creamy and melted in my mouth.

I thought the price was affordable enough that I would order on a regular basis. There’s also larger cakes available – like the Burnt Basque Cheesecake (10 inch, $40) and Two Layered Chocolate Cake (10 inch, $50). Keto and gluten-free options are available as well.

Thanks Palm Three Kitchen for baking me a fantastic cake and for the birthday balloon. Your dessert takes the cake! Hitting the Sauce gives the Euphoria cake two fat thumbs up.

Dessert · Patio · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

River Cafe – COVID-19 dine-in edition

October 16, 2020October 23, 2020 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Karplop and I were texting each other after work. She was craving pate and beef tartare and I wanted to go out and celebrate nothing in particular. The only restaurant open on a Tuesday night serving up pate and tartare was River Cafe. For this post, let’s listen to “Fancy Shoes” by The Walters.

As the weather was nice, we sat on the patio and enjoyed the view of the trees along the lagoon, set against the city skyline. Our server – Leah B – is at the top of her game. Everything she said or did seemed so effortlessly professional and personable. Exceptional service makes the difference between between a nice meal and a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Karplop and I toasted each other with a glass of Blue Mountain Brut ($14). I thought this sparkling wine was mellow and dry, with very soft bubbles.

We shared four Leslie Hardy oysters ($14). The oyster flesh was cool and smooth, with a little crunch at the end. I didn’t find the saltiness overwhelming like other east coast oysters. Karplop enjoyed the homemade hot sauce and I preferred the mignonette.

Leah recommended a glass of Sangiovese ($11) to pair with our appetizers. I approve of her suggestion – my wine was smooth and dry. I would order this wine again.

The Borderland Bison Tartare ($21) is swoon worthy. Karplop oohed and aahed over the vibrant colours of the flowers. What made this tartare stand out was the summery flavour of the compressed cucumber and bright, creamy mustard. The tartare came with three different types of crackers, each with its own unique texture. Standout dish!

I’ve tried the Chicken Liver Parfait ($19) a few months ago and I noticed this time, the brioche was drier in texture, which I prefer because it stands up to the thick, buttery pate. The pate looked like it was whipped, piled high on the brioche. Karplop enjoyed the combination of the fruit paired with the pate.

I was full but I didn’t want to deny Karplop her dessert. We shared the Peach Pavlova ($12). My favourite element of the dessert was the sorbet, which was sweet and creamy.

If there are anymore sunny days remaining, I recommend checking out River Cafe’s patio. There’s nothing better than sitting back and enjoying the last of the autumn colours in Prince’s Island Park. Hitting the Sauce gives River Cafe two fat thumbs up.

Burgers · Dessert · Fusion · Restaurants · Vegetarian

Donna Mac – COVID-19 edition

May 15, 2020May 18, 2020 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Restaurant owners in Calgary and Brooks are dealing with excess food after the Alberta Government delayed Phase 1 of the province’s relaunch strategy. Despite the fact restaurants were already stocked, staffed and ready to go, these businesses can’t open until May 25th. Some owners are requesting reimbursement for the last minute reversal date of the opening date.

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Municipal politicians are encouraging residents to purchase takeout from these restaurants to help use up produce that would otherwise go to waste. For a list of restaurants that were ready to open, visit Savour Calgary’s list.

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L announced that this long weekend, we were going to eat out at least twice. As I’m always eager to play the role of best supporting wife, I suggested several restaurants I wanted to try. For this post, let’s listen to “I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy March.

One restaurant that’s been long on my wish list is Donna Mac. I called and requested curbside pickup. Customers can also order delivery available via DoorDash, though keep in mind when a delivery app is used, that company receives a hefty commission from the restaurant.

fries

The Mac Burger ($11) reminded me of L’s go-to spot in the city – Clive Burger. The patties oozed with the juices of the meat. The patty tasted like it was cooked over charcoal. I enjoyed the thick, sticky layer of American cheese so much I scraped the leftover remnants stuck on the foil wrapper with my fries.

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I recommend adding the fries to the burger, as it adds a crunchy contrast to the softness of the patties and squishy bun. I preferred the smoked dijon aioli to McDonald’s Big Mac sauce. My favourite part of the burger was the smoky flavour of the beef and heavy handedness of the cheese.

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Despite the ten minute drive home, the batter on the Fried Chicken Sandwich ($11) was still crunchy. I liked the sweet tang and heat of the gochujang mayonnaise sauce. The slightly acidic pickles added a little taste of summer to the sandwich. I could taste and see the quality of the white chicken meat.

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I thought both burgers were a gourmet take on fast food, but with better ingredients and sauces. I don’t think I can eat at McDonald’s anymore, knowing what I know now.

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The fries ($4) were well-seasoned, skinny and crispy. The mouth feel of the potatoes reminded me of McDonald’s fries. Next time I order burgers from Donna Mac, I will request a side of the chicken burger sauce for my fries.

doughnut

For dessert, we ordered the daily made Donut ($5). The doughnut was soft and fluffy, rolled in a thin, crunchy layer of cinnamon and sugar. The lemon curd filling was bright and lemony, smooth and creamy. The next time I go to a party, I’m going to order half a dozen of these babies. I’m not a doughnut person, but Donna Mac’s version is so superb, I predict it’s going to win a future award in Avenue Magazine’s “best of” category.

side doughnut

I’m excited for this weekend. I can knock off a couple more restaurants off my wish list. Have any suggestions? Send me a message.

17th Ave · Bakery · Dessert · French · Mexican · Restaurants

Con Mi Taco, Black Sheep, and Wow Bakery – COVID-19 edition

April 26, 2020May 9, 2020 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Right before The City of Calgary declared a State of Local Emergency, my friend Lovegastrogirl visited me for wine and snacks. Before she left, I sent her home with saffron lime pistachios from Ayoub’s Dried Fruits and Nuts, a bottle of my favourite wine that I discovered at Bar Von Der Fels, and a moisturizer she admired. For this post, let’s listen to “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC.

Lovegastrogirl surprised me last Friday night with a Beef Birria Taco Kit ($38) from Con Mi Taco and pastries. I’ve been wanting to try the birria ever since FoodKarma’s posted her hubby’s photos on Instagram.

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Our kit included a 2/3 pound of 18 hour chili braised beef chuck, ten freshly ground hand-pressed corn tortillas, lime wedges, onion garnish, mozzarella cheese, cilantro garnish, salsa morita, vegan jalapeño aioli and birria broth.

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The beef chuck was tender and saturated in flavour. We found the beef and broth so rich, that instead of dipping the whole taco into the broth, L and I just drizzled the sauce on the very top. The combination of the broth and sauces created a smoky, spicy profile. I’m really into Con Mi Tacos sauces – it’s more complex and creamy than what I’ve sampled in my trips to Mexico.

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I prefer the beef birria taco over al pastor because I like heavier, richer tasting meats. L stated while he enjoyed the birria, his all time favourite is al pastor.

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The Guacamole and Chips ($10) was a hit too. The dip was cool and creamy, with just the right amount of salt to make the flavour of the lime and avocado pop. I liked that we received so much dip, we ran out of chips before we finished the guacamole. Usually it’s the other way around because avocados are expensive.

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I took FoodKarma’s advice and used the leftover broth for Mexican ramen. The broth must be potent because it made a beefy bowl of noodles. Con Mi Tacos should consider selling their broth to customers to use at home. I would buy it.

bleubrrery

Lovegastrogirl also brought us pastries from Black Sheep and Wow Bakery. L and I shared the Blueberry Croissant ($4) and the Pan au Chocolat ($3.75). I was impressed with the flaky crisp shell and the big air bubbles inside the pastry.

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The house made blueberry jam is delectable. I’d order this again and I don’t normally order pastries with fruit filling. I would buy this jam if Black Sheep ever bottles it up for sale.

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The pain au chocolate contained two sticks French Valrhona chocolate. Such a simple combination but when high quality chocolate and pastry is used, it’s a perfect pairing.

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Black Sheep offers contactless delivery and pick up at their store. The stop is open every day except for Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Lovegastrogirl also bought us pastries from Wow Bakery. I knew beforehand that she was a fan of Wow Bakery because she bought a cake for the No Man’s Dinner at Moon Korean BBQ. Wow Bakery is piloting a free delivery system with no tip for orders $25 or more until June 15th.

onion

We tried a French baguette ($2.99), Sweet Almond Bread ($3.80), and an Onion Cheese Bread ($4.50). L crushed the almond bread. The onion cheese bread reminded me of my homemade pizzas. My favourite of the bunch was the French baguette from Black Sheep, which I used to make a sandwich the next day.

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L said if we were in prison, Lovegastrogirl’s generous gifts would make us her prison bitches. I agree. I’m no one’s bitch. Next Thursday is my turn to treat her. But how am I going to top her?

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I’m not a competitive person, except when it comes to hosting parties. Since I can’t host anymore, I’m going to bring the party to Lovegastrogirl. I’ve been scouring her Instagram profile to get clues on what would appeal to her.

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As you can see from her posts, she’s a complex person. She has an affinity for finer things in life, like views from expensive tourist spots, over ordering at fancy restaurants, and consuming grossly overpriced cocktails. But she also has a soft spot for fast food, Cluck N Cleaver, and dazzling sweaters.

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If you have any suggestions on what to get her, send me a message. I have until Thursday to come up with a plan. Thanks again Lovegastrogirl, you really know how to spoil a friend.

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Dessert · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Canmore – Trough Dining Co.

April 14, 2019May 7, 2022 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Scary Sherry organized a surprise birthday party in Canmore for Veronica’s 50th birthday party. There was a total of seven in our group. L was worried for me as the team consists of all-star alphas. I told him I would be fine. I grew up in a household of strong-willed women. For this post, let’s listen to “You Don’t Own Me“ by Lesley Gore.

Scary rented a three-bedroom penthouse suite at Solara Spa and Resort. She ordered two charcuterie boards from Table Food + Drink. We all brought bottles of champagne. Scary also spoiled us with grab bags filled with toiletries, fancy treats, after party supplements, birthday paraphernalia and a $10 gift certificate to McDonald’s.

The plan was when Veronica came inside the room, I was to pop open a bottle of champagne. However, for some freak reason, the wiring on the cork got stuck. I frantically twisted and turned the wiring as Veronica open the door and walked inside. Just when I saw her shocked face, I managed to pry open the cork.

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For dinner, we picked Trough Dining Co. The restaurant itself is small and quaint. We started off with a round of cocktails. I found my Kir Royale ($12) a little flat and didn’t finish it. Everyone else raved about their drink. Shiv mentioned her Bloody Caesar ($12) was awesome.

I was designated to pick the wine. I asked for something full-bodied and selected a cabernet sauvignon ($109, Knights Valley, Beringer, 2015). I’d order this wine again. It was soft and jammy with a hint of dryness. Everyone enjoyed my selection and asked me which winery it was from. BR corrected my pronunciation as I used a hard g instead of Beh-rin-djer. Veronica didn’t like that and told BR not to make fun of me. I didn’t think BR was making fun of me, but I stayed quiet because I didn’t want to provoke anyone.

Veronica and Scary ordered the Wild Mushroom Truffle Soup ($10). I don’t normally go crazy for a soup, but this one was phenomenal. Flavourful and earthy, you could tell the soup was prepared with local ingredients.

Mandy ordered the Frisee Salad ($14) and Mussels with Frites ($15). I tried a mussel – the shellfish was small, covered in a roasted fennel tomato broth that reminded me of tomato bruschetta.

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Veronica thought the salad was unexpectedly fresh and crisp, with bursts of flavour from the sharp, silky pieces of blue cheese.

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I took a bite out of Swedish’s entrée of Flank Steak and Herb Gnocchi ($36). I found the steak quite lean. Veronica said her taste of the beef was heavenly – literally like butter. I enjoyed the soft pillow-like gnocchi.

I ordered the Wild Snapper ($32) with Potato Gratin. I think all the charcuterie and champagne I ate and drank beforehand dulled my taste buds. I thought my fish looked lovely but I couldn’t really taste much other than the tomato relish. Besides all the charcuterie, I had also eaten salt and vinegar chips.

Dessert stood out for everyone, both in presentation and taste. We shared the Sticky Toffee Pudding ($10) and Cheesecake ($10). The pudding was warm and not overly sweet, despite the salted caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream.

The cheesecake was my favourite dish of the night. The smoothness of the cream cheese reminded me of cold goat cheese. The white and dark chocolate was rich and decadent. The blueberry compote and dark chocolate wafer cookie added to the richness of the cake. Next time, I’m ordering my own slice because it was that good.

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Happy birthday Veronica! Thanks Scary for all the treats and organizing the Canmore retreat. It was a pleasure and privilege to celebrate Veronica’s birthday with the all-star alphas.