Pizza · Steakhouse

Nick’s Steakhouse

On Saturday, my workmates and I cleaned up a river pathway at St. Andrews Park. Afterwards, Uncle W took us out for lunch at Nick’s Steakhouse. For this post, let’s listen to “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.

The restaurant is roomy and has a nostalgic 70’s vibe. Except for me, SentientQ and Loire, this was the first time anyone else had ever been to Nick’s, a Calgary institution. As it’s located across from MacMahon Stadium and near the University of Calgary, many locals come here before a football game or at lunch.

Office Guardian and I shared the Diavolo Pizza ($37), and she ordered Nick’s Special Wings ($18) to share with the table. Video ordered the Baby Back Ribs ($35) while everyone else opted for a pasta lunch special ($18) or a sandwich ($20).

The wings were tasty, well-seasoned and spicy. The chicken was soft and practically fell off the bones. Tuscany asked if the wings were spicy, and I said no, just a pleasant tingling heat. However, when she tried a chicken wing, she found it too hot. Whoops, we have different spice tolerances.

Video’s dish looked delicious – these were meaty ribs. I could tell by how clean the bones were that the ribs were tender. Video exclaimed the ribs were delicious.

Our pizza was a little oily from the calabrese pepperoni and Spolumbo sausage. The dough was a bit wet, but it was good nonetheless. Office Guardian liked the addition of honey, which sweetened up each bite. Even though we shared our pizza around the table, there were still three pieces leftover. Office Guardian told Video took the pizzas for her kids.

I was full, so I declined dessert. Office Guardian ordered Nick’s Famous Cheesecake ($10), and Video ordered Ice Cream ($7). Loire wanted dessert but decided not to get anything. The cheesecake looked like the old-fashion type the Golden Girls would eat after their late-night shenanigans.

Service was pleasant and attentive. The portions are so large you’ll likely take half your meal home. If you have a big group of people and need a place to accommodate a last-minute reservation, go to Nick’s. There’s always room, especially during weekends at lunch.

Pizza

Jelly Modern Donut & Verona Pizza

When I took my new job, no one warned me of the constant flow of treats. I’ve been trying to say no to these temptations, but it’s been a losing battle so far. For this post, let’s listen to “Half Photograph” by Kay Starr. 

 I walked in to get a glass of water and stopped dead in my tracks. Our CEO was in town, and he dropped off a massive box of doughnuts from Jelly Modern Donuts ($41.95). I opened the lid, and my eyes popped at the gorgeous array of donuts. I gently closed the cover and ran to M and N to tell them about the treats. 

I return to the kitchen an hour later to eat half a doughnut. I noticed people had already taken a knife to cut some of the treats in half. I cut the half donuts in quarters and tried the hand-filled maple, lemon curd and s’mores.

The donut itself was soft, fluffy and sweet. Each flavour and topping were distinctly different from the others. Unlike Tim Horton’s, I also noticed that Jelly Modern donuts stay fresh hours later.

The following week, our office celebrated Steve Drake Day. Steve was an undergraduate engineering student at the University of Alberta and took eight years to finish a four-year degree. He was a legend for procrastination and his penchant for Hawaiian shirts. We celebrate this day by wearing colourful shirts, playing mini golf / video games, and eating pizza to honour Steve Drake’s legacy. 

W ordered pizza from Verona Pizza. I overheard her say that Verona has great reviews. Usually, you can tell if the food is good by how busy a place is or if customers look happy. For example, Omi, Hannki, Van Express always have a massive lineup. At Sukiyaki House, you can see the gleam of zeal as customers savour their food. I’ve walked by Verona before, but it was usually before it opened or by the end of the lunch rush. 

We tried the All Meat (13-inch, $30) and Greek (13-inch, $30) pizzas. The crust was thick but light and ultra-crusty. The toppings were so generous that the vegetables in the Greek pizza would topple over. The cheese was heavy and molten-hot. I also liked how Verona broiled the top layer of meat in the All Meat pizza, making it curled up and crispy. 

We have another corporate lunch in April, and I’m excited to hear where it will be. Hitting the Sauce gives her office eats two phat thumbs up. 

Beer · Pizza

Acme Pizza and Two House Brewing

L and I met with Caviar and Numbers at Two House Brewing for after-dinner drinks. L wanted to go a bit earlier to get something to eat, as he’s a fan of Acme Pizza, located inside Two House. Let’s play “Touch of Grey” by Grateful Dead for this post.

L ordered a Juicebox NEIPA (18 oz, $8), and I opted for an El Hefe Hefeweizen (14oz, $6). L recommended we try the Cacciatore ($23), as he and his buddy had eaten here the previous week, and it was his favourite of all the pizzas he’s eaten. Pro-tip – you must order your food at the counter rather than through your server, as Acme Pizza operates separately from Two House.

When the pizza arrived, I had difficulty dislodging a slice from the pie, as each piece was only semi-cut. In addition, the crust was rock-hard and noticeably bitter.

When I brought our pizza to the counter, a Two House employee came over to inquire if everything was okay. I asked if we could get our pizza replaced because it was burnt. She immediately apologized and said a new pizza would be whipped up and delivered to our table.

I’m so glad I asked for a remake because the pizza here is phenomenal. Our second pizza was perfect. The mozzarella was hot and oozy, accented by the sweetness and tartness of the citrus vinaigrette. The dough was thin with large bubbly air pockets and crackly edges. I loved the chew of the sausage and the bite from the red peppers and romesco sauce. I can see why L raved about the cacciatore pizza. I would order this again.

When our friends arrived, I asked Caviar what she was drinking. For wine, Caviar sticks to the house wine (2021 Domaine Rimbert “For Me” Merlot Languedoc, France, 5 oz $9, 9pz $15, $42 bottle). I enjoyed the merlot; it was light and fruity but not sweet. We relished the pizza and appreciated the service so much that L and I returned the following week.

This time around, I wanted to order Caviar’s recommendation, the Burrata ($26). I ordered the house wine and wanted to know if I would like it as much as the last time or if Caviar’s charming company made the wine taste extra delicious. I took a sip and was relieved it still tasted good.

Another group sat at our communal table as we sipped our drinks and waited for our pizza. They wanted to order food but needed help finding the pizza menu on Two House’s online menu. After a minute of listening to their confusion, I turned around and told them they needed to get up and order at the Acme counter.

L doesn’t usually like arugula on a pizza, but he thought Acme’s version worked well. The balsamic vinegar’s sweetness complimented the crisp, peppery arugula leaves and the soft freshness of the cheese. I snapped the crust together to sandwich the filling and ate it like a mini sandwich.

Two House offers locals a welcoming neighbourhood hub. Each time we’ve visited, there are families playing board games and groups of friends enjoying the beer and food. Hitting the Sauce gives Two House and Acme Pizza two phat thumbs up.

Beer · Pizza · Pubs

Newcastle Pub – Pizza, pizza!

Bobbino and Uncle Ben were kind enough to help me pick up my new Ottoman coffee table. After they dropped off the table, I asked if I could take them out for some pints and pizza at Newcastle Pub. As I know this song is on one of Newcastle’s playlists, let’s listen to “One Headlight” by the Wallflowers.

Bobbino and Uncle Ben didn’t want a full meal, so I ordered some snacks. We started with a round of beers (Banded Peak Summit Seeker, $7.95), a pound of Salt & Pepper Wings ($17), and a Deluxe Pizza ($22).

The wings were better than usual. I can say this with authority, as in the past month, I’ve hit up almost every Wing Wednesday. I liked that the chicken skin was ultra-light and crispy, with a good ratio of meat to bone. I ate most of the celery and carrots, but I left one of each behind when Bobbino mentioned that he, too, likes the crudites that come with the wings. Bobbino mentioned the wings weren’t overcooked, which is his pet peeve.


I used to prefer Richmond Pub for its pizza, but now that Newcastle has upped its game, it’s a tie. I found out from our server that the owners of Newcastle also manage Richmond Pub, Merchants, and Porch. She mentioned Newcastle has recently changed some of its recipes. In the case of the pizza, it was for the better.


The pizza came out piping hot. When I pulled out a slice, the bocconcini and mozzarella oozed onto the pie plate like molten lava. The dough is homemade, thick and crusty, substantial enough to hold up to layer upon layer of pepperoni, salami, mushrooms and green peppers. I loved how the dough tasted clean and wasn’t greasy.


The pizza is tall, stacked and large enough for three people. Uncle Ben described this style of pizza as reminiscent of a 70’s traditional steakhouse. He smirked and said it was better than Una Pizza. I’m curious to know what else Newcastle has changed on their menu. To be continued.

Bakery · Deli · Dessert · Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Italian Centre Shop

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.

Pizza · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

The Barbella Bar (and later, Major Tom)

On Friday, I met up with Lovegastrogirl for dinner. I noticed The Barbella Bar does an excellent job staffing the front of the house. The hostess greeted me warmly while her counterpart, a blond, high-energy employee, charmingly escorted me to our table. His friendly banter and fun-loving vibe made me feel like I walked into a scene at Sur in Vanderpump Rules. For this post, let’s listen to “Shampain” by Marina and the Diamonds.

Our table was on the second floor. Lovegastrogirl faced the balcony while I sat across a cabinet full of wine glasses. Pro tip – if you are looking for a vibrant, bustling night scene, ask to be seated downstairs.

I started off with a Martini Isabella ($17), and Lovegastrogirl ordered an English Garden cocktail ($15). My cocktail contained specks of ice, and the olives (which I requested in place of capers) were frozen solid. I found the blend of vodka and vermouth jarringly fierce, unlike Major Tom’s criminally smooth martinis.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

On Instagram, I saw that Miss Foodie recommended cauliflower, artichokes, and crispy chicken, so I wanted to try them all. We started with the Oysters on the Half Shell ($21), Warm Cauliflower ($14), and Crispy Artichokes ($8). After we finished our appetizers, I planned to order the Chicken Puttanesca ($26).

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

Our server informed us the oysters were from New Brunswick. Perfectly shucked, the flesh was cold and crunchy, with a sweet aftertaste. The passion fruit mignonette tasted floral with tropical notes. I would order the oysters again.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

The artichokes were soft and creamy, with a brittle brown batter. The rosemary aioli was herby and added a comforting sage-like fragrance to the batter.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

I enjoyed the mint and buttery pine nuts in the cauliflower dish. The capers and raisins added some sweetness and salt. Lovegastrogirl found this dish a tad salty.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

For our next drink, I suggested she order what Miss Foodie recommended – the Ground Control cocktail ($16). We contemplated ordering the Chicken Puttanesca, but Lovegastrogirl received a notification of an opening at Major Tom. I was jiving for another experience, so I settled the tab, and we walked down a flight of stairs to visit the washroom before our next venue.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

As I reached the basement, I asked Lovegastrogirl if she wanted a piece of gum. I bumped into the employee who seated us, and he asked me who I was talking to as I was alone. I turned around and realized that my friend had stopped at the top of the stairs to take a photo. Wowzers, that Isabella martini was strong!

Perhaps it’s the restaurant’s lighting or the stunning view of the city, but Major Tom has it going on. I can see why Lovegastrogirl and her husband frequently visit this restaurant. It’s a sensory experience – the panorama cityscape, the upbeat playlist and the overall energy from the servers and customers.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

Our server, a chipper German native, complimented my choice in beverage – a Cosmopolitan Martini ($16). Lovegastrogirl was put out that her choice in beverages didn’t receive the same accolades. My cocktail was expertly made – the sour and sweet notes were well-balanced. Even though we were full from our meal, Lovegastrogirl ordered Major Tots ($8), a dish she says is grossly underrated by the general public. As always, she is correct. This appetizer should win an award.

Photo credit: Lovegastrogirl

I loved smooth, smoky surgeon mousse, the tart crunch of the pickled onions, and the warm, oversized crispy tater tot. Lovegastrogirl ordered two more tots for her husband, Pomp, who had come to get us from our night of feasting. Thanks Lovegastrogirl for another fun night and the after party at Major Tom! I’m looking forward to our continued festivities in mid-January, along with my friend Beep Beep.

Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Noble Pie Pizza – Round two

My beloved Jaime is in town! I haven’t seen my vegetarian friend since COVID. I suggested Noble Pie Pizza for our dinner date, as I know she appreciates a good pizza. For this post, let’s listen to “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd.

We ordered the Marinated Olives ($8) and a glass of the Venturini Baldini Lambrusco rosé ($13) to start. The green olive was our favourite of the bunch because the flesh was buttery and juicy. I loved the flavours of the fennel, citrus and rosemary in the marinade. 

We ordered three pizzas in the new dine-in 13″ size – the Sweet Cheesus ($19), Brooklyn White ($19), and the Magic Pie ($19). We purposely ordered too much food, as we wanted to try everything. So much food was left over that we took an entire pie home. 

The Sweet Cheesus was the simplest of the trio. Jaime thought this was more of a dessert than a savoury main because of the honey. The pizza was saucy and cheesy; the two prominent flavours were honey and Sicilian oregano. I can see this pizza being popular with kids. I learned this at my last family reunion, as my nephews and nieces would only eat cheese pizza. 

Jaime’s favourite was the Brooklyn White. Man, this is one tasty pizza! The rich, heady flavours of the caramelized onions and sesame seeds were prominent. The ricotta was creamy and paired well with garlic, parsley, and cheeses. I would get this again. 

I would also order the Magic Pie again. Miss Foodie recommended this secret menu item. She never steers me wrong. The fennel sausage was fatty (in a good way) and spicy, with a hint of licorice. The cream, basil, and fresh mozzarella made this gloriously decadent. 

Jaime mentioned that New Yorkers eat their pizza slices folded in half. I tried this method and found one benefit – the crust enveloped all the saucy goodness. However, I’m not 100% sold on “To Fold or Not to Fold,” but I’m willing to try this methodology again.

I can’t wait to see more of Jaime in the future, now with COVID restrictions on the decrease. Perhaps our next visit can be to Italy, her favourite travel destination. 

Pizza

Actually Pretty Good – Pizza

On Monday, L had a long day. I didn’t want to cook when I came home, so I told him I was taking him out for dinner. We wanted some place close, so I suggested Actually Pretty Good in Bankview. For this post, let’s listen to “Manic Monday” by The Bangles.

On the day we visited, all pizzas were on special for $15. The restaurant was packed, so we purchased tall cans of Cabin Brewing Company Supersaturation NEPA ($7), Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. Tiffany Rosé Saison ($7) and chilled out on the bench outside. We landed a patio seat in about ten minutes. Personally, I think restaurants with a queue should encourage drinking around their vicinity, as it takes the bite out of waiting.

Outside the restaurant, the music was more of a whisper. Even though we were in the parking lot, the makeshift patio worked. I noticed the hanging flower baskets emitted a sweet fragrance. L pointed out the lights strung up in the trees. The owners created a nice space.


We ordered two pizzas, the Full Nelson ($25, Monday $15) and the Capricciosa ($24, Monday $15). The first pizza to come out was the Full Nelson. The dough was light and crisp, with a clean taste. The crust was puffy with crispy air pockets. The pizza was creamy from the four kinds of cheeses and white sauce and salty from the minced-up prosciutto. The honey added a pleasing touch of sweetness.

The Capricciosa was the heavier of the two pies. This pizza was loaded with fior di latte and juicy from the artichokes, green olives, and cubed chili smoked ham. The sundried tomatoes added a tart brightness to the whole flavour profile.

There’s a lot to like about Actually Pretty Good. The beers are reasonably priced, the staff are friendly and hardworking, and the pizza is a wicked deal on Mondays. We had four pieces left over, and when reheated in our air fryer two days later, it was just as good as when we ate it fresh out of the oven. Hitting the Sauce gives Actually Pretty Good two phat thumbs up.

Italian · Pizza · Restaurants

Noble Pie Pizza

The Executive has the best after-work life. In the last month, she’s been to Vintage, Donna Mac, Pat and Betty, Wise and Wright and PD3 by Blake. I love hearing her recaps so much that it inspired me to try a new restaurant. Let’s listen to “Smooth Criminal” by Micheal Jackson. 

Based on what I’ve read, Noble Pie Pizza has an excellent reputation with its customers. I’ve always wanted to go, but the no reservation policy deterred me. On Thursday night, I told L we had to go. He agreed and said if there were a wait, he would be okay with it. Lucky for us, there were still spots at the bar. 

You access Nobel Pizza through the back alley by Metrovino Wines and the Cookbook Shop. When we walked in, I noticed four chefs lined up side-by-side, each intensely focused on their work. I could tell right away we were in good hands. The restaurant is small but spacious, as the tables aren’t crammed together like most popular spots. The room is dimly lit, with a funky vibe. I mentioned to L that the music wasn’t generic. He nodded and said, more importantly, it was at an appropriate volume. Noble Pizza seems popular with families, as parents and their kids occupy most of the booths. 

When I saw the wine list, I knew I had to bring my friends here for girls’ night. I ordered a glass of the Venturini Baldini Lambrusco rosé ($13). Our server gave me an extra big pour because he was near the end of the bottle. His unexpected generosity gave me a burst of giddiness. The sparkling rosé was fresh and light. 

We shared the Noble Caesar Salad ($15). This salad is pure joy. I was shocked to see the mountain of parmigiano reggiano piled on top of the lettuce. I asked our server if we could get extra cheese. She looked alarmed and then smiled when she realized I was joking. The romaine lettuce was crisp and cool. I prefer Noble’s Caesar to Una’s, because the former has a softer, fluffier texture, and the proportion of garlicky anchovy sauce to lettuce was spot on, so each piece of lettuce was glossy from the dressing. The toasted panko added a subtle crunch.

We ordered an 18-inch Half Roni / Half Extra Fancy ($37) pizza. Holy Cheesus, what a beauty! The crust was glorious – the edges billowed out, creating beautiful air pockets. The dough was crisp and light. The last time I had a pizza of this calibre was at Savino Pizzeria and Rocket Pie

The pepperoni in the roni was rich, salty, and still sizzling. I thought the oregano and pop of garlic in the tomato sauce were pleasantly pungent. The tissue of the bread was chewy. What was music to my ears was the blistering sound of the crunch and crackle of the crust as we chomped throughout our meal.

I enjoyed the fancy pizza the most because of the meaty pieces of roasted mushrooms and the crunch of the red onions. If you don’t like spicy food, ask to omit the jalapeños. I bragged to L that the jalapeños weren’t spicy, and then I bit into one with some seeds.  

To quell my tingling tongue, I asked for a glass of red wine that was full-bodied and not heavy with tannins. Our server recommended Monte Bernardi Italia ti Adoro ($13). The wine was so damn smooth that it should be criminal. 

The slices were massive. I could only eat two while L ate three. We had leftovers, enough for L’s breakfast and lunch. We are planning our second visit, where L wants to try the Sweet Cheezus pie. This place has it all! Fantastic wine, excellent service and some mind-blowing quality pizza. Hitting the Sauce gives Noble Pie Pizza two phat thumbs up.

Pizza

Una Pizzeria

Since L’s been away, Bex.oxo has helped me with pet sitting, as my dog gets extra anxious when his dad is gone. On Tuesday, I received a text from her that my little boy had an unfortunate incident involving my new white couch. I told Bex.oxo not to worry about the crime scene, as I would deal with it when I returned. She didn’t listen to me and took care of the problem. I immediately called my mother-in-law, who was only too happy to take Brut to her house until L was back home. Let’s hear ” Wipe Out” by the Surfaris for this post. 

On Thursday, I told Bex.oxo that I was taking her out for dinner. We decided on Una Pizzeria in West Springs, as we both like the food, and I could make online reservations. If I’m going out for dinner, I’ll generally avoid any restaurant unless I can get a reservation. 

I asked Bex.oxo if she had any food restrictions. She told me to order whatever, and she would pick out any ingredient doesn’t like. I love how low maintenance she is. We ordered a glass of wine (Francis Coppola, $15, house sauvignon blanc, $9), Kale Caesar ($20), Gnocchi Bianca ($23), Veggie Pizza ($18), and Roasted Cauliflower ($16). 

Our server did an excellent job spacing out all the dishes. I enjoyed the leisurely pace as it allowed us to take our time to enjoy all the different dishes at their optimal temperature.

The first dish we tried was the roasted cauliflower. I never eat cauliflower at home because it tastes like rubber to me. To make cauliflower taste this good, you have to have a strong sauce game. Una nailed it. We enjoyed the combination of rich, hot buttery brown sauce, the cool tahini crème fraîche, sweet dates, and fresh herbs. Bex.oxo noted that the addition of fresh dill and the sweetness of dates gave this dish the perfect balance of lightness and decadence.  

I’m a fan of Una’s organic local kale salad. The kale tasted like it was massaged with olive oil and lemon. My favourite part of this salad is the fine dusting of crunchy panko, sharp shards of pecorino romano and the still warm, salty, crumbly bacon. 

Oh my Cod, the gnocchi bianca was worth the calories. Each gnocchi was hot and super soft, dosed in a thick garlic cream and grana padano. I loved the complex flavour from the house-made bacon, as it added another layer of umami. I would get this again.

Currently, the pizza I liked best at Una is the veggie. Bex.oxo thought the feta went well with the roasted red peppers, sundried tomato puree, and honey. What she appreciates about the pizza at Una is the care put into all the ingredients. Like the finely slivered crunchy onions, the quality of the cheeses, and the sweetness of the peppers. I enjoyed the hot, stringy cheese and the puffy crust with the crisp edges and the crunchy bottom. The only thing that would enhance this pizza would be a side of garlicky aioli, which I didn’t see on the menu. Bex.oxo told me her favourite pizza is the Tiki, which I’ll have to try when we return.

As we were eating, I noticed an accumulation of mushrooms piling on her plate. Bex.oxo says she doesn’t like shrooms, and it’s a texture thing. I’m glad I didn’t order the mushroom pizza. I like the cremini mushrooms at Una, as they have a firm, meaty texture with a robust, earthy flavour.

I made Bex.oxo order dessert. She was so full that she could only have a taste. Our server came back with a lid. How adorable is that? I’m a big fan of Una, there’s more than just pizza, and I found all our dishes enjoyable. Hitting the Sauce gives Una two phat thumbs up.