Rhone Ragers – Juice Imports

Erik is back in town! I saw on Instagram he was hosting Rhone Ragers ($50) at Vine Arts. I immediately called my trusty wine pal, Lululemon, to find out if she was up for some natural wines. Let’s listen to “Voulez-Vou” by Abba for this post.

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.

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.

Greek · Mediteranean · Restaurants · Seafood

Kama

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For my birthday, Bex Oxo took me to see Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons, a candlelight musical experience. As her birthday is two days before mine, I took her out for dinner before the concert at Kama. Let’s listen to “Believer” by Imagine Dragon for this post.

I was jonesing for a glass of wine, but since it was dry January, I ordered Benjamin Bridge Piquette Zero Spritzer ($6.50, 250ml). I picked the original flavour, which tasted like a simple, sweet pop. I would not order this again. This beverage ranked pretty low on my list, along with a non-alcoholic Erdinger.

Bex Oxo chose wisely, ordering a Jerry Blackberry Blackberry Ginger Shrub, Honey, Mint, Soda ($11). I took a sip and found her mocktail thick and delicious, with a tart, gingery bite to it. It was so good that I regretted not ordering it myself.

Kama has so many seafood offerings, but Bex Oxo has a shellfish allergy, so we tried the Spanakopita, Bulgarian Cheese, Nigella ($11), Brussels Sprouts, Burnt Honey Yogurt, Coriander, Cashew ($19), Chicken Souvlaki, Greek Garden Salad, Tzatziki, Honey Feta Beignets ($43).

First up was the spanakopita, generously stacked with buttery smooth spinach. The feta and dill made for a fragrant and rich filling. Unlike other spanakopitas I’ve tried, Kama’s version was filled with way more filling than pastry.

The brussels sprouts were phenomenal. Each warm sprout squished a juicy, sweet, burnt honey and yogurt sauce. I loved munching on the crunchy cashews and hits of coriander. Bex Oxo mentioned she enjoyed the charred cabbage leaves, which reminded her of slightly burnt food from a campfire. I’m not a camper, so though I couldn’t relate, I understood her sentiment. Bex Oxo has invited me camping many times, but I know my limits and play within it. This dish is a winner, and I would order it again.

The chicken souvlaki is large enough for three appetites. On the plate were five or six golden brown honey feta beignets. Bex Oxo took a bite and exclaimed that it was like a doughnut met a dinner roll. I liked the crusty, oily exterior and the doughy, dense interior.

The chicken chunks were also large; the meat was fluffy and soft. The best part of the chicken was the tangy lemon flavour and the combination of the sweet, salty, and crunchy flavour of the beignet. The simple side salad of peppers and onions rounded out this feast on a plate. I recommend this dish to anyone who loves a good, carby meal. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed souvlaki so much.

We were so full we didn’t order dessert, and we took a good chunk of the chicken souvlaki home. Bex Oxo and I thought Kama was even better than Ten Foot Henry in terms of ambience and service. Ten Foot Henry has a much bigger wine list with bottles I’m familiar with, but other than that, Kama wins my favour.

As for the concert, I enjoyed it so much that I checked out Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons the following week, and I’m planning to book tickets for Pink Floyd and Bach and the Beatles. Thanks, Bex Oxo, for introducing me to my latest hobby.

French · Restaurants · Special Occasion · Wine tasting

Supper Club – Edition #4 Avec Francine

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Town Hospitality organized an event. The lineup included Chef Garret Martin and Bar Manager Nate Wry of Francine’s, Sugar Water Events, and Kyo-Jean Chung from Crush Imports. Garret previously ran Major Tom and later, Francine’s, where I ate one of the best steaks in my life.

Set from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. dinner included five courses paired with cocktails and wine ($243 per person). I asked Divine Offering if she was interested in attending with me. Lucky for me, she’s always up for fun! Let’s listen to “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman for this post.

The dinner was at The Garret Loft, above FinePrint on Stephen Avenue. We climbed the stairs and stepped into a long, lofty room. At one end, the kitchen welcomed us; at the other, a view of downtown’s ever-changing nature unfolded. A table stretched through most of the space, adorned with fresh blue delphinium flowers and burning candles.

This was my first time meeting Garret and Nate in person. I’ve only seen their photos in the Herald and was surprised by how fresh-faced they looked. With their resumes, I expected them to appear older, or at least more weathered.

The welcome drink was a French 75, created by Nate. The macadamia syrup added a nutty element, while the lemon provided an element of tartness. Delicious! We took our drinks, sat by a nook near the piano, and observed the scurry of activity before we sat for dinner.

We sat in the middle of the table, which roughly thirty other guests. The famous cheese monger, Isaac from Say Cheese Fromagerie, sat to my right with his posse. I’ve seen him on Instagram, usually chiseling into a massive wheel of cheese. To my left was a cluster of female friends, one donning a white hat. At the end of the table were couples. I sat across from one of Town Hospitality’s partners, Wyatt Norm.

The first dish was ham and chips with honey butter glaze, Bayonne ham, and aged comte cheese, paired with a glass of Montgermont Blanc De Blancs. Divine Offering took a bite and declared the honey butter glaze far better than the Korean snacks she’d bought. I picked up hints of thyme, while the chips tasted like cornflakes, topped with salty ham and cheese shavings.

The second dish was baby romaine salad with date vinaigrette, bacon, fried rosemary, and Roquefort blue. Paired with Maya Meaker Elgin Riesling, we learned the wine had a hint of residual sugar and high acidity, making it a perfect match for the sweet blue cheese from southern France. Divine Offering declared the cheese the star of the salad, smooth and creamy, without the usual sharpness of blue cheese. I loved how it melted in my mouth.

The salad was hearty yet light, sweet from the honey and salty from the bacon. I loved the combination of ingredients and textures, particularly the satisfying crunch when you cut into the “boat” of lettuce. I would order this again, and salads do not usually wow me.

Divine Offering eats slowly, while I’m usually quick. But I took my time for this meal as I didn’t want to stop tasting the flavours. One of my favourite of the night was the mussels, paired with a Pauet Macon-Villages Nos Cinq Terroirs, a smooth textured chardonnay.

The broth smelled fragrant and oceanic. The mussels were spectacular, plump, silky, and creamy, with a taste like fresh West Coast oysters. I loved how the delicate radish, apple, yuzu, and vanilla broth let the freshness of the mussels shine. She usually avoids shellfish, but these mussels were so soft and free of any fishy aftertaste that she ate every last one. I was disappointed she liked them so much, as I was hoping for her portion.

We were treated to extra cocktails throughout our meal, in addition to the welcome drink and five pairings. The Perfect Lady cocktail was simple and fun. I tasted peach with a hint of something tropical, like lychee. Divine Offering thought the Perfect Lady was a good break before the main course.

I thought nothing could outdo the mussels, but I had forgotten how well Garrett can cook a steak. The slow-roasted “delmonico” style steak was paired with a glass of contra soarda terra veneto rosso, a red wine from northern Italy. The peppercorn sauce was hot and full of flavor. The steak had a perfect chew, deep beefy richness, and a mouthwatering char. The whipped, buttery potatoes were smooth and creamy.

Divine Offering exclaimed the steak the best she’s ever had. We would both order this dish whenever it is on the menu at Francine’s. Garrett explained that all the food prepared was authentically French, buttery, rich, and salty.

Dessert was Divine Offering’s favourite course. The praline was creamy and not too sweet. I liked the salt and cheese, which countered the sweetness of the caramel. She quietly scraped the remaining butterscotch sauce off the plate to get every bit of sauce. She said if she were in the privacy of her own home, she would have licked the plate clean. I believe her. Her focus remained entirely on her dessert throughout the entire course. The wine was like a second dessert, sweet and complemented the parfait.

Divine Offering noted the cocktails made by Sugar Water Bar were expertly timed throughout dinner. The French 75 stimulated her appetite, while the ‘Ti Punch, her favourite cocktail tonight, ended the dinner perfectly. Nate noted that he prefers to use French spirits, such as French rum, and simple garnishes with the cocktails to focus on the taste. The last drink was funky and fun, fragrant and had a real “punch” to it.

The hospitality we received from everyone was an A+. Wyatt explained that these events give chefs a chance to create new dishes, as many grow tired of repeating the same hits night after night. Divine Offering thought the event was well-planned and definitely worth the money. The night was worth every nickel, with outstanding quality and drinks flowing all evening.

I plan to go again. I hear there will be a New Year’s Eve bash, though I might wait for the event following. I highly recommend Town Hospitality events and look forward to Garret and Nate’s upcoming restaurant, Francine’s. Hitting the Sauce gives the whole collaboration two phat thumbs up!

Restaurants · Vegetarian

Ten Foot Henry and Shelter

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Lululemon and I met up on Saturday for dinner. She said there was one stipulation: I wouldn’t fight her for the bill. I said sure, only if I got the next one. We debated which restaurant to visit and ended up at my recommendation, Ten Foot Henry. I like this spot for the wine list and the vegetarian options for Lululemon. Let’s listen to Mr. Sandman for this post.

I wanted to try the cauliflower gochujang ($23) and the gigli pasta ($25). Lululemon added the charred cabbage ($21) and the tomatoes with feta ($18). I told her this was too much food for the two of us. She ignored me and over-ordered. I informed her that she must have been Asian in her past life. Lululemon mentioned she had a Chinese childhood friend, and she did pick up on some traditions from her.

For drinks, she ordered a flute of Tomato Wheel Lambrusco ($15), and I ordered a glass of Chablis ($17). Lululemon enjoyed her sparkling red, and I told her that all the wine peeps, such as Vine Arts, Business and Pleasure, and Juice Imports, recommended Tomato Wheel. I read that the person behind the label is a Calgarian, and she buys the wine from Italy.

The tomato appetizer came first; this dish is a crowd-pleaser like all previous visits. I could smell the smoky char from the thick slices of warm bread. Blistering hot and sweet tomatoes mixed in with the feta made for total comfort food. All I needed was a small bowl of tomato soup, and I’d be in heaven.

I heard a lot about the gigli kale pesto pistachio pasta. The noodle itself was soft and wet. I liked the pop of flavour from the nuts and what I thought was lemon and cheese. The woman sitting next to me asked if she should order it. I nodded enthusiastically but later questioned my judgment when Lululemon noted that pasta had only one note and needed something sharp, like garlic or onions, to punch it up. After her comment, my bites of the pasta became less enjoyable.

We had another drink. Lululemon picked an orange wine while I tried a sparkling rosé wine from Maloof, a winery Juice Import brings in. This wine was just right; it tasted like strawberries.

The cabbage dish arrived, piled high and lusciously sauced. The leaves were soft and charred, tangy from the walnut vinaigrette and rich from the cheese. Lululemon loved the cabbage and confided it was the Ukrainian in her. I get her—rice is life for me.

We both thought the cauliflower was the best dish of the night. The gochujang sauce was thick and savoury, with a dry heat and notes of ginger and sesame. This dish was so good that I felt it could compete against any Korean restaurant in Calgary. I would order this again.

We weren’t done for the night. After dinner, we moseyed across the street to Shelter. We scored a seat at the bar, and Lululemon and I ordered some stellar cocktails. The bartender slayed, creating cocktails tailored to our whimsical requests. We oohed and awed as he poured a liquid into the glass while igniting it aflame. Thank you, Lululemon, for a fun night.

Restaurants

Hayden Block – Life Altering BBQ

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Chew Steel wanted to go out for dinner on Friday, so I told him to pick the restaurant. He was hesitant, as I last gave him free rein when we first started dating in 2010. He picked Hayden Block. Let’s listen to “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

I’ve been to Hayden Block about three or four times, but this time, the food blew me away. I ordered the Beef Short Rib ($35), which my brother-in-law Dave recommended. I’ve come to realize Dave knows his food.

Chew Steel ordered a Smoked Old-Fashioned ($17) with a glossy, pristine sugar cube. He noted the ice cube was clear, unlike the ice we make at home, which is chock full of impurities. There is science behind restaurant ice cubes, which, while I appreciate, I don’t care enough to read the whole article.

I asked our server to give me more time to decide what I wanted to drink. She heard “lemonade,” and minutes later, I received the most deliciously tart carbonated lemonade I’ve ever had. When I clarified that I needed more time, not “lemonade,” she kindly removed the drink from our bill and told me to enjoy the free drink. I opted for the Lil’ Darling Hard Tea ($9), which had a homemade taste and a hint of dryness. In future visits, I’d order the iced tea and the lemonade, though with vodka.

Chew Steel ordered Brisket ($18) with a side order of Broccoli Salad ($6), and I ordered Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob ($6) to go with my beef rib, as well as Corn Bread & Honey Butter ($2). Our server warned us we ordered a lot of food, but I waved away her concern, as I could eat competitively.

Holy smokes! When the food arrived, I sat stunned by the beautiful bounty. The beef rib was enormous! The amount of meat on that Flintstone-sized bone must have been at least 18 ounces. The beef was steaming hot and so beefy in flavour I didn’t bother with any of the BBQ sauces. No knife is needed with this beauty. I would tear parts apart with gentle pressure from my fork. With each bite, I could feel myself growing a pair of balls. The portion was so big, I could only eat a quarter of it.

Chew Steel’s broccoli salad was so generous that I must have eaten eight chunky florets. The broccoli was crunchy and not saturated with sauce. The dressing was slightly sweet, punctuated by the tartness of the cranberries and nuts. I could tell the salad was freshly prepared. I would get this again.

The cornbread was so good that I shed a tear. Crumbly and light, the whipped butter melted into its warmth, accenting the bread’s sweetness. I would order this again.

The bacon on the corn on the cob was crispy, though not hot. It didn’t matter to me, as the corn was sweet and cut into the richness of the beef and butter.

I can’t wait to return to Hayden Block again. That beef short rib is one of the best things I’ve eaten in 2024. When heated the next day, it tasted just as good. Hayden Block, I salute you!

Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

FinePrint

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The good neighbours reunited! Quebecoise, Betty, Kournikova and I met up for our girls’ night. It’s been a while, as Betty was busy giving birth to a handsome little fellow. We settled on FinePrint because Kournikova wanted to check it out. Let’s listen to “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Jimmy Durante.

Quebecoise selected a bottle of Paul Mas Viognier ($56), which she noted was surprisingly affordable, given the Stephen Avenue location. Betty enjoyed this white wine so much that she asked me to send her the picture I had taken so she could search for it at her local liquor store.

I warned the girls that FinePrint wasn’t a sharing sort of place and that we should order our appetizers and mains. Quebecoise countered that we could share appetizers but get our own mains. It turns out we were both right.

I asked Kournikova to take the pictures, but she told me to ask Betty, who she said is a better photographer. I shook my head and said that’s not true, as the last time Betty and Quebecoise took blurry photos. Kournikova grinned and confessed she was hungry and reluctant to take the pictures. I shot back that no one enjoys it, but she never half-asses anything, no matter her mood. She nodded in agreement and took the damn pictures.

Quebecoise ordered the Tempura Green Beans ($10), a trademark dish at Fine Print’s predecessor, Divino. Quebecoise raved about the perfect crunch of the batter and how much she appreciated munching on vegetables. Kournikova pointed out that this was one appetizer she didn’t care for, noting that the beans clashed with the rest of the menu.

I picked the Cured Ora King Salmon & Hamachi Crudo ($26). Oh man, this dish gives my beloved Sukiyaki House a run for its money. The salmon was next level, cool in temperature and buttery in flavour. But it was the hamachi that stole the show. Its sweet, delicate white flesh left us raving. The miso, vinaigrette, and pomelo sauce struck the perfect balance, not too sweet, citrusy, or overpowering, just enough to enhance the fresh taste of the fish. Those little green beans couldn’t compete with the salmon and hamachi crudo. This dish is a winner and a keeper.

Betty is delightfully predictable and ordered the Alberta Bison & Truffle Tartare ($27). According to Kournikova, FinePrint makes one of the best tartares in this city. The pickled mustard seeds packed a spicy kick, while the bison was cut into beefy chunks. Each piece was flavorful with a satisfying chew. Betty remarked on its robust beefiness and couldn’t get enough of the texture. I would get this again.

My healthy and athletic friend Kournikova chose the Grilled Radicchio & Endive Salad ($18). She loved it—and who wouldn’t? The salad was packed with spiced walnuts, mint, pickled grapes, and comté. The tangy kick from the blue cheese vinaigrette was so good and went well with all the ingredients.

Quebecoise, Kournikova, and I ordered the Josper Roasted Sablefish ($48). The fish was phenomenal, flaky and hot, with the mouthwatering essence of charcoal. Quebecoise declared this her type of food and loved every element, especially the sour sauce and the combination of crunchy savoy cabbage, braised fennel, and charred orange.

Betty ordered the Pappardelle ($28) topped with Crispy Duck Confit ($8). The thick, ribbon-like noodles had a delightful chew, coated in a mix of ground nuts, basil, and cheese instead of a traditional sauce. Kournikova wasn’t a fan of the duck confit, finding it dry. I didn’t try the duck, but I thought the pasta was yummy.

We tried the Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake ($12) and Yuzu & Rhubarb Gateaux ($12) for dessert. I’m not much of a dessert person, so I don’t have much to say other than that they were pretty to look at.

I noticed most clientele consisted of ladies or couples on a date. If I were an American tourist, I would hit up FinePrint in a second. The quality is a cut above, and with the dollar in your favour, it makes it a no-brainer to treat yourself to some exceptionally made seafood dishes. Hitting the Sauce gives FinePrint two phat thumbs up.

Restaurants

Date Night #18 – An An Kitchen & Bar

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On Sunday, I felt the after-effects of attending a fabulous wedding the night prior. I wasn’t in the mood to cook, so I suggested we head to An An Kitchen & Bar for a late lunch. Ever since our brother-in-law Dave told us they make a wicked banh mi dip, we have wanted to go for banh mi date night #18. For this post, let’s listen to “Come to Me” by the Goo Goo Dolls.

Though I’m always craving a banh mi, my body cried out for the nurturing goodness of pho. I saw everyone around me digging into soup bowls, so I asked our server what everyone was eating. Our server confirmed most customers were here for the signature pho ($25).

Ooh-wee, this was one fancy bowl of pho and quite the ceremony. First, I got a bowl of spanking white sprouts, lemon, and basil. Then, a dipping sauce of hoisin and sriracha arrived, followed by a plate of wagyu rare beef and, finally, a bowl of noodles filled with beef bone and pork balls.

The broth is stellar and should be since it’s cooked for 12 hours. The beef broth tasted delicate and bright from my squeeze of fresh lemon juice. I appreciated how subtle the broth was. It didn’t overpower the meats or vegetables. It’s a clean soup I could sip on all night.

The noodles were slippery and didn’t expand in the broth like some other restaurants. The wagyu beef was something special. Sliced thin, once in the broth, it turned pink and remained buttery in texture. Chew Steel enjoyed the beef balls. The meat on the beef bone was tasty but not as tender as Pure Street’s version, where the meat is so soft it falls right off with a gentle poke from my chopstick.

Chew Steel ordered the beef rib banh mi, which came with pho broth and a soft-boiled egg. He whipped up the egg in the bowl, swirling it until it became an egg drop soup.

The bread was better than most banh mi shops. It was light and crispy but still soft inside. When dipped in the broth, the bread absorbed some sweetness and became a little soggy, like crackers scattered in chicken soup.

I loved the decadent sauce and fatty richness of the meat. Chew Steel would have preferred a leaner cut and mentioned that he would request brisket next time. I would get the banh mi again, but I would add noodles ($4) to the broth to make it more hearty.

An An is now one of our favourite Vietnamese restaurants, up there with Paper Lantern and Pure Street Food. For date night #19, we plan to go to Prosperity Bar. I can’t believe I need just one more banh mi date to sandwich the goal I set back in 2021!

Restaurants

Don Taco

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One summer evening, Chew Steel and I stopped by Buffalo 9 for a drink. That night, Don Taco, owned by the former chef/partner at Mikey’s Juke Joint, hosted a pop-up food event. For this post, let’s listen to ” Island in the Sun” by Weezer.

I didn’t take any pictures that evening, but I remembered how much Chew Steel loved the beef brisket while the birria wowed me. We both agreed that the freshly fried chips and homemade salsa were the best we had ever had. The food was so good we vowed to dine there again. Chew Steel looked up Don Tacos on his iPhone and noted it was currently a takeout-only shop in Highwood.

Yesterday, after my appointment, Chew Steel surprised me with food from Don Tacos. We sat eating in a parking lot because, with tacos like these, you got to eat them while they were fresh. You know it’s a good meal when you’re willing to eat it in the car.

We each got three tacos for $12: al pastor, shrimp and fish. That’s cheaper than fast food. The shrimp taco cost an extra fifty cents. Chew Steel mentioned the owner and his wife make the tacos fresh for you.

The fish filet was tender and generously portioned, and the exterior was a fine crumble breading rather than a heavy batter. Two corn tortillas cradled the fish and packed high with coleslaw and mayo; each bite was messy.

The Diablo shrimp was my favourite and worth the extra charge. The large, flattened shrimp were crunchy, crispy, and still hot. I loved the pico de gallo, as the tomatoes tasted incredibly fresh. I would order this one again.

The al pastor was a winner. The meat was super succulent and juicy. I noticed all their meat tacos are well marinaded and piled so high the meat overflowed. The pineapple was sweet and minced, so it wasn’t a jarring chunk. I would order the al pastor again.

Don Taco serves up my favourite tacos in town. I like them so much that I plan to pre-order them for a taco party. I can’t stop taco’bout how much I love them!

Pizza · Restaurants

Letty Pizza

Featured Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

I met up with Lovegastrogirl at Letty Pizza, a new restaurant in the Beltline. After seeing all those blooming zucchini blossoms on Letty’s Instagram, I couldn’t resist the urge to squash my curiosity. Let’s listen to “Sugalumps” by the Flight of the Conchords.

If you come, I highly recommend sitting at the bar. There is ample space between each chair and enough space behind you to pull out your seat and cross your legs. The best part is watching the chefs in action and observing the attention to detail everyone puts into the final creation.

We started with an Espresso Martini ($14). My martini was on the sweet side. As we sipped, Lovegastrogirl noted the owner and chef, Daniel Ramon, was working. She mentioned Daniel came from Teatro, and he was the chef behind Clos de la Oyster Barre. I don’t keep up with who’s who in the culinary zoo, but I admired his teaminship. I saw Daniel check each station and help as needed, even picking up an empty box in the corner. He reminds me of a director I work with who’s always on the ground helping her team and simultaneously steering the operations.

Our first dish was the Salmon Crudo ($22). The salmon was cool in temperature and fatty in flavour. I liked the tart brightness of the passionfruit vinaigrette paired with the chilled slices of salmon. The taro root chip added a satisfying crunch, while the fresh basil leaf and basil oil added a subtle herbaceous notes.

Our second dish was the Grilled Cabbage ($17). Several restaurants in Calgary make killer cabbage dishes, such as Pigeonhole and Ten Foot Henry. I find Pigeonhole’s sauce overly decadent and Ten Foot Henry’s version of cabbage too chewy and thick. Letty’s was my Goldilocks moment—just right. I declare Letty the winner.

Each thin, crisp crunch was silky and crunchy, with a mouthwatering char. The hot honey vinaigrette gave it a spicy kick, while the pistachios added a crunchy and nutty texture. The Manchego cheese added an element of richness that went with the sweet, mellow cabbage slices. I would order this again.

Lovegastrogirl suggested the Japanese Curry Pizza ($28). I did not expect to love this pizza as much as I did. The pizza reminded me of eating naan and curry or a Japanese curry bun. The curry packed a punch, and combined with the soft, stretchy dough, it fired off on all cylinders. The richness of melt-in-your-mouth braised pork shoulder, the zing of the green onion and the crunch of panko breadcrumbs were fabulous. I would order this again.

Now, let’s talk about the dough. You cannot compare the pizza from Letty to Noble or Savino (not to be confused with Savona), my other favourite pizza places. Letty’s is in its category, just like Noble and Savino. Letty’s bread is soft and fluffy and, despite not being crispy, holds up very well to toppings, like the curry. The crust has a wholesome flavour that marries well into non-traditional ingredients in a way that more traditional doughs would not.

Our server suggested we try the 2022 Kerpen Riesling from Germany ($14) to complement the curry pizza. She was right, and I was pleasantly surprised by the pairing! The sweet wine was nicely chilled, had a heavy texture, and was refreshing.

For our second pizza, we tried the Margherita ($22). I remember the owner of Full Circle saying you can test the actual quality of a pizza by the margarita, as you can’t hide behind the ingredients. The crust was beautifully puffy, with nice air pockets around the crust. The tomato sauce’s flavour was vibrant and tangy. Unlike the basil in the crudo, the basil on the pizza had a more intense aroma.

The kitchen’s quality control is impressive. I noticed the pizza chef occasionally tossing pies into what I thought was a takeout container under the counter. Then I saw how he would frown and disdainfully throw those ones under the counter. I asked him why, and he said he was discarding pizzas because they were too small, had holes, or the crust didn’t bubble up. That’s impressive quality control.

Lovegastrogirl mentioned her favourite pizza spot is Posto, but now, she prefers Letty. She pointed out that she ate her crust tonight, which she never does at Posto. We had pizza left over, so we divided it up and took it home. Pomp, Lovegastrogirl’s husband, picked us up from the restaurant. She told Pomp she liked the crust at Letty’s more than Posto. He was pretty surprised, as it turns out it’s a big deal that Lovegastrogirl discovered something even better than Posto and actually ate her crust.

The next day, after Chew Steel reheated the pizzas in our air fryer, he commented the curry was nicely balanced, not overwhelmingly sweet or spicy. He noted the fior di latte in the margarita was noticeably good. As for the crust, he was a fan, which means we have to return to try other pizzas. Letty Pizza, I salute your unusual and remarkable pizza dough!