Bar Gigi: Avenue Calgary’s Best Restaurants (2025/2026)

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I just had the best meal of 2025. Sure, the year’s only half over, but I don’t anticipate eating better than I did at Bar Gigi last Saturday. For this post, let’s listen to E-Pro.

I was shocked by how small Bar Gigi is. There are barely a handful of tables, which explains why reservations are so hard to snag. If you make one, keep it. In a restaurant this tiny, a last-minute cancellation can take a real bite out of the night’s sales.

Our server was an absolute star. When I mentioned my recent appetite issues, she suggested half pours of wine and smaller portions so we could try even more dishes. Who does that? Let me answer that for you: no one. No one but her! From here on, I’m calling our server Fairy Godmother, or FG for short.

FG recommended pairing a glass of the Bernard Defaix Chardonnay Chablis (2023, $20) with the scallop crudo ($22). The scallops were silky, lovelier yet with a delicate crunch from celery and onion crisp on the top. Chew Steel thought the wine went well with the thick viscosity of the green lime yuzu.

FG paired the Loimer Grüner Veltliner (2023, $20) with the prawn toast ($21). Since I can’t pair wine with food for the life of me, I was in bliss. The bread had a buttery, golden crunch that gave way to a rich prawn filling with an almost devilled egg-like creaminess. It reminded me of the fried goodness of a dim sum shrimp spring roll. Served icy cold, the wine sliced right through the toast’s fatty goodness.

FG recommended dipping our toast into the green yuzu sauce, which cut through the richness of the dish. Chew Steel initially rebuffed the suggestion, but after one dip, he agreed it was a winning combination. I reprimanded him. FG had already proven her worth. We do not question FG.

I’m unsure if FG paired the Squash Blossom ($18) with a glass of pink Améztola Txkoil Rebentis Hondarrable Zurl (2023) or a Sauvignon Blanc, Château de Poot (2022). I just know I had both on the table, and that I was having the time of my life.

The fried squash blossom was a winner. Lightly battered, delicate and sweet, it was stuffed with warm ricotta as smooth and heavy as whipped potatoes. Topped with just a hint of honey, this was easily one of the best things I’ve eaten all year.

I was full at this point, but I ordered the Chew Steel Potato Bread ($14) because I could see him eyeing it as it sailed past us to the following table. I took a bite. The bread was warm and pliable, made decadent with salty charred leek butter, bespeckled with black olives. I took a swig of my rose, loving how smooth it tasted against the herby oil and salty bread.

For Chew Steel’s main, we ordered the Ricotta Cavatelli with Morels and Tarragon ($34) paired with a glass Reserve de Vignerons Cab Franc (2023, $16). The wine was delicious on its own and with the pasta, which Chew Steel mentioned brought out the creamy nutmeg flavour in the sauce.

Though I was too full to eat Chew Steel’s pasta, I somehow still had room for dessert: the Sour Cherries Amaretto Cream Phyllo Pastry ($14). Oh, this was way too good to share. I loved the cold, tart cherries against the soft whipped cream and crunchy phyllo. I would order this again in a heartbeat.

We washed dessert down with Lo Milla grappa ($14). At this point, I just remember raving and rambling about how happy I was to finally find a restaurant that quenched the thirst Bar Von Der Fels left behind.

I think there’s something so magical about a small restaurant run by big talent. Bar Gigi is one of the best restaurants in Calgary right now, and I’m looking forward to my next visit. Hitting the Sauce gives Bar Gigi and FG two phat thumbs up.

For more standout meals, see my guide to the best date night restaurants in Calgary.

Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Juice Import x Unfiltered Wine Bar

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Lululemon and I dropped by to visit Mark Couillard from Juice Imports, as he was featuring a tasting at Unfiltered Wine Bar in Calgary’s Sunalta community. Let’s listen to ‘Milkshake’ for this post.

When we arrived, there was a line-up to get in. I’m unsure if it’s usually this busy or if it was Mark’s featured wines that were ‘bringing in all the oenophiles into the yard’. In any case, I’m thankful Lululemon made a reservation.

We chose Mark’s flight ($31), which featured three wines: Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher, Clos Cibonne Tentations Rose, and Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso.

The first wine we tried was Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher ($81/bottle). Lululemon noticed immediately that her wine was cloudy, and mine was clear. Mark explained that Lululemon’s glass was from the last pour, while mine came from the first pour of the bottle. He described the wine as having a slightly brassy character, similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a tart, fresh, and fun profile. I recalled buying another bottle from Laurent Saillard, Lucky You, last year.

The second wine, Clos Cibonne Tenttions Rose ($77/bottle), was some damn easy sipping. Mark informed us that the winery is located in a very hot climate, which is cooled off by the sea breeze. He described floral notes of melon, peach, and strawberry. I could taste strawberries.

The last wine we tried, Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso ($72/bottle), hails from Sicily. The red wine had a distinct fragrance. Cantina Marilina is a women-led organic farm, located in the province of Siracusa. He described the wine as bold, plummy, fruity, with herbaceous notes. I could taste cherry. I recognized this label as Lululemon, Divine Offering and I both shared a case of Cantina Marilina’s Fedelie Rosato.

After our fun tasting, Lululemon took me to Una’s takeaway store for a pizza slice and fried dough balls. I ate more there than I have in a month! If you’re after a quick bite, a slice is the perfect nightcap.

Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Minerality? Erik Mercier from Juice Imports

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A recent health development has kept me mostly at home over the past few weeks. However, I’ve been punctuating my sad little existence with the occasional jaunt. For example, I prebooked a Vine Arts wine tasting ($50) with Erik Mercier from Juice Imports before I was diagnosed, and I figured going wouldn’t literally kill me, so I went. Let’s listen to ‘Edelweiss’ for this post.

Having attended Juice Import’s tasting for years, I realized early on that the two business partners, Erik and Mark, have a passion so deep for their work that they are willing to host these lovely tastings essentially for free. The only things in life that are free are air and pain. So, not to be dramatic, but I’ll always gladly take in a Juice Import’s tasting. The fee for the tasting goes towards using the space, which Vine Art kindly allows them to use for a minimal cost.

My friend Divine Offering came this time, along with Lululemon. I wanted Divine Offering to meet Erik and Lululemon, as we are all taking a wine tour with Erik and Mark in 2026. We sat in the front of the tasting room, where we soaked in the sun-filled room and the shining variety of white wines, varying in minerality.

Our welcome bubbles were Meinklang Epic ($29, discount $26). I found this wine refreshing with lovely tiny bubbles. I bought a bottle.

I hadn’t eaten much that day, and oh boy, was that cheese platter delicious. Peasant Cheese always does it right. The brie was soft and gooey, even better when paired with various crackers and dried apricots. The hard cheese was buttery yet creamy. And those big, fat, sweet red cherries tasted like it was just been plucked from a tree in the Okanogan.

The first wine was Testalong Cortez Chenin Blanc ($57). Testalong is one of the top three wineries in South Africa. Grown on decomposed granite with quartz and silica, Erik observed the stony characteristics. I find it challenging to describe minerality because I haven’t had much experience tasting things like stone or flint. Erik explained that flavours in wine that aren’t fruity, floral, or spicy are often considered mineral notes.

We compared Testalong Cortez with Escala Humana Chenin Blanc ($37.50), a wine from Argentina. Erik described this wine as fruity, with floral notes and citrus aromas. Lululemon liked this wine a lot. Divine Offering mentioned it complemented the fruit on her plate. Both purchased a bottle.

The Maloof Thistle Pinot Gris ($40, discount $36) was just right for me. Erik could taste both spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, as well as the iced tea and lemon. The grapes grow on ‘Jory soil’, found in Oregon. The soil is volcanic, which is considered ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. I picked up a bottle for my in-laws, Turned and Dave.

The fourth wine was a real goodie, Gut Oggau Timotheus ($80). I love Gut wines, but I have what you call a beer budget, so I just sat and enjoyed experiencing the Juicy Fruit-like flavour. Erik mentioned the winery has a cult status in New York and Paris, and is served at Noma, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Copenhagen. There’s actually a whole page dedicated to Gut wines.

The fourth wine we tasted was Le Grappin Macon Villages ($50). The smell was lovely. Erik noted that this was a white burgundy, an excellent value for such a bright and fresh wine. I had trouble describing what I could taste.

Erik mentioned that the winery farms its grapes with great intensity. Someone at the table asked what that meant, and he explained that when you grow fewer grapes, it gets more attention. He said to think of growing one ton of grapes versus ten tons on the same plot of land. When there are more grapes, they compete for nutrients, which can dilute their concentration of sugar and alcohol.

My favourite bottle just so happened to be Marnes Blanches Savignin Les Molates ($62, discounted to $55). Domaine Des Marnes Blanches is the first winery I fell in love with from Juice Import’s portfolio. The trick I learned at home, however, is to pair the wine with cheese. For some reason, it tastes so much better.

I smelled brown sugar. Erik mentioned this wine could be aged for 30 years. I couldn’t muffle my snicker in time. I’m not waiting three decades to drink a nice bottle of wine. Erik suggested pairing this wine with Comte cheese. He sniffed and sipped, tasting spicy, peppery, green tea and tropical fruit. Lululemon mentioned the Savignin les Molates reminded her of lasagna. Yes, I could see it. Divine Offering found it creamy, sweet, yet herbal and smooth. Lululemon, Divine Offering, and I bought a bottle.

I asked if wines with minerality are less approachable to novice wine drinkers because it’s harder to describe what they taste. Erik disagreed, saying a novice drinker can’t tell the difference, as it takes a lot of practice. People aren’t naturally good at tasting notes in wine. He says that, in comparison, semi-knowledgeable drinkers are worse than novice drinkers, as they get in their heads a little knowledge and become resistant to trying certain wines. For example, those who claim they dislike sweet wines, such as Riesling, are missing out, as many are delicious and highly regarded by both wine experts and novices.

Another guest asked about the best places to drink wine in Paris and New York. I tuned out because I didn’t find it relevant in my near future. I perked up when Erik mentioned that Class Clown in Calgary has an incredible natural wine selection at bargain prices, just a few dollars above retail price.

I mentioned the Ship and Anchor has an inexpensive wine list, with several bottles from Juice Imports. Erik confirmed, but noted that his business partner had drunk all of the Ship’s champagne because it was priced so cheaply. Erik recommended Missy This That for the best wine selection.

On August 14, Juice Imports and Salt and Brick are hosting an intimate dinner featuring a rare selection of Burgundy wines ($350). I was very tempted, but since I can’t eat much, I figured it would be wasted on me. However, if you are interested, you might still be able to get a ticket.

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Gut Oggau with Juice Imports: Vine Arts in Calgary

March 26, 2025April 30, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Last Sunday, my friend Lululemon took me to a Juice Imports tasting ($35) at Vine Arts. I was extra excited. The wines are from Gut Oggau, located in Austria, where Lululemon and I are visiting with Juice Imports in 2026 for a wine tour. Let’s listen to for this post “The Lonely Goatherd”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Rhône Ragers at Vine Arts (Juice Imports)

February 26, 2025April 30, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

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.

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.