Milpa: Tacos time on 17th Ave

September 22, 2023April 12, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

On Friday, my friends Kournikova, Betty and Quebecois and I went out for dinner at Milpa, located in Calgary’s Beltline, right off 17 Ave. As per our tradition, we gathered at one of our houses for a drink before heading to the restaurant. Let’s listen to “About Damn Time” by Lizzo for this post.

When we arrived, Milpa was less than half full. We were seated in the back, right by the washrooms, which irritates me because it reminds me of when I get stuck with a bad seat on a plane. Unlike my fancy friends, I always fly economy. Our server was fine when I asked if we could move up to the middle of the room.

I noticed the majority of the crowd was a younger demographic. I can see the draw. Milpa is a lively restaurant on 17th Ave with reasonably priced food. For drinks, Betty selected an apple cucumber spritz ($8), I ordered a Palomina ($15), Kournikova tried the margarita ($15), and Quebecois ordered a gooder – a bottle of Vive la Loire Touraine Rose ($60). My icy cold glass sparkled with salt. I found my cocktail boozy from the Cazadores Blanco, which muted the grapefruit flavour.

I asked Betty to take pictures of the food, as the month earlier, I had gotten Kournikova to take the photos. Betty looked confused as to why I wouldn’t do it and Kournikova explained it was because I take horrible shots. It didn’t hurt when she said it because she’s right.

I was curious about the menu, as Kournikova told me her celiac hubby approved of the food. Our server guided us through the menu and ensured we didn’t over-order. We picked the coconut ceviche ($15), queso fundido ($17), el pastor ($45), pulpo al chentextle ($30) and for dessert, we requested all three cakes.

I thought there was seafood in the coconut ceviche, but after poking around, I realized it was vegetarian. The ceviche was cold and milky, and a touch sweet. I liked the tang from the pomegranate and the smooth bits of taro. Betty mentioned the coconut tasted clean and soft. She said she likes ordering dishes that she doesn’t make at home. The corn and plantain chips were delicious, fresh and crunchy.

I loved the queso fundido. The snow-white cheese was rich and melty, while the mushrooms were meaty morsels. The corn tortillas were warm and fragrant, with a nutty aftertaste. I liked how it was warm and heavy, so smooth to the touch it felt luxurious. I would order the queso fundido again.

The octopus was tasty, but it isn’t a must order. I did like the variation on the plate, from the pureed beans, grilled corn and spicy jalapenos.

Milpa nailed the fun factor in the el pastor. The pork was shaped like a mini roasted spit, which we carved ourselves. The pineapple was still warm and sweet. The flour tortillas were soft and pliable. We all agreed the el pastor was the winning dish of the night.

Kournikova complimented Quebecoise’s selection of wine, which she thought held up to the pork. Quebecoise retorted she always picks French rose, as it’s not usually sweet and goes well with spicy food. She also noted it was a reasonable price for a bottle at a restaurant.

We tried all the desserts and enjoyed them except for the vegan cake, which was good but couldn’t compete with chocolate, caramel and whipped cream.

After we paid our bill, our server brought us a little shooter of slushy deliciousness and Betty, our designated driver, a candy bar. We cackled and howled at this unexpected treat and, after toasting, merrily went back home. I plan to return with L in tow for more el pastor and non-vegan desserts.

Goro + Gun: Happy Hour in Calgary

March 4, 2023April 27, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

On my first day of work, my boss MRP took me out for lunch. He suggested ramen at Goro + Gun, conveniently located minutes from our office. For this post, let’s listen to “Feel So Good” by Mase.

MRP ordered the Tonkatsu Ramen ($18) and the Steamed Buns ($10). I asked our server if she favoured the Tuna Poke ($16) over the Veggie Roll ($13), as I was unsure what to order. MRP encouraged me to get both, which solved my dilemma.

MRP said he always orders the buns whenever he comes to Goro + Gun. These little baos overflow with deliciousness. The warm bun was soft and squishy, soaking up the juicy braised pork filling. My tastebuds danced from the sweet, sour and savoury notes of the BBQ mayonnaise and chilled pickled root vegetables. The steamed baos are worth ordering again.

The flavour combination of Goro + Gun’s poke is better than fast food joints, such as Banzai and Po-ke. What I loved about this dish was the delicate sheet of paper-like rice cracker that tasted like a freshly fried shrimp chip. Along with chunks of ahi tuna, the poke came with crunchy fried onion bits, pea shoots, cucumber, creamy cubes of avocado and chewy pieces of seaweed. The sauce was zingy and bright. I would order this again.

The veggie roll was hefty, as the filling and the amount of rice were generous. The dominant flavour came from the grilled king oyster, which was meaty and satiny. The crunchy cucumber, pickled vegetables and creamy avocado brightened the flavour profile. The sushi rice was a tad sour, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

The next day, everyone in our office went ice skating and snacked on churros and hot chocolate. When the office social committee organizer, Miss K, discovered I’m obsessed with banhi mis, she said we could order Vietnamese subs for our next event. I looked at her like she hung the moon and stars, because she can. Hitting the Sauce gives her office two phat thumbs up.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Beer · Pizza · Pubs

Newcastle Pub – Pizza, pizza!

February 2, 2023April 27, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

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.

Want more like this? Check out my running list of Calgary’s best restaurants, date nights, and cheap eats.

Pizza · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Where to eat on Stephen Ave: The Barbella Bar (and later, Major Tom)

January 9, 2023April 9, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pizza

Neighbourhood gem: Actually Pretty Good Pizza

August 31, 2022June 23, 2026 Hitting the SauceLeave a comment

Update (2026): The Monday deal at Pretty Good Pizza has changed. The Bankview and Crescent Heights locations now offer 20% off all menu pizzas, plus $7 wine by the glass.

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.

For more reviews like this, see my picks for best pizza in Calgary.