Heritage Park: Dinner and a Movie With Cars of the Big & Small Screen

Good food, classic cars and a great film-- this sounds like HEAVEN!

Heritage Park has an event going on Tuesday Evening: February 4 & 18, March 4 & 18, April 1 & 15, 2014 featuring a themed, three course meal in the Selkirk Grille, admission to the Cars of the Big & Small Screen exhibit (which features the cars shown in the films), and of course a movie in Gasoline Alley’s Exhibit Hall.

Price - Dinner & Movie $44.90 + GST per person, reservations required.

Movie only - $9.95 + GST per person. Movie only tickets can be purchased upon arrival.

 

• February 4^th – Back to the Future View Menu
• February 18^th – Driving Miss Daisy View Menu
• March 4^th – Grease View Menu
• March 18^th – Goldfinger View Menu
• April 1^st – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off View Menu
• April 15^th – American Graffiti View Menu

Dinner reservations are required and may be made between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm with the Selkirk Grille by calling 403.268.8607 or online.

For more info check out the website

An Italian Sunset: Mountain View Connection & Lougheed House

 

I have always enjoyed Chamber Music, it sounds weird-- I think. I came home from a day of school in grade 4 raving about these high school students who came to perform for my class. They style of music was apparently called "Chamber Music" and all I could picture was a chamber pot and someone playing a violin into it but I was still in love. My  mum thought I was crazy....

 

Since then, I have found a special place for classical (and more specifically Chamber Music) in my life as I have found it to be powerful at creating a peaceful mindset. When I saw this event I jumped on it, the Lougheed House is beautiful and as a big fan of Italian opera's.. personally, I can't think of a more beautiful way to spend a Monday night.

 

Oh and wine.

 

An Italian Sunset

Lougheed House
707 13 Ave. S.W.
Calgary

March 16 to Mar 17, 2014

7:30 PM

 

Italian music performed in one of Calgary's sandstone mansions makes for an incredibly luxurious evening. This concert will take listeners around Italy as the music of some of Italy's finest composers is performed. Soprano Allison Angelo is joined by pianists Kathleen van Mouril and Charles Foreman, as well as violinist Laura Reid and cellist David Morrissey, both from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy a wine reception during the intermission and food catered by The Restaurant at the Lougheed House.

 

Adult tickets $40.

 

mountainviewconnection.com.

First Date Heaven

Avenue Magazine just posted a cute little article on the 8 Perfect Places for a First Date which I think is a pretty solid selection. I have been on many first dates and one of my favorite things to look for is something other than dinner. Trust me, I love to go out and eat but if you are meeting someone for the first time, sometimes you don't want to sit through a 6 course meal together.

 

I also like to dress down. I wear less make-up and maybe stay out of heels. It's silly, but I think if a man likes me as a normal person then he'll really like what he sees when I get dressed up.

 

Going to a place like National on 10th (341-10th Ave SW Calgary AB, 403 474 2739, info@ntnl.ca)

is wicked because they have so many other things (Ping pong, Fuzz ball and soon Bowling!) to do including an exclusive whisky room if you want to get a little closer.

 

Punk Rock Bingo is a solid choice too or even The Oak Tree Tavern for their Sunday Stu's Big Surf Bing and sometimes they have movie nights on Monday where you can eat candy and watch corny films and get drunk.

 

I once had an afternoon date on a Saturday on the patio of the Palomino. It was beautiful and casual and you can eat bacon wrapped corn on the cob and listen to awesome music as you learn about your handsome partner across the table.

 

Nothing takes the pressure off like doing something a little laid back.

 

Another wicked thing to do is head up to Bowness Park (which, right  now is under major construction) and canoodle in a canoe or paddle boat. If it's winter, you can skate around the lagoon and feel majestic. Once you've worked up an appetite being active, head to Cadence Coffee or for something a little more special NOtaBLE (that's only if you really like each other).

 

These are just some of my basic suggestions to get you past the awkward times. Finding places with games and a casual atmosphere is ideal I think. But I guess that's if you want to date someone like me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Urban Hike for the Uptown Appetite

(I admit, it's been a while... )

Here is a fun and awesome opportunity from The Cookbook Co.

If Super Train wasn't already going on, I would be doing this 100%

Saturday April 20, 11 am-5 pm

An Urban Hike for the Uptown Appetite

Karen Anderson, owner of Calgary Food Tours

Special Event, $135

Spend a Saturday afternoon strolling and tasting your way through the cutting edge food of Calgary's trendiest neighbourhoods.

Meet at The Cookbook Co. Cooks to learn about fine ingredients that elevate your cooking with tastings of olive oils and salts.
 

This will be followed by a private wine-tasting at Metrovino, goody bags from Brûlée Patisserie, coconut cupcakes at Decadent Desserts, an epiphany about chocolate at Epiphanie Chocolates, a cheese-tasting at Janice Beaton Fine Cheese, pizza and wine at CIBO, Vieniosserie at Itza Bakeshop, a sample of green groceries at Old School Emporium, a glorious salad and wine pairing at Brava Bistro, a bison and elk charcuterie platter at CRMR at Home. The tour concludes with paella, wine and churros at Ox and Angela, not to mention a renewed appreciation for Uptown Calgary's culinary community.

Bring your appetite and your backpack and wear comfy shoes!

 

For complete class calendar and a list of the special events that are happening at The Cookbook Co., Visit the website for details.

 

 

downtownfood: simple. elegant. local.

When craving delicious, farm fresh cuisine, Downtown is the place to go!

Focused on sustainability and local ingredients, Downtown Food's small, well-crafted dinner menu inspires your palette with new flavours like the savoury watermelon salad. Signature dishes stand out like the bold tastes of the Korean BBQ-inspired Noble Meadows Crispy Duck Leg. Working with local Albertan farmers directly, you know that what arrives on your plate is healthy and environmentally sustainable.

While it might not be the easiest place to find (but hey, that's what a GPS is for), Downtown Food is centrally located with plenty of parking spots nearby.

628 Eighth Ave. SW., Calgary,

587-353-3474

  

Lunch Menu

Dinner Menu

and as an added bonus here is a fantastic review by Scrumptiously Fit Food

The Fairmont Palliser's Pop-Up Afternoon Tea

 

A good friend of mine came back from London a few months ago and never got to have true "high tea" so I thought for her 30th birthday, it was a must do to start off her special day. After doing some quick research I discovered that the oldest of old school class, the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, offered a high tea on Saturdays from 2:00-4:00 pm. I booked it, we went and for $40 a person (we had a bottle of Champagne-- of course) it was an enjoyable experience. Though I would say that there were too many sweets on the three tier trays.Regardless, it was worth the experience and sans champagne runs you around $25 a person.

However, this was planned. It was in the tea room at the hotel and there wasn't anything surprising about it but on August 18th of 2012 the Fairmont Palliser's afternoon tea will be hosted at a surprise location. A pop-up tea party which will have double the decadence and double the delights.

Guest will enjoy a selection of tea sandwiches, pastries, fresh fruit with Chantilly cream and traditional English scones with some of the tastiest preserved I've ever put in my mouth.

Tickets are $50 a person and to reservations, call Jennifer Seguin in the catering office at (403) 260-1222

Old School Emporium

There's a new indy grocer in town Old School Emporium opened their doors in the old Indigo Books location on 16th ave and 8th street SW. I was going for a wander in my neighbourhood when I noticed that there was something new and something busy at the corner of Mount Royal Village.

I walked in and saw boxes upon boxes of fresh produce, real food and a big dash of passion. I also spotted some delicious looking baked good which I gather came from the ever wonderful Pascal's Patisserie.

I imagine that one of the first things I'll try will be the eggs. If you've ever had proper, fresh eggs you'll know what I'm talking about. Nothing tops it. They also provide an abundance of local produce, organic dairy, grass-fed and free-range meats and eggs and other pantry staples to the people. Delicious desserts, tasty to-go food and loads of local fare can all be found inside. They also have gluten free granola!

Place of Business

115 - 880 16 Ave SW
Calgary, AB
T2S 0B4
(Just off 17 Ave and 8 St in the corner of Mount Royal Village)

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday
9:30am to 7:00pm

Saturday & Sunday
10:00am to 5:00pm

Holiday Monday August 6
10:00am to 5:00pm
Phone: 403-453-2434


Email: inquiries@oldschoolemporium.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OldSchoolEmporium
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OSEmporium

Captain's Cruises at Heritage Park

Captain's Cruises

Thursday Evenings: July 19 - August 30
7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Set sail on Calgary's only paddlewheeler and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Glenmore Reservoir and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a selection of fine Canadian wine and beer, all while grooving to the smooth sounds of a live jazz band ( One Nite Band).

Tickets: $74.95 + gst per person

Call 403-268-8500 for tickets

Menu

Classic Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Tiger Prawns
Cocktail Sauce & Chili Lime Aioli
-
Smoked Duck Breast on Crostini
Chipotle Aioli
-
Maki Rolls, Salmon & Shrimp Sushi
with Wasabi Paste & Soy Sauce
-
Classic Devilled Eggs with Smoked Paprika
-
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Capers & Cream Cheese
-
Mini Vietnamese Salad Rolls
Sweet Chili Ponzu
-
Artichoke & Spinach Dip with Crisp Pita Chips
-
Sliced English Cucumber with French Brie & Orange Marmalade
-
Grapes Rolled in Blue Cheese Scented Cream Cheese & Toasted Almonds
-
Crisp Crudités & Cool Ranch Dip
-
Canadian Cheese Platter with Crackers
-
Seasonal & Tropical Fruit Tray
-
Fancy French Pastries & Assorted Squares
-
Complimentary Soft Drinks, Juices & Gourmet Coffee

Beer & Wine Sales are available on a cash basis

     *Captain’s Cruises are not wheelchair friendly, due to the food and drink being served on the upper deck.

Drive into the village and park by the S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler.

Free parking.

Village Ice Cream

Tucked away near Stampede Park and in the shadow of the Arriva Tower at the dead-end of 10th Ave S.E. is a place your taste buds have been screaming for and you didn't even know it. Welcome one of the newest delights to the Calgary eatable scene:

Village Ice Cream

 

They make small batched, big batches, all created using thick cream and meticulously picked ingredients. This is love in a waffle cone.  Huckleberries come from Montana, pecan are fresh from Georgia, cardamom is ground locally at Silk Road Spice Market and the coconut gets toasted in the shop.

Always something new, always something changing, you'll never get the same thing twice and that's OK. The next is always better then the last and better then the best. You can count on the salted caramel, Bolivian roast coffee, Guides mint, maple pecan, toasted coconut and cardamom to be mainstays.For dairy-free lovers, a small selection of sorbets come in always-changing flavours including juniper hibiscus and cranberry ginger.

Get a scoop in a fresh waffle cone or a take-home carton.

Open Monday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 11 p.m.

431 10 Ave. S.E.
403-519-5648,

 villageicecream.com,

@villageicecream

Taco Tuesday at Tubby Dog

Today is Tuesday and do you know what that means? Taco! Taco! Taco! Calgary's first gourmet junk food restaurant, Tubby Dog, has now started serving up Taco's and the word on the street is they are pretty tasty.

Play some retro arcade games or maybe even a few rounds of pinball and fill your belly with some tasty treats.

and then... if you are feeling adventurous...

PS: Lengua is cattle tongue and the pork is really spicy!

Gravity Espresso And Wine Bar

I like wine and I like sugar. I don't drink coffee but I like that too. Only on special, well rested vacations occasions.

Gravity Espresso and Wine Cafe has it all though. Plus charm and the ideal ambiance for the purist and lover in all of us. Who doesn't love a community oriented, family based business? Isn't that what we all want? a home away from home?

Grab a seat at one of the tables, which were built by owner Andy Fennel from reclaimed barn wood, and admire the art from DaDe Art & Design Lab. Or, saddle up to the bar made of warm English wood, commissioned from Inglewood’s Uniquities Architectural Antiquities and Salvage.

The selection of Phil & Sebastian roasted coffee ($2.95 to $5.15) is unadulterated, so don’t expect to find flavoured lattes here. Likewise, you won’t find any cocktails on the menu, but there are spirits like vodka ($5 to $10) and Scotch ($7 to $17), best enjoyed in their purest form, or with a splash of water.

Beer lovers can tap into assorted beer growlers ($26) — a 1.9-litre moonshine bottle from Village Brewery, while oenophiles can pair wine by the glass or bottle with cheese boards ($20 to $25) and savoury panini ($9.25 to $9.75) on ciabatta.

Top off any nibble with a Papa Chocolat fondue for two ($20), French pastries from Pascal’s Patisserie ($3.50 to $3.75) or decadent slices of layer cake ($7).

Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar

Inglewood Art Block
909 10 Street SE     Calgary, Alberta

403-457-0697

Mon-Thu: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Fri: 7:00 am to Midnight
Sat: 7:30 am to Midnight
Sun: 7:30 am to 10:00 pm

Grand Opening Weekend: March 17 & 18

25 cents from every beverage sold this weekend will be donated back to the Inglewood Child Development Centre.

Madly Organic Cafe and Gallery

There is a new place in Bankview to break your fast or eat that meal you have after morning coffee. Madly Organic Cafe and Gallery.

The Cafe is a selection of healthy organic fare. Freshly squeezed juices, savory wraps, soups made from scratch and one always being vegan (think Rosemary Zucchini), hearty rolls from it's neighbour Rustic bakery, glutton free options, seedy salads, Vegan macaroons that taste like mom used to make (except with almond milk) and decadent gluten-free brownies made of pulverized almonds, topped with Balkan yogurt and raspberry coulis, hit the sweet spot.

The Gallery is a selection of local artist from one of my favorite places in the whole wide world-- Gabriola Island which is home to possibly the highest concentration of artists in Canada.

Madly Organic is a tiny place, with three tables plus a counter, but you can take away and still feel green. Cutlery, containers and cups are biodegradable and take-out bags are fashioned from crustacean shells. A few of my Best Friends are veg so it's nice to see new options that cater to them. It's a nice little place of repreive on busy 17th Ave and as the weather gets warmer, take your tasties out on a picnic to one of the many pretty green spaces.

Madly Organic

1455 17 Ave SW

Calgary, AB T2T0C3

The Big Taste

It's finally here. Our taste buds, mouths and wallets squeeee with delight!

THE BIG TASTE in CALGARY

March 2 - March 12, 2012

This is a once-in-a-year opportunity to experience new works
at participating restaurants in the heart of the city.

SET PRICE DINING
Lunches $15 and $25 per person
Dinners $25 and $35 per person
Gourmet $85 per person, includes chef favorites and wine pairing

Book directly with restaurants in this directory.
Please indicate you are a Big Taste patron at time of booking.

Please go to the website for further information on participating restaurants and what they have to offer.


Bon Appetite!

Model Milk

The old Model Milk building

 

Everyone knows how important it is to meet daily calcium requirements.

While the new Model Milk no longer specializes in milk products (the historical building once housed a dairy of the same name), it does serve all the food groups in a space that pays homage to its former tenant and offers a lively bistro-style atmosphere.

Whet your whistles with the Bees Knees Slurpee ($12), a sharp gin and tonic, before starting with Calamari Fricassée ($13) and Chanterelles (a poached egg over mushrooms, $14). Move on to mouthwatering fried chicken ($21) with chives and Manchego fries ($6), then cap the evening off with a chocolate ice cream sandwich ($9) and lemon and thyme pot au crème ($9).

Now that’s calcium fortified.

Model Milk

http://www.modelmilk.ca/

308 17 Ave., S.W.
403-265-7343

Blue Star Diner

From the folks behind Dairy Lane Café, the new eatery is a sunny space complete with lovely landscape photos adorning the baby blue walls.

On the plate, it’s the Bridgeland Breakfast Sammy ($13) with eggs, bacon, basil, tomatoes and Gruyere. There is also hot quinoa ($11) with dried cranberries and blueberries, topped with yogourt, and the Alberta three-egg omelette ($14) with bison chili, Sylvan Star cheddar and sour cream leaves you full ’til dinner!


Blue Star Diner
http://www.bluestardiner.ca/
809 1st Ave. N.E.

The First Thursday Outdoor Dining Room

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

6PM-10PM

The FOOD TRUCKS are here! Alley Burger, Perogy Boyz, BLAMwich, Fiasco Gelato, Los Compadres and maybe more, PLUS a huge communal table under the Olympic Plaza pergola, board games and bocce. 8^th Avenue SE at Olympic Plaza (in front of the EPCOR CENTRE)

I Had an Epiphanie

Little Masterpieces. That is what these chocolates are. Epiphanie Chocolates. Candy for the eye,  candy for the mouth. Different flavors come and go with the seasons. Fresh BC Cherries are brought in, chopped loving by hand and encased in mouth water chocolate. The flavor is anything but processed. It's subtle, a little sweet a little sour and just delicious. and once the Cherries are gone so are the chocolates.  Passion fruit, ginger, earl gray, caramel, mint (just to list a few). The flavors are as beautiful as they look.

Family owned, here in Calgary, the chocolates are lovingly made by Debra. Her husband is often in the store, showcasing his wifes master pieces, treating each chocolate like a child.

During Christmas I like to get a mug of the rich, hot, coco they offer. Never too sweet and sometimes even spicy. A simple bow is all that is needed to dress up the box. Nothing to take away from the beauty that greets the eyes when the box is opened.

**

Epiphanie Chocolate
Retail Location:

1049 40 Avenue Northwest
Calgary, AB
(403) 370-4592

Craft Beer Market

Beer drinkers beware: raising a pint just got more complicated (but wonderfully so).

With over 100 beers on tap, Calgary’s new brew emporium, Craft Beer Market Restaurant + Bar is a malt Mecca.

No need to fret over the huge selection: start with a fruity seasonal brew like the peach-infused Tin Whistle ($5.95) before tapping into the Gouden Carolus Classic ($8.10), a strong Belgian ale.

As for grub, stay on theme with the Nacho Barrel ($18) – nachos served in the bottom of a keg – or the Fast Food Sushi (cheeseburger and fries wrapped in bacon, served sushi-style, $11).

Really can’t choose a brew? Try the six sample-sized beers in the 6-Pack Sampler ($9.05)-- one even has jalapeno peppers in it!

We understand that some decisions are more complicated than others.

Craft Beer Market
http://www.craftbeermarket.ca/
345 10th Ave. S.W.
403-514-2337

Libertine Public House

 

lib·er·tine noun \ ˈli-bər-ˌtēn \

1: a freethinker 
2: a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality; specifically : one leading a self-indulgent life
3: seeking only life’s simple pleasures

**

It’s a Calgary ritual as ingrained as the Stampede: the race to nab a patio table on a hot summer day.

With the opening of Libertine Public House, there’s one more go-to patio to add to our list. The Stephen Avenue pub is an airy, two-level space with large booths, exposed wood beams and a small patio ideal for people-watching.

Stop in for a microbrew pint (from $7.25) or wine by the glass (from $8.50), or settle in for a delicious flatbread combo like the Stout BBQ ($13), a charcuterie beer board ($19) or a wild boar burger on a pretzel bun ($16).

Libertine Public House
223 8th Avenue S.W.
403-265-3665

Calgary Food Trucks

 

 

 

 

 

Time: 11:00 am - 03:00 pm / Location: 100E Block, Stephen Avenue Walk

 

August 11th will be the official launch of The Food Truck Pilot Project. YYC Food Trucks has teamed up with The City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary and The Downtown Calgary Association, to launch the first-ever food truck festival in the city. The event, "YYC Taste The Trucks" will be held on August 11th from 11:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M on Stephen Ave in the Convention Centre Block (100E Stephen Ave).

This event will be a showcase for the general public and offer an opportunity for interested parties to experience the fine food and fabulous trucks.

The event is family-friendly and admission is free. The food trucks will be offering their new regular menu at street-friendly prices. The participating trucks are: Fiasco Gelato, Perogy Boyz, Alley Burger, Fries & Dolls, Pimentos Mobile Pizzeria, Jojo’s BBQ (although, I heard today Jojo's might be an issue), Los Compadres Mexican, and perhaps one more.