[NumberFive]

How are things with Flames central these days? I wanted to check it out when it first opened but couldn't get in there. I've been tasked with picking a place for a group of us at work to go out and have a team building night of food and drink. I was considering Flames Central, any thoughts?

Went there for a group lunch a couple weeks ago. I'm not sure if it's any different on the "other side of the glass", but the restaurant part of it was alright... tries to be a little to upscale IMO though. All the things you'd expect to see on a menu at a place called Flames Central (dry ribs, nachos, wings) were nowhere to be found and instead were replaced by tiny portions of crabcakes, prawns, etc...

Basically, I wouldn't suggest it. If you're group is the kind that is casual, wants to go for a beer, steak etc... then I don't suggest it, as it will let you down. If you're trying to go to a more upscale place (which is what it is "attempting" to be), then there are better places you can go that are close (Saltlik, Met Grill, etc).

[jeffwhit]

That sounds like it would be pretty good. Is it open to the public?

Has anyone tried the Coffee Porter from Mill Street Brewery? Made with Balzac's dark roasted coffee.
I picked up a six pack last week from WP and really liked it.

http://www.millstreetbrewery.com/beers_coffeeporter.htm

FYI - Checkout Beer Bash on November 15 at WP where the world of beer unites under one roof for one night of festive tasting and fantastic pub food.

Yeah, Mill Street's coffee porter is pretty good, I also had it for the first time at Beer Bash last year. It's pretty widely available too, so you don't have to go all the way to WP. For coffee beers (that you can get in Calgary) I actually prefer Yukon's Espresso Stout quite a bit.

Beer Bash is a lot of fun any for anyone interested in getting to know beer a little better it's a great start and not too overwhelming for the craft beer neophyte.

[Deepstar]

Went there for a group lunch a couple weeks ago. I'm not sure if it's any different on the "other side of the glass", but the restaurant part of it was alright... tries to be a little to upscale IMO though. All the things you'd expect to see on a menu at a place called Flames Central (dry ribs, nachos, wings) were nowhere to be found and instead were replaced by tiny portions of crabcakes, prawns, etc...

Basically, I wouldn't suggest it. If you're group is the kind that is casual, wants to go for a beer, steak etc... then I don't suggest it, as it will let you down. If you're trying to go to a more upscale place (which is what it is "attempting" to be), then there are better places you can go that are close (Saltlik, Met Grill, etc).

Agreed. The decor at Flames Central is the best part of it. It is a good place for a business lunch, especially if the company is paying.

[Innersoul1]

Just got back from a business lunch at Bagoloc Vietnamese near Chinook. I love that place! The food is fantastic, the portions are large and the service is fast and reasonable friendly (what you would expect in Vietnam lol) The menu is quite expansive. Anyone else dined there!?

[RWin]

Just got back from a business lunch at Bagoloc Vietnamese near Chinook. I love that place! The food is fantastic, the portions are large and the service is fast and reasonable friendly (what you would expect in Vietnam lol) The menu is quite expansive. Anyone else dined there!?

I haven't dined there but I think I will after what you said.

Where exactly is it near Chinook?

[Innersoul1]

1A St SW right across from the old Spin nightclub and the Scotia Bank.

[RWin]

Thanks.

[ken07x]

Just got back from a business lunch at Bagoloc Vietnamese near Chinook. I love that place! The food is fantastic, the portions are large and the service is fast and reasonable friendly (what you would expect in Vietnam lol) The menu is quite expansive. Anyone else dined there!?

Bagolac is good!
Innersoul: Did you try thier clab claws? I forgot what it's called but it has "ghost" in the name. That is the best thing on the menu. :tup:

[Innersoul1]

Bagolac is good!
Innersoul: Did you try thier clab claws? I forgot what it's called but it has "ghost" in the name. That is the best thing on the menu. :tup:

no i didn't. Wasn't feeling as adventurous as I normally am. I just went with the tried, tested and true #81 Pork Satay, BBQ pork and Spring rolls on Vermicelli. :slob:

[RWin]

Mmmmmmmmmmm, 81.

[ken07x]

Good call. I usually get the 83 or 84. Never tried the rice dishes though, maybe next time.

[Deepstar]

no i didn't. Wasn't feeling as adventurous as I normally am. I just went with the tried, tested and true #81 Pork Satay, BBQ pork and Spring rolls on Vermicelli. :slob:

I'm all about the beef soups. Has anyone tried the beef soups there? I used to go to Oriental Phoenix whenever i was near Chinook, but it's a bit pricey. The food isn't bad, but it's just not great.

[Canterra]

Yeah, Mill Street's coffee porter is pretty good, I also had it for the first time at Beer Bash last year. It's pretty widely available too, so you don't have to go all the way to WP. For coffee beers (that you can get in Calgary) I actually prefer Yukon's Espresso Stout quite a bit.

Beer Bash is a lot of fun any for anyone interested in getting to know beer a little better it's a great start and not too overwhelming for the craft beer neophyte.


Where can I find Yukon's Espresso Stout? I will have to give it a try.
BTW the brewer at Paddock Wood said today they will be bottling up their seasonal chocolate porter next week. I am interested in trying that one. Have you tasted it yet? I will check with Dave at WP to see if he is bringing it in.

[Boris2k7]

I used to go to Oriental Phoenix whenever i was near Chinook, but it's a bit pricey. The food isn't bad, but it's just not great.

Blasphemy!

[jeffwhit]

Where can I find Yukon's Espresso Stout? I will have to give it a try.
BTW the brewer at Paddock Wood said today they will be bottling up their seasonal chocolate porter next week. I am interested in trying that one. Have you tasted it yet? I will check with Dave at WP to see if he is bringing it in.

Hey, Do you still work in Canterra? if so the best place is Eau Claire Wine Market, but many places have it in the inner city have it, Kensington Wine, Midtown Co-Op or Royal on 17th would be your most reliable bets, but it's always at Eau Claire Wine Market. Be warned, it only comes in 750ml bottles (with a grolsch top) Its full name is Midnight Sun espresso Stout, and the label is yellow.

http://www.yukonbeer.com/images/assets/brews/coffee.jpg

When I lived in Saskatoon I was in Paddockwood buying bottles every other week, but I'm not sure I've had this particular Coffee Porter, though I might have. Paddockwood makes some excellent beer (The Rye IPA is superb) but they can be a little hit and miss. They brew probably a dozen one-offs every year, some are good, some are amazing, some are terrible.

EDIT: Oh, of course Willow Park will have it too if that's convenient for you.

[Western Spaghetti]

I'm all about the beef soups. Has anyone tried the beef soups there? I used to go to Oriental Phoenix whenever i was near Chinook, but it's a bit pricey. The food isn't bad, but it's just not great.

The best Pho in the city is at a place in Huntington Hills called Pho Thanh noodle house. It's the best Vietnamese soup bar none.

[ken07x]

I'm all about the beef soups. Has anyone tried the beef soups there? I used to go to Oriental Phoenix whenever i was near Chinook, but it's a bit pricey. The food isn't bad, but it's just not great.

Yeah, Oriental Phoenix isnt the best. Bagolac's noodle soups are alright but there are better ones out there.

[Canterra]

Hey, Do you still work in Canterra? if so the best place is Eau Claire Wine Market, Its full name is Midnight Sun espresso Stout, and the label is yellow.
http://www.yukonbeer.com/images/assets/brews/coffee.jpg


Yes I still work there and I will give Eau Claire a look this week. Thanks Jeff

[poopysheep]

Pho Kim behind that chinese mall on Centre and 16th Ave NW is pretty decent... also one called Golden 69 or some such strange name in the industrial area off Blackfoot has excellent broth....

[SteveP]

My favorite Viet places in town

1) Saigon Y2K @ McMahon
2) Quynh
3) Ha Tien
4) Bagolac
5) Noodle World

For Subs, it's Kim Anh all the way. Wickedest Viet subs west of pretty much anywhere.

[Innersoul1]

I went to a fund raiser at WP last week and had a great tasting wine. It was a Cabernet Sauvignon from a winery in Oliver that was really good. I thought the winery was called Wild Horse or Kicking horse or something like that, but can't remember the name. I can't find any info about it on the net. Maybe someone here has heard of it?

Yeah b'y

http://www.wildhorsecanyonwines.com/whc_contact.html

If you are ever in oliver check out Fairview Cellars. Very boutique but MAN do they have some fantastic wines!\
http://mypage.uniserve.ca/~beggert/

[h0twired]

For Subs, it's Kim Anh all the way. Wickedest Viet subs west of pretty much anywhere.

Have you ever had Thi Thi Subs?

There is a reason the downtown locations have lineups even when its -30C.

[RWin]

Went to Swiss Chalet last night (take out window). Talk about an experience in customer service!

I guess you get what you pay for. But wait, it cost almost as much as a descent restaurant.

[poopysheep]

yeah i like Thi Thai's better.... well i mean i like Kim Anh too but the iced coffee at Thi Thai's is really delicious....

[Stephen Ave]

Have you ever had Thi Thi Subs?

There is a reason the downtown locations have lineups even when its -30C.

Is this the place in the Harry Hayes building? Or the one across from Kim Anh? If it's the one across from Kim Anh, I prefer actually Kim Anh.

There is a place just west of the Harry Hayes building that has phenomenal subs. Can't remember the name.

Has anyone tried the Vietnamese place on 17th and 10th street? I think it's called Thanh Noodle House.

[jeffwhit]

^Thi Thi is across 1st street from Harry Hayes, Thai Thai (stupid, deceptive name) is across from Kim Ahn, and imo isn't very good.

[Paper Boy]

I'm all about the beef soups. Has anyone tried the beef soups there? I used to go to Oriental Phoenix whenever i was near Chinook, but it's a bit pricey. The food isn't bad, but it's just not great.

Many fine Vietnamese eateries it town, but when it comes to the Beef Satay Soups, no one can compare to "Touch of Ginger" on 10th in Kensington. P46 on the menu (Used to be T46) The flavour is so full compared to the rest. We dont even name the restaraunt around here......someone says "lets have T46" and we are off to Kensington again!:tup:

[Surrealplaces]

Many fine Vietnamese eateries it town, but when it comes to the Beef Satay Soups, no one can compare to "Touch of Ginger" on 10th in Kensington. P46 on the menu (Used to be T46) The flavour is so full compared to the rest. We dont even name the restaraunt around here......someone says "lets have T46" and we are off to Kensington again!:tup:

I have to try that. My favorite for Pho Satay is a place in Hunterhorn village (off 64th ave NE. I can't remeber the name of it, but it has been previously mentioned here by someone else.

[Surrealplaces]

^Thi Thi is across 1st street from Harry Hayes, Thai Thai (stupid, deceptive name) is across from Kim Ahn, and imo isn't very good.

The place across from HH rocks. Simply awesome.

[Innersoul1]

Anyone have a suggestion for some good Montreal Smoked meat?

[bigcanuck]

Is the Thi Thi on 8th Ave beside Murph's (between 5th and 6th) the same as the one by Harry Hayes? Quality-wise.

[ScottFromCalgary]

Anyone have a suggestion for some good Montreal Smoked meat?

Go to Montreal. My buddy from Montreal seems to do nothing but shit all over the quality of Calgary's Montreal Smoked Meat. And apparently our bagels suck too.:shrug:

[Innersoul1]

Yeah was in Montreal last month, nothing better....but now I crave.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Go to Montreal. My buddy from Montreal seems to do nothing but shit all over the quality of Calgary's Montreal Smoked Meat. And apparently our bagels suck too.:shrug:

Your friend is an idiot. All the better smoked meat here- Alberta King of Subs, Myhre's, Palace of Eats- COMES from Montreal. But as a person who probably considers Vachon cakes and Pepsi to be haute cuisine, I understand his confusion.

Montreal's and the bagel place at the Calgary Farmers' Market do perfectly acceptable Montreal bagels. Both owners trained in Mtl and the baker at Montreal's (which is down around Elbow and... where the Jewish Community Centre is, Pump Hill?) worked at St-Viateur.

Next your friend will say he can't find decent poutine here. Fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's not rocket science.

[Deepstar]

Go to Montreal. My buddy from Montreal seems to do nothing but shit all over the quality of Calgary's Montreal Smoked Meat. And apparently our bagels suck too.:shrug:

I've heard that same rant from many people from Montreal. There are good and bad in both cities. With the better places it simply is a case of personal choice. When I was in Montreal a few years ago my friend told me I was was going to have the best smoked meat sandwich I've ever tasted, unfortunately it was underwhelming.

[Deepstar]

Next your friend will say he can't find decent poutine here. Fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's not rocket science.

Not to mention, the poutine at Brave Bistro blows away any poutine you'd find in Montreal.

[jeffwhit]

Your friend is an idiot. All the better smoked meat here- Alberta King of Subs, Myhre's, Palace of Eats- COMES from Montreal. But as a person who probably considers Vachon cakes and Pepsi to be haute cuisine, I understand his confusion.

Montreal's and the bagel place at the Calgary Farmers' Market do perfectly acceptable Montreal bagels. Both owners trained in Mtl and the baker at Montreal's (which is down around Elbow and... where the Jewish Community Centre is, Pump Hill?) worked at St-Viateur.

Next your friend will say he can't find decent poutine here. Fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's not rocket science.

Alberta King of Subs is amazing, I really try had to limit my trips there (luckily it is far, and kind of inconvenient) because I'd weigh 600 pounds by now. Both the poutine and the smoked meat are tops. I also think Burger Inn (at least the Mission one) has comparable poutine to anything I've had in Quebec.

[Rusty van Reddick]

what I want, now, is a Turkish "doner kebab" place like I had in Germany. I just got a nice donair from Sammy's (17th ave and 12 St) and it was very nice, but the meat is in these thick slices. The ones in Europe are different from those here and IMO tastier. First, the bread is what I know as Armenian bread, it's kind of like a focaccia but without the salt, herbs, and so forth. Second, the meat is sliced PAPER THIN often using this electric circulaw saw device, and the meat is CRISPY. Third, they don't use tahini at all- they have "yogurt" (which is pretty much tzatziki), mayo-based garlic sauce, plain mayo, and hot sauce which looks like sambal. I love tahini but would give it up for this stuff. Fourth, there are no pickles on offer; cabbage, lettuce (sometimes), tomatoes, onions, maybe a little parsley, but all are fresh and beautiful. Finally, all of the donair places I went to also had fantastic french fries.

I spoke to a guy at "Ankara Snack" in Luxembourg whose brother lives in Richmond BC, and he asked if a place like this would work in Canada. I said yes, absolutely- we only have Lebanese and Lebanese-style shawarma places here; it's hard to find a proper gyro in Canada and even harder to find this Turkish style of fast food.

[240glt]

Is the Palace of Eats still open on 14st SW ?

Coming down this weekend. I can taste the Montreal smoked meat already :slob:

[Rusty van Reddick]

why would Palace not be open? Have you heard something?

[Bassic Lab]

Your friend is an idiot. All the better smoked meat here- Alberta King of Subs, Myhre's, Palace of Eats- COMES from Montreal. But as a person who probably considers Vachon cakes and Pepsi to be haute cuisine, I understand his confusion.

Montreal's and the bagel place at the Calgary Farmers' Market do perfectly acceptable Montreal bagels. Both owners trained in Mtl and the baker at Montreal's (which is down around Elbow and... where the Jewish Community Centre is, Pump Hill?) worked at St-Viateur.

Next your friend will say he can't find decent poutine here. Fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's not rocket science.

It's at Elbow and Heritage, in the biulding on the SE corner of the intersection which also contains a Vietnamese place. There is also a half way decent European deli across the street.

[240glt]

why would Palace not be open? Have you heard something?

Nope, Just haven't been to Calgary proper since early in the summer. I did just remember that they're only open weekdays @ lunchtime. So much for my Mtl smoked meat reuben :(

[Rusty van Reddick]

Coffee rec:

There is a very good local roaster, based in Didsbury, called Mountain View Roasterie; he delivers by courier to Calgary at a reasonable price ($4 for up to 10 lbs) but now you can get his beans off the shelf at Community Natural Foods. He was the first roaster in the Calgary area to put roast dates on his bags (I bought a pound of his "Italian espresso" on Nov 1 that was roasted on Oct 26- you can't get much fresher; the beans at Starbucks are allowed to stay on the shelves for 15 months after roasting!). He has very good quality beans that are roasted with increasing expertise, and his prices are outstanding- that pound I got was $13.29, way less than for a MUCH inferior bag from Kicking Horse ($15.99).

MVR isn't brewed at any Calgary shops yet- what you usually find outside of Starbucks and Second Cup, which have their own roasters, is Canterbury (terrible and a sure sign the place does not give a rat's ass about its coffee), Fratello (fair to excellent depending on the shop), Big Mountain (ditto), Joffee's (ditto again), too many places that serve old, stale Italian beans like Mauro, and little dribbles of really outstanding beans: Hines/Novo/Intelligentsia at Phil and Sebastian, Josuma/49th Parallel at Java Jamboree, 49th Parallel at Bumpy's. If I had a shop I'd seriously consider using Mountain View.

[Rusty van Reddick]

240, Myhre's in Marda Loop has the exact same menu as Palace and it's open weekends.

[240glt]

^ NIIIIICE :tup:

[Innersoul1]

Just a plug for my mate Ryan. His coffee is actually pretty solid, mind you I am no conoisseur.

http://www.creeksidecoffeeroasting.com/index.html

[jeffwhit]

Is the Palace of Eats still open on 14st SW ?

Coming down this weekend. I can taste the Montreal smoked meat already :slob:

It's on 11th, not 14th.

[240glt]

^Yup. The longer I stay away the harder it is to remember where things are!

I should'a remembered that tho... my first apartment in Calgary overlooked the park @ 11th st & 14th ave SW

[poopysheep]

i ate there so much when i was pregnant that the owner knows me by name... i eat there at least 2-3x a month... its decent... it's quick and the broth is nice....

[NumberFive]

Too many places claim to serve Montreal Smoked Meat, but it's just deli meat... I'm from Calgary, and when on vacation in Montreal, had the smoked meat at Schwartz's (which is apparently like the church of smoked meat)... it blew anything I've had in Calgary out of the water. But maybe I just haven't been to the right places in Calgary.

[Innersoul1]

Schwartz's is BRILLAINT! Dunn's is close second in my books

[sync]

Too many places claim to serve Montreal Smoked Meat, but it's just deli meat... I'm from Calgary, and when on vacation in Montreal, had the smoked meat at Schwartz's (which is apparently like the church of smoked meat)... it blew anything I've had in Calgary out of the water. But maybe I just haven't been to the right places in Calgary.

i'm sure the smoke meat there was great, but having said that, i think where you eat something has as much to do with your recollection of how good it was as the taste does.

[Innersoul1]

i'm sure the smoke meat there was great, but having said that, i think where you eat something has as much to do with your recollection of how good it was as the taste does.


Very true....but Schwartz's is truly ll about the food....no presentation hum dum with this stuff just straight food.


On another note, Nigella Lawson was on The Hour last night! MMMMMM sooo hot, and Gastro Porn is sooo good!

[Just Build It]

Very true....but Schwartz's is truly ll about the food....no presentation hum dum with this stuff just straight food.


On another note, Nigella Lawson was on The Hour last night! MMMMMM sooo hot, and Gastro Porn is sooo good!

I saw her on the interview. She's hawt!

[Innersoul1]

I saw her on the interview. She's hawt!

http://z.about.com/d/gourmetfood/1/0/0/5/Nigella400x233.jpg

[Deepstar]

http://z.about.com/d/gourmetfood/1/0/0/5/Nigella400x233.jpg

Yeah, she's a sweet one. She even looks better in person.

[Jimby]

You should try her "Slut-red raspberries"!!!

[Surrealplaces]

i'm sure the smoke meat there was great, but having said that, i think where you eat something has as much to do with your recollection of how good it was as the taste does.

I haven't tried a smoke meat sandwich in Montreal, but there is one thing that makes me believe they're pretty good. I don't know if anyone listens to the Jim Rome show on the radio, but he talked through a whole show about having a sandwich from there. I don't know if he was joking, but he said he arrived back in LA by plane and then promptly bought another plane ticket back to Montreal for another sandwich.

[ScottFromCalgary]

I haven't tried a smoke meat sandwich in Montreal, but there is one thing that makes me believe they're pretty good. I don't know if anyone listens to the Jim Rome show on the radio, but he talked through a whole show about having a sandwich from there. I don't know if he was joking, but he said he arrived back in LA by plane and then promptly bought another plane ticket back to Montreal for another sandwich.

Well if Romey said it, it must be true. Seriously I'm not kidding.

[Tarsus]

Well if Romey said it, it must be true. Seriously I'm not kidding.

I wouldn't be surprised if Rome did do something like that.

[Bigtime]

Well if Romey said it, it must be true. Seriously I'm not kidding.

GOODNIGHTNOW!!

He probably also took up about 2 segments talking about it as well! :D

[Surrealplaces]

GOODNIGHTNOW!!

He probably also took up about 2 segments talking about it as well! :D

He did! He mentioned it several times over the course of his three hour piece. It was rather funny.

[ScottFromCalgary]

Your friend is an idiot. All the better smoked meat here- Alberta King of Subs, Myhre's, Palace of Eats- COMES from Montreal. But as a person who probably considers Vachon cakes and Pepsi to be haute cuisine, I understand his confusion.

Montreal's and the bagel place at the Calgary Farmers' Market do perfectly acceptable Montreal bagels. Both owners trained in Mtl and the baker at Montreal's (which is down around Elbow and... where the Jewish Community Centre is, Pump Hill?) worked at St-Viateur.

Next your friend will say he can't find decent poutine here. Fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's not rocket science.

I spoke with my friend and gave him your advice. He had already tried Palace of Eats and agrees with you that it is good quality. He is still looking for a place with that type of quality that offers a "Jumbo Platter" at a reasonable price at 3 in morning however. I guess you can't please everyone.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Nope, but smoked meat is crap anyway. I grew up with pastrami and will always be loyal to pastrami.

Actually pretty much all Quebecois contributions to "cuisine" is overhyped, overrated, and unhealthy.

[Grendel]

^ A gourmand from France I once met told he that he was horrified by Quebequois cuisine. As if the curds, deep-fried potatoes and smoked meat weren't bad enough, he told me that dinner at the Gaspe bed and breakfast where he stayed was served with a glass of wine made from dehydrated beverage crystals.

[ScottFromCalgary]

Nope, but smoked meat is crap anyway. I grew up with pastrami and will always be loyal to pastrami.

Actually pretty much all Quebecois contributions to "cuisine" is overhyped, overrated, and unhealthy.

On that note, I was at Laurier Lounge a couple months ago and not all that impressed. Nice building/patio, but there were way too many flavours in the hamburger and fries. All kinds of special mayonnaise and seasonings in the meat and on the fries. I realize that's not exactly haute cuisine and they were trying to add some excitement, but it just wasn't executed well. My friend's pizza was lacklustre as well. In hindsight, I'm not sure why we went to a Quebecois restaurant for pizza and hamburgers.

[Rusty van Reddick]

well, I've heard the fondues at Laurier are great.

I just noticed that there is an article on Calgary coffeehouses in the Nov Beat Route- checking it out right now...

[Rusty van Reddick]

... and, ugh, terrible. They review Higher Ground, Kaffa, Lazy Loaf and Kettle, Purple Perk, Weeds, The Roasterie, Caffe Beano, Bumpy's, and The House. Most of these places don't even specialise in "coffee" (Lazy Loaf and Kettle in particular does not belong here, and neither, unfortunately, does Purple Perk, which started strong as a COFFEE house but which now puts all their effort behind their food). Only Beano and Bumpy's are really serious about coffee. And a list of Calgary indie COFFEE places that doesn't mention Phil and Sebastian (and, a lesser omission, Cadence) does not represent good research.

There is hardly any mention of coffee at all in most of the capsules. Very disappointing. I do a much better job in my blog.

[Boris2k7]

You really have to be in Quebec to enjoy their food. Hot, sticky summer day in Gatineau, sitting in a small house-turned-restaurant near a canal, chowing down on a Hambourgeois Montréalais with fries and mayo, and all the accompaniments of a language you can scarcely understand and the flies that insist on occupying your airspace.

For anyone who cares, I am referring to Le Twist, in Gatineau, QC
http://www.letwist.com/

(really, the flies add to the atmosphere) :haha:

[RWin]

Any coffee geniuses in the house :)

I'm out of espresso and was wondering if I'd be wasting my time grinding up some medium beans to put through the espresso machine.

I'd just try it but I don't want to offend my machine (and Furry) if it's just not right.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Any coffee geniuses in the house :)

I'm out of espresso and was wondering if I'd be wasting my time grinding up some medium beans to put through the espresso machine.

I'd just try it but I don't want to offend my machine (and Furry) if it's just not right.

The best espressos ARE medium roast (full city), maybe a little darker. You can use any roast in espresso, dark is just a tradition, and a silly one at that.

The best espresso blends are medium or med-dark blends. So brew away!

[RWin]

The best espressos ARE medium roast (full city), maybe a little darker. You can use any roast in espresso, dark is just a tradition, and a silly one at that.

The best espresso blends are medium or med-dark blends. So brew away!

Thanks! I did not know that.

[Deepstar]

^ A gourmand from France I once met told he that he was horrified by Quebequois cuisine. As if the curds, deep-fried potatoes and smoked meat weren't bad enough, he told me that dinner at the Gaspe bed and breakfast where he stayed was served with a glass of wine made from dehydrated beverage crystals.

I can believe it. The cuisine of France is far more diverse and healthier (even with all the butter and creme they use) than the cuisine of Quebec, which consists culinary delights such as Poutine, Smoked Meat, Pepsi, and Joe Louis bars.

[Boris2k7]

So... went out to Los Mariachis tonight. Haven't been there since my Grade 11 Spanish class came rumbling through (oh when was that... 4 years ago?).

Had some Enchiladas de Pollo. Love them still. Priced at $14 but that's not in excess of other places nowadays, and MUCH higher quality (that shite at Julio's just doesn't compare). A bit of a walk from the nearest station, but not more than 10 minutes.

[Surrealplaces]

... and, ugh, terrible. They review Higher Ground, Kaffa, Lazy Loaf and Kettle, Purple Perk, Weeds, The Roasterie, Caffe Beano, Bumpy's, and The House. Most of these places don't even specialise in "coffee" (Lazy Loaf and Kettle in particular does not belong here, and neither, unfortunately, does Purple Perk, which started strong as a COFFEE house but which now puts all their effort behind their food). Only Beano and Bumpy's are really serious about coffee. And a list of Calgary indie COFFEE places that doesn't mention Phil and Sebastian (and, a lesser omission, Cadence) does not represent good research.

There is hardly any mention of coffee at all in most of the capsules. Very disappointing. I do a much better job in my blog.

That drives me nuts. I know someone who wrote some restaurant reviews for a Calgary magazine, and had never actually went to the restaurants, she just asked friends who had been there. Really sad.

[Surrealplaces]

So... went out to Los Mariachis tonight. Haven't been there since my Grade 11 Spanish class came rumbling through (oh when was that... 4 years ago?).

Had some Enchiladas de Pollo. Love them still. Priced at $14 but that's not in excess of other places nowadays, and MUCH higher quality (that shite at Julio's just doesn't compare). A bit of a walk from the nearest station, but not more than 10 minutes.

I'm headed for Houston for a week. I can't wait to load up on the Mexican food!

Calgary does really well in ethnic foods, but we could still use some more good Mexican places. I'll have to try Los Mariachis, it sounds pretty reasonable.


How many Mexican places are there around town? I only know of a few.

Salt and Pepper
El Sombrero
La Casa Latina (more central American)
Juan's
Julio's Barrio (although I barely count that one as a Mexican restaurant)
El Bombazo
Avacado
Casa De La Salsa
Los Mariachis

[Rusty van Reddick]

I've never been here but from its description (Gilchrist reviewed it on CBC) it sounds like the only authentic Mexican place in Calgary:

Mi Tierra Tu Taqueria, 10015 Oakfield Drive SW

I did check out Salt and Pepper this summer and some of what we had was quite good, but the tacos were poor.

[Boris2k7]

Damnit Surreal, you're making me hunger for some of that good Tex-Mex. Houston, of course, being absolutely loaded with them. :tup:

The more authentically Mexican places I have been to in the States included a restaurant in downtown San Antonio (near the marketplace) and in near the US-Mex border in San Diego (ummmm... I think that one was actually Casa Blanca or "White House").

I'll have to check out that suggestion of yours Furry. Oakfield ain't all that far from here.

[RWin]

The best espresso blends are medium or med-dark blends. So brew away!

Done! Pretty good. I may not go back.

[Western Spaghetti]

Here's a question for the group. Has anyone ever eaten at one of the Ethiopian places around town? I've seen a few of them, just wondering what the food is like.

[Jimby]

Marathon on 10 St NW is the only Ethiopian restaurant that I have been to.
The service is leisurely but the food is delicious. There is no cutlery, the food which is spicy and stew-like, is served on spongy injera flatbread. I think they have a buffet at lunch but I have never been there at lunch.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Queen of Sheba is very good.

I've heard good things about the one in Forest Lawn- name escapes me right now...

[entheosfog]

Marathon on 10 St NW is the only Ethiopian restaurant that I have been to.
The service is leisurely but the food is delicious. There is no cutlery, the food which is spicy and stew-like, is served on spongy injera flatbread. I think they have a buffet at lunch but I have never been there at lunch.

I was there for lunch once and it was good but much of the good stuff was gone. So my advice: git there early!! Delicious food though

[Innersoul1]

My wife and I LOVE Thai food. IT must be the six weeks we spent in Thailand. We regularly cook Thai food at home and it is pretty good but every now and then you need to have the real thing. On Friday we headed out with another couple to Thai Sa-On on 10th Ave SW between the Whiskey and Tantra.

The decor in Thai Sa-On is very simple with nice thai touches such as the traditional roofing over the bar. Apart from that the walls are covered with Thai art tables and chairs are bamboo (I think) and quite comfortable.

Let me start with the menu. I must say that when the menu is places in front of you it is rather daunting. I kid you not, it must be about 15 pages in length. I don't have a problem with selection but the menu has you downright scared. Where do you start? The problem is that the menu is divided into sections Pork, Beef, Chicken Seafood and there is a lot of overlap. For example, the Panang, Masuman etc. can all be had with Pork beef or chicken. It would be much easier to just list the panang and say that it is available in with your choice of meat. Not a big deal but it would certainly shorten the menu as many of the items appear multiple times.

When we were seated we were presented with a wine menu, but no drink menu. I would have been happy starting with a Singha but didn't see it. I am sure it was there but the rest of the table wanted wine. Good selection of about 20 white and 20 red wines. We ordered a bottle of red and a bottle of white and it took about 10 minutes before the manager came to our table to tell us that they were out of both of the wines we wanted. He asked us how much we wanted to spend and we said about $32 dollars. He didn't have any wines in that range and could not name any of the wines that they had available. So basically, he surprised us with what he brought out. Thankfully they were both excellent bottles of wine.

*Yes I am a douche for being picky about wine at a Thai restaurant. But I would be happier if I wasn't presented with a wine menu since nothing on it was actually available.

We started with two appetizers. Thai spring rolls and dumplings. The spring rolls were not that great at all, about the size of a cinnamon stick there were 8 of them with a dipping sauce. Really lacking in flavour I would pass of them for sure. Our pork dumplings were purple and stamped to look like flowers. They were over steamed and quite frankly soggy. Certainly, next time I will go for the Tom Yum Soup and Papaya salad.

Our main courses certainly made up for the lacking appies and wine service. I had the chicken Panang, my buddy had the Jungle curry with chicken. Darcy opted for Pad Thai and my wife had an awesome noodle and chicken dish. All of the dishes came in very generous portions and the flavors were very authentic and enjoyable. Tens for sure on the main course.

Notes:

-avoid the wine list order beer
-stay away from the appies and go for a soup or salad.
-Service was slow, but Thai Sa-On is very much a family set up. Although the service was slow the food was served promptly.
-Portions were all very generous.


Overall, it was a great dinner. Still doesn't beat my favourite thai restaurant, Cherry's on Maenam beach on Samui but still very good.

[Jimby]

You don't share all the dishes when eating Thai? That makes it more fun.
I like Thai Sa On, but so does everybody, it is busy.
The Rose Garden upstairs on the mall, and Ruan Thai on 11 Ave are good too.

[Innersoul1]

Oh I am totally all for sharing, but it was good enough that I didn't want to ;)

Next time, my friend.

[Grendel]

Queen of Sheba is very good.

I've heard good things about the one in Forest Lawn- name escapes me right now...

You must be joking. The time I went there, the place was filthy, the lighting was poor, the service was glacial, even by the normally slow standards of African restaurants. Worst of all, there was an incessant stream of drug dealers coming and going during the interminable hour and a half it took for me to have a simple lunch.
No, not recommended, unless you've never had good Ethiopian food - if Blue Nile is still there on 10th, I have very fond memories of that place.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Grendel- I've only had takeout from Queen of Sheba, and it was very good. I've never actually been inside.

Here's a little tidbit that I think I can broadcast since I can't give the details away (since I don't know what they are- so PLEASE do not reply asking for specs):

Phil and Sebastian are opening a second location, downtown.

Where, when, and how I do not know, but they're telling folks to look for it and it's posted on the facebook group.

[Surrealplaces]

Has anyone eaten at the new Brazilian bbq in Calgary? I had the pleasure of eating at Fogo de Chao's earlier this evening, and was blown away.

[MolsonExport]

Nope, but smoked meat is crap anyway. I grew up with pastrami and will always be loyal to pastrami.

Actually pretty much all Quebecois contributions to "cuisine" is overhyped, overrated, and unhealthy.


According to whom? You? Ahh, forgot that you were a professor of Quebecois culture as well.

[Stephen Ave]

Has anyone eaten at the new Brazilian bbq in Calgary? I had the pleasure of eating at Fogo de Chao's earlier this evening, and was blown away.

Yeah Brazilian barbecue is awesome. I had some in New York last year, and was really impressed. If there's one in Calgary I'll be trying it out for sure.

[subverter]

"Has anyone eaten at the new Brazilian bbq in Calgary? I had the pleasure of eating at Fogo de Chao's earlier this evening, and was blown away."

Is Fogo de Chao in Calgary? I thought we just had Bolero. I have heard Fogo de Chao is awesome.

[Riise]

Okay ladies and gentlemen, I have cupcake question. During one of the many Great Cupcake Discussions we had over in the construction thread someone mentioned that at a wedding they attended the bride and groom went with cupcakes instead of a cake. They also mentioned that the cupcake supplier wasn't Crave. My question for that person is, who was the supplier? If you could name that magical cupcake maker I'd be very grateful, thanks!

[Jimby]

Has anyone eaten at the new Brazilian bbq in Calgary? I had the pleasure of eating at Fogo de Chao's earlier this evening, and was blown away.

Where is Fogo? I have head of the Brazilian bbq at Smuggler's, Cravings on Fairmount, and one somewhere in Burnsland.
Surreal, you sure get around, I thought you were in Houston?

[bigcanuck]

Okay ladies and gentlemen, I have cupcake question. During one of the many Great Cupcake Discussions we had over in the construction thread someone mentioned that at a wedding they attended the bride and groom went with cupcakes instead of a cake. They also mentioned that the cupcake supplier wasn't Crave. My question for that person is, who was the supplier? If you could name that magical cupcake maker I'd be very grateful, thanks!

I'm sure Cakeworks will do a Cupcake Cake - Cakeworks seems to be the supplier of choice for weddings in Calgary. From personal experience, very recommended. http://www.eatcake.ca/

[Bad Grizzly]

I guess I'm out of the loop. I've heard about Brazillian bbq, but don't know anything about it. What's the big deal with it?

[Surrealplaces]

Where is Fogo? I have head of the Brazilian bbq at Smuggler's, Cravings on Fairmount, and one somewhere in Burnsland.
Surreal, you sure get around, I thought you were in Houston?

Oops, yeah, I should have mentioned that the Fogo I ate at is here in Houston.I'm going to have to try Bolero and make a comparison. What I already expect to be different is the service. Service at US restaurants is far away better than in Calgary, and that's for well known reasons. I'm curious to see how the food will compare.

[shreddog]

Oops, yeah, I should have mentioned that the Fogo I ate at is here in Houston.I'm going to have to try Bolero and make a comparison. What I already expect to be different is the service. Service at US restaurants is far away better than in Calgary, and that's for well known reasons. I'm curious to see how the food will compare.
Never been to the one in Houston, but have twice tried the one (Fogo) in Scottsdale and wasn't that impressed in either the food quality nor the service. For Scottsdale Rio Sabor is the place to go. As for Bolero, I would rate the food almost as good as Rio Sabor (but I was only there shortly after opening, so it may have improved) and the service was also pretty top notch.

The thing that spoiled it for me was the large cold buffet and watching all the "blue hairs" walk by and grab a hand full of recently frozen shrimp to stuff down their gullet. Perhaps its a holdover from when shrimp used to be expensive, but why does a certain generation feel that they must load up on these things right out of the buffet! (I was hoping that they would enjoy a "Go" experience from downing all that crap"!)

Actually, upon reflection, that is something I didn't like about Bolero - the huge cold buffet. Again, perhaps its a local cultural thing, but the whole point of the restaurant is the many varieties of "meat on a stick".

[RWin]

Went to Barclays today.

It was okay but I thought it was overpriced for the experience (lucky the boss paid).

The thing that really got me was the $9 Starbucks coffee on the desert menu.

So maybe $15 for a coffee isn't out of line.

[Jimby]

Went to Barclays today.

It was okay but I thought it was overpriced for the experience (lucky the boss paid).

The thing that really got me was the $9 Starbucks coffee on the desert menu.

So maybe $15 for a coffee isn't out of line.

Was it a Starbucks coffee liqueur maybe?
I was there for breakfast this morning, the coffee was included.