[Rusty van Reddick]

I just borrowed from the library an invaluable book for the foodie on a budget. "My favourite Cheap eats" Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Foothills and beyond by John Gilchrist (CBC radio restaurant critic). It contains so many places I had never heard of before. This is helpful, especially being a noob to Calgary.
:tup: :tup:

You should also check out the western canadian forum on chowhound. Cheap eats are what we're (well, some of us) are about.

[bluewaterandsunshine]

Has anyone been to Taste Restaurant? It looks good from the outside, a quaint little place.

[WIGS]

You should also check out the western canadian forum on chowhound. Cheap eats are what we're (well, some of us) are about.

thanks for the tip, RvR. :)

[Vascilli]

I found some Hi-Chew at that mall place in Chinatown, it's in that candy store with all the Coke bottles in the window. They have the standard flavours (Grape, strawberry, apple, pineapple, etc) plus a few special kinds like Candy Apple and others. Prices are $2.50 per pack, which is quite expensive, but they have a buy 4 get 1 free offer, reducing the price to $2 each. Tasty tasty.

[Me&You]

Has anyone been to Taste Restaurant? It looks good from the outside, a quaint little place.

I haven't been, but have heard good things regarding the food. Prices look reasonable.

Edit - Turns out I'll be at Taste for some pre-game snack on Wednesday night... I'll report back.

[Aegis]

A while back, someone was asking where they could find goat meat.

I saw some at Cedars Food Mart, M-4710 17 Avenue Se, Calgary, AB, T2A0V1 on Saturday morning. They said that they regularly carry it.

I'm not sure where it came from, but I am assuming its farmed in Alberta..I was told it's similar to deer meat.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Phil and Sebastian's new cafe in Marda Loop is open!

Opening day is today! I stopped by and had an outstanding espresso made on the first Synesso Hydra espresso machine (with yellow body panels, it's a signature and their new bags have the same yellow on the sides- very cool) in the province- the space is as beautiful as one could hope for in a coffeehouse; they have managed to make a brand new space in a brand new building feel warm and worn, but still very stylish. It was also packed with customers.

The only complaint that some might have is that they have zero food, so far. They'll have pastries and soup/sandwiches on offer, but not just yet. But for coffee? You won't find better. Their roasting program has gone great guns and it shows.

6:30a-9p weekdays, 7:30a-9p weekends. It's in the Shops of Marda Loop, the new 6-storey building on 33rd Ave.

[devonb]

Thanks. I'll have to check it out.

[bigcanuck]

So I just read over at Chowhound that the Wicked Wedge is gone from 17th (moved to Chinook?) and in its place is a fancy-pants pizza place by one of the owners from Mercato.

This sucks, the Wedge was like an institution on 17th. I feel my youth slipping away as things like this happen. I'll probably need to take some days off if Ming ever closes.

WW just opened in Chinook Centre.

[Ramsayfarian]

WW just opened in Chinook Centre.

Speaking of the Wedge, has anyone heard about them getting busted for selling pot? I've had two different people tell me this, but I think they're confused.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Speaking of the Wedge, has anyone heard about them getting busted for selling pot? I've had two different people tell me this, but I think they're confused.

That wasn't WW. Was in the burbs somewhere.

I never liked the wedge's pizza, landmark or not.

[Ramsayfarian]

That wasn't WW. Was in the burbs somewhere.

I never liked the wedge's pizza, landmark or not.

I know there was one a couple of years ago by Brentwood. The google said it didn't happen so I'm going with that.

I don't think I've ever had a slice of the wedge without being slightly inebriated.

[sync]

do any of you coffee aficionados have an opinion on canmore's coffee mine for espresso?

[Rusty van Reddick]

do any of you coffee aficionados have an opinion on canmore's coffee mine for espresso?

Not bad but not world class. IMHO there is one place for espresso in Canmore and that's Communitea (on Marra's Way DT). Intelligentsia made on a Synesso- class act.

[sync]

Not bad but not world class. IMHO there is one place for espresso in Canmore and that's Communitea (on Marra's Way DT). Intelligentsia made on a Synesso- class act.

thank you very much good sir, you have made up my mind!

i will be going to communitea and hopefully crazyweed.

[Surrealplaces]

Thought I should mention, I've eaten breakfast at Artisan Bistro in Bridgeland a couple of times recently, and each time came away impressed.
Very nice atmosphere and good food. IMO, the Eggs benny is the best around, and the Pan Dulce is awesome. The only drawback is that it's not cheap....$13.95 for the Eggs Benedict, $11.95 for the Pan Dulce, but if you prefer quality over quantity, give it a try.

[DizzyEdge]

Opus is another places that does it. I'm sure there are more places, like Tangerine, but I don't really get bottle service outside of Vegas as it doesn't make sense unless it is half price. I'm surprised bottle service has been linked with douche-bags, can they even afford it? I'd say that in Calgary it was more of an Asian gangster (I'm talking OG not the murdering street thugs we've seen so much of lately) thing than d-bag. Once the d-bags see the tub girls near the door I doubt they can make it to the tables.

It's quite simple actually, douche-bags don't need to have money to 'afford' these treasures, as it more about racking up credit to maintain the appearance of money, than actually having it.

[devonb]

We've been to AKA Wine Bar a couple of times and I was really impressed with my eggs benedict. One of the best I've had in a long time. Bonus: no line ups (yet).

[MichaelS]

For those of you in the Renfrew/Crescent Heights/Bridgeland area, the new British pub Fiddler's Courtyard is apparently opening this Friday. :cheers:

[Ramsayfarian]

For those of you in the Renfrew/Crescent Heights/Bridgeland area, the new British pub Fiddler's Courtyard is apparently opening this Friday. :cheers:

They slapped that together fairly quickly.

[RWin]

Phil and Sebastian's new cafe in Marda Loop is open!


I was happy to find out on Saturday by way of a buy one get one free card at the Farmers Market.

Now I won't have to wait until the weekend for a Phil and Sebastian's fix.

Still, theres something about the Farmers Market...

[jeffwhit]

Is there any really good Thai food in Calgary that ayone know sof, maybe out on Forrest lawn or something? I ate at this place (http://www.sripraphairestaurant.com/) on my list trip to the east coast (read about it on chowhound) and now I don't know that I can go back to what I've had in Calgary.

[MichaelS]

They slapped that together fairly quickly.

They have been putting in longer hours at that site than they do at the Bow it seems at times. These past couple of weeks, I have yet to see a time when there isn't someone there working, be it 10:30 on Friday night or 7:00 on a Wednesday morning.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Is there any really good Thai food in Calgary that ayone know sof, maybe out on Forrest lawn or something? I ate at this place (http://www.sripraphairestaurant.com/) on my list trip to the east coast (read about it on chowhound) and now I don't know that I can go back to what I've had in Calgary.

Some well-loved places on CH include Thai Sa-On, Thai Boat, and Chili Club. I keep going back to Ruan Thai though it's not as well reviewed; it's just really convenient and I want to be buried with a plate of their basil chicken. I also heartily recommend Thai Place West in motel village.

[McPaul]

As the title says, where can one purchase these? I've looked everywhere.

[mersar]

As the title says, where can one purchase these? I've looked everywhere.

Superstore supposedly has them, some quick searching found them listed on their online catalog (http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/products.jsp?type=details&catIds=104&productId=18486) (whether they stock them here you'd probably have to go to a store and ask)

[srperrycgy]

Superstore supposedly has them, some quick searching found them listed on their online catalog (http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/products.jsp?type=details&catIds=104&productId=18486) (whether they stock them here you'd probably have to go to a store and ask)

Customer Service at Superstore.....good luck with that. :haha:

[Sir.Humphrey.Appleby]

If you want customer service if you can't find it at other stores, Sunterra usually has commodity goods like that at not outrageous prices.

[Rusty van Reddick]

As the title says, where can one purchase these? I've looked everywhere.

Sunterra.

[Surrealplaces]

Is there any really good Thai food in Calgary that ayone know sof, maybe out on Forrest lawn or something? I ate at this place (http://www.sripraphairestaurant.com/) on my list trip to the east coast (read about it on chowhound) and now I don't know that I can go back to what I've had in Calgary.

I usually go to Bangkoknoi on Centre Street. It's not amazing but pretty decent. I like their Pad Thai.

Spicy hut in Bridgeland used to be great, but unfortunately seems to have slid down hill.

[jeffwhit]

As the title says, where can one purchase these? I've looked everywhere.
I'm 99% sure you can get them in bulk at Sunnyside Market, across the street from the 10th Street (Kensington) Safeway. I have no idea if that's remoltely convenient for you.

In other not related news, I had lunch yesterday at 10 Arts by Eric Ripert, where this Jennife Caroll from this season of Top Chef is the Chef de Cuisine. Yes, it was kickass. Philly though does not have the Thai food of the quality I previously mentioned and I'm not going to make it to NYC because I don't feel like wandering around in the miserable wintry rain.

[Aegis]

As the title says, where can one purchase these? I've looked everywhere.

I would have thought Community Natural Foods would have them..

[Calgarian]

Anyone tried lounge Burger yet? I want to check it out but have heard it's really pricey.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Anyone tried lounge Burger yet? I want to check it out but have heard it's really pricey.

I've heard lots of good and no, it's not "really pricey" at all.

[Vascilli]

If they've got a Baconator-esque burger, I'll go.

[twsnagel]

Anyone tried lounge Burger yet? I want to check it out but have heard it's really pricey.

I was there for lunch a couple of weekends ago with high expectations.

Crappy and slow service from the server, to say the least. And this was when the place was more or less empty - so things should have been speedy.

Cold onion rings had to be sent back. Were replaced promptly by a smiling chef.

More crappy service from the server.

Stared at empty plates for 10 minutes by the watch.

Bill was so slow coming that I finally got up and paid at the door.

Needless to say, tip was ziltch.

And the food? It was moderately yummy, not outstanding. Comparable to a higher-end pub burger.

I won't be back.

[Rusty van Reddick]

tws, not tipping is like stealing. Tips don't just go to the server. If you don't understand this, you're better off (WE are better off) if you eat at home from now on.

Poor service might merit a conversation with the manager. NEVER stiff the server because there is an entire staff that shares those tips, including your smiling chef.

[Calgarian]

Someone told me that you will be paying around $20 for a burger there. I still wan to try it but hopefully the service isn't crap like twsnagel had.

[Calgarian]

tws, not tipping is like stealing. Tips don't just go to the server. If you don't understand this, you're better off (WE are better off) if you eat at home from now on.

Poor service might merit a conversation with the manager. NEVER stiff the server because there is an entire staff that shares those tips, including your smiling chef.

I don't tip much if I get bad service (5%ish), it would have to be really bad to not tip at all. That being said, if the rest of the staff is getting screwed out of tips, then they should make sure to tell the server to up their game.

[Wooster]

I'm 99% sure you can get them in bulk at Sunnyside Market, across the street from the 10th Street (Kensington) Safeway. I have no idea if that's remoltely convenient for you.

In other not related news, I had lunch yesterday at 10 Arts by Eric Ripert, where this Jennife Caroll from this season of Top Chef is the Chef de Cuisine. Yes, it was kickass. Philly though does not have the Thai food of the quality I previously mentioned and I'm not going to make it to NYC because I don't feel like wandering around in the miserable wintry rain.

Were people bummed that Jennifer had been eliminated? I hope Kevin wins tonight, he's awesome.

[Ferreth]

tws, not tipping is like stealing. Tips don't just go to the server. If you don't understand this, you're better off (WE are better off) if you eat at home from now on.

Poor service might merit a conversation with the manager. NEVER stiff the server because there is an entire staff that shares those tips, including your smiling chef.

I absolutely will not tip if I receive crappy service. Correct me if it's changed since I was last plugged into the service industry, but the server gets the lion's share of the tip - the sharing is for the bus boys, dishwashers etc that help provide the service. Cooks getting tips is a new one to me. I don't change my tip based on the quality of my food - do I need to start taking that into account now?

A tip should always be a nod to having gotten at least adequate service, whatever job it may be for. If you feel that not tipping is theft, perhaps you need to consider another career yourself.

[Rusty van Reddick]

I don't tip much if I get bad service (5%ish), it would have to be really bad to not tip at all. That being said, if the rest of the staff is getting screwed out of tips, then they should make sure to tell the server to up their game.

what tws describes isn't even that poor of an experience. What he did was completely wrong.

[Rusty van Reddick]

I absolutely will not tip if I receive crappy service. Correct me if it's changed since I was last plugged into the service industry, but the server gets the lion's share of the tip - the sharing is for the bus boys, dishwashers etc that help provide the service. Cooks getting tips is a new one to me. I don't change my tip based on the quality of my food - do I need to start taking that into account now?

A tip should always be a nod to having gotten at least adequate service, whatever job it may be for. If you feel that not tipping is theft, perhaps you need to consider another career yourself.

What tws describes in no way, shape or form warranted stiffing the server.

If you get poor service, TAKE IT UP WITH THE FUCKING MANAGER.

[Vascilli]

I absolutely will not tip if I receive crappy service. Correct me if it's changed since I was last plugged into the service industry, but the server gets the lion's share of the tip - the sharing is for the bus boys, dishwashers etc that help provide the service. Cooks getting tips is a new one to me. I don't change my tip based on the quality of my food - do I need to start taking that into account now?

A tip should always be a nod to having gotten at least adequate service, whatever job it may be for. If you feel that not tipping is theft, perhaps you need to consider another career yourself.

It happens. My friend worked at Earls and everyone in the kitchen got their share of the tips.

[Ferreth]

What tws describes in no way, shape or form warranted stiffing the server.

If you get poor service, TAKE IT UP WITH THE FUCKING MANAGER.

I will take it up with the manager in extreme cases. Re-reading tws's post I can't say if I'd tip or not in that situation - it would depend on how slow the service was. There is still no way I am going to tip if the server clearly didn't give a damn about the service they were giving - especially if they were being snotty or giving our table short shrift in order to go and spend more time over at the "friends of theirs" table. Some servers now feel they are automatically entitled to a tip. Nope, crappy service means ZERO tip - a small tip is just making you look cheap. And yes, I have written "poor service" on bills before to make my point absolutely clear with the more brainless servers out there.

[jeffwhit]

^^Careful, a lot of people watch on Food Network, which is two shows behind, but since you spoiled it... We talked to our server about. Every Wednesdya they had a live viewing in the restaurant, and JC was working last week. They brought her out afterwards and gave her a standing ovation apparently.

[mwalker_mw]

re: Tipping

Crap service = zero tip. Period. (I don't do this often, but ocassionally it is warranted)

Rusty: (re: "talk to the manager")

It is not my job to manage the restaurant, nor is it my job to train their staff. If they can't provide a positive (or at least acceptable) experience overall from the moment I walk in the door until the moment I leave then the tip will reflect this. I will tip above average just as easily as I will tip below. This is incentive for them to supervise their staff and weed out the poor performers that negatively affect their overall proceeds. If they want me to do this for them - they can pay me as a consultant.

We've gotten far too complacent in this city in accepting poor performance for lack of labour. This includes the service & retail sector, the construction industry, everywhere. Without strong negative feedback from customers these practices simply manifest themselves and become the standard. Messages need to be sent.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Per chowhound: that horrible Robbie Burns Sports Bar in Kensington has closed. Let's all pray that something, somehow, manages to make that location work- but please, no sports bar!

[jeffwhit]

^^Well I for one am shocked! SHOCKED I tell you!

My roommate actually predicted that it would close before xmas, but I even thought that was a little too short a timeline.

What the hood needs there is a good breakfast place. Of course, the lineups will be obnoxious evn when it's -30 but at least it's something we're lacking, unlike shitty sports bars.

[Innersoul1]

Anyone tried lounge Burger yet? I want to check it out but have heard it's really pricey.

Check out Gilchrist's review here:
http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/restaurant.html

[devonb]

I worked in the service industry for over ten years. The last five of that was fine dining in Vancouver and a year here. So yes, I completely agree with Rusty. Talk to the manager. How are they to know that terrible service is being given if they are not told? The server is not going to tell them. Yes, it's their job to make sure everything is wonderful, but if guests don't tell them and the servers don't, how do they know?

As for tipping, the highest I tipped out when I served was 7%. The average I'd say is 5%. Now that I'm on the opposite end, I'm a tough critic of service. My tip varies on the quality of service as well.

[Rusty van Reddick]

^^Well I for one am shocked! SHOCKED I tell you!

My roommate actually predicted that it would close before xmas, but I even thought that was a little too short a timeline.

What the hood needs there is a good breakfast place. Of course, the lineups will be obnoxious evn when it's -30 but at least it's something we're lacking, unlike shitty sports bars.

Agreed, but first, a good coffeehouse. A REALLY good one.

I am happy to see RB's die a quick death. As opposed to, say, Avellino's (where Golden Bell is now on 17th- once was Arden Diner), which I never saw more than two customers in and that went on for a good two years. Not that their food was terrible, just unremarkable and overpriced. It has been so nice to see Golden Bell doing well there.

Speaking of cursed locations- so that Vietnamese place next to the Roasterie is gone, and now it's a western-style Chinese place? This seems more SW suburban strip mall than Kensington but I wish them the best of luck. They'll need it.

[jeffwhit]

^^I guess since I do all my coffee drinking at home or in the very well-served DT core I don't really notice the lack in Kensington as much as someone visiting the area might. I'm not sure RB's location is the best for that anyway. That locations doesn't actually get a lot of passersby, so it could use a destination-type place, like Diner Deluxe.

I also noticed that Indochine is gone. I ate there one when it was still located in Bankers Hall.

[Wooster]

That Memorial/Tenth building really is the black hole of restaurants/bars! They just haven't found the right niche for that location. I agree, all day breakfast place or something like Diner Deluxe couldn't fail there. Kensington could also use a truly great bakery and/or patisserie.

[Bigtime]

Rusty: (re: "talk to the manager")

It is not my job to manage the restaurant, nor is it my job to train their staff. If they can't provide a positive (or at least acceptable) experience overall from the moment I walk in the door until the moment I leave then the tip will reflect this. I will tip above average just as easily as I will tip below. This is incentive for them to supervise their staff and weed out the poor performers that negatively affect their overall proceeds. If they want me to do this for them - they can pay me as a consultant.

I think you should really reconsider this, a manager needs to get positive and negative feedback from their clients to be able to effectively manage an operation. They cannot hover over their employees every second of their shifts to make sure things are flowing smoothly, a manager will be all over their store/location taking care of multiple things throughout the day.

Personally I LOVE to hear feedback from our customers, be it negative or positive. It will tell me things about employees that may not have been evident all the time.

When I am out and receive great service I make a point of talking to the manager or supervisor to let them know. It is a rare thing to hear about the GOOD experiences, and I think those employees should be acknowledged for delivering that service to customers. But if nobody tells me then how will I know?

[Innersoul1]

I had dinner at the Laurier Lounge on Wednesday before the hockey game....mmmm they have some of the best poutine in the city!

[Rusty van Reddick]

I had dinner at the Laurier Lounge on Wednesday before the hockey game....mmmm they have some of the best poutine in the city!

OH YEAH- twice-fried frites belgiques. A gem.

I had lunch at Phil and Sebastian today- lamb sandwich and a side salad. Not cheap ($15) but incredible quality- salad is baby spinach with shredded carrot and beets (gotta love shredded beet), make to order ie not pre-plated and freezing cold, with a nice simple but quality vinaigrette. The sandwich is ewe-nique farms lamb (same supplier as Chef's Table and River Cafe) on a latruwe baguette and onion jam- it's a total class act, especially seeing as P&S have never served food before.

[mwalker_mw]

I kneejerked a bit to Rusty's unqualified requirement for a tip. I should clarify:

It takes a *LOT* to annoy me. My statements (and tip reductions) are with respect to actions that are a clear violation of common sense. I don't expect anyone to read my mind here - I am talking about gratuitous things like:

- Food coming out cold, really cold.
- Ignoring all their tables for 30 minutes to chat with other staff
- Making no effort to correct a mistake when brought to their attention
- etc.

These all fall into the "should know better" category. These aren't simple mistakes, these reflect a blatant lack of care for their duty to the customer. These are all things I have seen at a number of places in the last few years.

A simple mistake is easy to forgive, a crass belief that the customer should accept the substandard because they have no other choice is not.

I think you should really reconsider this, a manager needs to get positive and negative feedback from their clients to be able to effectively manage an operation. They cannot hover over their employees every second of their shifts to make sure things are flowing smoothly, a manager will be all over their store/location taking care of multiple things throughout the day.

If the right people have been hired, the right training provided and the right incentives created there is no need for hovering. In a service business the front line employees should be perfectly capable of dealing with immediate customer feedback - I shouldn't have to hunt down a manager to correct things or point out obvious problems.

The above examples are all systematic and with any reasonable level of supervision should be detected and corrected long before a customer has to raise the issue. They generally are reflective of the overall environment as well which dulls the argument of punishing the whole staff for the poor performance of an individual. Alternately, they could be so rare that the one off occurrence is nothing more than an outlier and the overall financial impact is minimal.

It is not unreasonable to expect some level of direct supervision of the overall staff at most times, even if just an experienced and trustworthy individual amongst the staff.

Anyways, I'm drifting way off topic here. My apologies.

Does anyone know when Oriental House on Stephen Ave is reopening from their renovations? (And more importantly, can I safely assume the food will be the same as before?)

[jeffwhit]

OH YEAH- twice-fried frites belgiques. A gem.



Oh yeah, real fries!

Do they have any interesting beer? Looking for a new post-concert hang.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Does anyone know when Oriental House on Stephen Ave is reopening from their renovations? (And more importantly, can I safely assume the food will be the same as before?)

Is it still in business? There's a new Indian place down there- of course that might be replacing Juan's; one of them (O House or Juan's) is definitely no more.

Jeff, no idea about beer at Laurier but I suspect it's a good selection. It's as much a bar as a resto, really.

[mwalker_mw]

I was told in October that they would be closed for renovations. I tried calling a couple weeks ago and was told they were still under renovation and to expect them back around Christmas.

They were my main source of Chinese/Thai takeout so I do hope they are back.

[Ferreth]

I think you should really reconsider this, a manager needs to get positive and negative feedback from their clients to be able to effectively manage an operation. They cannot hover over their employees every second of their shifts to make sure things are flowing smoothly, a manager will be all over their store/location taking care of multiple things throughout the day.

Personally I LOVE to hear feedback from our customers, be it negative or positive. It will tell me things about employees that may not have been evident all the time.

When I am out and receive great service I make a point of talking to the manager or supervisor to let them know. It is a rare thing to hear about the GOOD experiences, and I think those employees should be acknowledged for delivering that service to customers. But if nobody tells me then how will I know?

One thing that impresses me is the places where once in a while a manager will query the guests on their experience. I find it a great way to voice the lesser complains that I just would never bother with, or if service is particularly good, to comment at that point on the good service and/or food. As a lesser version of that, I'll occasionally fill out a comment card - IF there is a pen to fill the darn thing out with.

Here's a little service story for you:

Complaining to the manager has backfired on me once before. One time, I was out on a Friday night at the Brewster's on 52nd St SE. This being an industrial location, it was pretty dead during our early evening dinner. The server was providing adequate service, but was spending her time at another table where she obviously knew a bunch of the people. When it comes time to pay the bill, we provide some $20's, expecting change back. The server, taking a bit too long as she took our cash and dropped by her favorite table on the way to the till, comes back to us and says we shorted her for the bill. We were pretty sure we had put plenty in, pretty easy when you're each putting in 2 paper bills. Soooo, we ask to see the manager - which it turns out to be our server! Wasn't really ready for that one - so we argued our point that we were pretty sure that the billfold had contained $20 more than what she thought. After a bit of back and forth, we decided to say 'fuck it' and just pay the balance. We sit and chat for a few minutes, mostly along the lines of confirming that we were both sure of what we'd contributed to the bill.

Just as we are leaving the building, the server/manager comes running back to us saying she wants to give us our $20 back, because she doesn't want us to feel like we'd been ripped off. She actually seemed upset about the whole thing and was INSISTENT we take the money back. We didn't know what to think at this point. Our best guess is that one of her supposed "friends" at the other table she hit on the way back slipped a $20 out her bill fold or it just fell out. It was a weird night - we'd never had any problems before or since at that Brewster's location.

[Big Sky]

I disagree. It's not the customer's to duty to straighten out bad service and make sure the right person gets their share of the tip etc.. If you want to do that fine, it's your life. I've worked at restaurants, and bad service can be attributed to many factors. I worked at a place where issues were often the attributed to the cooking staff, and I got bad tips as a result. I went somewhere else.

What tws describes in no way, shape or form warranted stiffing the server.

If you get poor service, TAKE IT UP WITH THE FUCKING MANAGER.

[Rusty van Reddick]

It's not the customer's to duty to straighten out bad service

Which is precisely what you do by making the extreme and almost never justified decision to leave zero tip.

I'm 45 and have eaten out hundreds, thousands, of times. I have never once in my life left zero tip and if you have, you're a selfish asshole and a princess who has a very elevated view of herself.

I have NEVER stiffed. NEVER. And I am sure I've had more opportunities than the rest of you.

[Wooster]

Coffeehouse duo open new digs in Marda Loop


By John Gilchrist, Calgary HeraldDecember 13, 2009 8:11 AMComments (5)

Over the past couple of years, Phil Robertson and Sebastian Sztabzyb have made a name for themselves at the Calgary Farmers' Market -- that name would be Phil & Sebastian Coffee Co. -- for serving excellent coffee. They use the most high-tech equipment available, the best beans money can buy, and a cadre of monastically dedicated baristas to create customers' coffee dreams.

And every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the faithful arrive, some with a cup clasped feverishly in their hands, others with a glazed look in their eyes and anticipatory spittle forming at the corners of their mouths. They wait in line to order and then gather restlessly to wait for their personal cup of joe. For many, it's as near to a religious experience as they'll have on a weekend. But this time of year, the P&S crowd starts to get a little shaky. They know there's a market hiatus coming up after Christmas. A short one, but it still means they'll be without their P&S fix for two whole weekends.

Phil and Sebastian are sensitive to the needs of their flock. So they've worked tirelessly to ensure their followers will feel no withdrawal pains this year. To that end, they have opened the first Phil & Sebastian shop outside the market. It's in The Shops at Marda Loop, at 2043 33rd Ave. S.W. (403-686-1221), just a quick jump across Crowchild from the market.

Not only will this P&S be open throughout the holidays, it's open daily. Now the truly committed can have a cup of P&S any day they want. And at practically any time. P&S is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. on weekends.

At this store, the caffeinated duo has raised the stakes. Their espresso brewer of choice is the new Synesso Hydra, a machine that is tuned to replicate the quality of an expertly hand-pulled espresso. You'll recognize it by its bright lemon-lime trim, the result of some custom painting at Lou's Auto Body. P&S has a Clover for the brewed cuppa folks and a range of direct-trade, single estate beans from which to choose.

All those beans have been roasted in-house, or at least at the also-new P&S roasting facility. They grind through more than 113 kilograms (250 pounds) of coffee each week. Now they can control the selection of beans, the roasts and the overall quality of the coffee experience. And by next Christmas there will be yet another P&S outlet, this one in the ever-expanding Chinook Centre.

Soon there will be food, too. Chef Darren Debergh has come over from Rush to develop a menu with consulting chef Eric Giesbrecht. The plan is to roll out a fairly simple but high-quality collection of "rustic comfort" foods in the next few days. That should make the P&S fans even happier.

Across the street from P&S, at 2018 33rd Ave. S.W., there have been big changes at O Restaurant. Consulting chef Michael Noble has developed a new menu that brings more freshness and less deep frying to the table and now chef Adam O'Brien has taken over the kitchen. O'Brien, who had been the head chef at Farm since it opened last year, says that he will soon add his own tone to the menu. That means a strong reliance on local producers and seasonal ingredients and a style that draws from rustic Italian and Canadian traditions. His mandate is to create a menu that is in keeping with a fine neighbourhood restaurant.

O'Brien says the deep fryer will only be used for french fries, sweet potato fries, and O rings-- buttermilk marinated onion rings.

Meanwhile, new sommelier Yvan Toulouse has given O's wine list a complete makeover, creating a comprehensive but succinct list of global favourites. Also joining the O team is general manager Heidi Leaman, who brings years of experience with the Vintage Group, the Murrieta's Group, and most recently Halo. She's working with the service team to improve the customers' dining experience.

John Gilchrist's latest restaurant guide, My Favourite Restaurants in Calgary, Banff , and Beyond -7th Edition, is now available. He can be reached at escurial@telus.netor 403-235-7532

© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Coffeehouse+open+digs+Marda+Loop/2335847/story.html

[Rusty van Reddick]

P&S is really an amazing accomplishment- there are not enough words to laud them enough.

The O news is amazing too. After getting slam after slam from consumer reviews, the could have just rested on their access to a captive audience (as really the only upscale casual in Marda Loop) and done nothing, but it sounds like they've reinvented the place completely along the lines of what Blink did (with great success). I will look forward to trying it, finally.

[Vascilli]

I'm looking forward to some onion rings.

[Innersoul1]

Oh yeah, real fries!

Do they have any interesting beer? Looking for a new post-concert hang.

The beer selection is O.K. they have a fews standard domestics. But they do have Unibroue products from quebec. large bottles of 9% beer for 15 bucks! MMM MMm good!

http://www.unibroue.com/

[Big Sky]

Which is precisely what you do by making the extreme and almost never justified decision to leave zero tip.

I'm 45 and have eaten out hundreds, thousands, of times. I have never once in my life left zero tip and if you have, you're a selfish asshole and a princess who has a very elevated view of herself.

I have NEVER stiffed. NEVER. And I am sure I've had more opportunities than the rest of you.

Well then I must be a selfish asshole and a princess with an elevated view of myself. Way to make a judgment call asshole.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Well then I must be a selfish asshole and a princess with an elevated view of myself. Way to make a judgment call asshole.

I said "if." Now you're specifically making an ad hominem statement directed to me, which is against board guidelines.

It's one thing to say "I think people who do this are assholes" and another thing entirely to say "you're an asshole."

And I repeat: In decades of dining I have never once had an experience so bad that I'd refuse to tip. Not once. And I've had lots of bad experiences.

Edited to add- if you've had such bad experiences at Calgary restos that you've stiffed, then please share them with us. This meta-discussion about tipping is pointless.

[Big Sky]

It doesn't really matter that you used the word "if". Regardless, you've still called anyone who didn't leave a tip at some point in their lives, a selfish asshole and a princess who has a very elevated view of herself.
A few people here have already mentioned that they left without a tip because of bad service.

I'll agree to bury the hatchet and listen to your point of view, but remember this is a forum where everyone has different opinions. Just because someone has a different opinion on what the tip is for, doesn't mean they need to be called names.

I said "if." Now you're specifically making an ad hominem statement directed to me, which is against board guidelines.

It's one thing to say "I think people who do this are assholes" and another thing entirely to say "you're an asshole."

And I repeat: In decades of dining I have never once had an experience so bad that I'd refuse to tip. Not once. And I've had lots of bad experiences.

Edited to add- if you've had such bad experiences at Calgary restos that you've stiffed, then please share them with us. This meta-discussion about tipping is pointless.

[Rusty van Reddick]

It doesn't really matter that you used the word "if". Regardless, you've still called anyone who didn't leave a tip at some point in their lives, a
A few people here have already mentioned that they left without a tip because of bad service.

I'll agree to bury the hatchet and listen to your point of view, but remember this is a forum where everyone has different opinions. Just because someone has a different opinion on what the tip is for, doesn't mean they need to be called names.

agreed. sorry.

[Big Sky]

^Fair enough Rusty! Please accept my apology also.

[Aegis]

I have cut back on my dining out primarily because there are few restaurants that really impress me with their service and food. If it doesn't deserve a tip, no point in eating there.

Calgary has improved quite a bit in the last number of years in terms of high quality restaurants, but, unfortunately every pub now thinks it can charge $13 for an entree just because they have a fancy plate and some yam fries. Soggy, limp yam fies.

[niwell]

Headed to Calgary for Christmas tomorrow and staying for the next two weeks. Not very familiar with what's going on in the city food-wise and I'm looking for some good coffee places to check out. I'll be located in the NW adjacent to Dalhousie station but location isn't too much of a factor (will certainly be looking for excuses to get out of the house after a few days). Suggestions?

Also, I'd like to drink (and possibly bring back) some decent microbrews that wouldn't be available in Ontario. Which basically means anything from Alberta, BC or the US. Any suggestions for good liquor stores where one might be able to purchase such a thing? Or reasonably priced bars to grab a pint?

One more thing - what's the place that has lobster poutine? I remember reading about it on the forum and figure if I splurge on anything it should be that.

[Innersoul1]

Headed to Calgary for Christmas tomorrow and staying for the next two weeks. Not very familiar with what's going on in the city food-wise and I'm looking for some good coffee places to check out. I'll be located in the NW adjacent to Dalhousie station but location isn't too much of a factor (will certainly be looking for excuses to get out of the house after a few days). Suggestions?

Also, I'd like to drink (and possibly bring back) some decent microbrews that wouldn't be available in Ontario. Which basically means anything from Alberta, BC or the US. Any suggestions for good liquor stores where one might be able to purchase such a thing? Or reasonably priced bars to grab a pint?

One more thing - what's the place that has lobster poutine? I remember reading about it on the forum and figure if I splurge on anything it should be that.


I believe it is Brava Bistro on 17th across the street from Melrose.

Most COOP liquor stores have a good selection of micro brews. I would suggest Alley Kat from Edmonton. They have some nice choices.

[DizzyEdge]

I believe it is Brava Bistro on 17th across the street from Melrose.

Most COOP liquor stores have a good selection of micro brews. I would suggest Alley Kat from Edmonton. They have some nice choices.

Alley Kat and Wildrose Brewery probably have something you'd like between the two of them.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Headed to Calgary for Christmas tomorrow and staying for the next two weeks. Not very familiar with what's going on in the city food-wise and I'm looking for some good coffee places to check out. I'll be located in the NW adjacent to Dalhousie station but location isn't too much of a factor (will certainly be looking for excuses to get out of the house after a few days). Suggestions?

Also, I'd like to drink (and possibly bring back) some decent microbrews that wouldn't be available in Ontario. Which basically means anything from Alberta, BC or the US. Any suggestions for good liquor stores where one might be able to purchase such a thing? Or reasonably priced bars to grab a pint?

One more thing - what's the place that has lobster poutine? I remember reading about it on the forum and figure if I splurge on anything it should be that.

Hi Niwell- you might want to check out the "coffee" listings under my "places I like" at my blog, which is linked below in my sig. Unfortunately there are no real standouts in the NW, although if you're near a Good Earth there it would be worthwhile to check it out- while the changes there haven't been as dramatic as those at (some?) Bridgeheads in Ottawa, for a chain, what they're doing there is pretty damn sweet. They now (finally) roast date all bags, have some decent offerings on press, and their espresso-based drinks are really a cut, two cuts, above most chains.

All that said- Downtown, there are great options. We have two Caffe Artigiano locations now, two (soon three) DeVille Luxury Coffee (Synesso and Black Cat), a new Caffe Rosso downtown in the convention centre space that was once the last Grabbajabba to open in Canada (Rosso has a Synesso too and sources coffees from George Sanders/Terroir in Boston, one of very few Canadians to get them), a superb newer coffeehouse in the Burns Bldg called Insomnia (Fratello "competition blend" on a LM GB5- don't scoff at Fratello; they have really upped their game since barista trainer Joel May came in third at nationals last year, and sixth this year). So just in the core we have two Synessos, two FB80s (Artigiano) and a GB5. Further south in Beltline is the new DeVille on 1st SW, Kawa Espresso Bar on 8th SW across from Best Western (Synessos at each), Bumpy's, which still makes superb coffees with JJ Bean beans albeit on a less interesting Elektra Kappa, and Caffe Beano, which still uses their house burnt-black blend but now makes it on the country's first Slayer machines (yes plural, they have two two-groups). I do like Beano sometimes; dark is nice, once in a while.

And of course you have to check out the new Phil and Sebastian in Marda Loop- take the 20 bus south from Brentwood. They're in the new 6-storey condo on 33rd, you can't miss them.

[Ferreth]

...
Also, I'd like to drink (and possibly bring back) some decent microbrews that wouldn't be available in Ontario. Which basically means anything from Alberta, BC or the US. Any suggestions for good liquor stores where one might be able to purchase such a thing? Or reasonably priced bars to grab a pint?
...


I would suggest picking up a six pack of Big Rock's seasonal brew "Winter Spice" - nice winter brew, best lightly chilled. Best thing Big Rock has come out with in a while.

A jaunt to Brewsters (11th Ave, 8thst SW) might be in order. A decent meal can be had and the micro-brews are interesting. Try "Blue Monk Barley Wine" if want something a lot different, "Bow Valley Brown" if you want something safe in a New Castle Style Brown beer.
Here's a Brewsters Beer list (http://brewsters.ca/brewsters-beer/).

[jeffwhit]

niwell[/left];4608824]Headed to Calgary for Christmas tomorrow and staying for the next two weeks. Not very familiar with what's going on in the city food-wise and I'm looking for some good coffee places to check out. I'll be located in the NW adjacent to Dalhousie station but location isn't too much of a factor (will certainly be looking for excuses to get out of the house after a few days). Suggestions?


Also, I'd like to drink (and possibly bring back) some decent microbrews that wouldn't be available in Ontario. Which basically means anything from Alberta, BC or the US. Any suggestions for good liquor stores where one might be able to purchase such a thing? Or reasonably priced bars to grab a pint?

One more thing - what's the place that has lobster poutine? I remember reading about it on the forum and figure if I splurge on anything it should be that.

I'm going to be a huge dick and tell you to ignore the other beer suggesions. Since you're at dalhousie station you're sooooo close to one of the 3 best beer stores in Calgary, the co-op liquor on Dalhousie Dr. and Shagannapi trail (map (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=dalhousie+co-op+liquor+store&hl=en&cd=1&ei=dZIoS7-5N4LAoASK88ztAw&sig2=8EdovC6LmnIb46gDKFhflw&ie=UTF8&view=map&cid=3733306202826147044&ved=0CBcQpQY&hq=dalhousie+co-op+liquor+store&hnear=&ll=51.103064,-114.144924&spn=0.005942,0.01929&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A), enter off Dalhousie Dr, not Shagannapi as the address suggests, it's also an easy walk from Dalhousie Station.) I'd recommend any Rogue or Lagunitas, Smaltz, Hebrew, Anchor, Pike, beers from the states, neither of which is really ever available at in Ontario, and Howe Sound beer from BC. Once you see their beer room you'll know you're going to have to spend some serious time and money deciding what do bring home. Another suggestion is Yukon Brewing from Whitehorse, which I don't believe is available at all in Ontario. I'd also
recommend the Kensington Wine Market for beer, (map (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en-GB&ie=UTF8&q=kensington+wine+market+calgary&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=kensington+wine+market&hnear=calgary&cid=0,0,15530693915472222563&ei=6ZMoS-CPD4L8sQO4luXFDA&ved=0CAoQnwIwAA&ll=51.055126,-114.087245&spn=0.011896,0.038581&z=15)) they have a lot of stuff exclusive to them in the city, and is reachable on the C-train. (Sunnyside Station.)



As for Coffee, lots of options right in the core, including Vancouver's amazing Artigiano and my favourite, DeVille. Phil and Sebastian's at the Farmers Market is my actual real favourite but I don't get there enough.

PM me if you have any other questions.

[mersar]

Decided to go try Lounge Burger out with my girlfriend last night, overall was a pretty good meal. I went with the lamb burger with a side of their homestyle fries while she decided to stick to the beef burger and yam fries. Service was fairly quick (about 20 minutes from ordering to having the meals) and the servers seemed fairly attentive, and the food was about the level I was expecting. Definitely somewhere I'll go again.

[Bigtime]

Damn, I got to hit up Loungeburger soon.

I fully plan on ordering the $40 hamburger. :slob:

[mersar]

Someone at the table beside us did order it if I overheard correctly, didn't see it though as we left before they got their food. I should also mention that the prices weren't too unreasonable, between the two of us the bill came to under $25 for the meal.

[DizzyEdge]

Someone at the table beside us did order it if I overheard correctly, didn't see it though as we left before they got their food. I should also mention that the prices weren't too unreasonable, between the two of us the bill came to under $25 for the meal.

For a 'gourmet' burger and a side that's definitely reasonable, maybe I'll hit it up after all.

[Ramsayfarian]

Someone at the table beside us did order it if I overheard correctly, didn't see it though as we left before they got their food. I should also mention that the prices weren't too unreasonable, between the two of us the bill came to under $25 for the meal.

Did you have drinks with that order?

[mersar]

Did you have drinks with that order?

Neither of us drink, so we just had water. Their drink prices didn't look to unreasonable, pretty much around what most places are at.

[Bigtime]

Neither of us drink, so we just had water. Their drink prices didn't look to unreasonable, pretty much around what most places are at.

Wait a minute, didn't you have some beer when we met up at 1410 a few months back? Or is that the beer clouding my thinking? :cheers:

[mersar]

Wait a minute, didn't you have some beer when we met up at 1410 a few months back? Or is that the beer clouding my thinking? :cheers:

Sadly that was the beer clouding your thoughts :P I likely had a couple cokes.

[Ramsayfarian]

Neither of us drink, so we just had water. Their drink prices didn't look to unreasonable, pretty much around what most places are at.

My condolences on the not drinking. :cool: Those prices seem in line then, I was thinking that would have been pretty cheap if you had pint each.

[niwell]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will try to check out some of the coffee places downtown and will definitely be at the Phil and Sebastien more than once. I always end up in Marda Loop to rent stuff at Casablanca.

I'm going to be a huge dick and tell you to ignore the other beer suggesions. Since you're at dalhousie station you're sooooo close to one of the 3 best beer stores in Calgary, the co-op liquor on Dalhousie Dr. and Shagannapi trail

Before seeing your post I actually ended up going there today. Spent $50 on beer but had to make some tough decisions. There will certainly be a second visit. Particularly interested in trying a milk stout I picked up.

[jeffwhit]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will try to check out some of the coffee places downtown and will definitely be at the Phil and Sebastien more than once. I always end up in Marda Loop to rent stuff at Casablanca.



Before seeing your post I actually ended up going there today. Spent $50 on beer but had to make some tough decisions. There will certainly be a second visit. Particularly interested in trying a milk stout I picked up.

Is it from QC, or is it Japanese?

[niwell]

Quebec

[jeffwhit]

^^ so that one at Kensington, friend of mine picked it up and said it was excellent.

[twsnagel]

what tws describes isn't even that poor of an experience. What he did was completely wrong.

Wow, I leave for a week and a half to mark final papers and for a quick jaunt up to Victoria and look what happens!

I didn't expect a firestorm of controversy over my post - and I thought the most controversial part of it was bashing the popular loungeburger, not my tip (or lack thereof).

I realize the hatchets have been both wielded and buried, so I don't want to cause a rehash of the fight that's now over.

That being said, when someone calls what I do "completely wrong", I do like to respond to it.

Tips are a gratuity in exchange for good service. It's not my fault that restauranteurs don't pay their staff enough - whether that's cooks, bus staff, or servers. I don't tip the cashier at Wal-Mart when they sullenly (or cheerfully) check me out, nor do I tip the guy who cuts my grass.

OK - I'm not trying to change the whole system, but at the same time, I have to get service before I tip. It's simply not my responsibility to make up the unpaid balance of a sullen (or absent) server's salary because they aren't paid a subsistence wage.

Tips don't just go to the server. If you don't understand this, you're better off (WE are better off) if you eat at home from now on.

You're implying that my tipping policy has a negative splash impact on all restaurant-goers. I say it has a positive effect. Tips are meant to encourage good service. If I tip poor service poorly, it has a reinforcing effect that poor service is not acceptable. When service is poor and the server gets a tip anyways, it says that poor service is acceptable.

tws, not tipping is like stealing.

Absolutely not. Restauranteurs not paying high enough salaries is like stealing.

In Japan, they don't know what tipping is. If you leave money on the table, they chase after you and give it back. I've experienced this first-hand because I thought it was a myth, so I tried it. And I had incredible service at all the places I ate in Japan. Why? Because the restauranteurs have high standards, because they manage effectively, and because they pay their people enough.

But, as I've said before, I can't change the North American system. I'll play the game. But I won't make the situation worse by tipping bad service.

If you get poor service, TAKE IT UP WITH THE FUCKING MANAGER.

If the manager can't see there's a service problem when there are about three parties in a restaurant, they surely won't fix it when I mention it. That's about like telling the manager at Wal-Mart they should put on more cashiers when the lines are stretching halfway to the back of the store. The manager is the manager. They are paid to proactively manage, not react when someone tells them about a poor experience.

Telling the manager might help in a very busy restaurant but not in an empty one.

OK - so I've said my piece!

[Yume-sama]

In Japan, they don't know what tipping is. If you leave money on the table, they chase after you and give it back. I've experienced this first-hand because I thought it was a myth, so I tried it. And I had incredible service at all the places I ate in Japan. Why? Because the restauranteurs have high standards, because they manage effectively, and because they pay their people enough.

Actually, the pay is pretty crap even at the best places. But, you don't find lifelong "career" waiters there, either. Unless they own the place.

See, in Japan, people train hard to get even THOSE jobs, with the hope of moving up the culinary chain.

The Japanese work themselves to death :P

You are also not allowed to tip taxi drivers in Japan. They insist. And they are the best!

[Vascilli]

I'll have some pictures of what comes out of Bliss Cupcakes tomorrow, I've been really lazy lately.. (Took the shots last Friday)

[octothorp]

Oh yeah, real fries!

Do they have any interesting beer? Looking for a new post-concert hang.

Just went to the Laurier Lounge on the weekend. Awesome food, but I wouldn't go there for the beer. Not much on tap, and a few things in bottles, but very overpriced. Bottle of Steamwhistle for $7, for example or Unibroue beers for $15 (750 ml bottles). I know that I've been in restaurants where the Unibroue ones sell for $10 (Bolero, for example). That said, if you balance it with a pretty inexpensive and delicious plate of poutine ($10 for basic, or $18 for fancy poutine), it's not really that bad. Their bacon-wrapped date appetizers were excellent, as was their bouillabaisse.

[SpongeG]

any good places to eat on new years day? i might be in calgary for new years

[Wooster]

any good places to eat on new years day? i might be in calgary for new years

hangover place?

[niwell]

Since arriving in Calgary I've been to Phil & Sebastien 3 times, twice at the farmers market and once in Marda Loop. Highly recommended! Still haven't gotten a chance to try some lobster poutine but hopefully next week.

Furry - the next time you are in Toronto I'd suggest checking out Sam James on Harbord between Clinton and Grace. It recently opened and they have great siphon coffee (basically a manual clover).