Calgary Food, coffee, etc.

[RWin]

Back from my second trip to Artigiano.

Had the French Press this time. Now that tastes like coffee! You'll have to wait for it. And you'll have to pay for it - $4.99. But its good.

[RWin]

Off to The Parthenon again tomorrow night. Can't wait. I know I keep mentioning that place but really, I can't mention it enough. Its the Artigiano of Greek Restaurants.

Speaking of which, someone else must've been to Artigiano by now. Lets hear some reviews.

[Grendel]

Just got back from Artigiano. You could really tell it was the first day open. The floor was warped from the burst water main last night; all the staff were in training and were clearly nervous. The place seemed a little overstaffed; there were four employees hovering around the till while I ordered, all of them intent on learning how to use the POS software.
On the recommendation of one of the staffers, I had the macchiato. Sad to say, it wasn't the best coffee I've ever had; it was a little burnt, a little too acidic, but to be fair, the staff seemed exceptionally nervous. There were owners and staff running around everywhere screaming at each other, and I noticed the barista's hands were trembling a little.
For a coffee shop in a downtown office tower, the atmosphere is inviting. I'd be far more inclined to spend an afternoon reading or working over a coffee there than I would at Starbucks. It's really refreshing not to have to step over the CD racks, mugs, and coffee-maker boxes when you order. The machines aren't completely automatic like they are at Starbucks either, so getting a good coffee is more dependent upon the skill of the barista and the quality of the beans. Because of the circumstances (first day and all), I'm willing to give the staff a bit of a break. After all, beneath the slightly clumsy preparation, one could detect the underlying quality of the beans.
All in all, I'd say that Bumpy's still makes a better cup of coffee, but to my taste at least, Artigiano's got the better ambience. I think that once the staff settle down and settle in, that the coffee will catch up to the rest of the standards, and when that happens, it's going to be very good.
By the way, the Macchiato was $2.99, which I thought was a very reasonable price.

[NumberFive]

Originally Posted by RWin

Off to The Parthenon again tomorrow night. Can't wait. I know I keep mentioning that place but really, I can't mention it enough. Its the Artigiano of Greek Restaurants.

Speaking of which, someone else must've been to Artigiano by now. Lets hear some reviews.

I can vouch for Parthenon. It's our favorite greek place in the city.

[Rusty van Reddick]

I got out of class early (it's nice to have a "study session" for 400 students and exactly 3 bring actual questions!) and headed straight DT to check out Artigiano. I ordered the "espresso macchiato" and herewith we have a bit of a problem: Artigiano has THREE versions of a macchiato. One is what I ordered, two is what I THOUGHT I ordered which is an "Artigiano Macchiato," which I understand is a "Seattle style" wet macchiato (not just an espresso with foam spooned on it)- this is what you get at Bumpy's or Phil and Sebastian (and for that matter at Beano) when you order macchiatto. So I was a little disappointed not to get a 3-oz demitasse with a little art on top. A third "macchiato" is an "iced caramel macchiato" which sounds like something you get at Starbucks, though I'm sure it's delicious.

The espresso is made, as Grendel mentions, on a non-superauto machine- it's in fact a La Marzocco FB-80, same as Phil and Sebastian use, and it's an elite machine that takes lots of training to use. My drink was fine, in beautiful porcelain, but I know next time to order a "artigiano macchiato."

Did it change my life? Not even close- in fact the macchiato I got at Bumpy's the other day was an out-of-the-ballpark masterpiece; this was just good. Not superb, but good. Artigiano uses a roast that is more on the bold side than Bumpy's or P&S, and it's definitely darker.

I ran into a friend having a cup of Nicaraguan Prodecoop from the Clover and a very nice looking veggie panini and she was all over it, loved it. They were making stacks and stacks of what looked like their lamb paninis (catering? dunno- this was around 3:30) that looked gorgeous.

So, it was a nice experience, but as I say in my blog, Artigiano isn't altering history here. They'll do great in Calgary and I'm glad they're here, but I'll also be thrilled when Kawa Espresso Bar (the new java jamboree shop) opens, if Bumpy's expanded or if Phil and Sebastian find their new space.

[ScottFromCalgary]

Count me into the group that got a face full of the handwritten sign on Wednesday at Artigiano. I was able to check it out today, and I first off I love the inside of the place. Very inviting - Centrium has really become a local landmark. I arrived at about 9:00 with some of my co-workers, who while less knowledgeable about Artigiano than myself were still interested to try it out. I got a simple grande Americano. Good, much better than Starbucks, but not exactly knock your socks off fantastic. My coworkers were thoroughly impressed though and we have agreed to walk the extra half a block past Starbucks every morning and hit up Artigiano instead. Nice because you can still walk inside and there was hardly a line (so far). In the afternoon I went back for a tall latte and really enjoyed it. Definitely agree with the comments about the staff still working out the kinks. I'm sure that they will come around.

[mersar]

Figured I'd see if anyone happens to know where in the city one can find licorice root. I've had a few people suggest that some asian grocery stores may carry it (I am planning on checking T&T next time I'm over there), but if anyone happens to know it would be appreciated.

[McPaul]

where's a good place to get a good haircut in Calgary?

I've been going to Great Clips Southland for far too long.

Suggestions? Thanks.

[Innersoul1]

Originally Posted by McPaul

where's a good place to get a good haircut in Calgary?

I've been going to Great Clips Southland for far too long.

Suggestions? Thanks.

How much are you willing to spend and where are you located....I am a hair guru! LOL

[McPaul]

perhaps up to $30?

$40 is pushing it, but acceptable.

I'm in Braeside, and take transit.

I don't really know what to do with my hair at the moment, and never really have. If they can make a suggestion it would be appreciated.

I normally just get it cut short with a spikey/messy look to it. Currently use American Crew Firm Hold Gel. Might try Fiber, or whatever is recommended.

Also, what is a good tip for the places you recommend?

Thanks Innersoul!!

[Innersoul1]

Mr. McPaul.

I am going to suggest that you check out the Aveda Academy Salon. It is a school so you will have a student cut your hair, but don't worry they are supervised by an instructor. Essentially, you will get a salon cut but won't pay the intense price. It is downtown so convenient transit wise.

225 8 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 1B7
(403) 264-5070

Roxx Hair Industries is right across the street from Chinook so easy access via LRT....next to the sleep country I believe. Not sure about prices so call to ask.

100 Macleod Trail Sw
Calgary AB, T2H 0K5
Phone: 403-252-1952

The key is that you can really go to any salon, BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOU ASK FOR A JUNIOR STYLIST. The more senior you go the more money you pay.

If you want to take a step above Great Clips, don't be shy to check out Chatters (there is a location in Chinook right near Sears). The cuts are good, inexpensive and there are good deals on hair product..


PS: Try the Crew Fiber....it is one of my fave products....just make sure that you rub it around lots in your hands to warm it up.

OK my wife now thinks that I have crossed a line.....let's just call it Metrosexual...

Good luck!

[Innersoul1]

Made it down to Caffe Artigiano yesterday after work! Nice place, really classy and miles better than Starbucks! The staff is really fantastic. They sure do know their stuff. The guy at the counter told us all about two types of beans.

So we bought a half pound of the

India Mysore Nuggets LOL hahaha
and
Organic Brazil Camocim Biodynamic

The Brazillian stuff was brilliant this morning!

[jeffwhit]

Originally Posted by Innersoul1

I am going to suggest that you check out the Aveda Academy Salon. It is a school so you will have a student cut your hair, but don't worry they are supervised by an instructor. Essentially, you will get a salon cut but won't pay the intense price. It is downtown so convenient transit wise.

What is the rate for a student cut at the Aveda Academy? I'm currently looking for a new stylist as mine has become too annoying.

[Innersoul1]

Originally Posted by jeffwhit

What is the rate for a student cut at the Aveda Academy? I'm currently looking for a new stylist as mine has become too annoying.

No clue mate...I would suggest giving them a quick jingle!

[McPaul]

according to their website, if you want a:

Haircut........ $30
Shampoo and Blowdry........ $30
and a style........$40

That's $100. quite a pricey haircut, but I'll give it a try. think they're open sundays and family day?

[Innersoul1]

Originally Posted by McPaul

according to their website, if you want a:

Haircut........ $30
Shampoo and Blowdry........ $30
and a style........$40

That's $100. quite a pricey haircut, but I'll give it a try. think they're open sundays and family day?

$30 for the haircut would include a shampoo and style.

All good salons will always wash your hair and massage your scalp prior to your cut. The style is always optional and you will nt be charged for it.

$30 for the shampoo and blowdry would be for the ladies....you would be shocked how many people have ONLY this done.

$40 for the style would be for a girl again if you wanted your hair donefor a wedding or grad etc.

Try calling before you go.

[McPaul]

awesome! Thanks again.

Next question: can you or anyone recommend a good gym in Calgary?

looking for a good place, but not a ton of people there.

and one that specializes in fat people.

[Jimby]

Originally Posted by McPaul

awesome! Thanks again.

Next question: can you or anyone recommend a good gym in Calgary?

looking for a good place, but not a ton of people there.

and one that specializes in fat people.

Get some good shoes and experience the real natural world along the extensive pathway system in Calgary instead of spending money on a membership to the artificial world of the gym.

[Wooster]

I once spent 2 hours getting "a trim" at the aveda acadamy in Toronto. The student clearly had never cut a man's hair. She didn't know simple things like cleaning up the neck line and the instructor had to constantly step in. That was the last time I did that - although I am sure that is not a typical experience.

[Zilla]

You used to be able to get a haircut at St. Francis High School... Man, what a wierd diversion from the thread topic...