http://www.chow.com/boards/57 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:10 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/665506#5164566 I'll agree with "Chicken for Lunch." I was told Amy'll remember my name like she does my coworkers, but she forgot after the first time and just calls me "tall boy." Guess I'm the only 6'4" Asian guy that frequents. For lunch, get there before 11:30am. They cater primarily to the downtown office crowd, and she shuts down mid-afternoon. Italian - I like Picolinno's but my coworker swears by Allegro (I haven't been). Fish'n'chips - Brits on 104'th across from Oliver Square. There's one off Argyll Road as well, but the atmosphere at the former is a little better. Breakfast - Cora's just opene up here but we haven't tried it. For breakfast/brunch we like Culina. Poutine - have yet to find one. Mostly we just go to Alberta Kinga of Subs in Calgary for that. None of these are much "hidden" as many already know about them.. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:49:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665506#5164566 http://www.chow.com/topics/626884#5164488 change is good Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:23:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626884#5164488 http://www.chow.com/topics/442787#5164486 like the name Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:21:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/442787#5164486 http://www.chow.com/topics/567202#5164472 As far as the location, are you kidding? Firstly, this is still Calgary. Secondly, Palomino's literally next door to a police station*. Anyways, I hit Palomino on a fairly regular basis for weekday lunches. It gets busy, but the servers are actually quite good. The decor is one half try-hard, one half funky. The 'cue isn't competitive with the southern US, but I've found it respectable and consistent -- that said, these days I usually get the gargantuan cheesesteak, and in my few opportunities to get really good barbecue, the only accompaniment I need for with the meat is a fork. I second the garlic fries, as well. My summary is that I'll go there if I need barbecue, whereas when I need, say, Mexican, I just do without. * There's a trial period for a police office based out of the Centre Street LRT platform, the block over from Palomino. It's not just 9-to-5, either. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:55:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/567202#5164472 http://www.chow.com/topics/651222#5164454 Whenever I visit Vancouver from the SF Bay Area, I try to have a pancake at De Dutch. I don't know of any restaurants over here that serve these 12-inch diameter treats, especially the ones topped with apples and bacon and "stroop". . . http://www.dedutch.com/ As for dimsum, I haven't been to the places in Richmond, but I can tell you that the Sun Siu Wah and Kirin in town are better overall than anything I've tried in the SF Bay Area, in large part because of Vancouver's superior seafood. Enjoy Vancouver! I know I always do. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:38:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651222#5164454 http://www.chow.com/topics/424140#5164436 For unexpectedly good, fresh fish in large quantity and good prices, I can vouch for both Samurai Sushi on Davies (downtown) and Sushi California at Lougheed Mall (Coquitlam) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:22:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/424140#5164436 http://www.chow.com/topics/665510#5164405 Can anyone recommend where to go for organic produce and meat in Calgary? I have only been to Calgary Farmers Market and I am looking for other suggestions. If there is anything downtown that would be great, but I wouldn't mind a drive if it mean cheaper price and/or better products. Thanks! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:51:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665510#5164405 http://www.chow.com/topics/308053#5164388 quick list of my favorite spots in calgary: matador (NW), kinsington bob's (NW), Tom's (several locatoins), Gondola (my fav for nostalgic reasons - several locations), Sandro's (NE). used to recommend Il Centro but we were really underimpressed last time we had their pie. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:31:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/308053#5164388 http://www.chow.com/topics/664175#5164145 Cool thanks for the heads up. Got some tickets, tho the site was hard to navigate and I got errors like some of the other people. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:03:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664175#5164145 http://www.chow.com/topics/658938#5164094 Thanks for detailed report, alley. Glad you had a good time eating here. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:33:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658938#5164094 http://www.chow.com/topics/665275#5164093 So what's wrong with Retsina? People have been drinking/loving Retsina for at least 2,000 years now it must have something going for it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retsina Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:33:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665275#5164093 http://www.chow.com/topics/665464#5164091 Here is a recent thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/663136 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:33:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665464#5164091 http://www.chow.com/topics/661554#5164010 Just to let you know, we ended up having our group dinner at Jacqueline Suzanne's Bistro, http://www.jacquelinesuzannes.ca/, in Inglewood. They have a private loft space in the back, and rearranged it to give us one large table for 17. It is an older building so the loft ceiling is a little lower than normal, but after you're up there for a few minutes you don't even notice it. It's normally several square and round tables that seat up to 20, but the single large table worked well, and gave us a little room to stand and mingle with drinks before dinner. They allowed us to order off the menu, and the group covered a fairly wide range, including salads, escargot in a parmesan cream sauce, crab cakes, a neptune beef tenderloin with king crab, the daily special chicken breast, and several of the prime ribs, to name a few. The prime rib is served Friday and Saturday, and the 10 oz and 15 oz servings both seemed very generous. The entrees also all arrived together, so kudos to the kitchen staff. The day's dessert specials included several flavors of creme brulee and cheesecake, along with tiramasu and baked apples. The service was top notch (even with having to bound up and down the stairs) and the meal was a fantastic accompaniment to an evening of catching up with old friends and colleagues. I had looked at several other places, but they were much more stringent in their requirements (e.g. Saltlik downstairs required $1500 minimum, Vintage needed a $500 deposit and set menu). Ric's Grill was willing to let us order off the menu, but their private room holds up to 50, so we would have been sharing it with another group. If you have a group of similar size, I would certainly recommend Jacqueline Suzanne's. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:35:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661554#5164010 http://www.chow.com/topics/626589#5164005 '4 2 6 5-0 5-0 If you're hungry, call the Lydo, free delivery' Ha ha. I remember that radio ad like it was yesterday. No, they are long since closed. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:33:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626589#5164005 http://www.chow.com/topics/529027#5164003 The Cape Seed Loaf has great texture and is packed full of nuts and grains. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:32:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/529027#5164003 http://www.chow.com/topics/660299#5163863 el_lobo_solo - keep this up and you're going to make me go there! Sounds delicious today! Thanks for the update. P.S. You get to try the Olympic thing all over next Saturday - good luck!!! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:12:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660299#5163863 http://www.chow.com/topics/665165#5163801 Yeah, I guess I've been travelling so much in the past several months and eating at great places that I am kind of getting fed up with Edmonton. We don't really have many places that you just want to hang out in, like Vancouver (Fuel or the izakayas), Toronto (too many to name), London (St John, Maze, Harwood Arms, Fox and Anchor...) even Bison in Banff...cool places and have great food too. Skinny Legs...forgot about it, maybe because it is very inconsistent in terms of both food and service. Definitely a unique experience, but then again so is having your wisdom teeth pulled and I'm not sure I would recommend either. Wild Tangerine I should try, but I was so underwhelmed with their old restaurant, Polos - maybe the only place in town more over-rated than Jacks - that I can't bring myself to do it. I guess the Culinas are probably the closest thing the OP would be looking for. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:30:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665165#5163801 http://www.chow.com/topics/665423#5163565 I only want the best Japanese Chinese (authentic) Indian Italian Greek And any other fabulous recommendations for restaurants. Please no chains (joeys, Cactus, Earls) Thank you! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:14:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665423#5163565 http://www.chow.com/topics/662401#5163388 Thank you, AriaDream! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:30:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662401#5163388 http://www.chow.com/topics/665264#5163218 I second Salade des Fruits-we had a family dinner there over a month ago and it was so delicious. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:34:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665264#5163218 http://www.chow.com/topics/664832#5162793 I don't know if they do private functions, but Medina at Pender and Beatty might be what you're looking for. Check 'em out. Chances are they'll know someone who can help if they can't. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:35:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664832#5162793 http://www.chow.com/topics/541702#5162791 Better late than never, but since Paul Ho sold off Gin Kaku, the only other place I think hits it out of the park in terms of value is Sake Make on the Drive. Not the cheapest, but far from dear. A reliable performer, good variety, always great food. I've even seen chefs from the high end fine dining-type restaurants dining there. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:32:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/541702#5162791 http://www.chow.com/topics/658427#5162660 there is one in Lethbridge and soon to be one in Medicine Hat Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:55:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658427#5162660 http://www.chow.com/topics/663814#5162638 Thanks! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:38:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663814#5162638 http://www.chow.com/topics/664781#5162629 Welcome to Calgary! Partner and I moved here from TO in 2000 and I love to help folks settle. You really have to try River Cafe- it's rustic but fine (and at the same time urban- you have to visit to see what I mean) and the food is delightful. They are magicians with seafood there. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:32:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664781#5162629 http://www.chow.com/topics/665222#5162598 marcopolo > have you been to southern spice for dosa yet??? mmm it is wonderfule and not to far from anapurna.. AND they have DOSA TUESDAY's! which is a great deal! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:59:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665222#5162598 http://www.chow.com/topics/665306#5162406 I remember seeing a sign advertising tarot card reading at Steeps on 104ave & 124st. It was a while ago, but it might be worth a phone call. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:47:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665306#5162406 http://www.chow.com/topics/664958#5162131 No, although I did run into him at the Highwood Thursday lunch buffet at SAIT. He was talking to the SAIT culinary students while having lunch there - he seemed pretty nice - and tall! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:15:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664958#5162131 http://www.chow.com/topics/643362#5161843 Fresh is good, but they do not switch it up ever. Always baked shicken, curry chicken, mac & cheese, etc... i use to go there a couple of times a week, now maybe once every two months. we have contacted Paul, the owner about it, and he keeps saying they are in the process of coming up with new stuff, yet, same old... Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:47:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/643362#5161843 http://www.chow.com/topics/664726#5161600 For anyone trying to look up info the full name and contact info is: La Cochinchine 130 - 3220 17 Avenue Sw, Calgary, AB T3E 0B3 (403) 452-9696 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:31:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664726#5161600 http://www.chow.com/topics/664574#5161379 I second Marias on 4th Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:22:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664574#5161379 http://www.chow.com/topics/660982#5161119 Had a coffee and a breakfast croissant there the other day. Both were very good. I'd like to try the pannis but I suspect the service would be fairly slow, since it took a while for the croissants and those were ready-made just reheated. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:04:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660982#5161119 http://www.chow.com/topics/645818#5161071 Yes, I used to go to Emilies alot in the late 90's. The quality is far superior to the Bon's's of the world. They do a perfect poached egg and the bacon is better quality and super tasty. It might be a few dollars more, but it's worth it. I went to Bon's when back on Brdwy and lots of times on Nanaimo, another place is the Nice Cafe on 8th ave. just West of Main. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:51:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/645818#5161071 http://www.chow.com/topics/664858#5160859 I haven't been to the Water Street Cafe in a very long time - maybe 10 years now. I have not been to Rhizome. I had a look at their menu - it looks more like a soup and sandwich place than a dinner destination. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:36:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664858#5160859 http://www.chow.com/topics/643303#5160160 If you're looking just to have a can or two with a nice smoked meat sandwich and an order of poutine, Alberta King of Subs has Cotts Black Chery Soda as well as Birch Beer, if I remember correctly. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:13:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/643303#5160160 http://www.chow.com/topics/356476#5159907 Whistler: - Definitely Wildwood Vancouver: - Joe's Grill: my fav Eggs Florentine - Dim sum at Garden City Hot Pot or a few of the Shanghai restaurants in Richmond Calgary: - Diner Deluxe - love the lemon curd fried oatmeal - The Coup Edmonton: - Culina's - Blue Plate Diner Winnipeg: - Stella's Montreal: - L'Avenue - mmmmmm the juicy omelettes and the carmelized banana crepes with vanilla creme anglaise. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:51:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/356476#5159907 http://www.chow.com/topics/659188#5159884 Sorry - that was a reply to Phoenikia... it just showed as below your response. I've tried a ton of sushi places in Calgary - I've searched far and wide for good sushi since moving here 7 yrs ago... looking for great value. I tried Zipang, Wa's, Misato, Misai, Yuzuki (now closed), Sushi Ichiban, Shibuya, Shikiji, Shibuya, Globefish, and most recently El's. I have to say for quality my top rankings were: Wa's, El's, Misato, and Shibuya... for value I'd put El's and Shibuya at the top. I'd rank Globefish, Zipang, Shikiji next... However, I'd rank Wasabi's or Izakaya in Winnipeg in the same ranking as El's. So please tell me what I'm missing in Calgary, which btw is not my hometown. I am hoping there is some place I haven't tried that is fresh, well crafted, great value (I don't agree with paying $5 for one piece salmon nigiri)... because none of the restaurants I've tried compare to Samurai, Sushi Garden, or Blue Water Cafe in my hometown of Vancouver. I also recognize thought that this is for MY taste and other tastes may differ. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:36:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659188#5159884 http://www.chow.com/topics/664631#5159657 You can definitely buy it in the bulk section at Superstore. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:49:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664631#5159657 http://www.chow.com/topics/665022#5159256 It's over here now: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/662407 Moderators - please leave a pointer when you move threads to a different forum. Lock it if you wish. I found it in the "Chains" section...which is an odd place to put it, quite frankly. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:02:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665022#5159256 http://www.chow.com/topics/664124#5159020 IMHO I think JW & WR liked the draw of customers that the market provided for them...without any advertising costs on their end. Who could blame them...I would do the same thing. We have to be careful not to disparage CL too much. Everyone knew going in 5 years ago that 5 years was it. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:44:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664124#5159020 http://www.chow.com/topics/662559#5158956 i agree with hclass, make horseradish by yourself. Add some white vinegar and sugar after you grated it with a food processor with the grater. Beware, don't sniff it! Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:26:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662559#5158956 http://www.chow.com/topics/664442#5158852 Since the post has ventured outside of Vancouver, here's a one in Burnaby. I believe it's called The Heights Meat Store on Hastings, same block as Tom Yum. I've been there a couple of times but one of my friends go there all the time. Their tenderloin and ribeye is extremely fresh. One time I purchased the ribeye and was worried because it was so lean but the flavours were nice and surprisingly tender. Pricing is also good. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:50:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664442#5158852 http://www.chow.com/topics/664445#5158121 Thanks-I got some recs to go to La Brasserie from ch's so that will be the next date night. I am going to try pourhouse (attempt to get in for dinner no reservations taken) this Saturday for a girls night (followed by Society in yaletown for drinks) so will report back on my experience.... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:18:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664445#5158121 http://www.chow.com/topics/662817#5157838 This topic has a duplicate in progress, here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/662818#5135790 Please post further suggestions there. We'll be locking this one. Thanks very much Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:40:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662817#5157838 http://www.chow.com/topics/662714#5157263 The Eatery is a relaxed place. Some Kinda Pasta on 10th Ave is a good place as well. You could walk around Jericho Beach as well. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:59:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662714#5157263 http://www.chow.com/topics/662818#5157257 Here are a few good places to eat for dinner or late night chow: 1. Jang Mo Jib (Korean)- Robson (Best go with a large crowd, and maybe someone who is Korean, because these are authentic dishes, and some of them may not sound appetizing at first glance. 2. Tropika-Robson 3. Banana Leaf- Broadway/ Denman 4. Trattoria- W. 4th Ave 5. The Red Door- Granville (The Shaking Beef and the Pineapple Fried Rice are amazing) 6. The Eatery- W. Broadway 7. Sophie's Cosmic Cafe-W 4th (Breakfast/Brunch) 8. Cafe Zen- Breakfast (The most choices of Eggs Benedict I have ever seen on a menu) 9. Noodle Box- W. 4th Ave 10. Ebisu - Downtown 11. Some Kinda Pasta- W. 10th 12. Memphis Blues BBQ (Go with 2 or 3 ppl and get the Memphis Feast.) 13. Any of the Glowbal Group Restaurants 14. Gyoza King -Robson (Ebi Mayo and Gyu Yukke are a must) 15. Vera's Burger - (daily specials during the week) 16. Belgium Fries - Commercial Drive 17. Don Guacomole - Robson St. 18. Samurai Sushi- Oak St. (Tiny joint near Oakridge Centre. Tiny joint serving cheap, HUGE portions) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:49:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662818#5157257 http://www.chow.com/topics/636583#5157248 I second Wheelhouse for fish. Excellent quality. You can also pick up meats and cheeses there too (limited selection) Rio Friendly is average - but the selection / value there is great. Plus they have eggs, cheese etc. Its handy. I agree that the butchering at Donalds is lousy and worth avoiding, though I've found the previously frozen salmon fillets are actually quite good. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:28:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/636583#5157248 http://www.chow.com/topics/613948#5156917 You can get pickerel and smoked goldeye right in Wpg at Gimli Fish Market. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:55:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/613948#5156917 http://www.chow.com/topics/664809#5156784 As this thread is not specifically about foods or restaurants in Western Canada, and doesn't assist people in finding good chow regionally, it has been moved to General Topics. You can find it here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/664701 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:58:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664809#5156784