Back to Calgary

[mickeyj]

I lived in Calgary about 5 years ago and am heading back for the first time since then to visit some friends for a week. I'd like to try the spots that chowhounders love -- if you could pick just 3 of your current fave restaurants, what would you pick?

[aktivistin]

Seconding ByeByeBaby's vote for the Rose Garden Thai Restaurant.
Adding:
Bow Bulgogi House
Galaxie Diner/Belmont Diner (sister diners; all-day breakfast and lunch)

[John Manzo]

not exactly all-day- both diners close at 4.

Look for a new project from the Belmont people soon- the space that is currently Marda Scoop will be transformed into something Calgary really needs- a really goood burger place that's neither a chain nor a drive-in. Think Vera's in Vancouver or the late lamented Fatso's in Toronto.

[aktivistin]

Thanks for the tip, John. I'm definitely looking forward to this burger joint. Hopefully it'll be open past 4!

[ByeByeBaby]

Tazza
Marathon
Rose Garden

[mickeyj]

Everyone -- thanks so much for your posts!! This is great. I will pick some and report back.

[eco987]

Aida's
Boca Locca
shikiji (for ramen only)
Peter's Drive Thru
Siding Cafe

[cosyigloo]

Velvet
Divino
River Cafe

[yen]

I've never even heard of velvet. Where is it and what do they serve?

[newJJD]

Velvet at the Grand 608 1st ST SW

Check it out for
http://www.crmr.com/velvet/index.php

Same owner as Cilantro, Ranche and Divino

I'd classify the food as "The Ranche meets Muse/Rouge"

Elk, Bison, Duck everywhere on the menu, but done in more contemporary ways.

A great meal, I did have. Went for the Game Trio appy and the Glazed Duck w/Truffle Risotto. Good wine list. Price high, but similar to places of like quality. I intend to return to see if they can crack my top 10 restos.

[yen]

Wow, you weren't kidding that it's pricey. Interesting menu... but ala carte!? That'll ring you up a few $$$.

Look forward to hearing about your subsequent visit. Greatness is achieved through repeatability!

[Gobstopper]

Divino
Mango Shiva
River Cafe

[John Manzo]

and at the very low end for Yen...

Matsarang House (CHEAP but delicious Korean in the Tarjan Point condos)
Shawarma King (not dirt cheap but huuuuuuuuge portions)
Banh Mi Thi Thi (best Viet subs in Canada, gotta say)

[yen]

John,

I will never understand your fascination with Shawarma King, other than they are open until 4am. I find their food to be barely passable... but one man's trash... :)

[John Manzo]

Hey- gobstopper likes Mango Shiva, pick on him! :)

I like the garlic mayo at the King, and the fact that they make their own turnip pickles- in fact they were one of the first places in Calgary that I found with turnip pickles. Plus the owner looks like Mr Slate from the Flinstones, and Mr Slate has been a cartoon fetish for me from way back.

[yen]

Wow, definitely starting at the higher end thus far :)

Tazza
Bow Bulgogi (for lunch)
Rouge

[John Manzo]

Tiffin's Curry and Roti House (Ismaili-style Indian w/ fresh rotis)
Centini (Convo Centre Italian)
Han's (Taiwanese by way of Malaysia in a tiny Chinatown resto)

[newJJD]

Rouge
Muse
St Germain / Raw Bar (Both in the new Hotel Arts)

[Hart50]

Capo
The Belevedere
Rouge