Charpop - Calgary

[TSAW]

Have other Chowhounders heard about Charpop? Calgary's first pop up restaurant. The mystery is killing me!! I want to go, but scared because they are releasing very little specifics. Any inside info out there, Chowfriends?

[cellophane_star]

Based on this menu, I'm glad I didn't try to go: http://swervecalgary.com/2012/01/16/c...

[NumberFive]

What's wrong with it? My impression is that the place would be something like a "Charcut to the extreme"... menu looks to be exactly that, no?

[cellophane_star]

Just a personal preference. Nothing wrong with the menu overall for those who like that sort of cuisine. I think charging $12 for those sides is a little high though.

[TSAW]

It looks pretty adventurous! I'm not crazy about ofal myself but I do like beef cheeks. What I see 'wrong' with it, is the price. Charcut doesn't even charge $38 for an entree or $12 for a dessert. Slightly pricey I'd say.

[Scary Bill]

"Slightly pricey I'd say"

And that is part of the appeal, for those who order from the right side of the menu.

[foodkarma]

I had moved to Edmonton 6 months ago but I'm in Calgary tomorrow night for business on Wednesday. Feeling pretty lucky it coincided with Charpop's dinner, I sat in front of the computer at 3:57 and clicked send right at 4pm and got seats.

I think the mystery and secrecy is part of the fun of a pop-up. The concept of a temporary dinner and space allows interesting collaborations and atypical ingredients because the chefs don't have to worry about providing the dishes regularly. Can appreciate it's not for everyone, especially those that like to know ahead of time what to expect. Since I eat pretty much everything and love Connie/John, and Aviv's foods, my friends and I think it'll be a fun evening.

Heard from some folks who went to last night's dinner and sounds like the foie and sweetbread dishes were great.

Will definitely try to post on the evening. Crossing my fingers that Charpop may come to Edmonton with a similar collaboration between Charcut and a couple Edmonton chefs.

[annabanana2000]

I found this on torontolife.com

Grant Van Gameren teams up with Top Chef Canada’s Connie DeSousa for Calgary pop-up

Grant Van Gameren, former chef and owner of The Black Hoof and currently the chef at Enoteca Sociale, has teamed up with Connie DeSousa, the second runner-up from season one of Top Chef Canada and co-executive chef and owner of Charcut, for what is apparently Calgary’s first pop-up restaurant, Charpop. The full-service restaurant will operate at a secret Cowtown location for three days only, from January 15 to 17, serving “an à-la-carte menu that promises to surprise and satiate with creative, memorable items,” according to John Jackson, Charcut’s other co-chef and owner. Menu items will include lardo-topped rabbit pie, bison heart steak and cinnamon buns baked in cast iron with spiced rum and raisin gelato. Aviv Fried, a Calgary baker who delivers his artisanal loaves by bicycle, is also involved. Reservations for the 60 bookings went on sale today, and a return flight to Calgary can be had for a mere $518 at the moment.

by Andrew D'CruzJanuary 5, 2012 at 4:30 pm
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[atomeyes]

yeah, you guys are lucky.
just hope you enjoy your offal. Grant has a love affair with offal.

[NumberFive]

I e-mailed in to get a reservation, as I thought it sounds like a great idea. I don't care what's on the menu, I go to eat good food, regardless what it is, and to be treated by talented chefs.

The pop-up restaurant seems like a different idea, but hey, it's giving me a reason/excuse to get out with my wife and some good friends of ours, which it seems in these days are few and far between.

I'll be sure to post how it is.

[TSAW]

Did you get a reservation? I requested one, 3 minutes after the window opened and didn't get in. Not terribly interested in being on a 'wait list'. Hopefully you're in. I would love to hear about it.

[NumberFive]

Don't appear to have got one either, as I also have no e-mail in my box. Somebody else will have to give us their thoughts on it if they got in.

[TSAW]

I managed to get a reservation. However I specifically requested an early seating and they gave me 9:30pm so I won't be able to attend. Hopefully someone else can update us!

[sidepockets]

I managed to get a reservation but am a little concerned as the "secret" website that is supposed to list details on location, menu, etc. still just says "COMING SOON" and our reservation is only 4 days away!

[miss.foodie]

The location has been posted on the "secret" website today. Also, they called this afternoon to confirm my reservation.

[Bananna85]

I think it's a great idea. It's something new and different and more of an experience than just dining out. The mystery of it all is half the fun.
I love Charcut and I love Aviv's stuff so I have no doubt that whatever menu they come up with will be stellar.

[piano boy]

It's interesting watching trends make their way to Calgary. Food trucks I understand and with the mild winter we've had so far they seem to be doing alright. Pop up restaurants? Meh... sorry, that one never resonated with me. Is it more about the event itself than the food? What if I like the food? Are they trying to promote the big restaurant by the buzz of the pop up? I'll pass, although I'm sure they'll have no problem filling seats.

[cellophane_star]

I'm always interested in hearing about and trying new restaurants in Calgary but the exclusivity and mystery behind this one seems really pretentious to me. There hasn't even been any info about what kind of FOOD will be served... isn't that why we go to restaurants to eat? I don't know... it just seems strange to me.

[TSAW]

the write up said '...from foie gras and sausage to beef tongue and brioche'. So I guess it gives you some idea. I am also making assumptions on the food based on the chefs' typical style . But I fear the unknown and being dissapointed. The whole concept is very strange really but it is peaking my interest for some reason.

[cellophane_star]

Sounds like it's probably going to be Charcut 2.0 really.
No mention of a price either (that I noticed)...

[Scary Bill]

Piqued my interest too.

But I won't be going to Charcut Junior.

The concept sort of reminds me of an auction, here today, frenzied bidding, gone tomorrow.

[vanderb]

This link appears to provide the details - http://charpop.com/about.html

Wish I was back in Calgary, could be fun.

[TSAW]

Thanks I read that. I was looking for info that might not be in the press release. Secret tid bits! I'm really curious where it will be. I guess I will have to be patient.