Local Restaurant Thread

[CliffFletcher]

Fleur de Sel is a long-time favourite of mine. My wife and I have been going there for over 15 years. It's not the trendiest place, but it has a small menu of excellent dishes that it prepares consistently well. Service is always great.

We went to Cleaver on the weekend and it's pretty much the opposite. Everything is a gimmick. From the dozens of elaborate and bizarre cocktails to the overpriced and cutesy dishes trying to latch on to every culinary trend. The place has a nice buzz and energy, but when I'm splashing out for a dinner these days it's about the food, not the hip vibe.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I actually really like the Cleaver cocktails precisely because they're so off the wall. It's different from every other place that does cocktails, which is essentially all about authenticity or sophistication. It's kind of nice that someone's having a bit more fun with it. Obviously I'll take Proof over anywhere, but variety's good to have.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I actually really like the Cleaver cocktails precisely because they're so off the wall. It's different from every other place that does cocktails, which is essentially all about authenticity or sophistication. It's kind of nice that someone's having a bit more fun with it. .

We sat at the bar, so we were in the thick of the action. The bartenders are incredible. Pulling out blowtorches, whipping egg yolk, carefully placing cotton-candy on martini glasses. The owner and other staff were tasting new concoctions, taking pictures, and sending them off. Everyone was dialed in. It was pretty cool to watch.

But we found the food overpriced and not that great. $8 for a couple rolls and splash of chicken drippings. $17 for two small lamb-chop popsicles. $12 for two tablespoons of marrow. The tempura kale was probably the best dish, but it was mostly tempura. And for a hipster bar, their selection of beer was woeful. I'd go back for a cocktail or two. Wouldn't go back for dinner again.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Yeah, I've never been much of a fan of the food there. Fortunately we had a work event there right after it opened up, so I got to taste a little bit of most of the menu and find the few things that are decent. The salads are pretty good, the chicken flatbread is good, the tempura kale isn't bad. Those are the only things I found worthwhile. But of the maybe ten times I've been, eight were just for drinks.

[Cappy]

The #### and bull are good dishes.

Plus their salted caramel fondue is awesome.

[Komskies]

Where would be the best place in the south to get some good bibimbap?

[snootchiebootchies]

Originally Posted by Komskies

Where would be the best place in the south to get some good bibimbap?

I'd recommend Seoul on MacLeod Trail.

[csnarpy]

Originally Posted by Komskies

Where would be the best place in the south to get some good bibimbap?

I like it at Ogam on McLeod, they have some good variations as well.

Also, some of the best fried chicken in the city.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Cappy

The #### and bull are good dishes.

What are you eating?

[VladtheImpaler]

Went to Workshop Friday night. 4 of us, so got to try a bunch of stuff, and it was all fantastic! I especially applaud their ability to work pork fat/bacon into almost every dish. Plus we got to bring our own wine! Just a great time - will return ASAP.

[tete]

INTI has closed. I never had much of a chance to go there and eat, but my husband went there fairly often.

[troutman]

Lotus on 19 St NW (replaced the Blue House) is very good, and should do very well based on take-out alone. Liquor licence should be obtained any day. Daily lunch buffet is only $13.

http://www.lotusindianrestaurant.ca/

[Weitz]

How fancy is Ruths Chris? Have a reservation there tomorrow but have an activity after that requires comfy clothes..

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Weitz

How fancy is Ruths Chris? Have a reservation there tomorrow but have an activity after that requires comfy clothes..

Sweat Pants are a no go, unless worn with dress shoes.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Sweat Pants are a no go, unless worn with dress shoes.

Hilarious.

But seriously, jeans and a T shirt? Will I get turned away? Would any Calgary restaurant turn you away for that? Haha.

[troutman]

calgary@ruthschris.com

[Inglewood Jack]

Originally Posted by Weitz

Hilarious.

But seriously, jeans and a T shirt? Will I get turned away? Would any Calgary restaurant turn you away for that? Haha.

no restaurant in Calgary will turn you away as long as you have a top and bottom. almost every time I've eaten at a fancy place, there's always at least one dude slumming it, often with a ball cap as the finishing touch. unless your fellow diners are unusually fussy, nobody will care.

it all comes down to a matter of your own pride and self-image. If I'm dressed awesome and I see you in your t-shirt, I'll think myself vastly superior to you (even more so), but I'll keep the thought to myself, so if you're ok with that then you're all good.

[troutman]

20 Calgary Restaurants With Half Price Wine Deals

http://www.avenuecalgary.com/Restaur...gH1pM.facebook

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack

no restaurant in Calgary will turn you away as long as you have a top and bottom. almost every time I've eaten at a fancy place, there's always at least one dude slumming it, often with a ball cap as the finishing touch. unless your fellow diners are unusually fussy, nobody will care.

it all comes down to a matter of your own pride and self-image. If I'm dressed awesome and I see you in your t-shirt, I'll think myself vastly superior to you (even more so), but I'll keep the thought to myself, so if you're ok with that then you're all good.

Yah I feel the same. I am just taking the GF skating at Olympic plaza after dinner, so need to wear jeans and a more comfortable shirt than usual for a nice dinner.

[troutman]