The Kensington Thread

[Otto-matic]

Originally Posted by troutman

My vote for best patio in Kensington is Molly Malones:

http://66.147.244.191/~mollyma6/malones/

Seems to be where all the local industry people hang out too.

I'd vote for the Oak Tree, granted its a small patio compared to Molly Malones.

I'm always a fan of the downtown skyline lit up by a summer sunset, coupled with a nice crisp oak tree lager in my hand. Pure Bliss.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

I'd vote for the Oak Tree, granted its a small patio compared to Molly Malones.

I'm always a fan of the downtown skyline lit up by a summer sunset, coupled with a nice crisp oak tree lager in my hand. Pure Bliss.

Yes great patio, but sometimes hard to get a table.

[rd_aaron]

Went to Niko's Bistro for the first time a couple weeks ago. Really liked it.

[troutman]

Have not tried it yet:

http://www.nikosbistro.ca/

[troutman]

Menyatai Japanese Noodle House
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Menya...755534?sk=info

[troutman]

Red Ember Japanese Cuisine

https://www.facebook.com/redembercal...=page_internal

[BlackArcher101]

I miss the original Stromboli Inn.

[CrispyGriz]

Originally Posted by troutman

So the waiters carry the food across the street?

They do their prep across the street and then bring it over in warmers before playing I believe. Wierd system.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by nik-

Also, I have no idea how Julio's Barrio has lasted that long there ... but there it is. Faux-mexicana'ing it up.

I still can't figure out how Julio's Barrio manages to stay afloat in one of the highest rent districts in Calgary. Kind of like Blue Nile... What a complete waste of one of Kensington's most visible spaces. I still remember when Red Robin was a big "destination" place in the 90s... hell I'd still take them. Hell, I'd even take a BP's here over them...

Just say no to anymore banks in Kensington.

The new condos and their ground floor retail have the potential to greately revitalize a stale retail scene in Kensington. Am curious to know why St Johns has taken so long to rent out it's spaces... I heard that they have changed hands a few times, but still - that's a lot of space just sitting there.

Oh, and the wings at the Beagle rule, even if they have spent less than $12 on repairs and maintenance to that place since who knows when....

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Oh, and the wings at the Beagle rule, even if they have spent less than $12 on repairs and maintenance to that place since who knows when....

My old man and I got deathly ill after eating wings there. Same thing happened to several of my hockey buddies a few weeks later.

That place should be sacked and razed.

[OldDutch]

My suggestions:

- Vendome when it reopens. It was excellent, and unfortunately became a victim of the hipster crowd and the line ups were unbearable. I would have to show up at 8AM sharp to have a shot at getting out in under 15 minutes. Hopefully the renos will speed up service and add more space.

- As troutman has mentioned Wine Bar is excellent for food. I have eaten there a few times and it is really good. Love open kitchens and sitting at the bar is a great show watching staff work, especially on a Saturday night.

- No mention of Sidewalk Citizen? I love it. Awesome bakery for both sweets, and for lunch. The pizza, sandwiches, and salads are healthy and very tasty.

- Song Han Vietnamese I like. It isn't earth shattering good, but very solid. Eat there once every few weeks. Way better than the downtown Vietnamese, and good Sarurday or Sunday lunch spot. Also a good patio in the summer.

- EL Carito Mexican is very good as Nik mentioned. Hit that up every few weeks.

- FATS was a mainstay for me and my buddies for years. Was supposed to try the rebrand but haven't been able to make it.

- I like the Ramen place. It is good for what it is a nearby lunch spot wih good food. My wife doesn't, but I think she is just biased to Carino.

- Delicious Thai is our go to for cheap Thai food. I think it is decent for what it is. Much better than some other places in Calgary.

- Vero Bistro and Lava Dining are in my mixed reviews category. I went once to both and had a bad experience, went again and had a good one. Really threw me, as I can and can't recommend it.

- Chef's Table is one of my favorites in Calgary. Get the Chef Tasting. I haven't been in a year, but the last time we went were were seriously impressed. It was excellent. I did go another time during a taste of Calgary and it sucked, so I strongly recommend going at a normal time and getting the Chef's Tasting.

- I will also chime in on Julios Barrio. Never been, but I drive by and it is empty most of the time. Hopefully something good goes in there in the future.

[Sheva #7]

any advise on where the best places in kensington in terms of picking up girls?

[psicodude]

Originally Posted by Sheva #7

any advise on where the best places in kensington in terms of picking up girls?

Crave Cupcakes.

[cracher]

So much win in posts 45 and 46. My office is in the area; hit both Menyatai and Red Ember multiple times a week. Red Ember, IMO, has taken the Calgary crown for sushi.

Edit:
PS. No mention of Flipping Burgers next to the bong store on 10th? Sometimes when you just want a bacon double....

[Bigtime]

Oh god yes Flippin Burgers. So good, but pricey.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by troutman

Menyatai Japanese Noodle House
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Menya...755534?sk=info

IMHO Menyatai didn't bring much to the table that Muku doesn't already. Much smaller portion sizes at Menyatai meant Muku takes the win in my books. I seem to recall they didn't have a proper Tonkotsu, though I could be wrong.

My biggest gripeabout Muku - for takeout they use lousy containers and the heat of the broth melts the lid. Gross. Haven't been there a while because of that, give my take out only needs lately.

Red Ember > Globefish but I'm keeping an eye on portion sizes as I think they've been shrinking from what they used to be. That's what ruined Globefish IMHO.

[East Coast Flame]

Spent a lot of time at Container Bar this summer. Great little spot for a drink on a nice day.

[Bigtime]

I still need to get to Container Bar, love that they've done the odd day open in the winter too.

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Red Ember > Globefish but I'm keeping an eye on portion sizes as I think they've been shrinking from what they used to be. That's what ruined Globefish IMHO.

The forced shutdown due to cockroach infestation is when I stopped going to Globefish. Never will go back. For the price they were charging (some of the priciest rolls in Calgary) I expect them to keep the cleanliness up.

I had Red Ember for the first time last night. It was excellent. The Toro was amazing, so were the rolls. Hadn't had fusion sushi in a while and it was great. So now I have Zypang for traditional and Ember for fusion. My two top sushi restaurants in Calgary are a few minutes drive away.

[troutman]

I'd also like to see threads started by locals for Bridgeland, Inglewood, 17th/Mission and Marda Loop. Good tips.