Local Restaurant Thread

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Voodooman

Everytime someone mentions A5, this article comes to my mind...
https://thetakeout.com/drew-magary-r...eak-1827996474

I haven't gone down the A5 road yet, but the Brant Lake Wagyu at Modern is very, very good. Tomahawk for the win...also done them at home a couple of times through tempering (cook in oven at low temp first, then sear on grill)

You can also buy some A5 from Great Meats, and recreate what Drew did...only $155 for a 16oz piece of A5.

I've done the same with the Wagyu that shows up at Costco occasionally. Been on the fence getting the good stuff (A5) from costco, but it looks like the Great Meats might be a good option.

[Mccree]

Originally Posted by you&me

Weird. I had checked OpenTable and it showed nothing... Looking again now, shows nothing on the 3rd, or any other date prior to closing
I'll try calling.

I must have a broken OpenTable...

In any case, thank you for the heads-up!

nvm

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by Robbob

I've done the same with the Wagyu that shows up at Costco occasionally. Been on the fence getting the good stuff (A5) from costco, but it looks like the Great Meats might be a good option.

Just ordered some striploin from Costco thanks for the link.

I had A5 (may have been higher?) in Vegas and it was only a few bites. Can’t say I remember it. At several hundred for 8 servings its like 2 family dinners and actually kinda not bad if its that good

Edit: I see A5 is tops. So must have had that

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by Robbob

A couple weeks ago I was looking at OneTable for a reservation and there was something maybe a couple weeks out for after work, but I didn't book it. By time I looked back the next day those times were all gone and the open slots were in September. So booked something, but it is a ways off. Looking forward to it.

Also I was in Modern Steak on Stephan Ave I think a month ago, and they also have A5 now. It also has me intrigued.

I had a reservation but had to cancel, and there was nothing for weeks.

New restaurant with a new gimmick ("sky" bar) and loosening restrictions have people rushing over for sure.

[InglewoodFan]

Originally Posted by NuclearFart

Anybody try out Major Tom yet? Genuine A5 has my attention...

My wife and I took the oldest son for his 21st birthday. He and I both had the A5 6 oz. Very rich, cooked to medium rare as the recommendation. My first time trying it, happy I did but not sure if I would get it again.

Overall, this is my favorite restaurant in Calgary right now. Experience was excellent - beautiful room, amazing views, music was just right, service was top notch without being snooty. Compared to Rouge for example, I felt a lot more comfortable and at ease but still felt like I was out for a special night. We each ordered a cocktail, my tom collins was bang on. Hors d'oeuvres were tasty bites to enjoy with the cocktails. My wife had the duck main, super juicy and lots of flavorful bits on the plate. For sides we had the potato puree and the mushrooms. Those may have been the best mushrooms I've ever eaten. And we split the tea mousse desert, which was a nice light way to finish. Oh, and the wine list had a lot of interesting bottles.

All in all, a fantastic evening out. I look at as my dining out budget has changed, we never go anywhere so why not really splash out every so often. I can easily see going back with the wife for date night and having a nice $2-300 evening. There were tons of things on the menu I want to try (word is the cheese toast is crazy good), the vibe is nice, and we never felt rushed.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by InglewoodFan

My wife and I took the oldest son for his 21st birthday. He and I both had the A5 6 oz. Very rich, cooked to medium rare as the recommendation. My first time trying it, happy I did but not sure if I would get it again.

Overall, this is my favorite restaurant in Calgary right now. Experience was excellent - beautiful room, amazing views, music was just right, service was top notch without being snooty. Compared to Rouge for example, I felt a lot more comfortable and at ease but still felt like I was out for a special night. We each ordered a cocktail, my tom collins was bang on. Hors d'oeuvres were tasty bites to enjoy with the cocktails. My wife had the duck main, super juicy and lots of flavorful bits on the plate. For sides we had the potato puree and the mushrooms. Those may have been the best mushrooms I've ever eaten. And we split the tea mousse desert, which was a nice light way to finish. Oh, and the wine list had a lot of interesting bottles.

All in all, a fantastic evening out. I look at as my dining out budget has changed, we never go anywhere so why not really splash out every so often. I can easily see going back with the wife for date night and having a nice $2-300 evening. There were tons of things on the menu I want to try (word is the cheese toast is crazy good), the vibe is nice, and we never felt rushed.

I was at Major Toms but only went for the Duck and Chicken. Held open the door for a guy coming into the building and he ended up buying drinks for our table. Very nice and and welcoming, no snootiness at all. I was with 2 visitors from Vancouver dressed in Nike casual clothing and we had excellent service.

Was thanked on the way out by someone who looked like a manager or owner. I think they are grateful for the business after having their opening shut down for almost an entire year of Covid.

How was the A5 served/presented? I recall it was $200-$250?

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Voodooman

Everytime someone mentions A5, this article comes to my mind...
https://thetakeout.com/drew-magary-r...eak-1827996474

I haven't gone down the A5 road yet, but the Brant Lake Wagyu at Modern is very, very good. Tomahawk for the win...also done them at home a couple of times through tempering (cook in oven at low temp first, then sear on grill)

You can also buy some A5 from Great Meats, and recreate what Drew did...only $155 for a 16oz piece of A5.

Never order the big platter from Modern Steak as it's too much beef of varying sizes and thickness and quality and they can't manage to cook everything to the right consistency. It was extremely disappointing. Some things were overcooked and some things were raw. We tried it as we had a larger group and we were all very very disappointed and I haven't been back to Modern Steak since.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Looking for some suggestions for some cravings I've been having lately.

I REALLY miss Holy Smoke that was off of Blackfoot. The place did really go downhill near the end but man, when it was good it was really good. Handy too as it was near my office on Macleod. Anything in a similar vein?

Italian.....I've tried a couple places near my house in Braeside but nothing really cutting it. I loved Bon Giorno on 17th but think it's slipped a bit since changing owners a few years back. It's good but hoping to find something a bit closer to home.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

I REALLY miss Holy Smoke that was off of Blackfoot. The place did really go downhill near the end but man, when it was good it was really good. Handy too as it was near my office on Macleod. Anything in a similar vein?

What about Prairie Dog Brewing, they also do BBQ. My buddy raves about it, I haven't tried it yet so can't vouch.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Solid suggestion! Driven past a few times but haven't been in. Just looked at their online menu, looks promising.

[Insufficient Funds]

What about Jane Bond BBQ? They opened around the same time Holy Smoke closed I think. I haven't tried them yet, but similar location and cuisine so maybe worth a try.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Looking for some suggestions for some cravings I've been having lately.

I REALLY miss Holy Smoke that was off of Blackfoot. The place did really go downhill near the end but man, when it was good it was really good. Handy too as it was near my office on Macleod. Anything in a similar vein?

Italian.....I've tried a couple places near my house in Braeside but nothing really cutting it. I loved Bon Giorno on 17th but think it's slipped a bit since changing owners a few years back. It's good but hoping to find something a bit closer to home.

I really miss all the sauces you could use at Holy Smoke. Do any other BBQ joints have that kind of sauce selection? I think they over expanded and it killed them - IE the 16th ave location.

[darockwilder]

I had Holy Smoke cater my wife's 40th birthday party a while ago. It was pretty great, and a wide variety of stuff. I didn't realize they had closed, I used to work down near there but never am in the area anymore. That's too bad, but if was going downhill anyway I guess that's what can happen.

[InglewoodFan]

A buddy of mine was an investor in Holy Smoke, I don't know all the details of it going belly up but it is super disappointing. I will say the Manchester location was pretty poor last time I stopped in before COVID.

Jane Bond - solid brisket, a bit dry but the collagen is fully broken down and it has a nice chew to it. The bark is decent. I don't recall the sauce situation but I think they had a few.

Paddy's is surprisingly good, I am really liking what they are doing with their barbecue.

Prairie Dog - decent but I may be biased as my kid works there.

Tool Shed Brewery has their BBQ trailer out front, it's the old Holy Smoke trailer. Their ribs are absolutely deadly. Top notch flavour and super fall off the bone. Some folks like a little pull on their ribs, and I get that. But these are really nice. The owner of Tool Shed has a competitive BBQ team (Notorious P.I.G.) and he is taking it super seriously.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I really miss all the sauces you could use at Holy Smoke.

Agreed, they were awesome. JD Whisky was my go to. Dump that on your sandwich along with some cornbread. Hell of a lunch.

I had Holy Smoke cater my wife's 40th birthday party a while ago.

Did the same thing for my FIL a few years back. TONS Of buns and pulled pork left over that we brought home, we had awesome leftovers for a week or so. Was a good week.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Looking for some suggestions for some cravings I've been having lately.

I REALLY miss Holy Smoke that was off of Blackfoot. The place did really go downhill near the end but man, when it was good it was really good. Handy too as it was near my office on Macleod. Anything in a similar vein?

Italian.....I've tried a couple places near my house in Braeside but nothing really cutting it. I loved Bon Giorno on 17th but think it's slipped a bit since changing owners a few years back. It's good but hoping to find something a bit closer to home.

Haven't been for a bit, but I thought Hayden Block was really good BBQ (texas style). Never made it Comery Block, I assume the same group (Tennessee style). I recall someone saying they are opening a third location in the mission that will be carolina style. Also have heard good things about Jane Bond BBQ

For Italian, I don't know if it is open, but it was mentioned in this thread that the group that own Purileau in Oakridge were taking over that Italian place by the old point and feather.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Looking for some suggestions for some cravings I've been having lately.

I REALLY miss Holy Smoke that was off of Blackfoot. The place did really go downhill near the end but man, when it was good it was really good. Handy too as it was near my office on Macleod. Anything in a similar vein?

Italian.....I've tried a couple places near my house in Braeside but nothing really cutting it. I loved Bon Giorno on 17th but think it's slipped a bit since changing owners a few years back. It's good but hoping to find something a bit closer to home.

Since you are in Braeside... we are all eagerly anticipating the much-delayed re-opening of Involtini with Purlieu ownership. Should have some good Italian soon(ish) I hope.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by InglewoodFan

A buddy of mine was an investor in Holy Smoke, I don't know all the details of it going belly up but it is super disappointing. I will say the Manchester location was pretty poor last time I stopped in before COVID.

Jane Bond - solid brisket, a bit dry but the collagen is fully broken down and it has a nice chew to it. The bark is decent. I don't recall the sauce situation but I think they had a few.

Paddy's is surprisingly good, I am really liking what they are doing with their barbecue.

Prairie Dog - decent but I may be biased as my kid works there.

Tool Shed Brewery has their BBQ trailer out front, it's the old Holy Smoke trailer. Their ribs are absolutely deadly. Top notch flavour and super fall off the bone. Some folks like a little pull on their ribs, and I get that. But these are really nice. The owner of Tool Shed has a competitive BBQ team (Notorious P.I.G.) and he is taking it super seriously.

Interesting. I haven't been back in a long time to Paddys because the BBQ was really Meh and the beers weren't great either. May have to give it another shot.

[you&me]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Haven't been for a bit, but I thought Hayden Block was really good BBQ (texas style). Never made it Comery Block, I assume the same group (Tennessee style). I recall someone saying they are opening a third location in the mission that will be carolina style. Also have heard good things about Jane Bond BBQ
.

I didn't realize each location was a different BBQ style. Cool!

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Solid suggestion! Driven past a few times but haven't been in. Just looked at their online menu, looks promising.

I look forward to a review