Local Restaurant Thread - Page 18 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Regular_John · 08-02-2016, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

This place blew it so hard. They were insanely busy when they first opened, and actually pretty decent. Then they started pulling stunts like limited menus on event nights, and basically just trying to pump tables through as fast as they could.

Their quality went down, the burger fad provided a ton of competition, and lots of people like myself never returned after some terrible service experiences on event nights.

Yeah I remember when they first opened they were getting really good reviews, seemed like the service/quality took a quick dive after 2-3 months and somehow they puttered along for another... shoot has it been 5-6 years?

I only ate there twice, once before a flames game, it was just ok nothing to get excited about. And once on a random afternoon in the summer, the food was once again just "meh" but the service was appallingly bad.

OldDutch · 08-02-2016, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

I am looking for a restaurant in central Calgary for my wedding rehearsal dinner in November. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good restaurant with a private dining room/section? We will be a party of ~30.

Trying to keep the budget at $2000; $65/person kind of thing

Thank you.

La Chaumiere does private rooms. I would call them. We had our wedding there and it was surprisingly well priced for the quality of food. They are quite flexible as well. Worth a call at least.

corporatejay · 08-02-2016, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

I recall attending a rehearsal dinner here in a private room:

http://www.buchanans.ca/

[We take all sorts of reservations, from dinner and private functions to wedding events. Call our helpful staff at 403-261-4646]

You can also get a burger done Medium there since they grind their own meat in the back. deeeeelish.

Mr.Coffee · 08-02-2016, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Buchanan's has a private room.

I know the family really nice people.

Also good food.

yeah, definitely like the staff there, very friendly.

undercoverbrother · 08-03-2016, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corporatejay

You can also get a burger done Medium there since they grind their own meat in the back. deeeeelish.

Thank you, I should have mentioned this as well.

The burger there really is a thing of beauty.

Hack&Lube · 08-03-2016, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDutch

La Chaumiere does private rooms. I would call them. We had our wedding there and it was surprisingly well priced for the quality of food. They are quite flexible as well. Worth a call at least.

Their private room was decent and the service wasn't bad. A little 1980s feeling but it would be good for a pretty small reception.

Jimmy Stang · 08-03-2016, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

This place blew it so hard. They were insanely busy when they first opened, and actually pretty decent. Then they started pulling stunts like limited menus on event nights, and basically just trying to pump tables through as fast as they could.

Their quality went down, the burger fad provided a ton of competition, and lots of people like myself never returned after some terrible service experiences on event nights.

My wife and I sometimes park in that building's parkade when we go to Flames games, and were always going to try Loungeburger. One day. Based on your post, I don't feel so bad that we've missed our chance.

YYC in LAX · 08-04-2016, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

http://ldvpizzabar.com/

This would have been perfect, but unfortunately the manager say 25 people max. Thanks for the recommendation.

Cecil Terwilliger · 08-06-2016, 09:26 AM

Tried a couple of places for the first time in the last couple of days.

Catch at the Hyatt downtown. Food was good but not quite worth the price IMO. Service however was amazing. If I was to go back I think I'd stick to the Oyster Bar downstairs. Seemed like better value. I liked the food well enough. Crab cake was very moist and tasty. Swordfish was tender. Both the creme brule and the sorbet were excellent desserts. I just didn't feel like it was worth what I (should have) paid. I should qualify that though. The reason the service was so amazing was that the waiter comped us our desserts and coffee - for no reason that I can tell other than he's awesome - and that definitely helped the value I felt like I was getting. Despite being a bit overpriced I would still recommend.

Bolero I thought was pretty amazing. Bacon wrapped filet mignon. Rib eye. Sirloin. Salt and pepper, garlic and Parmesan etc etc.

My only complaint was that the sides were only ok and the lamb was tough, which I was looking forward to the most. But all of the beef skewers were extremely tasty. We had a large group and the service was great. With a flat cost of $45 and basically all you can eat, I thought it was well worth it. I have a meat hangover today though. It isn't pleasant.

CorsiHockeyLeague · 08-06-2016, 10:28 AM

Wait, he just gave you dessert, for free? Damn. Never heard of that before. I've had meals comped because they took too long or whatever, and certainly drinks, but always because of some restaurant screw up.

Cecil Terwilliger · 08-06-2016, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Wait, he just gave you dessert, for free? Damn. Never heard of that before. I've had meals comped because they took too long or whatever, and certainly drinks, but always because of some restaurant screw up.

It was my gf's bday, which I didn't mention to him but maybe he overheard us chatting. I thought it was a very nice gesture.

Regular_John · 08-06-2016, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Wait, he just gave you dessert, for free? Damn. Never heard of that before. I've had meals comped because they took too long or whatever, and certainly drinks, but always because of some restaurant screw up.

We had a waiter once comp us our drinks once for no reason at all at the one of the Fairmont Lake Louise restaurants.

Food was fine, service was great, when the bill came our drinks were missing. When I inquired he simply said "You were my first table of the night and I just like to treat couples occasionally"... or maybe he just forgot to ring in my highball and my wife's wine. Either way, I tipped well.

Cappy · 08-08-2016, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Wait, he just gave you dessert, for free? Damn. Never heard of that before. I've had meals comped because they took too long or whatever, and certainly drinks, but always because of some restaurant screw up.

I have had this happen more often now. Didn't know why until i realized that the GF and I were regulars. There are two places that we eat atleast once a week... I think restaurants appreciate that

troutman · 08-08-2016, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Wait, he just gave you dessert, for free? Damn. Never heard of that before.

This all reminds me of an SNL sketch where all the waiters try to make out with the man's wife.

Bigtime · 08-08-2016, 06:05 PM

Boxwood in Central Memorial Park is shutting down, they say a new concept there will open in September.

_Q_ · 08-10-2016, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Boxwood in Central Memorial Park is shutting down, they say a new concept there will open in September.

I never liked boxwood much so I can't say I'll miss it. I'm excited to see what goes in that location as it's a great spot.

VladtheImpaler · 08-11-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Wait, he just gave you dessert, for free? Damn. Never heard of that before. I've had meals comped because they took too long or whatever, and certainly drinks, but always because of some restaurant screw up.

We have received free dessert 2 or 3 times, and free ribs ("try this") at Safari because we go regularly.

Anyhow, tried Lake House (the old Lake Bonavista Inn) on the weekend - really enjoyed it. Had a window table, so the setting was nice, great service. They specialize in game meat, which is not something I look for normally, but the food was great. Price-wise, about $240 for 2, including a good bottle of wine and desserts. Would recommend as a "date" place.

OldDutch · 09-25-2016, 09:57 PM

Just got an email today Black Pig Bistro is shutting down Sept 30. Went a few years back and had a good meal. Then did lunch a few times there and it was just ok.

Another probable casualty of the recession. Always sorry to see choice get taken away, but that place was a prime candidate to get taken out. It was pricey, had some ok and some above average food, and was somewhat out of the way in Bridgeland.

I went to Carino Reserva last week and thank goodness that place is still a float. Toshi is a smart guy with great food, reasonable price, and great location in Mission. I hope places like this make it.

On the side how the eff is Char Bar still open?

troutman · 09-26-2016, 03:22 PM

Cilantro was very good on Friday, but avoid the lounge side if you can. The pizza oven is on that side, and it was like a blast furnace sitting near that thing.

As for places closing, I think it is partly due to the recession, but mainly the city is over-saturated with establishments.

undercoverbrother · 09-26-2016, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

Cilantro was very good on Friday, but avoid the lounge side if you can. The pizza oven is on that side, and it was like a blast furnace sitting near that thing.

As for places closing, I think it is partly due to the recession, but mainly the city is over-saturated with establishments.

Wait is Cilantro closing?