Calgary Dining

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Draug

Never heard of it... I've been to most places in this thread though.

What is the Steak Pit like?

Not half as good as it used to be. I mean, the tree growing through the roof is nice but I think there is a reason it is pretty dark in there.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

Infusion in Bragg Creek is a solid choice as well...good anniversary/date atmosphere.

This is an excellent place to go and very reasonable. If you are heading out to Bragg Creek, you can also try the restaurant directly north across the street of Infusion, Madrina's Ristorante.

http://madrinasristorante.com/

[SeeGeeWhy]

For those who enjoy the Rouge in Inlgewood, I recommend The Ranche in Fish Creek Park (off of Bow Bottom Trail).

Same style of decor and food but the space is a little more open and you are in the park which makes for a nice romantic walk afterwards. The "downside" is that it isn't as easy to change locations for drinks or dessert afterwards (as you would be able to in Inglewood) but I enjoy the ambience more.

Depending on the time and weather, it is excellent to experience indoors or outdoors.

http://www.crmr.com/theranche/

Haven't been to Alloy or Capo but have been wanting to pretty badly.

There is a Morrocan restaurant in the basement of a building on 11th Ave SW called "Casbah Restaurant". The pace is VERY relaxed. Expect to take your time here and ENJOY your food and company. Request a table at one of the posh cushioned booths - very opulent and comfortable. The food is delicious and is supposed to be eaten with the hands which sounds kind of backwards at first but makes for a very sensual dining experience. I went here with some friends a while back and enjoyed it tremendously. The Diffas are a good deal and feed you very well.

http://www.casbahrestaurant.ca/

[red sky]

Originally Posted by redforever

This is an excellent place to go and very reasonable. If you are heading out to Bragg Creek, you can also try the restaurant directly north across the street of Infusion, Madrina's Ristorante.

http://madrinasristorante.com/

I grew up in Bragg Creek and I have to say that Infusion and Madrina's are both better then the Steak Pit. My personal favourite is Infusion especially if you go on a nice day when they have their patio set up. Try the warm ceasar salad... it is unbelievable.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

For those who enjoy the Rouge in Inlgewood, I recommend The Ranche in Fish Creek Park (off of Bow Bottom Trail).

Same style of decor and food but the space is a little more open and you are in the park which makes for a nice romantic walk afterwards. The "downside" is that it isn't as easy to change locations for drinks or dessert afterwards (as you would be able to in Inglewood) but I enjoy the ambience more.

Depending on the time and weather, it is excellent to experience indoors or outdoors.

http://www.crmr.com/theranche/

Haven't been to Alloy or Capo but have been wanting to pretty badly.

There is a Morrocan restaurant in the basement of a building on 11th Ave SW called "Casbah Restaurant". The pace is VERY relaxed. Expect to take your time here and ENJOY your food and company. Request a table at one of the posh cushioned booths - very opulent and comfortable. The food is delicious and is supposed to be eaten with the hands which sounds kind of backwards at first but makes for a very sensual dining experience. I went here with some friends a while back and enjoyed it tremendously. The Diffas are a good deal and feed you very well.

http://www.casbahrestaurant.ca/

Both excellent recommendations. You can't go wrong with the Casbah as far as I am concerned.

[troutman]

John Gilchrist's restaurant reviews:

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/johngilchrist.html

John Gilchrist has reviewed restaurants for CBC Radio One since 1980, teaches Food and Culture programs for the University of Calgary, and is a contributing editor to Avenue and enRoute.

For full reviews check out the latest (6th) edition of John's My Favourite Restaurants in Calgary & Banff, available in all local bookstores.

[Claeren]

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeBruce

I can say I've been to 90% of fine dining restaurants in Calgary (taking clients to dinners, dates, etc), one of the benefits when I worked in oil and gas. So I'm well versed in the pricing as well.

The OP mentions the Panorama, which to me signifies that he is looking at that price range. I agree with you it is a rather odd request for affordability when at the next line he mentions the panorama, but I assumed his "affordability ceiling" is what the Panorama offers. I gave him a better choice, which had better food, a view that is just as nice (by the river), and a unique atmosphere. Taking all these things into account, the Rouge is a great choice. So I have no idea why you wouldn't send people there.

You have "no idea"? Really? Your post prior to your last line indicates you do have 'some' idea?

Because it is one of the more expensive restaurants in the city? $40+ entree's is not cheap unless you are putting it on someone elses tab, which a lot of people seem to do these days. It is not the most expensive, i agree, but it is in that top tier.

But like we both said, the original poster seems a little mixed up in what they want (exclusive v. affordable).



Claeren.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Originally Posted by Claeren

You have "no idea"? Really? Your post prior to your last line indicates you do have 'some' idea?

Because it is one of the more expensive restaurants in the city? $40+ entree's is not cheap unless you are putting it on someone elses tab, which a lot of people seem to do these days. It is not the most expensive, i agree, but it is in that top tier.

But like we both said, the original poster seems a little mixed up in what they want (exclusive v. affordable).



Claeren.

$40+ an entree isn't outragous when you think of what you are getting. The reason the Panorama charges the price they do is beyond just the food stuff you consume. I've always equate the high prices to the whole package, the food, the scenery, the ambiance, the service. Of course, Panorama wouldn't be my first choice, and I'll admit their food is subpar, but you can't argue about the view.

The Rouge offers all of that (the river, great food, great service, cozy ambiance, and a very rich history), and their food is actually good. Find me bunch of places in Calgary that offer the same deal for less and I am sure you'll be hard press to do so.

Maybe you're not the type to enjoy those external elements or intangibles, but I am. I've always gone to a fine dine restaurant with more than just the food in mind.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Where did the OP end up eating? We're dying to know!

[Titan]

Originally Posted by fredr123

http://www.bonterra.ca/

The wife and I have enjoyed a special occasion or two here. It's pretty nice in the spring/summer with the outdoor patio.

What I was going to suggest as well. The gorgonzola steak has imprinted itself on my tastebuds permanently. Great atmosphere with the fireplaces too.

[Titan]

Originally Posted by Dion

Leo Fu's Szechwan & Mandarin Restaurant.

511 70 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2V 0P5

(403) 255-2528‎

x2 best fresh chinese cuisine in city imho

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Got Miikka?

If you're into sushi there is a really quaint albeit divine little place in Bridgeland called Sushi Zaipang. Top-notch. If you go make sure to have the tempura banana dish for dessert - amazing.

Zipang has got to be my favorite Sushi place in the entire city. They have fantastic tempura period, although I've never tried the banana dish.

Can't wait until Bridgeland is finished it's renos. A buddy of mine lived in one of the new apartments there and we really enjoyed the area.