fancy classy nice restaurants for me to go to?

[Bobblehead]

You never hear about it anymore, but can't you bring in your own bottle of wine?

I recall the restaurants not liking it when this came in, but since then I don't think I have heard (or seen) anyone take advantage of it.

Did restaurants make the corkage too high to make it worth while?

[Claeren]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

You never hear about it anymore, but can't you bring in your own bottle of wine?

I recall the restaurants not liking it when this came in, but since then I don't think I have heard (or seen) anyone take advantage of it.

Did restaurants make the corkage too high to make it worth while?

People just feel cheap bringing their own wine for a smaller dinner?

I think it was more for people who had larger parties/groups and wanted to bring their own wine in by the case?




Claeren.

[dissentowner]

My gf's idea of classy nice restaurant.

[troutman]

BYOB joints in CGY:

http://www.localwineevents.com/Calga...staurants.html

$10 to $25

River Cafe has free corkage on Sunday nights.

http://www.byobs.com/

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

My gf's idea of classy nice restaurant.

Consider yourself lucky. The food sucks! But the price is right.

[FurnaceFace]

La Chaumiere

I could have had a bias experience there as I went with my boss and he has gone there forever so they treat him like a king. Food was really good and the service crazy good. We had them serving us special wine and everything. Again, could just be the connection but I was impressed and have planned to take Mrs. Furnace there.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Ruttiger

Might be just me, but for the difference in price from The Keg I didn't find it was any better.

Seriously? I'm really surpised to hear that. Each and every time I go there I am amazed at the quality of the steak. I have also eaten at the Keg a number of times and would put it at just slightly better then what I can do at home, and only because they have way more experience then me at cooking a steak, and I'm not great with the BBQ.

I just wished they would enforce their old dress code. Last time I ate there, there was a kid with jeans and a baseball hat on. That really dissapointed me.

[RW99]

All recommended:

Brava Bistro - My sister works there, so I've had a few meals.
Rimrock - I worked there and had a few meals.
Il Sogno?? - Ate there once.
Cattlebaron - Heard of it.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by troutman

Nothing fancy. Turner Inn Family Restaurant. The locals call it "Tom's". They serve everything - steaks, pizza, pasta, chinese food, and it is all decent quality. I could not believe how inexpensive the wine was compared to the big city.

Also in Turner Valley, there is Coyote Moon (tex-mex I think). There is a 50's diner in Black Diamond, and another family/chinese restaurant.

I normally hit the Chinese place for their dinner buffet.

[Circa89]

I too enjoy Raw Bar, The Ranche, Belvedre and several others mentioned but I can't say enough about ALLOY. Just a different experience and don't let the odd location fool you. You'll feel like you have found a hidden Gem in the Calgary Dining scene.
Fairly reasonable with entrees between 25-35 range.

http://www.alloydining.com/

[Schultzie]

Originally Posted by Frequitude

River Cafe - good food and a great place to eat on a nice summer's evening.

How could I forget about the River Cafe? I've only been there once, but it was excellent.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

x2. My fave steakhouse in the city for sure. I have also been lucky at Vintage for good steaks.

I think Caesar's downtown is vastly superior both in atmosphere and quality of food.

EDIT: And whoever suggested Chicago Chophouse has good steak is high. Most overrated restaurant I've ever been too, though I'm not surprised considering it's a Vickers joint.

[mariners_fever]

Originally Posted by rubecube

EDIT: And whoever suggested Chicago Chophouse has good steak is high. Most overrated restaurant I've ever been too, though I'm not surprised considering it's a Vickers joint.

Caesar's is a good one....it depends on the experience you are going for...Ruth's Chris serves American AAA Beef, Caesar's provides that old established steakhouse experience...chicago chophouse is a good one and it boils down to something that most people don't fully recognize or notice unless it is pointed out to them: most steakhouses only serve AAA beef, which means that it is in the top-10% of all beef in the country. Chophouse serves Canada Prime beef, which is top-1 or 2% of all beef in the country...what does it all mean? it boils down to the quality of marbling in the cut and the ratio of marbling to meat in the cut...that and they are the only restaurant in the province that dry ages their own beef in house, everyone else let's their suppliers do it for them...

it's the only restaurant in Calgary that really continually serves Canada Prime, and the crappy part about a restaurant only serving AAA is that all restaurants from Caesar's to the greasy truck stop steak sandwich is usually AAA grade beef, so getting to try a step above is a rare treat...

why do i say this or know this? i happen to work in the beef industry...i know that we are quick to push aside anything with vickers name on it, but the guy's successful for a reason, not that i like cowboys or any of his clubs...but chophouse and zen8 are two pretty good dining experiences...

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by mariners_fever

Caesar's is a good one....it depends on the experience you are going for...Ruth's Chris serves American AAA Beef, Caesar's provides that old established steakhouse experience...chicago chophouse is a good one and it boils down to something that most people don't fully recognize or notice unless it is pointed out to them: most steakhouses only serve AAA beef, which means that it is in the top-10% of all beef in the country. Chophouse serves Canada Prime beef, which is top-1 or 2% of all beef in the country...what does it all mean? it boils down to the quality of marbling in the cut and the ratio of marbling to meat in the cut...that and they are the only restaurant in the province that dry ages their own beef in house, everyone else let's their suppliers do it for them...

Are you sure you don't work for the Chophouse? That's the exact same spiel I got from the waiter when I was there. The quality of the meat isn't the issue, it's they way they cook it and the thickness of the cuts that I don't particularily care for. On the other hand, their wine list is top notch.

EDIT: Also meant to add that I have a friend who is a supplier to several restaurants in the city and knows the suppliers for both the Chophouse and Caesar's and the two are comparable.

[drew24]

Saint Germain = about 100$ with no fancy dranks or desserts.

The food is juicy and scrumptous. (9 thumbs up)
Service is not top notch. (2 stars)
Atmosphere is pleasant. (7/10 standard rating units)
Overall.... ain't too shabby.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by MonsieurFish

Hey... so I'm thinkin of takin my gf for our one year to some real fancy restaurant to eat in a few weeks, and since basically the only restaurant I go to is earls... I need some help from cp.

I'm thinkin of takin her to the calgary tower restaurant. Any thoughts? I've heard its maybe not worth the money but I think it'd be pretty nice. Anyone have any better ideas or recommendations since I don't really have a clue when it comes to this stuff.

Thanks

Not sure if it's been mentioned or not, but check out The Living Room on 17th Ave SW. Very cozy, very relaxing... menu is unique and tasteful.

[V]

I really enjoyed Rouge, but it doesn't really fit your price tag. My wife and I took out another couple and it put us back $460 including tip, and we didn't go as expensive as we could've with the food. Taking a nice walk through the garden after dinner was nice as well.

[black rubber disc bunny]

Cilantro on 17th off of 4th St.

Book a table on the patio.

[Swarly]

I've been to the Keg 2 times within memory. Both times I was very disappointed, I don't plan on ever going back. For the money there are a ton better steak houses.

I got a $50 gift card so I went once, ordered the baseball steak, and they overcooked it. How the hell they overcooked that one is beyond me but it was so I got a free meal. So I had to go back a 2nd time to use up the gift cards otherwise I'd have never returned. 2nd time was just as bad, bad steak, bad sides. If I wanted poorly cooked steak and bad tasting sides I'll stay at home thank you very much.

[Frequitude]

Originally Posted by black rubber disc bunny

Cilantro on 17th off of 4th St.

Book a table on the patio.

That will always be my favorite restaurant in the city. I've had the same dish every time I've been there since a kid...the garden salad with the corn on it and the capicolla ham pizza.

Seriously though, MonsieurFish. I highly suggest one of two options:

For the calmer more romantic night - River Cafe - It's right in the park and perfect for a good stroll on a nice evening. A few extra bucks of course, but no more than $200 if you drink very very well.

For the pregame before hitting the town for a night out - Brava - Right on 17th and a little bit cheaper to save money for drinks later at the bar.