I. Love. Food.
I basically love anything food related - from trying out a restaurant I know nothing about and have never been to; enjoying an array of random appetizers and cocktails; trying different ethnic foods; going out on a limb to try something "odd" (I'll usually always try something once); taste testing different wines and pairing them with certain foods; or even going for something simple and relaxed - like tasty wings, nachos, and a beer at a local pub!
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| Photo By: Ian Britton Retrieved From: http://www.freefoto.com/preview/09-39-5/Chinese-Food |
Nothing beats an awesome restaurants atmosphere, amazing food, and a place that has staff that's on the ball. I'm always looking for a hot spot that offers something unique and different for their customers - really enhancing a guests' dinning experience. If you can find this combination, it can be an absolutely fabulous time!
I find that in Calgary there always seems to be a new hot spot or something in the works that's opening soon - all these restaurants attempting to be different and better then the rest. There's even those places that have been around for ages and A) you've just never made it to them, B) you didn't even know they existed, or C) they always looked like a dingy hole in the wall and you were hesitant to try it out (when in reality - it's actually a delicious hidden gem)!
With that being said, there are so many options in this city - although it seems almost impossible to be able to try them all. I also find that it's sometimes hard to know where one should go and what's even good these days. Not only is figuring out which place you should go to hard, but it all depends on your cravings, if you've heard good things or recommendations about them, if you can get a table, if you can find parking, if you know where these places even are, and the list goes on and on. There's nothing worse than ending up going to a mediocre venue and having a below par dining experience!
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| Photo By: ecstaticist Retrieved From: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-3619129336 |
Therefore, when I'm trying to decide I use an app called Where To! I like this app and it gives you many selections on all different categories of food and restaurants - ranging from Afgan to Welsh (haha, random I know)... but you name it, they probably have it!
This app provides you with a list of restaurants in your area, or you can search in whatever area of the city you wish. It tells you the distance to the restaurant, has the restaurant's ratings, as well as connects with Google Maps to direct you to the restaurant. It also gives the phone number to call and make a reservation, as well as the website link if you wish to view the menu. I find this is extremely helpful when I want to try something different or am having trouble deciding on a where to go.
When I have free time from school, I try to visit some of these hot spots. I'm always looking for a good place to tryout and recommend to friends - and I've recently been to a few different places this month! As I stated before, I know it's hard always figuring out a place to go unless you have a recommendation or something - so I'll give some of my personal suggestions with the places I went to this month that were really delicious and fun!
Calgary Hot Spot Recommendations:
- Candela
- Unique & Delicious Tapas
- 1919 - 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB.
- The National
- New & Traditional American
- Cibo
- Traditional Italian - Sharing Style
- 1012 - 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB.
- Charcut
- Urban Rustic Cuisine
- 101 - 899 Centre Street SW, Calgary, AB.
- Belgo
- French Brasserie
- 501 - 8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB.
- Model Milk
- Fine Dining & Family Style
- 308 - 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB.
- Bar C
- Old Classics & Modern Twists
- 340 – 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB.
If you enjoy food and a great dinning experience as much as I do - I would definitely suggest visiting some of these places if you're looking for a good place to go with family or friends.
If you have any suggestions or recommendations for places you really like - feel free to pass them along!
I'm always looking for my next Calgary Hot Spots!!
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI also like to explore different types of food around the city. Being able to go out to a restaurant, try new food and meet with friends is always a good time. Calgary definitely is a good city for trying different types of food since there are several ethnic restaurants around the city! Asian food has been increasing in popularity in North America and I have noticed several Asian restaurants opening up all over the city, particularly sushi. Coincidentally western food has also been increasing in popularity in Asian countries. It appears that people enjoy exploring the foods of the world, as it should be.
If you're up for Thai food there is a really good place on 10th Ave called "Thai Sa-on". Even Jackie Chan said it's one of his favourites so you know it's good! It's one of the best places I've been to and I highly recommend it. Try their coconut ice cream after your meal, if you like coconut haha!
I will also have to check out that app. It sounds really helpful. Especially for those times when no one can decide where to eat.
Cheers!
Calgary has such an awesome nightlife, there's always something new and exciting to see. A couple of my favourite restaurants are Una Pizza, Ox and Angela (both on 17th), and Famoso in Mission. Famoso and Una have the best pizza in the city, and Ox and Angela is a tapas bar. Neither places are too expensive either, and they're close to the bars as well so you can go out after dinner. I personally don't like going clubbing, and I find you can spend your whole evening at a place like Una or Ox and Angela.
ReplyDeleteGreat article though! I'm definitely going to check out some of the restaurants you listed.