Monthly Archives: August 2017

Eau Claire, Festival, Summer

Taste of Calgary

  • 2017 was Taste of Calgary’s 20th Year
  • Located at Eau Claire’s Plaza
  • Runs for four days, Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm
  • https://www.tasteofcalgary.com/
  • Google Pics: Link
  • Watch this page for updates as we get closer to the 2018 Taste of Calgary

Taste of Calgary is an outdoor food festival where you can enjoy samplings from a variety of Calgary’s unique restaurants.  Not limited to just food, there are also many participants from Calgary’s local craft beers.  While enjoying a variety of food and drinks you can enjoy musical entertainment from the stage.

The map and guide

Admission to the festival grounds is free and includes access to the main stage.  The only cost is for tickets, at one dollar each.  Food costs are then set by the vendors, this is anywhere from 2-5 tickets.

I hadn’t been to Taste of Calgary in many years, I’d enjoyed it before but somehow hadn’t made it back.  This summer we changed that, with family in town we thought it would be a great outing.

One of several ticket booths

We parked only a few blocks away from Eau Claire, which after 6pm is free in the area.  The area was really busy but not to the point of uncomfortable congestion.  There were several ticket booths and we waited very briefly in line to get our own.  Ticket sales are CASH ONLY, no debit or credit.  

This helps keep costs down for the organizers, however given the number of years the festival’s been running, and the organization of everything I was really expecting to be able to pay with debit.  There were ATM’s on site, but with all booths only taking tickets what would the point be in taking out cash for a single point of purchase.

There was more than just food
Food Trucks were also on site, participating and accepting coupons

With a map/guide from the ticket booth you could plan what you want to try or just wander around and see what grabs your attention.  The festival was laid out well, and easy to get around.  There were lots of garbage and recycling areas.  We were there on the first night and there were some gaps where it appeared participants hadn’t set up yet.  No worries however as there were still lots of options.

The beer garden and stage area
Paper St. ‘s Booth
Paper St. Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders: Buttermilk fried chicken tossed in hot sauce, coleslaw, pickle, pepperjack & chipolte ranch (4 Tickets)
Naina’s Kitchen
Naina’s Kitchen – Stuffed Burger: Mozza and Cheddar (5 Tickets)
Naina’s Kitchen – Regular Fried (2 Tickets)
Naina’s Kitchen
Pza – Pizza (4 Tickets)
Pza – Pizza (4 Tickets)

While we were there “Matt Blais” was playing on the stage.  This is entirely subjective but I thought he was excellent, and just the right approachable rock for such an event.

Matt Blais

I’ve read a bunch of people’s opinions from Facebook and Google.  The mixed opinions seem to be about the variety of participants, quality of food, and price, essentially everything.  

Well price, is it cheap?  No I don’t think it is.  But you can be choosy where you spend your tickets, because there are deals to be had.  However I don’t feel you go to an event like this expecting things to be cheap.  I wandered around and picked what I wanted to eat, not what was cheap.   The average price was 4-5 tickets for an item, and for some thing 5 tickets was a lot for what you got.  However for some 5 tickets got you a lot, and there were items for 3 tickets.  Most drinks were 2 tickets, while on the beer sampling side it ranged from 2-3 tickets each.  If it’s a major concern they do list the full menu and prices on the website.  You could easily look it over and plan in advance.  Understand these are samplings, think finger food appetizers, some are larger but the general idea is “a taste”.

Quality of the food?  Everything I had was excellent, my food was hot and tasty.  This is a dynamic environment and if things weren’t hot I’d be inclined to forgive it.  However quality, to me means freshness and quality cuts of meat.  Everything I had was great.

Variety?  I can’t entertain a criticism of this, there is a great variety.  You can have something entirely pedestrian or go out outside the regular with Taste of Calgary.

17th Ave, Restaurant

Blanco Cantina

Nearly two years ago Blanco Cantina opened on 17th Ave.  To say we were excited for another Mexican option would be putting it mildly.  We have had an influx of Mexican spots (actually since Blanco opened two of them have disappeared) but I think Calgarians have a hunger for it.

First off Blanco comes from the group behind Añejo, The Mission and The Living Room.  They have transformed the space once occupied by Brava Bistro, opening up the restaurant with a rustic vibe and enlarging the patio with, of course, roll up doors.  While the decor is rustic, it is a clean modern rustic with neon signs filling the walls.  The bar of course is a focal point with more tequila options than I’m close to familiar with.

The food menu at Blanco is outstanding, it’s filled with all of the Mexican favorites with a special emphasis put on nachos (these are not to be missed!).  The burritos are huge ($16/$20) with vivid flavours, however I’ve only had them once.  The nachos ($12/$20/$28) on the other hand, we’ve been for three times.  There’s a separate ordering card for the nachos, what size, what toppings, what meat, how about more toppings.  They are huge, and excellent.  I no longer order nachos elsewhere because what would be the point, they’d only be disappointing after these.

On another visit to Blanco we had brunch.  You didn’t know Mexicans did brunch?  Well of course they do, they just do it spicier!  Forgive me as this was some months back.  I had the Blanco Benny ($17) (poached eggs, toasted english muffin, chipotle beef brisket, spicy hollandaise, hash browns, fresh fruit).  I remember it being good, just as described and satisfying, but really just as one would expect it to be.  My wife on the other hand had the Huevos Rancheros ($14) (crispy corn tortillas, refried beans, hash browns, salsa rojo, two fried eggs, crispy bacon, fresh fruit) nothing unusual there right?  Right.  Except this was basically breakfast nachos and amazing.  Do yourself a favor go order this next Sunday.  My daughter had a bacon and eggs with fruit ($12), not actually on the menu.

So here’s where I answer my usual, how is it for kids?  Well there is no kids menu, or high chairs.  However they have been extremely great with my daughter.  On multiple occasions they have made extra effort with her, making her slushy juice drinks ($5) and a cheese quesadilla ($?) .  Taking notice when she wasn’t interested in the world’s greatest nachos (because we were expecting to share them),  so she ordered the Mexican flatbread ($14).  While I wouldn’t suggest their intention is for a “family” restaurant, with a child that can sit and be patient Blanco is a great family spot.

17th Ave, Restaurant

Home & Away

Opened in 2016 at the corner of 17th and 13th you may remember it as where Moxies used to be, is Home & Away.  They completely gutted the building to concrete and studs, there is no trace of Moxies’ layout and aesthetic.  They have gone all out with a sports aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean they have 20 or 30 screens, they have several and a large projection screen they lower for events. Rather it’s the atmosphere that shouts SPORTS, their flooring is made from reclaimed gym floors, their ceiling is styled like a small arena, they have a skateboard wall, as well as many other decorative touches.  Lastly they have games to play, Basketball hoops, Skee Ball, a hockey table and I’m told connect four boards you can bring to your table.  Not to be forgotten is their giant spacious patio, and roll-up windows with outfacing bar seating, it’s like front row seating to the Avenue without the full heat of the patio sun.  The patio itself has been enlarged and now runs the full length of the building, and has some tree’s added it that will be great for some shade in a few years when they get a little bigger.

First let me say Home & Away has improved hugely from my first visit when they’d been open for only 2 months.  I wish I could say for certain but I think they have knocked their prices down a buck or two across the board as well.  They are very active on social media with daily menu creations.  I’ve enjoyed a few of their Wednesday burger creations.  Most recently it was a half priced Thursday taco creation.  Their Facebook and Google albums are filled with unique menu creations, but they also have regular menu items you can depend on it that’s more your speed.

I like Home & Away’s Daily features, unlike some places where it’s just a soup that changes, this really feels like a timely feature you have been lucky enough to catch.  Additionally they have great happy hour specials that run in an extended happy hour from 11am to 6pm.  There are six items for $6 before 6:00.  They also have more game day specials than I can keep up with.  If you’re hoping you can bring kids, well no worries Home & Away has a kids menu and the games are free on Sundays, so it’s ideal to come by then.

Visit Thursday July 27th

It was Taco day, an excellent day to try a daily special.  This week I really feel that Home & Away’s team has outdone themselves these were delicious.  As taken from their Facebook Post “Tonight’s taco feature from Sous Chef Jeremy are “Pretzel Fried Chicken Taco” with Pretzel Breaded Chicken, Swiss Cheese, Honey Mustard, Shaved Lettuce and Pickled Red Onion”.  These were so good I could have eaten two orders but we also had the Chili Glazed Calamari which I forgot to get a picture of, but expect one at a later date.

These tacos were a wonderful melody of flavours starting with the Pretzel Breaded Chicken, tasty with a wonderful texture, crisp on the outside and tender inside.  The honey mustard and pickled onion was a delicious complement and more fitting than I would have imagined.

My wife enjoyed the “Tijuana Chicken Salad – Queso Fresco, Pico de Gallo, Corn, Black Beans, Cilantro, Radish, Crispy Tortilla Strips, Jalapeno Lime Dressing.  She said it was excellent and enjoyed the freshness really fitting for summer.

My daughter had the “Little League Mac & Cheese – White Cheddar Fondue, Bread Crumbs”.  She gave it a thumbs up, but the really testament was that she ate every last bit, where as our visit nearly a year early she only picked at it.  Truthfully I think she wasn’t that hungry on the previous visit.

My only suggestion, offer a heat rating when you order the Chilli Glazed Calamari, they were excellent and just as advertised, but done with some sauteed hot peppers and “3rd Inning heat” would push it into something unique.

 

Home & Away is an excellent addition to the Avenue, they have real character in their venue and menu, I fully recommend it.

17th Ave, Festival, Mission, Summer

4th Street Lilac Festival

  • Lilacfest is on Sunday June 2, 2019
  • This is the 29th year for the Lilac Festival
  • Along 4th St SW, Between 13 Ave & Elbow Dr
  • 10am to 6pm
  • Website: https://www.lilacfestival.net/

Lilac Fest, to many it’s the start of summer, it the biggest festival in Calgary.  Lilac Fest is a one day event located on 4th street from 13th Ave, south of the downtown core to Elbow drive on the south edge of Mission.  The festival begins with a parade at 10am going down 4th street.  

It runs from 10am to 6pm and features over 500 booths.  These booths are everything from food, crafts, clothes, collectables, imported items, to community organizations.  There are several bands playing on stages, several restaurants with fenced of patios for alcohol.   There is everything you can imagine to see.

I really enjoy Lilac Fest, I like walking from one end to the other getting some street food and seeing everyone glad that summer is finally here.  We’ve brought my daughter every year since she’s been born.  That means one year being pushed in her bassinette, another wearing her in a backpack, another her stumbling along and being picked up repeatedly, and now this year, just trying to keep up to her.

There are lots of activities for kids, from facepainting and games to trampoline jumping.  All of which I hope she can enjoy next year, most things are tough for a little one.  However there are kids everywhere, there are pets everywhere, and people, people, people.  

Don’t expect to park close, but it can be surprising how close you can get just a few streets from 4th.  With all the people there is an army of volunteers keeping the streets litter free and helping people find their way around.  There are multiple bin recycling stations everywhere, with those volunteers helping you use the right bin for you napkin, plate and drink container.  There is a lost kid station, that thankfully I’ve never needed to put through it’s paces.  

 

17th Ave, Restaurant

Roosevelt

  • Opened:  2013 – 2018 Closed Now
  • Address: 933 17th Ave SW
  • Kid Friendly: Yes w/High Chairs (Welcomed until 9pm Daily)
  • Brunch: Yes w/free Mini Milkshakes &  Mini Donuts
  • Website: http://www.rooseveltcalgary.com/
  • Google Pics: Link

My wife was working late, so my daughter and I were off on another culinary adventure.

I plan weeknight dinners with her for the early evening, after picking her up from day care, and getting cleaned up. At this earlier hour she is in a good mood, patient and places are typically less busy.

We’d been to Cibo a lot recently so I wanted to go somewhere else and try something new for her. We’d been to Roosevelt for lunch back in February and previous to that for brunches but nothing recently.

Roosevelt has a good mix of table heights as well as highchairs; they don’t have a kids menu. However they do have a large appetizer selection and we have shared entrées before.
When we arrived shortly before five it was still quiet with only a half dozen tables seated. We took a low table by the front windows where we had sat several times before.
I ordered her usual Apple juice and I had a Rolling Rock. She’s very close to handling regular short glasses with straws however that day she had a rather large spill. The manager (who has previously visited with us) rushed over and helped us clean up.

I explained to our waitress that I was planning to introduce her to Calamari, but could only hope it would go well. She took our order of Calamari and the Diablo Flat Bread.

The Diablo Pizza is Diced Chicken, Smoked Bacon, Roosevelt’s Buffalo Sauce, Jalapeños, Scallions and a Ranch Drizzle.

Dinner didn’t take too long, and soon I was trying to get her to try the Calamari. When our waitress checked on us I said that the Calamari wasn’t going well. She suggested I cut it up. Sure enough once she had some manageable pieces she was chomping it down.

The texture and breading of the Calamari was great, maybe a little saltier than my
preference. The flatbread we really enjoyed, really you can’t go wrong with chicken and bacon. I explained to her that we could drizzle some lemon juice on the calamari, but she figured it would be better to eat the lemon directly. Even with each repulsed face, she ate the whole lemon. The only thing she wasn’t interested in the Tzatziki sauce. After all it was a lot of flavors going on already.Our whole experience at Roosevelt was great. While I’ve sometimes felt that their menu plays it safe, you’re not going to discover a new dish there, it’s all standard Canadian Bistro items. Still the options are plentiful and after this great time I’ll be moving Roosevelt higher in our rotation.
Festival, Summer

Dragon Boat Race & Festival

  • 2016 celebrated 25 years of Dragon Boat Racing in Calgary
  • Located at North Glenmore Park
  • Racing on the Glenmore Reservoir
  • Friday 1pm – 7pm
  • Saturday 7am – 6pm
  • Sunday 7am – 6pm
  • Kid Zone 10am – 3pm
  • Held on the second weekend in August
  • Website calgarydragonboatsociety.com
  • Watch this page for updates as we get closer to the 2018 Festival

Dragon Boat Racing has its historical origins in ancient China some 2000 years ago.  The traditional historic boats were paddled with 50 paddlers as opposed to today’s with 20 paddlers.  Traditional dragon boat racing continues in China, coinciding with the 5th day of the 5th Chinese lunar month.

Calgary’s Dragon Boat Race & Festival is held each year on the second weekend in August.  The Calgary Dragon Boat Society with other organizations in Canada are part of the IDBF which is made of 88 other nations representing dragon boat racing worldwide.

Calgary’s dragon boat races are 500 meters long, held on the Glenmore Reservoir and launched from North Glenmore Park.  

A dragon boat team is composed of 22 people.  20 paddlers in pairs facing forward.  1 drummer or caller who faces the paddlers and maintains unison.  1 Sweep or steerer who faces forward and controls the boat from the rear.  Dragon boats are 40+ feet long with a dragon head at the bow and tail at the stern.

—-

Prior to attending the race and festival for the first time in 2016 I had next to no knowledge of it.  Having grown up in BC, I believe I saw dragon boats on Vancouver’s news once before but that’s it.  I looked forward to seeing the boats in person and learning more.

First of all the Calgary Dragon Boat Society makes it easy to attend with a shuttle from the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino parking lot to North Glenmore Park.  Their site suggests using it, and I have to agree.  While the festival isn’t the largest, it’s attendance is still beyond what the parking lots can handle.  The buses run frequently, I’d guess every fifteen minutes or less.

The festival grounds are spread out with lots of space, separated into two areas.  First is the actual race area at the Glenmore Reservoir this is based around the Calgary Rowing Club’s building.  Next is the festival grounds at the park, composed of a main stage for presentations and entertainment, a food truck circle, beer gardens and VIP tent, kids area and the race teams tents.

I’d say things are well organized and everything goes smoothly.  There is a lot of seating around the stage, but two more rows would be even better.  Also as this year was particularly hot, it’s too bad there couldn’t be some more covered areas.  Lastly, seating to eat at is lacking.  There is the VIP tent however what if I want something from a food truck.  Standing in the heat and balancing my plate as I try to eat, or sitting in the hot grass and closing my beverage every time I take a sip to be sure it doesn’t fall over and spill is hardly ideal.  If there could be 20 picnic tables under some huge open sided tent all would be remedied.  Someone has made sure there are lots of recycling bins, portable toilets and handwash stations.

My guess is there are nearly forty tents for the racing teams to keep their stuff at.  This area is a busy hub of activity with teams coming and going and readying themselves.  You’ll find teams representing various associations, corporate teams, and the Women’s Breast Cancer Survivors team.

We attended on Saturday (the first day) and before the racing began there we a number of speeches welcoming and thanks people followed by traditional Chinese lion dancing.

There is a schedule posted on the website that I referred to a few times, as I couldn’t find a version posted at the festival.  I felt there should have been a large schedule banner at the stage and down as the racing stands.  Still there is a loud PA system calling out the races and what’s happening at any given time.  This can be heard from the festival grounds as well, so you always know what’s happening on the water.

There was a large assortment of food trucks to choose from, as well as ice cream and old cold treats to combat the heat.  We made an effort to bring some cold drinks that I knew my daughter would like, and we wouldn’t have to wait for, and pay a premium for.  That being said, I don’t think any of the prices were out of line.

The kids area had two Springfree trampolines and a bouncy castle, as well as face painting.  These are also all free, however the trampoline time in brief and the face painting line is long.  That being said there’s nothing stopping you from visiting these activities multiple times as we did.  

Down at the waterfront the racing is intense, it’s immediately visible that a team must be highly coordinated.  A few of the races had clear winners from the start as better teams were immediately apparent.  However in one of the races we watched, the competition for second place was intense and exciting.   In each race there are four to six teams participating, they first get organized at the dock and then set out.  While this is going on the previous race is taking place, and when it ends those teams return to the dock.  This way there are always teams either getting into position and racing, or teams coming on and off the boats at the dock.

I enjoy seeing all the team spirit exhibited by the competitors and encouragement from the spectators.  It really makes for a great weekend of fun in the sun.  I don’t know anyone competing so I don’t have that element to enjoy in the festival however I hope to bring some friends along next year to share in the fun and spectacle.

17th Ave, Restaurant

Cibo

  • Opened: May 30th 2012
  • Address: 1012 17th Ave SW
  • Kid Friendly: Yes w/Kids Menu & High Chairs
  • Brunch: No
  • Website: http://cibocalgary.com/
  • Google Pics: Link

Of all the restaurants on 17th ave, Cibo is the one I have been to the most.  In 2016 I think my daughter and I were going once a month, with a phase early in the year being every three weeks.

Cibo is at 1012 on 17th ave SW in a brick building with a storied history, in 2012 it was reborn as Cibo, Italian for food.  Our first visit was a few months after opening.  On that occasion we tried several appetizers and main dishes, we came away really having enjoyed the evening but finding it a bit expensive.  Now after many more visits with family, friends and with only my daughter, I find it to be appropriately priced for the food, atmosphere and location.  

Cibo’s atmosphere is an open two stories with exposed brick, tiles and wood beams.  Coming in the front at street level are tables looking out to 17th ave, then a step up is a bar with seating.  Heading back from there the space opens up to a large opening kitchen that also has a few seats right at the pizza prep area.  Beside the kitchen are ten tables and stairwell heading up.  

Upstairs is a mezzanine area the looks down to the tables and kitchen, another bar is at the top of the stairs with the front area being the largest single area featuring a few larger tables.  Washrooms are upstairs and down, with a continuation of the decor.  Outside is a hidden gem of a patio, sheltered from the street it offers no people watching, but allows one to escape.  The patio continue the natural surfaces from the interior with wood used extensively.  The tables are spaced decently apart, and the are plants decorating the area.

“At Cibo, traditional dining rules do not apply. Our food is made to share, made fresh, and is served when it’s ready.” taken from Cibo’s website.  I enjoy this take on the dining experience, however to say you can order salads and spaghetti for the table to share would be a mistaken impression.  I don’t think the portions are anywhere near that size.  Ordering an appetizer, salad, Gnocchi, and a pizza for a table of four would satisfy some people, but hardly evokes family meals where dishing out from a serving dish at the center of the table where no one left until Nonna said it was time.

Over the years of coming to Cibo, I’ve ordered the Gnocchi, Ravioli and the Risotto from the pasta menu.  From the appetizer menu called Scodellina, I’ve ordered about half the items, and I believe a salad only once.  Which is terrible I need to take the opportunity to try more of them.  For goodness sake order the arancini.  These little stuffed rice balls are coated in breadcrumbs and filled with tomato and chili’s, they are a delightful mix of textures and flavours.  What I can’t comment on at all are their meat features, appropriately called Carne.  Given the quality of everything else I’d be willing to bet they are excellent, however I love their pizza’s too much to give them a try.

Well, there it is, the Pizza, the main event, for me anyways.  I love this pizza, it has quickly become what I judge all other pizza against.  The toppings, distinct and flavorful.  The crust, to die for, fluffy, crispy chewy, it’s everything I want and look for now.  

Because when I enjoy something I seek out other’s experiences and reviews.  I’ve read of many mentioning and/or complaining about the pizza crust’s being burnt.  As my daughter and I have watched the kitchen many a time, this isn’t from being forgotten about this is from a purposeful charring of thin bubbles in the crust.  Everyone has their own opinions to what they enjoy, I however enjoy this texturing and flavour.  

Some highlights of the pizza menu for me.

Pineapple – The ham on this excellent, married with the sweetness from the pineapple it is my daughter’s favorite.

Mushroom – The mushroom speak for themselves, flavoured with a little garlic and rosemary, there’s nothing else to get in the way.

Wild Boar Bacon – Yes, this is their meat lovers, eat it and love it.  The salami and bacon combo can be a little salty for some.

Pepperoni – Sweet peppers and mushrooms escalate this to another level.  I need to have this one again.

Pear – Is it different? Yes.  Incredible, Yes?  Pear, walnuts and cheese, together on that incredible crust.  Order this call it an appetizer, pair it with a salad and then enjoy some Gnocchi.  You’re welcome.

I believe they have a small dessert menu, but I couldn’t find it online.  I’ve only ever ordered a single scoop of Gelato for my daughter and I to share because I’m always to full from all the pizza I eat.

Do you like Pizza?  Do you like saving?  Then Cibo has a deal for you.  Weekdays they have “Pizza Happy Hour” from 3-5, these pizza’s feature only two toppings but are only five bucks each.  Additionally they have 12oz local beers for $4, or house wine also $4 for a 6oz. As well as specials throughout the week, Sunday all regular pizza’s are half price, with the same $4 drink specials. Indulge with an appetizer to start and with the saving you’ll only enjoy it’s taste.  

Conveniently Cibo has a parking lot right next door.  They are mostly accessible to strollers, with two stairs at the entrance, they have high chairs and a kids menu.

 

Eau Claire, Restaurant

Alforno

  • Opened: March 2016
  • Address: 222 7th Street sw
  • Kid Friendly: Yes w/High Chairs
  • Brunch: Yes
  • Website: http://alforno.ca/
  • Google Pics: Link

From the Teatro Group, Alforno is located in Eau Clair a block up from the river at 222 – 7th Street S.W.  

On their website they call themselves “a lively, casual cafe”, I’d take it another step and call Alforno a sophisticated cafe with atmosphere straight from Europe.  However don’t mishear me, their menu is decidedly Canadian.  My mistake is that that of my half dozen visits to Alforno, I’ve only been for brunch.  Which needs to be rectified soon.

Alforno’s bright white interior isn’t modern to the point of being sterile, rather it’s brightness is complemented with natural materials and colors.  Large glass windows and skylight let in natural light I find it the best place to start my day.  Inside one’s experience deverges depended on whether you get something to go or to stay.  To go; you simply approach the counter, order and leave.  If you’re staying someone from the staff will confirm your party size and locate a table for you.  Thank you Teatro Group!   Your planning has eliminated my morning’s stress before I have that all important first coffee.  Dependant on the time of the day, you’re then able to order and pay at the counter, sit down and your food will be brought to you.  Or during a busier period you’ll be able to sit with regular table service for ordering and payment post meal.

When entering and ascending a few steps the main counter it ahead.  The till separates two large display cases, one with ready made sandwiches and bread, the other with pastries.  To the right on the way to Alforno’s tranquil patio is their coffee bar.  I’ve yet to really take in this area, but to me it looks like a mellow retreat to enjoy a coffee on my own.  To the left are stairs going up to the main seating area.  Larger than it looks from the doorway, there all small and large tables.  A few tables offering intimate seating for two, and a pair of larger chairs and a couch around a fireplace.

Alforno’s brunch has everything you’d expect, but with unique touches and made better.  The list starts with parfait made with house granola, includes traditional bacon and eggs, and varieties of eggs benedict.  There’s omelettes, both french toast and hotcakes, and a variety of breakfast sandwiches.

How about pricing, for the quality of food, atmosphere and location, very reasonable.  A odd item may be out of line, like $4.25 for an almond croissant.  But others are fair and balanced.  A disclaimer, if very reasonable, means a family dinner with laminated menu’s then you will be disappointed with portion size.  However once you taste your first bite you’ll never remember said dinner’s name and location.  I certainly don’t.

I want to be objective, but I can’t.  I love the atmosphere at Alforno, I love the food.  Everything at Alforno is top notch.  They could screw up everything and I’d overlook and forget it, however they never have.  

Visit – Sunday June 25th

Today I kept it simple ordering the yogurt parfait, I’d previously ordered for my daughter.  “Strawberry rhubarb compote, greek yogurt, house granola”, unmentioned are the raspberries and blackberries.  I’m going to assume they are added because they are in season, but I have no proof of that.  There’s not much to say about it, it’s a simple dish, but it was excellent and satisfying.  

My wife ordered the bacon & mushroom omelette, served with toast and greens.  I stole a piece of it before she was finished and found it outstanding.  Bacon and mushrooms, excellent.  But it’s the preparation of the eggs that make or break an omelette, and these are always excellent.  The toast, in my opinion this isn’t simply bread, it’s a pasty of it’s own.  That’s right I think the toasted bread is that great, crisp and soft, the textures make it.  Maybe one day I’ll add jam to their toast, but I always forget.

For my daughter, an almond croissant.  I also snuck a bite.   Oh right, this is what a flaky viennoiserie pastry is supposed to be.