Our family walked past Mont Shawarma & Grill during Lilac Fest two years ago. We were offered a sample pair of beef skewers. We both remarked how excellent it was and immediately planned to visit soon. It took some time till we made our return trip and have now been twice.
The Mont Grill opened as the Fairmont Grill in March 2017, to avoid confusion with their original location they changed the name. The Mont Grill serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This means shawarma, falafel and kabobs as well as traditional salads like fattoush and tabouleh. As well you’ll find staples like garlic roasted potatoes, rice and hummus.
The Mont Grill also mixes things up a bit with a beef and veggie burger, and a day long breakfast offering.
Located at the north west corner of the busy intersection of 17th and 4st SW, in a building built three years ago. The Mont grill fits the definition of fast casual, with a size and layout similar to a Subway. Containing around 8 tables with a few more chairs at a counter facing out the window. The inside has a tile floor and tile work on most of the walls with a few decorations and a few screens. These screens show images of their food and slideshows of landscapes.
Walking to the back and looking up at the menu screens, all the items have pictures. A short description would be nice for those unfamiliar with Turkish spices, but the pictures are worth more than a short description without them. Our daughter saw a picture of a hamburger and immediately wanted that while we wanted something more unique.
Fairmont Burger: In-house beef patty topped with an egg ($10.99)
On both of our visits to the Mont Grill I’ve had the Beef Kabob plate, while my wife has had the Falafel plate, and more recently the Chicken Kabob plate. All entrees are served on a bed of rice with garlic potatoes and hummus with a salad on the side. We added three drinks to our order and our daughter picked a table for us all to sit at.
Beef Kabob Plate ($15.49)
At the time we were the only customers in the restaurant, but before we left two other tables were occupied. Our food took close to ten minutes with the meat items having been prepared fresh. At the time of our first visit I’d have to admit that I had not had any middle eastern cuisine on any end of the authentic scale. I wasn’t used to the spices, everything was new, different and delicious. The meat was spiced with flavours so tender, they aren’t using cheap meat here. There was an orange sauce sparingly drizzled across the plate, this isn’t hot like I expected, I believe it’s a red pepper sauce that I don’t yet know the name of. Everything was hot and enjoyed a great mix of textures from the soft rice to the grilled meat. Both times I’ve thought that I’ll only have a bite of the tabbouleh salad, as it looks like entirely too much parsley to me. But both times I’ve enjoyed it more than expected. I think they really know how to balance out the flavours and keep the parsley mild.
During our visits the staff have added to our visit by being friendly and courteous. They create a welcoming atmosphere, that may not come across right when you walk in. But after speaking, change that with their genuine demeanor. On our last visit they surprised us with three pieces of baklava, always a favorite of mine. The prices are regular and competitive, while the portions are generous. On both visits we could not completely finish up our plates.
Chicken Kabob Plate ($15.49)Various Baklava
It looks like they do a fair amount of takeout and delivery business (done via Skip-The-Dishes) as well as late night business. I’ve really enjoyed our visits and look forward to future visits.
Have you been to the new Central Library? Will you be going? Do you think we needed a new library? Or do you think there was a road interchange somewhere that we could have spent the money on?
Main entrance approach from 3rd St SE
On November 1st the new Central Library opened. It was a four-year construction project totalling 245 million dollars, with unique location-based challenges (it was built over operating C-train tracks). Our new Central Library makes quite the impression, it’s welcoming with bright open spaces, an extensive use of wood, gentle curves and slopes everywhere. Of course, it’s not just the building, it’s the variety of its contents. Libraries have changed from endless aisles of books to collaboration spaces with classes and of course the books. Our new library is 240,000 sq ft, containing 450,000 titles, 30 free to use community meeting rooms, an audio and video studio and a 340 seat theatre.
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On Saturday November 3rd we joined thousands who flocked to see the city’s newest civic investment. To be honest with you when I originally heard about the new library being built in the East Village I didn’t think much of it. The location made sense but I thought little else. Now after following its construction for years, both physically by sight and online through sites and forums, I’m more than interested. I haven’t had a library card in years, saying I enjoy the atmosphere of bookstores to libraries. Well, thanks to the new Central Library I’m ready for that to change.
On the opening weekend there were performances going on all day. From the seats here you could enjoy singing, choirs, and musicians.
Here at the entrance are the new arrivals, holds and returns.
All the book shelves have integrated lighting making the book attractive. Also, the signage is clear and easy to locate.
We took the train from our end of downtown to the other, getting off at city hall. What an impression it makes, the Library is another landmark site in the East Village’s transformation of an end of downtown that was once far from desirable. The whole area is one of optimism and progress, however this is not luxury condos, high-end dining, or a boutique hotel. Because this is a place for everyone and anyone to enjoy. My wife and I remarked how the travel space from “downtown” to “the east village” is now gone. There is no space one has to “get through”. Once the tower at 5th & 3rd is complete with Loblaws City Market, then it won’t matter the direction you approach from either. Third street behind the municipal building is no longer a cold barren no man’s land. Instead it’s a welcome walk with both buildings’ staircases making the height of the buildings feel human and approachable.
The building is filled with captivating angles for sights and perspectives.
Approach we did with twenty thousand of our neighbours to see this grand place. On the west side of the building opposite city hall is a 2000 sq ft cafe called LUKES. This is a collaboration between Gareth Lukes, the third generation owner of Lukes Drug Mart in Bridgeland, and Eric Hendry, former chef of Model Milk and now Bar Von Der Fels. (LUKES is accessed from the outside on the west side of the building) We did not get a chance to check out LUKES on this visit but I’m sure we will soon. After all, there’s little our family loves more than coffee shops.
In the kids area the shelves are sized appropriately and interestingly for them.
Following stairs or a ramp leads from the street level plaza up and under the structure’s overhanging entrance. This can then be used as a passageway coming down the other side to the East Village. The entrance ceiling of the overhang is built with curved wood planks, like floorboards, a theme that is used throughout. Coming in the main entrance you first find new works of fiction. I liked that everything about the library is spacious, but space wasn’t wasted with some kind of grand lobby, no the books start right away.
Some of the many self serve checkouts.
Part of the move away from a lobby and checkout desk is that there are self-serve checkout desks all over the place. I’d read about this before our visit, it’s a move away from library staff “hidden” behind desks, and instead adds to the open and interactive nature of the library with staff moving throughout the building helping visitors.
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I imagine regularly the library will be simple to get around, but on that day, everything took a while, as we all herded around.
All the floors of the building can be accessed from the grand central staircases with natural wood throughout and lit by the skylight up top. In addition the first two floors can be gradually traversed by a walkway that slowly ramps along the perimeter of the whole structure.
Even on that busy day, you could get around quickly by moving along the perimeter.
Roughly halfway up the first floor is the site’s second restaurant, also called Lukes. This smaller site serves coffee and sweets. You can even enjoy the same soft serve that Lukes Drug Mart is famous for, the plan is for the flavours to change monthly. When you visit, give yourself some time to spend here, just to take a seat and enjoy the great view of all the developments in the East Village.
Normally I’d wait in line for a coffee
Then find a place to sit, relax and take it all in.
But on that day it felt like waiting around at an airport.
Our daughter liked the place, the whole experience. (Actually, she wanted a balloon animal and I dragged her away from the line to keep looking and take more pictures, she’s sitting here in defiant anger.)
Moving past and around the corner is the kid’s library, this I also read about in advance. Rather than a kids section in the back or the basement as you would have found years ago, this is centrally located and as grand as anything else. Kids books are arranged by age group and later by genre. The area is visually filled with colours and areas to read, but also with a play structure.
The kid’s library starts with books for the littlest first.
I’ve heard that some feel a play area for kids has no place in a library. Well as a parent I welcome it. I look forward to years of coming to the library as a family, it’s filled with something for everyone and we’ll easily spend hours there. However, when kids are just little they get restless with sitting, or “looking around”. A play area is perfect it allows them to reset or balance out and then be ready and patient for a change of pace again. At least this is what I can see my kids doing.
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The second floor continues with the extensive fiction collection as well as special collections for the visually or hearing impaired.
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This is an Electronic magnifier and a text to speech reader
The darkened rooms here are some of the free to use bookable meetings spaces
Peeking into one of those meeting rooms
The third floor has a digital focus, here is where the audio and video studios are. If you have a project you need to work on but lack the equipment it’s all here for your use. You can borrow Chromebooks and take them to a cubicle or meeting room. The floor also contains the teen lounge, here there are board games and video games. Teens can find novels and book series focused on them while they can also learn about robots and programming, use an old typewriter or learn to sew. There are also music and movie collections that can be taken out just the same. It’s a true space for teenagers.
Board Games
Larger meeting/collaberation space
Magazine area
Movies
More Board Games
Space to lounge and read
Video game station
Space to lounge and read
Learn to Sewing
Foreign films collection
The fourth floor contains reference volumes with a huge section on local history and interest. Lastly is the great reading room. This reminds me a little of an old world library space, yet modern and very calm a perfect retreat.
This has everything you could ever want to know about our great city, from early settlers to early oil days
Entrance to the “TD Great Reading Room”
Inside the Great Reading Room
The Great Reading Room from afar
On that opening weekend it was insanely busy, imagine Chinook Mall two days before Christmas, and you’d be right. There were lines to get everywhere, lines to look at everything, and strollers parked everywhere. Yet mixed in with the crowds just coming to look around like ourselves, there were already people reading and studying.
Public Computers
Great spaces for everyone
Cubicles for working
Despite the huge open welcoming areas, there are still sit down spaces for small groups and individuals everywhere. There are rows of computers and printers for everyone to use and great meeting rooms for groups. There are classes going on where you can learn new skills, take a history lesson, or hear a local author speak, all for free.
More computer spaces
But don’t think that a visit to simply pick up a book will occupy more time than you have, because right off the entrance are the holds for pickup, and returns. Ensuring you don’t need to take the time to explore, except when you have it.
Our daughter saw me working on this post and asked when we are going back to the library. I hope her enjoyment and appreciation of public spaces never ends
This new library is a beautiful addition to our city, to the downtown and the East Village. I don’t believe for a second that the money should have been spent elsewhere, there will always be other demands on our tax paying dollars. But to live in a city with no community, no great spaces of expression, no unique and local spaces is not a city I want to live in. This library is free to all, for every income level, for our oldest citizens and our youngest, for those newest to our country and those who’ve never left our city.
Visitor guides containing this map are located everywhere
I’ve heard criticisms about its location, being realistic it is down the street from the drop in centre and shares a sidewalk with the salvation army. But it’s also across the street from Bow Valley College, sharing 3rd street with the future City Market, and a close neighbour to Studio Bell. It is near everything, in a neighbourhood where everything is changing.
Looking east down the steps into the East Village
I’m sure that a trip to the Library via the C-Train would bring my family into contact with more of our city’s homeless than a car trip to Chinook Mall. Does that mean I will want to keep my children away from its location? Not at all. First off people everywhere are different, and different isn’t to be feared. I want my children to experience life, not to be held up in some sheltered environment. If that means that we see someone less fortunate at the Library trying to change their circumstances, then that’s the way the real world is. If that means we see someone sleeping on the steps of that nice new plaza, well that’s a little uncomfortable. That would create some questions, which I would try to explain, and to teach them how to handle such situations. Yes I want to protect my children from things in life that would make them uncomfortable, but really I want to teach them to see and understand situations. If that means seeing a mixture of things in our day to day experience, well that’s living where everything isn’t always the best, but it isn’t a reason to stay away from things and places where things happen.
I love the River Walk
I’ve had some of my best times in our city in the East Village. In the summer I call sitting along the River Walk my happy place. This area is more than up and coming it is filled with growth and positivity. I like visiting the area because that energy is infectious. It is the perfect location for the new Central Library and many family outings to come.
I wish this was everyday
I wanted to share more pictures of some of the other rooms and features that I couldn’t fit into the article.
What Stampede means to me? An expression of city spirit and western heritage.
It’s the middle of this year’s Stampede, and I haven’t been to the grounds, nor do i intend to. You might assume I don’t like Stampede, or that I’m one of the folks who only talks of leaving town during the annual event. However, this wouldn’t be true at all.
I moved to Calgary in ‘99 not knowing much about it. “The Big Four” didn’t mean anything to me. The historical ties to the CP Rail, I knew nothing about. Oil booms going back nearly a hundred years and the impact on the cities prosperity I had no knowledge of. I’m from the interior of B.C. where it’s all about Gold, Silver and Coal mines. Ghost towns are all over B.C. and the signs of busier times.
My first Stampede I didn’t go to the grounds and resisted the overflowing spirit around the city. I’m not one for “Western” culture, I’d only been on a horse twice for a total of a half hour. However history does interest me, especially history I can see. How did things come to be the way they are, there’s always a story. The history of Calgary is about pioneering a new way of life. That can be said across Canada, and even North America. However I don’t live across the continent I live here, so here is where I can see history’s influence on today. The more I learned about my new home’s history the more I was caught up in that pioneering spirit, and I believe it still resides here today. To me the Stampede represents a glamorous romanticized version of our history.
You can tell me the Stampede is only about partying and drinking. You can tell me the Stampede only represents cruelty to animals. You can tell me it’s a fraud to western culture with urban city folk pretending me be cowboys for ten days. You can also tell me Stampede is just an overblown and overpriced grab for tourists. I’ll agree with every one of those statements, from a certain point of view. But I’ll also say you’ve only experienced one aspect of the Stampede. It represents so many different things, to different people and different industries. You can be a big fan and not know all the aspects to it.
For me, it is an expression of city spirit and western heritage. We celebrate it to say this is where we come from and that spirit is still alive here. So does this mean I’m a big fan of the Stampede? Do I go to the grounds every year? Nope. But I do like what it represents. Coming from a small town, civic pride was important. We as a community took pride in our town, what it represented, where it came from, who built it, and what we had achieved. It was only natural to have city events and celebrations. You can have a city celebration to commemorate a city’s founding. Why don’t we just do that? Because, we’re celebrating more than our city’s history, it’s a collective history of the west.
In 2012 the Stampede celebrated 100 years of Stampeding. Technically it has only been running annually since 1924, but it’s origins can be traced to 1886. It was begun by the Calgary and District Agricultural Society, to promote Calgary, western expansion and agricultural ingenuity. I think that is still something to celebrate together as a city. Don’t complain to me that traffic is bad during Stampede, that hotels are expensive, or that all tourists are bad drivers. People are celebrating our home, any city in the world is going to be busy when it hosts a major event. I’m proud to have an event to host for the world. Proud that we have more than the Stampede to be known for, but that the Stampede is how we celebrate our city.
Stampede spirit isn’t confined to the grounds of the Stampede in Victoria Park it’s all around. When I see the first Stampede decorations going up at the end of June I smile because that’s our city spirit on display. There are families with long standing traditions of watching the parade together. For others it’s all about the midway rides, of the grandstand show. I’ve never yet seen the chuckwagon races live but I will. Why? I have no history or connection to agriculture or cattle. But it’s where I live, where I choose to live, where I’m proud to live. I like the Stampede, I look forward to the city’s expression of it, the unity of common experience, I love what it represents to so many.
When you’re new here it may not mean anything to you, but it likely will, especially if you can get past the county music.
Events that make up the Stampede
Parade – Held the first Friday in July and kicking of the event is the Stampede Parade
Rodeo – Technically this is what it’s all about. One of the largest of its kind in the world covering six major events, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc and bareback riding – and four novice events – junior steer riding, novice bareback, novice saddle bronc and wild pony racing.
Rangeland Derby – This the chuckwagon race perhaps the most iconic event of the Stampede.
Grandstand Show and the Stampede Showband – Held each night on the grounds this is world class entertainment with song and dance to acrobatic performance ending with a nightly firework display.
Exhibition – The agricultural exhibition began in 1886, made up of 50 farm and ranch displays and competitions.
Midway – The midway is what most people talk about when they say “the grounds” with a mixture of rides and carnival games. There are two concert areas. Nashville North, a huge party tent (with lines even longer) is a country music venue. Next is the Coca-Cola stage, where there’s family entertainment during the day and rock and pop acts at night. Lastly, the Saddledome host headline acts.
Market – Located in the BMO center it’s 410,000 sq ft of retail space with vendors selling everything imaginable, with a featured area called the Western Oasis.
If you frequent 17th Ave, then you’ve seen the lines at Made by Marcus. We made a visit last year getting a kid’s scoop and two single cones. I got the cookies n’ cream, as I usually do and I don’t remember what the rest of the family got. What I do remember is the portions were large and the ice cream was amazing. Since then it’s exploded, at seemingly any time they will have a line well past their building and usually past the neighbouring Waves as well.
Pint’s available to purchase and take home
More than a spot to grab an ice cream cone, Made By Marcus is a Microcreamery. Everything is made on site, and sampling is encouraged. This year we’ve been a few more times and brought family from out of own.
Our daughter enjoying the Lemon Curd and Blueberry.
This most recent time was just my daughter and me. She got a kids cone of the Lemon Curd and Blueberry. She liked it so much that when she slowed down and I offered to take it and finish it, that she found new room and picked up the pace. I only got a lick or two. Myself I expanded my horizons with the Caramelized Pineapple & Spiced Rum. I simply don’t have the words to express how good this was. The Pineapple is sweet but the spiced rum kept it far from ordinary.
In addition, they have coffee and drinks.
Next I need to have one of their milkshakes, however, I think I need to get to the gym for a few hours first. Because this isn’t health food. In addition to their rotating Ice Cream flavours, they also have soft serve and several sundaes. Last they round out their offerings with coffee from Monogram.
The menu at Made by Marcus
Enjoy the season by visiting Made By Marcus, but don’t forget to visit them year round.
With a reputation like theirs, long lineups are commonplace
I heard about Butter Block a few months back in Avenue Magazine. On my first visit it was late in the day with limited selection, this past week I rectified that.
There are in three entrances off 17th Ave to the building
Inside the Devenish is home to many unique shops, Butter Block is located on the first floor
Butter Block is located in the Devenish building and is what I’m going to call Bakery Forward. Meaning it is a bakery first and foremost, not a coffee shop, not a bookstore, not a place to hang out at, it is focused on exquisitely baked goods.
I made my way over on a Thursday morning around eight, with it being about a half hour after opening I figured I’d have my pick of anything. I found that that morning they did not yet have their display case stocked, but was told many fresh items were ready.
Inside the Bakery
I picked up four croissants, two each of the Almond and Roasted Double Sesame, both were promptly packed up for me and I didn’t see them. I walked home having paid $18 dollars for the four croissants. I thought about how I enjoy coffees and croissants at Analog, while paying less and enjoying a popular place to relax and people watch. I decided that it was nice to support someone locale pursuing their dream but that it was a bit too expensive, after all, Analog is local too.
These are the Almond and Roasted Double Sesame Croissants
At home, I put on the coffee and told my wife I had picked us up some croissants for breakfast. I told her wife how I felt they were a bit expensive but I was looking forward to trying them. Then I took them out of the bag, and was impressed, next I took a bite. In an instant my opinion completely changed!
Delectable!
Butter Block’s Menu. I must try the Spicy Cheese Knot!
These were not overpriced in the slightest, it was excellent. (Mental note I simply can’t ever get a croissant from Tim Hortons again, for those are sad excuses.) The croissant from Butter Block exceeded my expectations and any previous. They are light, flaky and the Almond one was generously filled. If the croissant itself had been poor I’d be saying that there was too much almond paste filling, however there was still a lot of flaky pastry to balance things out. The filling itself wasn’t excessively sweet, the almonds on the outside were nicely toasted.
Now I must return and try more of their creations.
(My wife’s own endorsement was that, Butter Block should charge $4.50 for the first one and $6 for every one after, as it would still be worth it.)
After a winter like that Summer is finally here. We’ve been out visiting our favorite parks and spent nearly two hours at one close to home. Our daughter is happy to not be wearing giant coats and boots, but she’s not the only one. We want to box up our winter clothes, then put those boxes in a trunk and then store that trunk in someone’s garage in the suburbs.
4th Street overflows with our city’s biggest festival. From 13th Ave all the way to 26th Ave. Lilac Fest is this Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Lilac Fest returns to 4th street in Mission this weekend! We’ll be going down as a family with a goal of more than walking around. Our daughter has been every year since she was born, but this year I hope we can hear some bands and enjoy more than just a hotdog.
Road construction on 17th resumed, from May 1st to Stampede. Then breaks for Summer and picks up after labor day. The Current phase sees the avenue ripped up from 4th St to 7th St.
Meanwhile construction of 17th resumed at the beginning of May and will go hard until Stampede begins. We’re visiting all of our favorites places like Steeling Home, Analog Coffee and 1410. Of note we were at 1410 for brunch on a hot Sunday where the rooftop patio was 19 degrees at 10:30am. That day my father was in town and we took a walk from Mission along the Elbow River to Ft. Calgary and the East Village. The pathways along there are far from busy but it’s a walk I’ll enjoy taking again.
Stock photo of 1410’s showing 1410’s excellent rooftop patio.
The was April the 28th, by far the hottest day we’d had yet! Try the French Toast.
In other 17th Ave happenings, Butter Block bakery opened back in February. Situated in the Devenish building, they are a proper Bakery offering treats for pickup. It took us a few months to make it over there, and when we did it was late in the day with few options left. We will be back on a less busy Saturday morning.
Butter Block is located here, in the historic Devenish building.
Roosevelt is gone, I’ve added them to my list for a future article about places you should have tried before they disappeared. (It’s a long list with some outstanding places on it) In its place is Hostel. Is it still a 933 Group restaurant? I have no idea. My daughter and I visited Hostel last Thursday, while it’s interior is not my style in the least they have of course the same patio. Here you’ll find all food items are $10 and drinks are $5. Check them out and I hope to fill you in on our experience shortly.
The patio at the new “Hostel” “So now that we’re on the Patio what do we do?
With Summer upon us, we’ll be enjoying all our usual urban spots but also venturing out to new places near and far from the core. Our daughter is at the perfect age for Calaway Park so you can bet we’ll be there. At the opposite end of the spectrum is our favorite Riley Park, we plan on being there a great deal this Summer.
This was taken on my third trip to Calaway, and our daughter’s first. All have been fun visits but this was the first time I was a Dad.
Riley Park, two previous years we visited this oasis once a year, then last year it was six visits.
Summer means Ice Cream, I feel a future article coming on, “ Urban Ice Cream” or “Choosing Rocky Road”. Another visit for our family with be the Zoo and the new Panda exhibit. We’ll be there soon, but not really in a hurry, we’ll wait for the initial crowds to lessen. If that’s even possible.
Typical ice cream line at “Made by Marcus” day or night.
Look forward to some future posts, I’m working on an article about playgrounds in the inner city, and parks & pathways and of course highlighting restaurant experiences.
I hope to have an article about our city’s large parks in the coming weeks. This is at “Pearce Estate Park” in Inglewood.
Have you tried your luck at the track? Make your way to Century Down Race Track and Casino. We visited last year on an open house day with a tour and our daughter saw many cool things.
Skyline Luge wasn’t nearly as scary as someone worried. I’ll have an article about our adventure later this Summer.
East Village Junction’s Pop-Up Retail Park has returned for another year. Open Monday from Noon till 8pm, and Sat & Sun 10am till 6pm. Check it out at 439 8th Ave SE. Expect entertainment and food trucks, check their site for scedules.
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Tubby Dog is a 17th Ave staple, an example of its eclectic and uncorporate vibe. Inside Tubby Dog feels like an old diner, but with changes that have come with time, and nothing like a modern fast food joint. To me Tubby Dog defines my idea of late night food. Maybe it’s because some of their hotdogs could only have been come up with after 2am. Maybe it’s because they used to serve post-midnight lines from a walk-up window. Whatever it is, my past perception was that Tubby Dog was only frequented by a cool alternative crowd. After all, not just anywhere gets the late night lines.
Welcome to Tubby Dog
That may have once been true, but not today. First of all there is no “too cool for school” vibe, just super approachable and friendly. Stepping in, to your right and behind you is a counter along the windows, here a few people can eat while taking in some of the best people watching. On the left side is the counter to order, with the grill and fryer behind. Running halfway to the back is a prep counter similar to Subway but feeling nothing like it. On the opposite side are a half dozen arcades from the 80’s & 90’s all functioning and at their original prices. At the back are a few tables and most recently a few modern pinball machines, these machines seem to change out over time.
Hot Dog Creation Area
Tubby Dog is a hot dog restaurant that specializes in crazy toppings, served with so many of these topping that they are spilling over the sides. Before 2012 I’d never been to Tubby Dog, the only reason being I’m not much of one for hotdogs. However my perception that it was a cool alternative place got the better of me and I declared we weren’t too square to check it out. I believe that first visit was in the afternoon, hardly a crazy late night eat, but I did enjoy a hotdog heaped with potato chips.
My usual the “A-Bomb” ($8.50)
After our daughter was born I felt we were cool urban parents bringing her to Tubby Dog. I’m sure that’s what all the parents there with their kids felt they were too. And why wouldn’t there be kids? Kids love hot dogs, they are right at home in this place. In honesty the regular dogs are just too large for a kid, but you can get a simple and smaller hotdog for them. What about Mom and Dad? Well there’s beer too, so you can pretend it’s a late night date like when you first met, until you have to clean up a ketchup accident.
My Daughter and I at Tubby Dog. Here she was less than a year old. The “Tubby Dog” ($8.50) and a A-Bomb ($8.50)
Over the years Tubby dog has expanded their repertoire with poutine and Taco nights and Hamburger nights too. Watch for the nights when they become a venue for live bands, then the spirit of 17th really comes out. Mellower but no less die hard are their Thursday night screening of the latest Riverdale episodes. What’s that you ask? Exactly as it sounds, new episodes of Riverdale shot up on a wall about a 100”, grab a dog and enjoy the shocking teen drama. While that’s over for now, watch for its return in September when Riverdale returns.
My wife and our daughter decide what to order
This was taken a few years ago before the new pinball games came in
I told my daughter I played this back in the day
A picture form this year of the new pinball games
The back seating area
Just as a said lots of kids this day
Our daughter still practicing to take on Dad
“This is more my speed Dad!”
“Where’s the screen Dad?”
How about the food? Well these are serious ⅓ lb hotdogs steamed to perfection or grilled on request. With any and all toppings you could want. My favorite is the “A-Bomb”, topped with cheese, bacon bits, mayo, mustard, ketchup, and them potato chips! It’s delicious, a mix of textures and messier than anything!
My usual the “A-Bomb” ($8.50)
But if that’s too pedestrian for you then you want the “Captain Dog” with peanut butter & jelly and Captain Crunch cereal. The classic “Tubby Dog” has chili, bacon, cheese, onions and mustard. Sorry, neither of these are pictured.
The “Harlo” features tons of bacon bits ($8.50)
The “Sumo” Japanese Mayo, Seaweed Salad, Wasabi, Pickled Ginger, Lightly Toasted Sesame Seeds ($8.50)
Again for the more adventurous try the “Sumo” Japanese mayo, seaweed salad, wasabi, pickled ginger and lightly toasted sesame seeds.
For options any dog can be made with a veggie dog, turkey dog, bacon wrapped dog or Ukrainian sausage.
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If you’d like a night with more options, come for Tacos on Tuesday night or Hamburgers on Wednesdays. Check out the Google pictures link for images of their tacos, hamburgers, and the hot dog with a fried egg!
The Brewer’s Apprentice – 448 8th Ave SE – The East Village’s own spot to fill your growler with the finest craft beers
For a list of names and links mentioned in this post see the bottom of the article
Once upon a time, you could pick up a simple six-pack of mass-produced swill, enjoy it, and be none the wiser that beer could be so much more.
You might encounter some different styles, but it was dominated by the lager. It was produced by huge national breweries and you could find it everywhere. This remains true, but enter the craft beers to change everything.
Big Rock Brewery – Traditional – An English Style Brown Ale
My beer experience began later than some. I didn’t drink before I was of age. The very first beer I ever drank was a Big Rock Traditional. I thought it was all right, but drank it slow. I ordered Kokanee now and again but didn’t like it much. Two to three years later I switched to Keith’s, back when it was still hard to find. I drank it more frequently. I was developing a taste for beer. Even then I knew there were different styles of beer, but I couldn’t name any of them, any more than by saying “light” or “dark”.
1410 World Bier Haus Restaurant & Lounge – 1410 17 Ave SW – One of my favorites
In 2006 I met a friend at the recently opened 1410 on 17th Ave. He told me they had beer from all over the world, and sure enough, the menu was organized by country. I thought this was pretty cool, and I ordered a beer from Germany. (I know that Bottlescrew Bill’s has been around far longer, with at least 240 beers available. But that’s not where I was that day.) At home I still bought Keith’s, however, a friend would bring over a new beer with every visit, and my time with Keith’s was coming to an end.
Liquor Depot – 1140 17 Ave SW – Craft Beer Cooler
The curiosity of tasting a new beer becomes part of drinking beer. A conversation would come up. What does it taste like? What are the flavors? The answers were no longer easy. I was hooked. Where could I find more? When variety is what you’re looking for, craft beer is where you’re going to find it. Well, what is craft? Following changes to Alberta’s liquor laws, it became easier to start up a brewery. Previous restrictions required such high outputs that few could afford the startup investment. But I’m not talking legalities, I’m talking about what craft means to beer. It means small, independent with traditional methods, yet experimental with flavor. Since the change, these craft breweries have been popping up everywhere. They have their regular offerings to appease, but it’s in the experimentation where they build reputations. Suddenly beer is like indie music in the 90’s; everyone wants to talk about their latest discovery. For restaurants, this means carrying at least twenty to thirty beers instead of the previous eight to twelve.
CRAFT Beer Market – 345 10 Ave SW – My first beer adventure with intent started here
Can you still go out for a simple beer in Calgary? Of course you can. But the market for craft beer has taken off, and there’s no going back. This beer revolution has pushed the prices that the public accepts higher and faster than any other food and beverage category. As a result, the big national breweries have done their part to get in on this, but I don’t think it’s for them. As far as I’m concerned the very definition excludes them. Let’s look at the aptly named “Craft Beer Market” or just “Craft”. Their beer menu contains over a hundred beers, all on tap, organised by style, and I’m not talking “lights and darks”. I went a few months after opening, having heard a great deal about it, and it didn’t disappoint. That first visit was with a beer aficionado friend. He told me our beer journey would start light and travel through the many styles. We enjoyed a mixture of appetizers and entrees and the hours passed. I don’t remember, or can’t if we visited all those styles, but it left quite the impression.
Trolley 5 Brewpub – 728 17 Ave SW – 17th’s ave hot spot of the summer
Do you still enjoy your favorite mass-produced beer? Nothing wrong with that if you do. Or are you adventurous and experimental too? Do you want to start expanding your beer horizons? There’s nowhere better to start than Calgary’s own local breweries. My first beer, though I didn’t realize it at the time, was from one of the granddaddies of local beer, Big Rock Brewery. Founded in ‘85 it was joined in ‘89 by Brewsters, and then in ‘96 by Wild Rose. These three preceded the current craft breweries, but aren’t just significant for when they got their start. They each have a history of supporting the local market with innovations, sponsorships, and being encouraging to newcomers.
The YYC Beer Map put together by Tourism Calgary and the Alberta Small Brewers Association – Is this still available? Will a new version come out next year?
They’ve been joined by Caravel, Village, Annex Ale, Dandy, Tool Shed, Common Crown, Banded Peak, Cold Garden, High Line, Zero Issue, and Citizen. Any one of these are great and I look forward to trying more. Speaking of more, there are more local breweries coming.
National on 10th – 341 10 Ave SW – The 10th Ave location features a bowling alley in the basement and the ultra-chill Bourbon room upstairs
Most of these breweries offer tours to see their facilities, hear their tales, and afterward enjoy a beer in their tasting rooms. However, if that’s further than your enthusiasm goes today, I suggest “National”. Part of the Concorde restaurant group they have quickly grown to four locations in the city. National has about half the beers that Craft does, however with a formidable focus on Alberta breweries. I suggest the Tool Shed People Skills. You can still go to my old favorite too. “1410” from the 933 Group had been called “World Beer Haus” before any of the others. Their menu is no longer listed by country but they’ve kept up with the trends and still have one of the largest selections. I suggest their exclusive from Village Brewery “Holy Grail” it’s a quenching amber ale. If you looking for an option serving their own beer, then I have three to suggest. Two having opened last fall, Trolley 5 and Mill Street. Both on 17th Ave, Trolley 5 was purpose-built on the ground that once was Melrose. They have claimed the title for the patio to be seen on. All their beer is produced on-site, with others on their menu usually from breweries just a few blocks away. Mill Street comes from Labatt, but I won’t hold that against them, as I appreciate their reuse of the historic Costigan House and the investment in the east end of 17th Ave SW. They have an offering of 21 beers and a selection from six other seasonal brews.
Brewsters – Hammerhead Red Ale – A traditional red ale with medium body, ABV: 35 – My favorite when I was still drinking bland beer at home
Village Brewery – Holy Grale – Caramel Amber Ale
Trolley 5 – Derailed – West Coast style Pale Ale
Where’s the third? Well, I can’t talk about local beer without talking about “Last Best”. Located on 11th Ave in what you may remember as District, or the Fox Downtown. Last Best has more beers I enjoy than any other. Even the styles that aren’t for me, I enjoy tasting there. While I may agree with accusations that the food is just a little pricey, it is excellent (which if you’ve followed my previously mentioned reasoning, means I accept more often than having issues).
Last Best Brewing & Distilling – 607 11 Ave SW – My favorite brewpub
A friend pointed out that Last Best has a monthly beer tasting they call the “Social Club”. I was shocked at the time, a favorite pub of mine, only a half dozen blocks from home, and I didn’t already know about it. We immediately made plans for the following month and I haven’t missed one since! Here’s the lowdown: on the first Wednesday of every month Last Best hosts the Social Club in their lower-level called “The Beer Shop”. Here with a quieter atmosphere and a unique beer list separate from upstairs you’ll find new discoveries to be had. But the real treat is during the Social Club, it’s all about beers that aren’t on the list at all.
Two events for different tastes
Downstairs you’re in for something unique
This menu isn’t available upstairs, only in The Beer Shop
The Beer Shop isn’t large, and therefore creates the perfect cozy atmosphere
The downstairs continues the upstairs vibe, but slows it down for leisure drinking
Hosted by Last Best’s Adam Sequin, each month introduces a new theme. Since I starting going in June we’ve had the following themes: Sours, Summer Fruit Ales, Gin Pairings, Wild Ales, Lactose Sugars, Barley Wines and most recently Christmas cookie pairings.
Adam Sequin explaining some brews at a summer Social Club
I believe this was “the Kimmie, the Yink and the Holy Gose Ale” from Anderson Valley, during the June tasting
Beginning at 8 o’clock the first 10oz samples are brought around, with the others following at roughly half-hour intervals. Adam introduces the beers, discusses the breweries, origins of the brews, and what makes them unique. His understanding and passion for beer is apparent and he adds his own personality to the whole event. In no way is this just a promotional event for Last Best: what it feels like is a secret little club for beer lovers. Frequently this isn’t a solo gig for Adam either as there’ll be representatives from the other breweries featured that night.
Never intimidating or conceited it’s just relaxed and enjoyable.
For me, beer has changed from that simple boring lager to something unique. And like music, I want to share it. Talk about it with like-minded individuals and discover more new favorites. Yes, there’ll be hits and misses. That’s why when you’re adventurous, you start with singles. The next time you’re out, be adventurous. Don’t ask if they have your regular on tap, “because this is a 90’s music store” ask them for their favorite. You’ll hear an elaborate tale about what they like and what they’ve tried. They’ll ask what styles you like. Maybe keeping it easy by using “light and dark”. They’ll tell you about a local brew that they just put on tap tonight that you must try. Then before you leave, having enjoyed this craft adventure, your server will suggest you try their real favorite.
What if you could order up a pizza with a choice of sauces and unlimited toppings right on the spot, and what if it was ready in 3 minutes.
This way for your unique pizza creation.
Now you can with Blaze Pizza in Mission (they also have a location at Sunridge Mall). Based out of Pasadena, California they opened their Mission Restaurant earlier this year. It took us some time to make our way over and check it out, but I’m glad we finally did.
While in line you can watch them prepare the dough for your pizza.
There’s a large selection of unlimited toppings
If you’ve been to Subway then you’ll understand the structure of Blaze Pizza. The restaurant has a casual airy atmosphere, with high ceilings and a concrete floor. The impression is open and bright.
Stepping up to the counter you can order one of their signature pizzas ($11.65), these pizzas, are like from a traditional menu, but you can still make your own changes to them (for the same price). Or you can forgo the menu idea and just go straight custom from the start ($11.65). You can also keep things simple for a child or a picky adult with their 1 topping pizza ($8.15). This gets you a choice of sauce, cheese & 1 topping. They have a simpler still option, with Mozzarella, Parmesan and tomato sauce ($7.45).
Salads are also available.
Before the toppings your choices start with the sauces, in addition to a “classic red sauce” they have “spicy red sauce”, “garlic pesto sauce” and “white cream sauce”. Then you have your cheese options. As I once heard, when you change the cheese you change the taste. Beginning with traditional shredded mozzarella they have goat, feta, parmesan, ovalini mozzarella, ricotta and gorgonzola cheeses.
“When you change the cheese, you change the taste”
If pizza isn’t your thing, then this isn’t really the restaurant for you, however, they do have a few salad options. There’s a romaine lettuce, spinach salad, an arugula & fruit salad, and an iceberg. These can then have other things added in and ordered in a side ($5.25) or entree ($7.85) size.
Maybe a nice water hits the spot?
They have a large selection of bottled drinks, including beer and wine, with pop and lemonade including free refills. If you’re still hungry after your pizza they have some small dessert options with brownies, cookies and s’mores ($3.00).
Lots of toppings.
And even more toppings.
For our first visit, I went with their BBQ Chicken Pizza – chicken, mozzarella, red onions, banana peppers, gorgonzola, bbq sauce. Except I substituted sauteed onions for the red onions and spicy sauce for regular.
BBQ Chicken Pizza ($11.65)
My wife had the Link In – sausage, red peppers, sauteed onions, mozzarella and red sauce.
Link In Pizza ($11.65)
While our daughter ordered her favorite, a ham, and pineapple pizza.
“Pizza, I think I love you” Ham & Pineapple ($11.65)
Part of the hook of Blaze Pizza is that it’s fast. So is it any good? Yes, it was great. But don’t go if a “Deep Dish” is the only pizza you like, because then you won’t. The crust is thin and simple in texture. Does it dethrone my favorite thin crust pizza? No not even close. I don’t really think they are trying to complete with an artisanal pizza. What they’ve got is a quick pizza for cheap, where you can choose from a large selection of toppings and make something unique.
Ready in 3 minutes.
The restaurant is totally child-friendly with spacious walkways and large washrooms with a change table in the men’s room as well. The night we were there we saw at least eight kids enjoying their Blaze Pizza. I highly recommend it for a quick pizza outing, especially with kids. As always I’m comparing their food, atmosphere, and prices to their contemporaries and not fine dining.
A large and spacious area, brightly lit.
Some might accuse them of having something up with their dough to have it cook and rise so fast. Almost as if to prove it is legit, they have a dough mixing room where you’re able to watch the dough being made.
I can’t talk about Charbar without talking about the East Village. I’ll keep my distraction short and return to it another time. The East Village is a 15 block area on the east side of downtown, behind City Hall, Bow Valley College and the Harry Hays Building extending to the Elbow River and Inglewood. When I moved here nearly twenty years ago calling the area a run down lost cause was being polite. Let’s just say a change has come, following a 300 million dollar investment from the city to upgrade the infrastructure of the area private investment has followed. Mixed in with the previous rundown structures and crackling empty lots were several historical structures with great character. These buildings have all been saved, refurbished, modernized and become cornerstones of the area. One such building was the Simmons Mattress warehouse. To say it’s the crown jewel of the area, might be an overstatement after all this area is flourishing with unique and special gems.
Looking west at the Simmons building, June 2015.
A building like this took special vision to revitalize and bring it to where it is today. This came from three local business that came together to bring back this building. They each focus on old world quality, being fresh and sustainable while supporting local suppliers and communities. They are Phil & Sebastian, Charbar, and Sidewalk Citizen.
The Phil & Sebastian coffee bar at the south entrance, with Charbar’s cocktail bar in the foreground.
Phil & Sebastian is one of Calgary’s boutique coffee roasters and true coffee houses. They began at the Calgary Farmers’ Market and now have five locations. I’d like to say that the East Village is their flagship location however the Stephen Ave location is also beautiful. www.philsebastian.com
Sidewalk Citizen’s inside sign, seen when approaching from the north side.
Sidewalk Citizen is an artisan bakery based in Kensington, with the Simmons’ building location being their second. They specialize in traditional baking methods and have delicious baked goods. www.sidewalkcitizenbakery.com
Charbar’sinside signage seen over the host counter. Showing curing meat.
This brings us to Charbar, the second venture from the team behind downtown’s acclaimed Charcut. While Charcut is meat first, with in-house butchery featuring charbroiled and rotisserie meats. Charbar has a range of dishes emphasizing vegetables and seafood, but don’t worry the signature meats cooked with an Argentinian wood-fired tradition blending Spanish and Italian influences is still present.
The Simmons building, visible atop is Charbar’s rooftop patio.
Charbar opened in the summer of 2015 with much anticipation showcasing what is evolving in the East Village. We made our inaugural visit for brunch on the last Sunday that June. We’ve been five or six times now and like a few other spots, it’s simply a crime that we haven’t been for dinner. However as parents who want our daughter to experience and try more at every opportunity, mornings are better for an East Village adventure.
The East Village’s RiverWalk water front.
To hurry our arrival to the East Village we took the C-Train to the other end of downtown, walked to the river, and to the Simmons’ building. At that time I gasped at the progress that had been happening since my last stroll along the river and through the area. A few years before when RiverWalk had reimagined the waterfront we walked along and it was a beautiful concept, but felt almost out of place because there was little else over there. Now with landscaping complete, construction and optimism all around, in the center is a brick structure brought forth from the past.
Ceiling details inside the Simmons building.
Walking inside we were in love, original natural wood timbers, raw steel trusses, and natural light was everywhere. The place felt like a turn of the century warehouse loft, exactly what it was. The center opened up to a glass elevator creating a focal point and primary access to the levels including the rooftop patio. I’d heard about the three separate business using the space and had seen a concept floor plan, but I had to look around and see it.
Looking west to the downtown through the windows of the Simmons building.
This place is a passion project for these businesses, what a phenomenal collaboration to create together. From day one it brings an identity to the East Village.
Sidewalk Citizen’s counter at the south entrance. Always a line of people picking up breads and sweets.
Looking around, Phil & Sebastian is on the south side of the building. While Sidewalk Citizen is on the north side, with a river facing patio next to Charbar’s own. Doors on both sides of the building access these spaces and come together in the middle at Charbar’s cocktail bar and host counter.
Upstairs in the Simmons Building, the glass elevator is just visible to the right.
At that first visit, we were seated in the spacious upstairs with only a few other tables occupied. Despite the large size, I’ve noticed in subsequent visits that the place doesn’t become noisy with conversation white noise like some large or even smaller places. I tribute that to all the aged wood surfaces.
Upstairs in the Simmons Building, stairs visible beside the elevator.
Charbar calls their menu “eclectic and innovative” I can’t argue with that, for brunch you can order bacon and eggs, but you can be having a chicken chimichurri or empanadas. How about a brunch appetizer, as I like to call the deep-fried french toast bites?
Deep-fried french toast bites dulce de leche dipping sauce ($12)
They have a few breakfast salads, one with cabbage, avocado and seeds, the other with kale, gouda and chiles. How about their brunch burger? It’s a “Double stacked gaucho burger, dry-aged provoleta cheese, crush avocado”. Is a western steak and eggs more you style? They have you taken care of with an asadora steak, fried eggs, and fried yucca. Are you asking what’s yucca? I was. It’s a South American root vegetable like a sweet potato, and you need to try it!
Phil & Sebastian Coffee ($4)
To say the food met our expectations is underselling it. I feel that everything we’ve ever eaten there is, intentional. What’s that mean? Is it crisp, hot, dry, saucy, sweet, savory? You are experiencing it exactly as the chef has intended.
Chicken chimichurri sandwich melted mozzarella on fresh baked bread ($17)
On that first visit, I had the chicken chimichurri sandwich. Delicious and I want one now. I’ve had it one other time and it was just as memorable.
High recommended by Choosing Urban
You’ve got chicken with melted mozzarella topped with an egg on freshly baked bread. That bread is toasted crispy and compliments the egg and cheese perfectly. The chicken, well flavourful in every way. Looking back now, I should have asked for yucca on the side, they’re just that good.
Crushed whole avocado on toasted sourdough with fried eggs ($14)
That first time and several times since my wife has had the avocado toast with two eggs on top. She has raved about it and on our second trip when we sat outside I think it made her day.
On that first visit, my daughter had simple toast, it was two huge slices of amazing bread. Since then she gets the kids breakfast. While she doesn’t rave about it, there’s no stealing any bacon from her.
I wish I knew what these were.
On our first visit, they had a feature cocktail I wish I could tell you anything about it because it was so amazing and refreshing, but it’s been too long.
Fried eggs and empanadas chimichurri, hot sauce butter ($18)
On another trip, I had the fried eggs with empanadas. The eggs are served with a pesto sauce and there is a hot sauce butter for dipping the empanadas in. Excellent, unique flavors, I really enjoyed it.
EV eggs benedict Spanish ham, savory scone, charred lemon and brown butter hollandaise, fried yucca ($17)
On our most recent trip I had the eggs benedict. Our server warned me that in their traditional style the eggs are runny. I guess they were, not sure, I was too busy enjoying everything to notice. I suppose it’s to be expected considering Charbar’s heritage, but the ham on the benedict is what other ham should aspire to be.
Downstairs dinning area, with seafood counter at the bar.
How is Charbar for kids? They have a kid’s breakfast menu item, and many other sides could be ordered for them. As well they have highchairs, the men’s bathroom had a spacious enough counter for managing a change but no dedicated spot. While I’ve seen a lot of kids there at brunch, their lunch and dinner menu’s don’t have kids sections. Still, I’m sure my daughter and I could share an order of fried squid, and a chorizo pizza, but your mileage may vary.
Finishing details made to the inside of the Simmons building.
Lastly, value. Is it cheap? No. It is at the upper end of the culinary experience and so is their pricing. Regarding my individual experiences, all have been filling and satisfying. However, one more empanada with the brunch serving would help the value.
Charbar’s rooftop patio, the place to enjoy summer.
I certainly do recommend Charbar, but its price makes it more of an outing or an experience rather than soothing routine or regular. The good news is, so does their food.
Looking north from the rooftop patio to the Bow River.
Phil & Sebastian serving coffee from their patio on a summer’s day.
