Before Bread Culture opened I walked past and was glad to see something new coming into the space. I wondered what it could be? Then the first sign went up “Bread Culture” I took a picture to remind me to tell my wife about it! “A bakery opening close to us!
“Smart people make their choices in advance”
“Our family likes baked goods”, and that’s putting it mildly. Sure when it comes time to going to a movie theater I’m going to tell you I need candy, but really I’d give it up, if it was one or the other, for croissants.
For a few weeks I walked past, thinking about the difficulty opening up during a pandemic. Then the announcement on Instagram, June 26th would be the big day. But before that, a sneak peek, with one free croissant on June 20th!
The weekend came, and Saturday morning I hyped the kids up about the newest bakery. We went over a few minutes after nine and received our free croissants and purchased a few others.
Since that day our patrionange to the other local bakeries has dropped off. Proximity has something to do with it, but really that wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t absolutely outstanding. Bread Culture stands out with its variety of baked goods, and impeccable quality.
I’d like to say every weekend, (but I’m middle aged now, and that kind of indulgence catches up with you) but frequently enough. I head over to Bread Culture on a weekend morning right at opening when selection is best. There’s always a line up of loyal baking aficionados there to get their weekly? Fix.
My natural impulse to go straight for the almond croissant, but in actuality there’s too much to try. Most weekends I decide to try something else.
Our son believes the “strawberry cakes” are the best. The cheese buns are really something else, but I still prefer something sweet in the morning.
My standing recommendation is the morning bun. This light, flaky layered decadence is sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Then inside is a citrus zest, that makes the sun brighter, the day better and the kids more patient, (one can dream). The is a top pic for both of the kids.
Our daughter has a frequent preference for chocolate croissants. For my wife it’s brioche anything, sugar, chocolate, berry, yes please.
There pretzel buns, worth a trip for. I was told this past week that they will only be available on Sundays for the time being.
I’m going to be honest we haven’t actually tried any bread, from Bread Culture. But soon, simple toast and jam for me.
Over Christmas break, I went over to Bread Culture for a bit of essential morning sustenance. What was this? “Brioche de Noël” Onsight I knew I wanted it, I bought a loaf in addition to my regular items of baked joy. At home, I excitedly removed it from the bag, exquisite! Not too sweet, light, texture that defies belief. I went back the next weekend for another bit of Christmas. It was done! Till next year! Aaaah, till next year, I’ll be back for thee.
Captured from their Instagram, a little insight into the Brioche de Noël
I mustn’t leave out the owner’s and staff. Everyone is so kind and friendly, clearly they know they are selling joy disguised as baked goods.
Bread Culture, worth getting up for, worth waiting in line for, worth trying everything they offer.
On Saturday the 30th we broke from our frequent pandemic pizza pick ups, for a taste of new with Pigot’s Burger Club. What was it, where did it fall on the charts, how did it rank?
Operating Monday to Sunday, noon to midnight Pigot’s Burger Club offers a pop-up burger experience. Orders can be picked up from Craft’s 10th Ave location or delivered via all major delivery apps. I can’t comment on any aspect other than the burger, well the website is simple, easy to use with many hunger-inducing burger images.
The menu features three burgers, a Cheese Burger, Bacon Cheese Burger and a Mushroom Cheese Burger. As well as two non meat offerings the “Non Meat a Tarian Cheese Burger” and “Non Meat a Tarian Mushroom Cheese Burger”. All burgers can be ordered as singles, doubles and triples. While the non meat burgers can be done as singles or doubles. To round out the menu there are Fries, Tots, Dirt Tots and a Kale Caesar. We ordered the side tots, as well as the Dirty Tots.
Now for the main event, the Burger! Is it the simplest form of north American fast food? Perhaps, then how come there’s such a wide range. From good to bad, mediocre to extravagant! What does one want in a burger? I can fire up my BBQ, cook meat with fire and fill a hunger. So when I order instead what am I looking for? Something unique, what’s my take away, how will I recommend this, or why won’t I.
This was it, a Bacon Cheese Burger I’m still thinking about.
It’s not complicated, it didn’t grab me with gimmicks and rare ingredients. What it is, is perfectly executed,with everything balanced proportionately. No teen threw this together at an assembly line with eight more quickly needed while a car waited.
This was planned long before I ordered it and crafted to exceed expectations. Assembled with care, beginning with the bun, not an afterthought or a fluke. This was chosen to make a first impression. Was it too soft, too dry, too much, did it just soak up like a spunge and fall apart? After all this is for pick up and delivery. No this bun offers just the right addition to every bite. Because again, this is a perfectly executed burger.
For my indulgence I had the Bacon Cheese Burger at $12.49 it’s where burgers are priced nowadays. The simple lettuce and flavourful tomato add to the burger. Then bacon, just right, and brown sugar onions, these are diced adding sweetness and intreig. Then the “Merican Cheese” this isn’t a single slice that gets missed, this melted goodness brings the cheeseness I remember every burger having, yet seldom do. Lastly Pigot’s secret sauce, just right, not strong, not lifeless, no this brings it all together in just the right proportions. Lastly that bun again, it’s not falling apart, you can put it down and pick it up again, the burgers collapse isn’t making you rush, no this construct holds together. Take your time savor.
First post in two years. And it’s a love letter to a burger.
My wife had the Mushroom Cheese Burger $11.99, I assume it was amazing.
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.
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.
For insight into urban living as it happens follow us on instagram.
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.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
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!
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.
Something a little different today, for the most part I want to avoid franchises or corporate restaurants here on Choosing Urban. If that’s the case then why Nando’s? It’s a little different, not quite the regular here in Calgary. At the end of the day it’s just chicken, and they do have fries, so maybe not that different.
Nando’s sandwich board out on 17th
When the building that was a TD bank was renovating and expanding, I was hopeful for a clothing retailer, something unique, with men’s and women’s clothes. While we didn’t get that, we got a relocated H&R Block (from down the street) and later Nando’s. I was pleased to see the investment along this block, and the south side of 17th. It’s less true today, but for the longest time it felt like the north side got all the love.
When ever our daughter sees this she says “Red Chicken Daddy” “You wanna go there?”
Nando’s Patio on 17th
Nando’s is a restaurant chain originating in Johannesburg South Africa in 1987. Over the years they’ve gone through extensive expansion mostly in Africa, Asia and the UK. However they have a presence here in Canada as well as the US. Their food is Mozambican-Portuguese on account of its peri peri spices. Peri-peri being a Swahili word adopted by the Portuguese for hot peppers. Their signature dish is flame grilled peri peri chicken served in quarters, halves and whole. Traditional sides are rice, corn, macho peas, coleslaw and peri-peri vegetables.
Nando’s Kitchen
Nando’s round booth, our daughter calls it “sitting in an egg”
Nando’s lively dining room
Nando’s atmosphere and presentation fall into the fast casual category. Inside are wooden surfaces and lively colors. Their seating has a mix of tables, booths and a single long table at bar height. Seated at your table you can go over everything at your leisure. They have a selection of appetizers, salads, chicken dishes, sandwiches and wraps. All of their chicken dishes can be ordered with one or two sides. As well they have platters to share which we’ll have to try soon. Nando’s is reasonably priced, but it is easy to get carried away with addons. Your biggest decision will be how hot do you go? All dishes can be made with five options for heat and flavouring. And while hot it hot, it’s not coated in hot sauce, it’s not wing night at the pub. Meaning if you enjoy hot food you’ll find the “xtra hot” is easier to make it through. Once you’ve decided take your table number up to the counter to order.
Nando’s here’s a good sense of their decor
At the counter you can order any alcohol you’d like with your meal, they have red and white wines, Sangria and beer. I was surprised to see their beers are on tap and not bottled. With your order placed at the counter you need to make one more stop on the way back to your table. The stop at a side station allows you to pick up additional sauces, cutlery and any fountain drinks you’ve ordered.
Nandos’ has just recently added some new items to their menu, which prompted our most recent trip
We’ve been to Nando’s five or six times since they opened. I always look over their dessert items but in honesty I order to much food to have room for a dessert. Of note they have a Portugese custard tart called “Pasteis de Natas”, as well as a chocolate cake, a cheesecake, ice cream and a bottomless frozen yogurt.
Nandos’ has just recently added some new items to their menu, which prompted our most recent trip
I really enjoy their chicken it’s cooked right, flavourful and spicy. The spiced rice is really nice and on our last visit I had corn on the cob for a side. Our daughter likes the fries and the rice and it depends on the day if she’s up for chicken, but we get the same at home regarding chicken. I know these are showing up in more and more places but we first saw it here, self serve pop machine with flavour mixing options. My wife loves this thing, and I too like getting a lime ginger ale.
Nando’s calls these their “PERi-PERi Chippers, I’ve seen something very similar at a few places now, and they are always very good, with Nando’s being no exception, except here you can dip them in spicy PERi-PERi sauces!
Nando’s ¼ Chicken (Leg + Thigh) $7.95 on it’s own or $12.95 with 2 sides, here shown with PERi-PERi vegetables
Nando’s Kids Chicken Strips with Fries $8.50
Nando’s corn on the cob $375
Nando’s double skewers shown with spiced rice $9.35 on it’s own or $14.35 with two sides
Is it good for kids? Yes. They have a kids menu, high chairs, and more non pop drinks than water, with apple and orange juice, milk and chocolate milk. I like that there’s some new flavors for our daughter to try and we can skip the fries if we want.
Nando’s table number stand
Lastly if you enjoy Nando’s various sauces they had for you to add to your dinner you can buy a bottle to take home for $6.99.
