Tag Archives: featured

17th Ave, Restaurant

Roosevelt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dragon Boat Race & Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17th Ave, Restaurant

Cibo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some highlights of the pizza menu for me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Eau Claire, Restaurant

Alforno

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit – Sunday June 25th

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

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

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