More restaurants around Calgary.
Buchanan’s
What can really go wrong at a place that serves over 200 different types of single malt whiskey, and shows the hockey games. We’re extremely lucky to have Buchanan’s almost on our front door step as an extremely functional bar and restaurant.
I’d read about this place quite a few times before eating and drinking here. With a group of us at the bar, instead of at the back in the restaurant, somehow ordering their well known burger didn’t feel as bad in a place well known for its steaks.
Although this bar isn’t perfect for watching a game on its only TV, the six of us at the bar still managed to have a great time. The bartender cracked open a couple of bottles of wine, all of them smelling wonderful. It always helps to have someone in the party who appreciates their reds.
Towards the end of the night, I didn’t get a chance to see the complete whiskey list, instead simply asking the bartender for one of my favourites, Abelour. He responded almost immediately, after getting through a different in pronunciations, that he had three versions (in a 12, 16 and 20). After the strong and wonderful richness of the burger, this Islay infused whiskey rounded off the evening completely with the only disappointment being an ordinary high ball glass holding its contents instead the usual whiskey dram.
Found at: 738 3 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0G7
Contactable on: + 1 (403) 261-4646
Royal Dim Sum @ The Regency Palace
It’d been probably three weeks since my last visit to a Dim Sum house when Jane suggested the idea of going on the weekend. I was certainly not going to turn this offer down, not only getting a chance to try the local interpretation, but also an opportunity to check out Calgary’s Chinatown at one of its busiest days.
Like most places in Calgary, arriving early has its benefits and when we sat down at Regency Palace by 11am, we certainly weren’t the first, yet it filled up almost shortly after.
I was overjoyed at seeing the plenty of carts zooming around, and much like a number of these I’d been to in New York, they complemented the carts with a number of standing stations just in case you couldn’t wait for right cart or wanted some noodles or vegetables.
Overall portion size, at least, compared to London’s dim sum is impressive with classic har gau or siu mai almost appearing twice as large. Unfortunately I’d have to say they didn’t have as much flavour or quality. The prawn dishes just didn’t seem to have really fresh flavours, the BBQ pork in the Cha Xiu Bao’s seemingly stringy without the sticky sweetness I’m used to.
Certainly Regency Palace offered much more variety and with a group of ten of us, I still really enjoyed my time there. I’d be keen to see what all the other places are like compared to this one, and though I’ve had better, I’m also certainly had much worse before.
Found at: 328 Centre Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4X6
Contactable on: +1 (403) 777-2288
Saltlik Steakhouse
When I first arrived in Calgary, exhausted after a restless nine and half hours on the plane, Saltlik was my first place to dine out at. Not hesitating to seat me a 9pm sitting, the waitress happily gave me the space to peruse the menu over a glass of red Zinfandel. Impressed as I was by all there was on offer, I wanted something light and, under a recommendation, ordered the smallest tenderloin – my first taste of the local, Albertan AAA beef. They first served a basket of bread, some a flavoured sourdough accentuated by the springs of oregano and a creamy butter that easily melted into its warm fibres.
Looking around the restaurant, Saltlik has a warming atmosphere, punctuated by the typical white-table clothed dining apparently found all over the city. Dark wooden veneers on almost every wall and, what looked like, a roaring fireplace on the other side a welcome treat from the cold winds outside.
When my entrée arrived, I remember being absolutely delighted by it and had everything all great steaks should have – strong flavour, just enough moisture, and a great texture without really needing a razor sharp knife to cut through with it.
My only two regrets leaving this restaurant is that I just didn’t have any room for dessert, and that I hadn’t learned the local tipping custom and probably went below what I really wanted to give.
Found at: 101 8 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4
Contactable on: +1 (403) 537-1160
Rose Garden Thai
Strangely located above the foreign exchange place on Stephen Ave, the Rose Garden came to me as a blessing on a public holiday when almost every other nearby restaurant remained shut. The Rose Garden is another addition to the main Thai restaurants found in Calgary. The stairs, already themed appropriately, welcome you into the large and fairly spacious room, and on my visit, the lack of anyone else dining underscoring the fact.
Considering the lack of anyone else out on the street, and all other conditions, I did not take this visit’s lack of people as the usual ominous sign of a bad restaurant. Later, as I died, another obvious travelling and frequent patron came to eat.
From what I remember of their menu, it had plenty to offer its diners. In addition to steamed rice, I selected the calamari and a chicken green curry for dinner. Combined with an ice tea and tip, the total still came to a reasonable $30.
The calamari were golden, tender, melt-in-your-mouth rings perfectly crisp without being excessively so, and accompanied by the classically addictive sweet chili dipping sauce. I can’t remember exactly how many rings they served although I distinctly remember being impressed by the sheer size, almost to the point I’m sure I could have made a meal out of it.
The chicken curry arrived shortly after, and I was not disappointed either. Although the sauce appeared much more watery compared to other places, it still had plenty of flavour and, drenched over the rice, made for a fitting dinner.
It’s definitely on my return to list, where I hope it’s a little bit busier, and remain just as tasty.
Found at: 112 8 Avenue SW, Calgary
Contactable on: +1 (403) 263-1900