BLAMWICH!

If you haven't heard Calgary has had a new food boom happening lately...it has not only exploded among us foodies lovers but even those traditional diners have agreed this is off the hook - Food Trucks!

Yup they are here have been for a couple months and I think its safe to say they are here to stay. I have tried almost every single one, and I of course have my absolute favorites today I wish to tell you all about one of the all stars BLAMWICH. Yes you said it right, blam-wich. They make sandwiches and I know what you’re thinking...it’s a sandwich. Well let me correct you it’s an out of this world, out of body, omg -its-so-good sandwich and you are gunna be back!

I have had three now and I intend on just continuing my way through the menu. Bacon my friends is what its all about and they do it right. You haven't even had a BLT until you've let Blamwich fix you up with their bacon storm...storm it is. Bacon, bacon, bacon and then some more freakin bacon. Don't let this little piggy packed wich scare you away ...it is beautifully complimented by crisp lettuce, fresh, cool tomato and all held together by a bun that will leave you....drooling. (Seriously blamwich were do you get your buns from I need to get my hands on some)

But ok, I know everyday sitting in an office... and you want to stuff me Full of bacon in girl math that doesn't add up. So let them show you another side of it all hypocrite...no seriously the sandwich is called a hypocrite and its packed with veggies. Fresh spinach and warm veggies on top your inner tree hugger will...well hug you i guess :p

Lastly my all time fav is the Mario, there’s a little Italian in all of us and its gunna want a Mario. Olives, artichoke hearts, meat, cheese and that bun...you cannot go wrong!

It's all there for the taking and only 8 bucks! So get on board already its time to find the truck!

Stay hungry Calgary

Rach

Joyce on 4th

While wandering among one of our fav Calgary neighborhoods’ we had a hankering for some pub food. We stopped in to Joyce on 4th and were pleasantly surprised by this place. I have heard some iffy reports in previous times but we thought what the heck lets giver a go, and glad we did!

Upon arrival this place was buzzing, hockey games about to start had an excited crowd ready for shots and score boards. We found out they have excellent specials, both drink and food specials were on till 8 as well (perfect for your hockey game snacker’s). After receiving our drinks, our excellent waitress came around to take our food orders. When the food came it was hot and fresh we really enjoyed the wide variety of food available.

Overall I would say give it another try, I have read some pretty unhappy people however every place has there ups and downs...

Check them out...maybe for your next hockey game pub stop :)

Stay hungry Calgary

Rach

Niko's Bistro Kensington

We all have one, that one restaurant that we go to when we feel like relaxing, having a meal we know will be every bit of the amazing we are hoping for. The one restaurant where you feel taken care of, where you feel that you have just had dinner with family, where you can't wait to come in again!
Well Nikos Bistro in Kensington Calgary, is just that place! Reservations are highly recommended but it was our lucky night and we got in without them. We were seated at a small table, just for two and from the moment we were seated to the moment we left the dining experience was phenomenal.

This small little restaurant is packed with authentic flavors, fantastic staff and a beautiful owner who truly loves his work. Italian is where it is at here at Niko's. We had polished off more food then you can imagine and it all began with our appies. Bruschetta and warm bread with nice big glasses of wine was the beginning of our evening. It was fresh, and packed with flavor. It wasn't long before it was gone however being that Niko is one of the best hosts you will find we actually received a refill of bruschetta...have you ever heard of something so unbelievable and amazing!

After getting over the shock of being asked "would you two like more bushetta?", which came with an immediate Yes! Please! of course. We ordered our meals. We both received the specials for that night - Veal.

Our meals were a large portion; more generous than expected especially for the price. It came with rich pasta and veggies. We could not keep up with the food coming to our table, more bread, more wine, glass of water, more bruschetta ... it was as if we came over to a family’s home.

Dessert looked beautiful, elegant and fresh however we could not handle one more bite. Our bill was a modest amount; we took a 3rd, 4th, 5th look to ensure it was ours.

We couldn't be happier with our dinner that evening!

Be sure to stop on by... your dinner family waits :)

Stay hungry Calgary

Rach xo

Cruffs

It is a really unique place, and who doesn't crave a Cream Puff every now and again!

The place is really well decorated has a vintage decor feeling. They are really informative and you get to pick your cream filling flavors so how can you go wrong!

We tried everything from chocolate to coconut and more they are really good. The pastry is fluffy and crispy on the outside. The filling is fresh and cold, you can really taste the flavors of your filling as well.

I would go back and eat some more. Also a great thing to get for company!

Enjoy and Stay Hungry Calgary!

The Calgary Foodie!

Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus

This little place is easy to miss and hard to resist!

The endlessly busy Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus is a new favorite in the family. We really wanted a yummy breakfast and stopped on by the Pannenkoek Haus. We were really surprised at how busy it is, the entire time there was a steady line up.

After we were seated, we quickly ordered some coffee, and had a great cup of coffee. Served with a ginger cookie, it's dark in body and flavorful! Plus the waitress's are relentless at making sure your cup is full - Fabulous service needless to say!

Overlooking the menu, the options make your head spin. They all sound amazing from savory to sweet, warm blueberries and ice cream to bratwurst and sauerkraut, there is something for everyone. I had ordered the warm Saskatoon Berry, and Nathan ordered the month special.

The food comes out fairly quickly especially when you consider the amount of orders they have. It's served on a large plate, and piping hot - Dig In!

Sprinkled with icing sugar, the warm Saskatoon berries are not too jam like. You get whole berries in a great glaze, served on top of a perfectly cooked crepe. It doesn't seem like it will fill you up but don't be fooled these things are filling. It was refreshing, sweet, fruity completely delish!

The monthly special is making with bratwurst, shredded potato and Edam cheese. The crepe isn't soggy or clumped with ingredients. It tastes amazing! I was a bit jealous. The sausage is thin sliced and scattered all over so you get a bit in every bite. The cheese is mild and provides a great salty element. It is served with spicy mustard and sauerkraut...perfect acidity and spice!

Overall I would make this a must try on your list bring your family and friends as well they will love it!

Enjoy and Stay hungry Calgary!

The Calgary Foodie!

Tubby DOG!

 This is a Calgary Classic. They take your average "hot dog" and creat something your going to love, crave and NEED at least once a month!
Awesome summer meal sit outside, watch the people of 17th and nab a dog. They will litrally whip up anything for you. Add some cereal, relish, cheese or maybe bacon. Combinations are endless to make your favorite hot dog!

So you have a late night craving for some fanasticly delish grub they have a window open till early morning hours!

Enjoy and Stay hungry Calgary!

CalgaryFoodie!

Classic Doughnut with a Twist

Now I know what you thinking, "It’s a Doughnut!" but let me remind you with this did we ever think the day would come where a Gourmet Cup Cake could change our worlds? Making a typical Monday night you’re most icing packed night ever? I didn't think so, but here we are Monday nights watching our Canada Top Chefs and gobbling up our favorite cupcakes. (Well that how it goes in our house).
So saying "it's just a doughnut" - No, let me correct you it's a Jelly Modern Doughnut and its gourmet as gourmet comes. My favorite is where it's at; the soft, fluffy doughnut is dipped in a brown maple glaze topped with crumbled valbella bacon. Most people do not associate bacon with their favorite doughnut however the relationship with maple and bacon is something us Canadians are very familiar with. The perfect balance of salty and sweet is beautiful and now you put it on a doughnut it's amazing!

Next Peanut Butter Cup doughnut is dipped in Peanut butter ganache, they now hand filled the doughnut with a peanut cream filling completely finished with a perfect crunch of salted organic peanuts. The cream is delish nothing that I have had before. The topping of peanuts are the perfect crunchy texture it's up there for top favorites!

I also had the Classic Jelly, it’s dipped in a Madagascar Vanilla Glaze which alone is fantastic but to complete your decadent treat it is hand filled with a housemade, yes housemade Jelly you just cannot go wrong. The Coconut doughnut, dunked in a coconut milk glaze, then hand filled with a coconut pastry crème that they make in house. They top it all with sweetened white coconut. It's a really nice one, not to sweet but very flavorful!

Last but diffidently not least the valrhona chocolate doughnut. Dipped in a rich, velvet chocolate with little chocolate shavings it’s sinful, wash them all down with a glass of milk served fresh with your doughnuts and you are well on your way to a NEW Thursday night tradition...Doughnut night!

 Prices are very decent and the offer even more flavors. Go on down and check them out! I will be back sometime soon for sure!

 Enjoy and stay hungry Calgary

 The Calgary Foodie!

Peters Drive - IN

Of course it's good. If you’re looking for a fast, easy and delish dinner just roll on in. They are fast, inviting and it's always good. They've been around for years and have been making customers happy all this time.

The portions are HUGE, be careful what you order! The most loved item I believe is the milkshake. I haven't found one person that doesn't love them. There are literally hundreds of possibilities of flavors, it’s always a treat.

It's a great summer treat, great for family, late night snack with friends!

Enjoy and stay hungry Calgary

TheCalgaryFoodie!

Los Tortillas

So I am STILL on the hunt for a favorite place to get some Mexican Eats. It’s proving to be harder than you would think. So we heard about this place from some people and decided to check it out. It is really easy to find, they're hours are pretty good as well.

 We walked in its kind of dungeon like fairly dark...I wasn't all that detoured so we ordered. They have a menu of Chicken, shrimp, beef, and chorizo tacos. They are all $4.00; we ordered 2 chicken 1 beef 1 chorizo. They are made on the spot...I couldn't really see everything and I heard a microwave I normally don't even like seeing a microwave in a restaurant. Few mins later we received our tacos, and we ordered them to-go. We ate in the car, although there is seating available inside.

The food was decent, it had good spice the meat was fully cooked and I liked the corn tortillas they use. However they were not great. I wasn't overly impressed and they claim it is all authentic. I have friends from Mexico and they don't make them quite like that. They were also very small, I'm a little person and I could have eaten about 6 or 7 my hubby could have eaten way more than that and at 4.00 bucks a pop you could be looking at $20.00 or more and for me it’s just not that good.

I won't say this place is horrible but I wouldn't really recommend it either. Needless to say I'm still looking.

Enjoy and Stay hungry Calgary!

TheCalgaryFoodie

Bookers Crab and BBQ!

I have heard of this place for a while, however I have a list of about 4 pages of "have to go places" so when I having a serious craving for ribs and seafood I thought let’s give it a go!Oh and was it great! We went on a Saturday night and let me tell you this place is a rockin! We did not have a reservation but they squeezed us in anyway. The staff was great; there is really an excellent vibe there!
We ordered Caesars which were fantastic, spicy, flavorful, great size and really reasonable price. Looking at the menu you will find something to tickle your fancy.

There is the BBQ side of things where you will be completely delighted by the wide range of bbq favorites. Brisket, ribs, chicken or tenderloin they are all there and all made with excellent ingredients. Served with sides like mash, beans and biscuits you can't go wrong.
Bring the sailor out in you and nosh on some of the good stuff (in my opinion) the seafood again is served in a variety of dishes. The Jambalaya gives you a little bit of everything, chicken; shrimp and sausage grace the top of fluffy rice and Creole sauce. Take on the king crab or snow crab this is so buttery and decadent, so fresh! There are also salmon and fish and chips!

The menu goes on with burger options, salad and more. Although there are many great options it is not scattered and confusing. Its Mardi gras people, fun, spicy just downright great food!

We had ordered the Bookers Platter! And it was perfect, for 65 bucks you get a little bit of everything. It comes with snow crab, and ribs. The crab as I mentioned before is really impeccable. You can't find great seafood in Calgary very often, but this was buttery, rich, flaky and light I could have eaten way more ( which I plan to at the all you can eat crab Sunday nights) the ribs are very tasty. They come fall off the bone, flavorful and you get alot of them!The baked beans are amazing, for those who have not found the beauty in a bowl of baked beans head over to bookers. It will blow your mind; they were almost gone as fast as the crab and ribs!

Along with it all the dueling pianos makes from a great night out! Its fun and casual, but you’re going to have a fun time. Good music, great food, excellent staff I really don’t have much more else to say - but really could you ask for more!

www.bookersbbq.com for reservations and information!

Enjoy and Stay hungry Calgary!

The Calgary Foodie!

Notables

Typical Thursday night hubby and I were driving around looking for a place to eat and it pop into my head Notables. After sometime of sincerely attempting to come for a visit we finally were able to go. I was very surprised at how many people are lined up on a Thursday night at 8pm; however we were able to get a seat very quickly.
At my favorite table (at the chefs right side :)) we had a really welcoming hostess and waitress. Even though our waitress was quite busy she was very attentive, we began with drinks of course we had ordered their "Q" water, this is a more popular trend we are finding in restaurants. It is environmentally friendly, healthy and clean. Comes in both regular and sparkling and with part of the proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House or Global Enrichment Foundation - Drink up!

Next I ordered the Sangria, I had white wine and it’s beautiful. Perfectly balanced fruity, zippy and fresh. Nathan had ordered the Mill St. Coffee Porter. It was rich and elegant really solid coffee taste.

We ordered dinner right away I could not wait to dive into my Wood Grilled Lamb Sirloin, perfectly grilled and served in a generous portion the smoked olive and sundried tomato relish provided and complete flavor experience. Sizzling and fresh the meat was so divine and tender would completely recommend it! My hubby ordered a 10oz Flatiron Steak, it was perfectly prepared. Very tender and served with potatoes and veggies.

To finish it all off we shared a warm sea-salt caramel filled chocolate cake served with a scoop of cold vanilla gelato. The caramel was sinful, so decadent and smooth and the sea-salt was the perfect contrast. Honestly I love warm chocolate with the cold creaminess of ice cream so it was the perfect way to end our meal.

Portions are excellent and leaving you satisfied, the prices are fabulous as well. You can get a beautiful, elegant dinner and still have some money in your pocket. The atmosphere is really stunning and romantic but can easily be the setting for your family dinner out or a business dinner. They can accommodate larger groups however I would recommend reservations. I they have excellent meals for each day of the week on their rotisserie and grill everything from Lamb on Tuesday to Turkey on Wednesday to Friday night Spragg farms Prochetta. There is something for everyone and I will be back for sure!

Stay hungry Calgary

Calgary Foodie

Joey Tomatos

Joey's is a fairly popular place, they keep the restaurant atmosphere very relaxing making it a perfect stop for everything from drink's with the girls to a romantic dinner.


We have always been greeted and seated almost immediately. They have an extensive drink list; from wine to beer to they're all too popular Peach Bellini you can find something perfect to wash down your favorite meal. Personally I am a Super Sonic Gin and Tonic or a Cherry cola vodka tonic girl and those are my favorite to take on my favorite entrees.

They really range in foods you can order a succulent steak, mouthwatering flatbread or a refreshing salad.

I of course have my preferred entrees which have never let me down. The Baja Fish Taco's keep me coming back for sure. A crunchy corn shell cradling fresh lettuce, creamy avocado and crispy fish all to be drizzled in a spicy Mexican sauce. When I'm looking for an adult twist on a kid classic sandwich I am all over the Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Thick toasted bread incasing brie, cheddar cheese and Atlantic lobster. Served with a side of their amazing skinny and cocktail sauce. And when in doubt go for the Bombay Butter Chicken tender chunks of chicken smothered in a fabulous butter chicken sauce. Served with toasted almond basmati rice and naan bread.

Overall I would really enjoy Joey Tomato's stop by for appy's, drink's, dinners and more!

Enjoy and Stay Hungry Calgary!

 The Calgary Foodie!

Go Hungry and leave very Happy!

I have been to almost all of the Edmonton Red Robins and LOVE everyone. Every time I'm in Edmonton we stop by. Of course the burger's, shakes, fries and poutines are what I'm here to talk about. I have my favorites and they never seem to disappoint.
Let’s begin with the Crispy Chicken Burger golden brown crispy shell encounters tender, meaty chicken smothered in a mayo topped with crisp lettuce, pickle and a soft bun you just can't go wrong. Next is the Whiskey River BBQ burger my husband’s favorite thick juicy burger with they’re famous BBQ sauce topped with cheddar cheese, mayo, tomato and my favorite onion straws. Last of my most favorites is the Banzi Burger, this is fantastic playing on all your taste buds. They have a beefy patty marinated in Teriyaki they top it with the sweetness of pineapple creating flavors our of this world. To finish it off you get cheddar cheese lettuce and tomato. The flavors are incredible!
Now that you know which burgers to get let me tell you, you cannot go wrong with the poutine. The fries are good and when they come as “endless” fries it makes them even more fantastic. However the poutine is where it’s at. Coated in rich, creamy gravy and so much cheese you won’t know what to do with. Wash it all down with a great milk shake or one of their freckled lemonade.
Overall check them out they really have a great menu!


Enjoy and stay hungry Calgary!


The Calgary Foodie!

Not so Great!

I will say I "liked" this restaurant because the food was pretty good and the location is so cute and welcoming. However would I bring my friend's over to this place, or recommend this place I don't think I would do.
Now like I said location is great and the building itself is nice, welcoming and warm. I saw this place a few times and finally decided to go. We got seated fairly quickly for a Sunday morning and the menu is pretty good. You can order everything from Mimosa’s to they’re giant cups of coffee and add a little Bailys in there too :)

We ordered and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Now I understand that waitresses have a lot to take care of however we waited for 2 hrs for an omelet and a breakfast wrap. Our waitress continued to stop by for coffee fill-ups but and kept assuring us the food was coming. Yet, as we saw people that had been seated after us receive food, then pay, then leave we had started for get really frustrated.

Finally she came and asked us what our orders were again, told us oh they are coming and 2 hrs later they arrived. The food was good nothing amazing but it was good. The only thing is after wasting over 2 hrs sitting around waiting for it I realized I just should have made my own eggs at home. I was really disappointed; I really had high hopes for the place.

When we finished and got the bill we paid for it all. Now I'm more than willing to pay, and pay nicely for a good meal, but when the restaurant screws up - Fix it.

I totally understand things happen, stuff gets mixed up and that's ok. But when you've made a mistake make the customer happy give them a percentage off, or something. By doing that you are showing that you acknowledge that’s not how your business wishes to conduct themselves and you want your customer to come back.

Overall out of 10 I would have given the Food about an 8, location 9 everything else not even cutting a 4. I really hoped for better experiences with the restaurant, but that's how the cookie crumbles.

So enjoy and stay hungry Calgary!

The Calgary Foodie!

Reason To Go To Edmonton....

I recently went there for some late night drinks with my Edmonton friends. I had a great time out; staff is great easy going totally helping to create a really fun atmosphere. Lots for drink options and the food is great as well.

Best part is the patio, located on Whyte Ave the patio is already open and is full. Great heaters for those chillier nights, tons of seating and full menu service.

Check it out we had a great time!

Enjoy and stay hungry Calgary and Edmonton!

 The Calgary Foodie

1410 Bier Haus

You want Beer you come here! Try and count'em all from Japan to Belgium to of course, Germany and so much more better yet try and taste them all! 

The staff, although busy are always ready to inform, ask a question you might learn something. As for the food I found it to actually be really good. After reading reviews saying otherwise I found the range of food to be impressive. From the Gourmet Burger Bar serving up the Beef and Bison pattied 1410 burger or the succulent Montreal Blue Burger perfectly grilled beef patty finished with mushrooms and blue cheese - completely decedent, and for only $11.00 bucks on Fridays you can't go wrong! 

Interested in something from the sea, they carry awesome Frshly shucked oysters $15/dozen on Thursdays. Or try the Moules served with 4 different sauces and only $6 for one pound or $10 for 2 pounds on Saturdays. They are flown in from New Brunswick and they're perfectly washed down with $6 Hoegaarden your beginning your weekend right.

 They have live DJ's and awesome Ladies night, you really can have a good time, eat some good food and take a trip around the world in Beer Tastings. So get on down to 1410 Bier Haus located on 17ave of course!

 Enjoy and stay hungry (and thirsty) Calgary!

The Calgary Foodie

YUM Bakery!

We were just so excited to see that the Farmers Market is back! We have missed it so!
And as we finished our meals we were out for something sweet, we came across Yum Bakery and were tempted by the fantastic display they have.

We orders a brownie with raspberry jam and cheese cake now "Yum" does not cut it!... I’m talking this was conversation interrupting, life changing, stop you in your tracks "BAM" kinda taste.

 We are very excited to go back and check out what other great delights they have going!

 Yum bakery we will be back!

 Stay hungry Calgary ;)

 Your, Calgary foodie!

urbanspoon rocks!

...it does :)

Enjoy and stay hungry Calgary!

Calgary Foodie

Crave Cupcakes and Cookies!

We love and we hate it; cake! And when you wrap it up in a little personal-sized paper and top it off with creamy, buttery, sugary, smooth icing there is no stopping us!

Their cupcakes, their Crave Cupcakes....our taste buds secret lover and the enemy of every womens backside.

You will not be able to help yourself as soon as you walk into this cute little bakery in the Kensington area. Clean, bright and smelling like a little piece of heaven. Behind the glass there they are perfectly lined up waiting for your pick. - Just try to only pick one ...if you can :)

Enjoy and Stay hungry Calgary!

Calgary Foodie

THANK YOU!

It's really all I can say :D

Some Southern Comfort...

Walk in and you’re so warmly invited by this excellent restaurant and their staff. The building itself is fabulous, warm, inviting, beautifully decorated and featured with deep colors and warm wood accents. We came in to try their food around the time of their Mardi Gras menu and we had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We started with a great wine, very reasonably priced and ordered our appetizers. We both ordered the Jambalaya Cajun Soup, it was so flavorful! It was hardy, a little spicy and perfect for waking up the pallet.
Next I had ordered the Grilled Louisiana Cajun Catfish. It was perfectly grilled and topped with a tangy Bayou vegetable relish, served among some Mardi Gras rice the portion was perfect and the Catfish was perfectly grilled. As the fish literally melted in your mouth, the rice added an excellent texture and spice. My husband ordered the BBQ Pork Back Ribs. It comes as slow-cooked fall-off-the-bone back ribs that you can get. It's smothered with they're famous BBQ sauce which holds up well and both spicy and sweet. Served along with it sweet potato, French fries, coleslaw and ancho chipotle dipping sauce. There is not anything you can complain about with that.
We had finished it all off with a little dessert. I ordered the Bourbon Banana Bread, it's baked with a layer of milk chocolate is moist and then paired with a velvety smooth Custard. It's not overly sweet and the custard compliments the bourbon banana bread so well you want to lick the plate clean. My husband had the key lime pie, it was smooth and tangy topped with fresh whip cream you end this night with a party on your taste buds.

Overall we had received it all for well under $100 bucks and for a bottle of wine, appetizers, entree's and dessert that just does not happen often. I was very surprised as to how much I really enjoyed this place and I will be back. It’s worth the drive and is a place I would recommend again and again!

Enjoy and stay hungry!

Calgary Foodie!

Jimmy make me another!

Cheap eats are all about real food for a fabulous price and no one really does it like Jimmy's!

This deli is a Calgary favorite, the piles of meat thinly layered and layered on all your favorite veggies covered in a delish sauce is what is made up of this spicy, messy, meaty donair ; there is no denying Jimmy's know how to make you happy. They slow cook it all, and they're in house made salads and sides are all unbelievable. Whether it’s your first time there or like myself it’s your weekly favorite this donair will never do you wrong.

The portions are large I can't eat more than a medium and that’s if I have not eaten ALL day! To end this remarkable meal, finish off with a piece of the baklava, sweet, syrupy goodness cover this flaky pastry and I would be shocked if you can stop at one!

It’s a great deal, and most importantly it’s a great meal, take a look and stop in to see for yourself!!

Calgary Foodie!

Dinner in Italy....

This fantastic little place simply demands great attention! From the great staff to the wood burning oven to the extensive pizza menu there is little to complain about. They transport you to Italy and their famous pizza's creating dishes that will leave you craving more.

We had heard of this place and it’s located in one of my favorite Calgary areas 4th off of 17 ave.  Arriving the floor to ceiling windows inspires creativity and the overall vibe in Famoso is exciting and inviting.

We had to wait for a few mins so while we waited we nabbed a glass of their house wines. I received a Red house wine its good, hints of black berries was refreshing, it was rich and it's amazing flavors lingered it all went beautifully with my meal. My husband had the white wine which was also really nice. Not dry very light, tropical, and crisp, I enjoyed it alot.

 We started with the roasted Kalamata Olives which I would greatly recommend it was excellent. They were salty and strong, put with some feta cheese and little bread wedge it was a great starter! And for $3.00 bucks you can't go wrong,

Next on the docket was the Vittoria (possibility I spelt that wrong) unfortunately you will no long be able to get this one. The menu was changed the next day after we went. It was rated 6th best pizza in the world and we can see why. The pizza was thin crusted, wood oven baked just loaded with amazing chorizo sausage, Cajun chicken Mozzarella, basil and pineapple. This spicy, salty and sweet combination was to die for. It was all melted together with fantastic mozzarella cheese. Along with this we had the Primavera Pizza to get our veggies in. It was great I love pizza with mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, Kalamata Olives and artichoke hearts top it all off with some roasted mushrooms you have heaven in a pie.

The prices are very decent and they have alot to choose from. You won't be disappointed, they keep the atmosphere very casual but it’s totally date worthy :)

Its grand, great urban vibe, simple and I will def be back!

Till next time

The Calgary Foodie :)

5 guys and a burger :)

I'm not too big on reviewing chains, and I knew this company was more popular in the states so when my hubby said let’s try it out I was happy to enjoy a burger but didn't think it would be anything significant. Well smack daddy was I wrong!
This delish double patty burger is fantastic. The cheese burger will take you back to sitting in the summer sun (for calgarians summer is season is suppose to be the season between spring and fall I know we haven't had one in awhile) sitting on a patio, firing up the bbq and sippin a ice cold coke. Its cheese, great pickle crunch, and with the option of every topping you can imagine your burger is customized to your taste buds little happy place!
As the perfect side the French fries where great and these guys don't skimp!
So go visit the guys let them hook you up with one loaded burger and enjoy! Their 5 outta 5 in my books I'll be back boys so till next time!

The Calgary Foodie

Holy smoke Barbecue and Smoke Pit

Angels sing over this magnificent masterpiece, a master piece of melt in your mouth meats, bbq sauces that will take your mouth on a magic carpet ride and all this jammed packed into a soft bun ladies and gentlemen let me present Holy Smoke Barbecue and Smoke Pit. The simplicity of southern food is not comparable, it’s home grown, made with love and more often than now smothered in bbq sauce. My husband and I have been looking for a place like this only ever finding them in the States we are delighted to have this little piece of heaven practically in our backyard.
Not exactly where you would expect to find a restaurant, this old garage is just pumping out fantastic food!
We ordered one Pulled pork and one beef brisket, both were undeniably amazing. On the pulled pork my husband enjoyed an apple bbq sauce it was so flavorful, sweet and tangy just great! The pork was so tender practically evaporated it was so light and the flavor consisted of meaty Smokey goodness - you’re not going to forget that. My beef brisket was excellent to say the least. Beefy, tender, Smokey and just covered in their house bbq sauce the buns are perfect size and keep it all together and don’t over power the point of the sandwich. We also enjoyed some of their $1 buck ribs! And people can we get anything better. These are meaty Smokey and really tasty add your fav bbq sauce and your set. To finish it all off a little corn bread, its sweet tasting with a great firm texture. The corn bread can completely stand up against all the other flavors it’s not overpowered at all by any of the smokiness its diffidently something to try!

Overall my review is to walk over - let me rephrase this RUN over to Holy Smoke BBQ and nab one of their amazing sandwiches sit down in the relaxing down home diner and enjoy what love and a little bbq sauce has to offer!

Calgary Foodie!!

Avocado on 17th Ave.....

We were hungry and could not for the life of us decide where to go. My husband pulled the car over and said "let's just walk around". We ended up on 17th at Avocado, now I have been to an Avocado in the far south of Calgary around Heritage and it was great. This however was not even close to my previous Avocado encounters. We walk in to find the place practically empty, which is fine I suppose. However finding the staff hiding in the back, or sitting with the only group eating there to talk isn’t exactly what I would find to be welcoming or professional, I felt like I was entering an unsupervised classroom then a restaurant. We were told to just pick a spot, so we did...after a while our waitress came around. She was actually delightful, really helpful, and talkative she was the only thing that is making this review somewhat good.

The menus are small, and I found confusing. Having half the words written on the menu vertically makes it hard to read. Along with this, they had maybe 4 dinner entrees then we found out you are allowed to order from the "lunch menu" anytime even though it’s under "lunch". Simply choosing our meal was irritating but again tolerable - Food is always my deciding factor!

We ordered the burritos, mine was with chicken and yam fries. My husband’s was a beef/steak burrito and fries. The food came and we each received one small burrito cut in half with a small bowl of fries along with it. Now my burrito was bland, the avocado was brown and mushy, my fries were mostly burnt and so over cooked it was like noshing on small pencils. My husband’s was primarily lettuce, now honestly nothing annoys me more than having a meal ordered and if being stuffed with filler foods like lettuce, with your main ingredients skimped on. To finish it all off paying 40 bucks for a meal that left me  unsatisfied, hungry and truly annoyed with my entire experienced made me just want to go home.

Overall everything I look for from a restaurant was a big fail. The atmosphere was horrible, the food was bland and confusing the only decent comment towards it all was the waitress we did have a really nice and happy. I would say to save your money, or go to the other great restaurants that can be found down the street.

The Calgary Foodie.

UNA Pizza!

Located upper 17 Ave, this little hallway sized pies and wine bar has all the ingredients of an urban oasis! The ambiance of this gem is so welcoming and cozy, and if you love pizza pies and wine you'll fit right in. We were sat at the chefs table; to me it’s the best table. The first thing I had ordered was they're in house red wine. I love trying in house wines; I feel it says a lot about a restaurant. It was really earthy and it went well with what I had ordered. We first had the Swiss chard pie, double smoked bacon, with wilted Swiss chard, set with creamy goat feta, and lastly with crushed chilies. It was great the bacon was the perfect amount of saltiness, the Swiss chard was earthy and subtle and the goat cheese added such creaminess it was divine! We scarfed it down faster than you could say “Swiss chard”. As we ate we watched as the chefs are fly pizzas out of the oven. We were temped and we give in!
Next is the margherita smothered in san marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, and topped with crushed basil. This was just great and at $14.00 bucks you can't go wrong! I love the pure taste of tomato on a thin crust with mozzarella its simple, it's satisfying and so my favorite comfort foods. They combined it perfectly and serve it up at an awesome price! My wine was a great finish I really can't imagine pizza or cheese without my wine and the in house was a really good choice I felt.


My final outcome for this was it was really good is now one of my favorite places and I will be back for sure. They serve lots of options one chef said his favorite was the flat iron steak another said he loved his veggies and said the "sautéed broccolini, garlic, calabrian chili oil "was his favorite. Another option that was flying off the shelf was the beautifully thin slices of marinated zucchini, marinated in lemon, olive oil, pecorino Romano, cracked pepper. Personally I will be going for the clams as they cooked it in front of us I was dying to get some but seeing as I could barely finish my pizza slice, we decided we will just have to come back. No matter what you like I'm sure you will find something you love!


As for this restaurant, its great staff, excellent food, and really decent prices make it a real neighborhood treat. I did over hear some staff ask the chefs how long it would be for those taking out and it was a wait time of an hour, so I would suggest going in. The staff and restaurant is so great I doubt you will want to leave anyway!


Check it out www.unspizzeria.com ( they have the menu online so you can see what your getting!)


Calgary Foodie!

Teatro

My husband and I decided to go to Teatro for a dinner a little while ago, and we fell in love! Our night began as soon as we had arrived. The beauty alone of this restaurant which is nestled in the core of Calgary, displayed among rich luxury and priceless ambience will be enough to "woo" your sweetheart. Of course the service was impeccable, everything from typical coat service to completely helpful and descriptive suggestions of the menu made choosing very easy. Ordering a perfect red wine, we enjoyed a tomato,mozzarella and basil salad to share. The main course is more exciting I promise, my husband ordered duck meatballs. I personally was interested to try this as I have experience in trying both good and badly prepared duck in the past trying it in "meat-ball" form quite literally sparked my curiosity. I ordered ahi tuna this dish which was beautifully seared and delectably dressed. Everything flowed for both dishes my husbands was divine. Not only was the meatballs cooked fantastically the pasta (which I cannot for the love of me remember the type) was perfect it wasn't too heavy it was a real treat!
My most favourite part resulted at the end. It came in three small dishes and was like the perfect first kiss at the end of a perfect date! It was love at first sight, the creme brule! Flavoured in strawberry,chocolate and regular it was unspeakably wonderful. Unfortunately I cannot even remember what my husband had I was so indulgant.
Overall it was fantastic, so romantic and so tasty you must try it!!

With love
Calgary foodie!!!

The Spice Hut

The Spice Hut!

The Spice Hut is a great little place in the N.E specializing in Pakistani cuisine. This place is small blink and you’ll miss it but inside its packed with excellent, authentic food and a great staff!

My husband and I were a bit hesitant but after some had said it’s a great place to go, we thought ok let’s try it! We walked in the aroma was all the convincing I needed, we were wonderfully welcomed and given a menu. We ordered take out, which has no less of a grand variety of choices. We immediately saw how reasonable the prices were. I have been to too many East Indian restaurants where I have practically had to hand over my first born just to enjoy lunch!

We picked the first combo for 2 for $25.00. It was phenomenal, all coming in large quantities we received Kabab & Vegetable Pakoras, Butter Chicken, Lamb Curry, 2 Rice ,1 Naan  and 2 Litre Drink. It was all fantastic, all I can say is you might want to order two of the naan bread! When you smell it as they make it in front of you, and then when you taste it, it’s not something you will want to share!

Spice hut has become one of our top restaurants and that’s not an easy list to make! We will be back Spice Hut,


Your Calgary Foodie!

Cora's Breakfast!

Cora's is a really great place for everyone. A great place to bring the kids or just go with a friend. My husband and I crave out favorites there quite often. We really prefer the location in the far south (even though we are located far N.W). The lines are not as long; staff is excellent very attentive and particular.

Food wise of course is of most importance. We don't even need menus I love the “Buckwheat Blessing" it’s the perfect, perfect breakfast. Fruit is piled high always beautiful! The buckwheat Crêpe is cheesy and it’s delectably wrapped around a delish breaky sausage. My husband is a huge fan of the Eggs Benedict the smoked salmon and also the asparagus ones are the best! Coffee is good and warm up are regular, prices are very decent and overall I would say you will have a satisfying experience!

Breakfast is the most important meal so eat well at Cora's!

Pros - Great service, great food, great prices!

Cons - lines up... (But worth it)

Your Calgary Foodie!

The Calgary Foodie!

Hello!

My name is Rachel and I am here to share my favorite restaurants around Calgary with you! My love of food and wines, beer and burgers, seafood, veggies and ingredients alike came very early. Since I have become completely obsessed with discovering great places to enjoy your favorite dishes with warm atmospheres, and unique characteristics. I attended cooking classes and tastings all over the city! I also try restaurants of all types and cultures. This blog is purely a result of my passion for food - follow me on Twitter, my Blog and Facebook and hear the download on great places all over the city!

If you wish for your restaurant to be shown on The Calgary Foodie, send me an email!

Hope you all enjoy

Sincerely

Your Fellow Foodie!