Calgary: local specialties, must-try dishes?
Visiting Calgary soon and am wondering if there are any local specialties or must-try dishes I should make a point of having, or even restaurants that are considered Calgary institutions.
I'm not necessarily looking for the fanciest food Calgary has to offer, but more of what's truly a local flavour.
Thanks very much!
Olivia
Apr 20, 2008 04:55PM
Calgary is a new city that is mostly bereft of "traditions." Yes, there are ranches that raise great beef here, but "beef" is an ingredient, not a dish or a cuisine. We have some nice steakhouses but so does Toronto. I remember seeing some nonsense in a travel guide about how Calgary had a specialty called a "beef dip," an ephemeral sandwich that I have never, ever seen on a menu here. This isn't Baltimore and we don't have crab cakes.
Institutions? It's hard to have "institutions" in a city that was, fifty years ago, a bump on the prairie barely larger than Regina is now. I'm not saying this to mock you at all, but people come here expecting Calgary to compare favourably, or challenging it to compare favourably, with cities like Montreal that have had head starts that we can measure in centuries. Even people who live here cannot understand this, it seems.
That said, there are many great restaurants here, a good range of ethnic cuisines (Calgary is at about the same point, demographically speaking, as was Toronto in 1991, on the verge of becoming one of the most multicultural cities in the world and already the third most diverse in Canada), and lots of money to support a burgeoning, bulging cultural scene (and that includes restaurants). Now, there aren't many ethnic cuisines that are BETTER in Calgary than in TO, but I must say that one among those "not many" is sushi. Should you come here just for the sushi? No, of course not, but since you're visiting you might as well check some of it out. There is a huge thread on "sushi in the YYC" on this board, check it out.
There are several restos that are venerable (by Calgary standards, which is any place more than 10 years old) and that do an excellent job of locally sourcing, as much as possible; if there is one can't miss resto in Calgary I'd have to say it would be River Cafe, for food, setting and ambience. There are many other high-end standouts here, not necessarily "institutions" but very well-respected: Capo, Il Sogno, Belvedere, Divino, Teatro, Centini, Muse, Brava Bistro, and many others.
We have some very nice markets here, among which the Calgary Farmers' Market at Currie Barracks is a standout (with a superb "food court" comprising all sorts of unique options as well as Phil and Sebastian, the subject of a profile in the Globe and Mail recently and one of the best coffeehouses in Canada); funkier but still beloved is Crossroads Market which is not far from the delights of the Inglewood neighbourhood (this is Calgary's Leslieville, with lots of funky stuff and a couple of very adored restos), and a place I never saw like any in Toronto called Lina's Italian Market, in the neighbourhood due north of DT called Tuxedo and one that is rapidly becoming a sort of Chinatown North. Lina's is as big as a small Safeway and has an epic packaged food selection, superb cheese and deli, bakery, and the most amazing tavola calda-- my favourite Italian resto in Calgary is that cafeteria...
I sound like a broken record but Calgary is becoming a superb centre for third-wave coffee; compared to Toronto and pace Manic and its ilk, Calgary punches above its weight for coffee and it's moving from strength to strength. We recently saw the opening of the first Caffe Artigiano outside of Vancouver and it's been a huge success, but there are others raising the bar. I review these in my blog (link at my profile here).
Sorry for the disjointed narrative here but I'm trying to type with one eye on the Flames-SJ game six!
Have a great visit!
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Well, not sure if you were inciting us to respond, John, but I tend to disagree. We don't have as much tradition due to our youth as compared to 400 year old Quebec City, but that doesn't mean we have no traditions. But then compare us to Halifax. It's old and you don't have a lot of choices.
Caesar's Steakhouse is, in fact, a Calgary tradition. As is the dining room at the Palliser Hotel. Although they are private clubs, the Glencoe and the Country Club are steeped in history. On the other hand, the now Pulcinella was Stromboli's and was a landmark. As for beef dip, where have you been my boy? It is on every second menu! Not the fancy dancy nouveau restos but at the everyday dining spots.
Bridgeland has Italian history going back to the 30's and Chinatown? What about Chinatown?
Some of our landmarks have retired -like Mama's or the breakfast streetcar on the west side of town (can't even remember the name now) where everyone stopped for breakfast on the way to skiing.
And there a lots of other spots that just don't happen to be on the radar because they are no longer considered fashionable but have been with us through thick and thin.
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Okay, uncle, uncle, we have traditions, sort of. I wrote about a lot of other stuff too. But I have to ask- where are these beef dips?
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Where aren't they? Moxies, pubs, Victoria's (if it is still open), Pasquales, honestly, it is so common I can't think. It can be a lunch special at other places. Usually any place you can get a burger, I'd say.
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I'm so sheltered :)
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No, John, you are spoiled :)
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The Delta at Kananaskis has a huge and killer beef dip btw; real au jus, not the oversalted bouillon stuff.
Sunday brunch at the Palliser is a tradition with many families, and don't forget Peter's Drive In.
The Silver Inn offers local flavor -- reputedly the inventors of Ginger Beef in 1974.
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I'm a big fan of the beef dip at the Bear and Kilt, in particular.
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Does Il Sogno still serve brunch?
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No, they don't. It ended when 'The' Chef left to start Capo.
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There are a few things that stand out for me:
Ginger beef - this is a Chinese derived dish that originated here. It is offered at basically every Chinese restaurant here now. You should try it out. It's lightly breaded, shredded beef in a spicy, sweet sauce. The dish originated at the "Peking Ginger Beef" restaurant, but I'm not a big fan of that place. Try Silver Dragon downtown.
Korean Bulgogi - Bulgogi made with Alberta beef is simply the best. Try out Korean BBQ Seoul on Macleod Trail. Make sure to try both bulgogi and kalbi.
Kicking Horse coffee - go to Bumpy's or Diner Deluxe (I think) and try some. Great locally made coffee.
The Caesar - yes, that drink was invented here. Lots of places offer it. I'm horribly allergic to mollusks so I can't give you any specific recommendations here.
And go to River Cafe. I insist.
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Bumpy's doesn't use Kicking Horse, unless there has been significant changes since I was last there this winter. Maybe you're thinking of Big Mountain? That one's local, Kicking Horse is almost local being from Invermere, but I wouldn't go out of my way to try it when there are much better coffees around town.
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Bumpy's ABSOLUTELY does not use Kicking Horse! I don't know of any decent espresso bars that do. Bumpy's uses 49th Parallel from Vancouver and Big Mountain, which is indeed local. KH is not even local.
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Kicking Horse is sold at the Husky gas station in Sundance, don't know if all Huskys sell it or if its specific to that location.
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Couldn't remember for the life of me where it was served. I thought my guess would arouse some comments. And Invermere's close enough :)
And yeah, try Big Mountain as well. I've been on a major coffee tasting tour at work and I'm getting totally confused.
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KH roasts dark, REALLY dark, as does Oso Negro but it's much easier to find fresh beans from Oso Negro (they're in Nelson) since they clearly put roast dates on bags- KH doesn't, at least not without some inscrutable code that I can't figure out, and their bags sit on supermarket shelves for months. IMHO they should not keep whole-bean coffee on the shelf for more than a month post-roast, which is the standard they use at Phil and Sebastian.
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Yes, I purchase Oso Negro occasionally. I am aware of the differences between these brands.
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In fact the Caesar cocktail was invented by the chef who was working in the restaurant where Wild Ginger is located now. Just across from the Westin.
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The Caesar was invented by bartender Walter Chell at the Owl's Nest Bar in the Calgary Inn (now Calgary Westin Hotel) in 1969, to celebrate the opening of Marco's, the hotel's new Italian restaurant at the time.
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I'm not necessarily looking for the fanciest food Calgary has to offer, but more of what's truly a local flavour.
I'm not to sure if these constitute local flavour, but local landmarks forsure.....
Peters Drive In
The Ship and Anchor
Nicks Steak House
Spiros Pizza
Ranchmans Country Bar
The Ranch in Fish Creek
The Dean House and Historical Site
Spolumbos
Smugglers
Melrose for Flames Games
Kanes Harley Diner
Calgary Golf and Country Club
Glenmorgan Bakery Cheese Buns
Heritage Park
Just off the top of my head.....
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Yep, we used to go to Nick's when we were in university for our "fancy night out", haha.
I second Smuggler's for a big slab of Prime Rib.
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That's a good list! I forgot about Nick's and Peter's. And Smuggler's is iconic.
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Thanks, but I wanted to add one more, Korusous(sp). I'm not to sure if its still in operation. I just remember going there a lot as a little girl and while growing up. My dad was a good friend of the owner, I think they went to high school together. After Mr. Korusou(sp) passed away it wasn't quite the same and we stopped going. They had Calgarys BEST pizza hands down.
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I think it is spelled Karouso's. I have never been there.
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Prairie Oysters;) Buzzard's serves them during Stampede.
Second Ginger Beef- I actually crave it once in a while and it's (almost) impossible to find in Ontario.
Also would suggest the Greek dry ribs- every bar in Calgary seemed to offer them, but they seem to be a rarity east of Regina!
I miss the old Tullamore (circa 1999-2001), still haven't found an Irish pub that compares what the Tullamore used to be. Not sure if the original owner is still running an establishment in Inglewood.
I started my 3 year stay in Calgary with a Beef Dip at the Moxie's at Market Mall, and ended it with a visit to Original Joe's in Kensington.
Nellie's also seemed like a Calgary institution to me. Although I realize some of their food hasn't been received as chowworthy, I did like their huevos rancheros and the fact they served perogies with some of their breakfasts. Humpty's also has perogies available as a side, but the last breakfast I had at Humpty's was downright regrettable.
Also, the Pfanntastic Pannenkoek House. I realize there's also something similar in Vancouver, but I'm not aware of any other cities that serve Dutch pancakes in Canada. http://www.pfanntasticpannekoek.com/c...
Peanut butter/miniature marshmallow squares, and puffed wheat/chocolate squares seem much more common in Calgary coffee shops than other parts of the country.
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Pilot Tavern in Yorkville (TO) has amazing ginger beef but only as an appie, not with rice etc, more like chicken wings which I think is a great way to serve it, as finger food.
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Thanks- corrected my post.
Will have to check it out...haven't been to the Pilot in over a decade!
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I forgot to mention King's aka Wonton King, the best Wor Wonton Soup in Calgary.
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Kind of related to the ginger beef discussion. Is chicken with cashews in yellow bean sauce a Calgary thing or maybe a western Canada one? I looked in vain for it in Chinese restaurants in Chicago and Baltimore and I've never been able to find a recipe for it. Haven't looked in Vancouver.
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Not sure, but I know I'd never heard of it before I emigrated to Canada- sort of like how I had to give up twice-cooked pork and Mongolian beef when I moved here... also crab rangoons...
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FYI, in case you find yourself in Saskatchewan, crab rangoons are available in Saskatoon.
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Really? Fried wonton skins stuffed with cream cheese and crab? I bet they're not on a buffet table there like I used to find in the states...
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Yep. Actually, Saskatoon is the only place I've had them;)
They were on the menu at Genesis Family Restaurant. Haven't tried any Chinese buffets in Saskatoon yet, so I'm not sure whether rangoon would make an appearance.
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crab rangoons...your killing me. Just when you thought you were over giving up food and you have to mention them...I could do a plate of those right now.
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As far as local food, try those sausage in a baguette things (where they, um, impale the bread and put in the sausage) you can get at a couple stands on Stephen Ave. And do a stampede breakfast where they fry the bacon right into the pancake. Spolumbo's sausage (with marinara sauce) is a local treat, although I don't know how unique it is compared to the usual Italian deli.
I would say Peter's Drive-In and Caesar's steak house are local institutions. Also, try the garlic soup at La Paella, which some of the old fogeys here at work swear by. Chicken On The Way is an institution for some, although I'm not a fan, as is Lido Cafe (which is just a really average diner!). Smuggler's was mentioned here... go for brunch and just pig out.
The Ship and Anchor isn't exactly old, but it's a "legendary" pub here. The burger is good.
Most of our really good restaurants are too new to be "iconic" yet...
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Also A&A deli (the original location in the NW) is an institution for some. The hummus is good, but the falafel and shawarma are middling. Jimmy (son of the original owners?) is fun.
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Blackfoot Truck Stop!! As cool and authentically retro ( maybe not retro as it never really changed or imitated anything ) as any greasy spoon anywhere. And they know how to cook eggs properly too.
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Is that the same as Deer Head Inn?
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You're on a roll-
I'd also add the Vietnamese subs- especially those from Thi Thi and Kim Anh. Calgary has great viet subs and they're different from those in Toronto- BIGGER. Same with shawarma here. Pricier but huge.
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Holy smokes! Thanks everyone!
It's going to take me a bit to read through all this, but thanks a million for sharing your favorites.
Looks like I've got a lot of good eatin' to do!
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I think the major "institutions" have been noted, if I can second Peter's Drive-In (16 Ave and Edmt Trail NE - get a milkshake), Teatro (downtown, very pricey), Spolumbos and The Ship & Anchor (great selection of draught beer).
If you're looking for local, traditional fare in Calgary, I think it's important to remember that Calgary has a very diverse population. Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, and Lebanese are as much of a Calgarian tradition as steak and burgers.
To add a few less famous, but locally acclaimed gems:
Michelangelo's - 1401-11 Street SW. GREAT selection of world beer. It looks like it's shut down from the outside.
Beano - the best espresso in Calgary (I think). On 17 Ave and roughly 9 St.
The Burger Inn - Burger's being a local staple, this might be what you're looking for. You won't be limited to beef here: ostrich and bison among others are available. On 4 Street, just South of 17 Ave - it's a bit hidden.
Tubby Dog - On 17 Ave - very popular for late night hot dogs, beer and live DJs.
Falafel King - one on 17 Ave, one on 1 Street near Stephen Avenue
Co Do - on 17 Ave near 14 St (SW) Fantastic Vietnamese, which is basically a tradition in Calgary (not to mention the subs, as someone else recommended. Kim Ahn is wonderful, also on 17 Ave).
Towa - This is not at all a Calgarian tradition, but a must if you like Sushi. Go there now!
Booker's Crab Shack - Cajun, but very popular with locals.
Diner Delux, Galaxy and Dairy Lane all serve a wonderful, unique breakfast.
The Silver Dragon - great Chinese food in China Town that's been around forever.
My final advice: all this talk about Caesars. The drink is wonderful and the key is to ask the bartender if they use Clamato from the bottle or on tap. It's only good from the bottle.
The restaurant Caesars, however, is terrible. No one else will tell you this. People seem to love it for some reason. It's terrible because it's expensive and hyped but the food is only par. If you really want steak and you're willing to pay for it, try Vintage or The Saltlik. I feel the need to tell you again that Caesars is not good.
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Couple rejoinders- sorry, but...
Beano does not have anywhere near the best espresso in town. It's a nice and very popular coffeehouse, but the espresso at Caffe Artigiano, Phil and Sebastian, and Bumpy's are all better, in my opinion (and I like to think I know espresso).
Falafel King is ON Stephen Ave since the block it was in is being gutted for 'Fashion Central." It's now right next to Flames Central. Also, its beltline location is actually on 9 St SW, not on 17th per se. HOWEVER, I don't like FK anymore- it's gone to such efforts to standardize (for franchising) that the food is just blah- the last chicken shawarma I got there, in its new and gorgeous Stephen Ave location, was bland, with pita that was like cardboard. I am loving newer place by my house (it's on 14 St and 15th Ave SW) called Shawarma Knight- better than FK ever was, I'm afraid, and the whole family comes out when I show up to teach me a new Arabic word.
Towa- when they first opened they were absolutely a breath of fresh, creative air, but I can't recommend them any more. Too many freezing cold rolls, too pricey, too dodgy service, and no longer open for lunch. There is a big thread on sushi in "the YYC" and I heartily recommend OP check it out.
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Hy's was the best. Caesars is good. Saltlik is an Earl's operation, and it shows.
Co Do has very good satay pho soup. Everything else there is meh. I still maintain my position that Ming Chau in Inglewood is the best overall Vietnamese restaurant in town by a fair margin.
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Yeah, Hy's was the best. I'll havae to try Ming Chau
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I think the best basic Pho with rare beef is at Pho Hoai, in Chinatown (not the restaurant by the same name in Southland Crossing). So beefy. The rest of the menu is just OK, but the soup IMO is really amazing.
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I agree...best Pho in the city but I heard the ceiling collapsed in Jan on another board. One of the sons of the owner frequents and he says it' hasn't re-opened. I haven't heard anything in a while...anyone know if it's reopened?
Yes I am talking about the Chinatown location.
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Some friends of mine were at White Oak the other day (vegan Chinese place in the same mall). They said Pho Hoai had just re-opened after some renovations. I'll have to go there soon.
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Ming Chau's pho is excellent, but i don't think it's the best in the city. However, their grilled meats are definitely the best i've had in the city. their lemon grass chicken, and grilled pork and beef are wicked. mmm... all i can think of is #49, #50, #60... must be close to lunch.
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re: Michelangelo's - As I understand it Mike has moved to (I think) Nanton. His new restaurant is called "Wild Thyme". His lamb was the best in the city according to a friend who is planning to make a day trip to his new restaurant next time they visit from Toronto. We tried lamb everywhere, but no one came up to the standard set by Michelangelo's in her opinion.
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Ooh! Wild Thyme! I went there. My husband and I were really surprised by how good it was. I didn't know he used to have a restaurant in Calgary.
As for Vietnamese, I think Quynh's (sp?) in the NE by the Sunridge Spectrum theatre is the best.
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There are many Vietnamese places in Calgary, of which Quynh's is near the bottom of many lists....too bad too!
A local specialty is a bit tough, in the sense that nearly everything is globally influenced in some way. If I was to move away from Calgary, I would miss the dim sum at Pine Lake Restaurant, Dominique Moussu's adorable shop l'Epicerie, Amato Gelato, Lina's, Sahara (fabulous baba ghannoush and, and and), the falafel at Village Pita Bakery, the Calgary Farmer's Market (lots of things...), Capo, and Canada's one and only Knifewear. I would also greatly miss Bite Groceteria, as I practically live off of their fresh cherry tomatoes & baguettes.
Spolumbo's would be considered a Calgary institution, as would Bernard Callebaut, and Chicken on the Way.
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