This would be the second time that I’ve visited Coyotes. Their food is really good. We got into Banff late and I was looking for lighter dinner options. I started with the sweet potato and corn chowder. It reminded me of butternut squash soup. I like the way it was served; with the sauce in a pattern. Hubby had the Southwest smoked salmon sushi roll. I ordered an appetizer for my main, the oven baked quesadilla. It was delicious. Hubby had the grilled AAA Alberta beef tenderloin. He enjoyed his dish, but thought they were a little heavy handed with the bearnaise sauce. I really like their food; it tastes fresh and healthy.
Grilled AAA Alberta Beef Tenderloin Topped with a green chile bearnaise sauceSweet Potato and Corn Chowder Garnished with chile paint and sour creamOven baked quesadilla With cilantro pesto, goat cheese, grilled shrimp and mango salsa
The only downside was that we’re pretty sure the diners a table away from us had body odour problems. It became apparent, the change in the air quality when they left. Fortunately, the nice aromas from our meals masked it.
Fresh. Local. Farm. Second time here and it was just as good as the first. Service was a tad slow to start, but we dawdled over the menu. We had a lot of questions about the food and our server seemed to know the menu. They have quite the variety in their daily specials. I really liked my pork duo. The crispy and fatty pork belly was a nice contrast to the meatiness of the medallion. The crispness of the carrot went really well with the flavor of the creamed cabbage.
I found the atmosphere to be quite loud, seeing that it was a full house. No matter, enjoyed the food. I love the house pickles.
Missing the old Gunkan sushi, but eager to see what popped up in it’s place, we headed to Shigatsu. I’ve heard lots of rave reviews, so we went there for lunch. I like the decor. It seems well suited to a romantic dinner. We had a late lunch around 2pm so we were the only customers in the restaurant. I wonder if it would be loud if it was full.
We started off with the Aji Fry, which was tempura fried horse mackerel on greens with a mustard vinaigrette. Tasty. We each had combo meals, a roll combo and sushi combo. I do admit that it was a plain choice. We must not have been in an adventurous mood. I thought it was pretty average. We also had a Dynamite roll which I thought was pretty good. The complimentary Rice Krispie balls dessert was interesting. Service was good (We were the only ones in the restaurant for most of our meal). I appreciated the creativity in their menu and felt that I didn’t give them a fair chance by ordering normal items. Will be back for some of the fusion and more unique choices.
Roll combo (top) and sushi comboRice Krispies Balls
Ever since my visit to Pizza Pide, I had been wondering whether there was a similar place in Calgary. I decided to try Istanbul which serves pide amongst other Turkish delights. Pun intended. We started with the calamari, which was good, but I found the accompanying onions a bit over salted. Hubby had the lamb shank which they claim to be amongst the best in Calgary. Both of us would agree. I tried a yogurt drink called ayran. It is an acquired taste. It is yogurt mixed with cold water and salt. Very tart. I had a pide with chicken, tomato, green pepper and onion. It was quite good, but not quite like Pizza Pide’s. They have an extensive menu and I will be back to try some of their other items.
The owner is also the chef and service can be a bit slow when it gets busy. But the food is worth it.
I’m pretty sure this restaurant is flying under the radar. High expectations because of it’s pedigree, but not a whole lot of buzz. The reviews I read were mixed. I can definitely say that the food was fantastic.
There were three of us and we ordered for sharing. The server was helpful in suggesting dishes to balance our selections. The smoked cod taro tacos were bursting with avocado flavor with a touch of heat. The cod got a little lost in the dance . The tuna and watermelon ceviche was exceptional. Strong spicy flavors with delicate watermelon to stave off the heat. Did I tell you I like my food a little spicy?
DUNGENESS CRAB SALAD
The dungeness crab salad was a good way to tone down the tuna and the tacos. The most interesting thing was the toasted burdock root on top. The dish was not flashy, but did the job of cooling off my taste buds for the next dish.
CHICKEN DUMPLING Filled With Mushroom and Leeks, Goat Cheese Sauce, Roasted Chorizo and Pesto
The dumplings had strong flavors of and mushroom and sausage that reminded me of a Chinese style chicken and dried mushroom dish. The dehydrated tomato slice was a nice textural contrast.
ASIAN STYLE WILD SALMON GRAVLAX Tamago, Horse Radish Lemon and Chive Creème fraiche with Wasabi TobikoBUCKWHEAT PANCAKES
I really liked the gravlax for both the presentation and taste. The seaweed, capers and creme fraiche were a nice contrast the salmon wrapped in tamago. They were served with a side of buckwheat pancakes and lime in cheesecloth to squeeze over the salmon.
BRAISED SPICED SHORT RIBS Black Garlic, Parsnip Puree, Roasted Rosemary Duck Fat Potato with Sour Cream And Chives
I did not try the short ribs as I do not eat beef that is not hormone and antibiotic free. The roasted potatoes however, were hot and very tasty. Ditto with the rare marinated beef. The beef was served with a side of cheese toast.
RARE BEEF Lightly Seared Beef, Herbed Olive Oil, Momiji Oroshi, Diced Scallion, Ume Spicy Ponzu with Crispy Rice CakeTOASTED BREAD With melted cheeseDESSERT Sesame ball, panna cotta with milk foam
Dessert was complimentary. Although I was too full to eat another bite, I had to sample. There was a Chinese style sesame ball filled with peanut satay on a caramelized miso sauce. The sesame ball was a bit rubbery and difficult to share, but I haven’t had one that wasn’t. Also fruit salad topped with a minty panna cotta which was very good.
Strong complex flavors that flowed well from one dish to another. Possibly too strong for some, but that’s the way I like it. This is one of the best Asian fusion restaurants that I have ever tried. Service was attentive even when they got busy. Attention to detail such as wiping off the table between dishes and providing fresh cutlery between courses.
Atmosphere is upbeat urban. Hallway to the washrooms is rather eclectic.
A few of my relatives are foodies and they chose this restaurant for dinner. I had high expectations, as the “Top Chef” is Carl Heinrich, the winner of Top Chef Canada season 2. We had a late reservation (8:45) as this is a pretty popular place.
The restaurant is two levels, with a Chef’s table right next to the kitchen on the second level. The lower level is also open to the kitchen. Decor is modern, but not terribly so. White walls and dark wood are a nice combination.
We perused the regular menu as well as the specials on the board. My sister inquired if there were any specials from the chef, the waiter went to ask. The chef had a pork chop as well as a roast for the table. Most of us ordered off the regular menu and the board.
The appetizers were tasty. Polenta fries are an interesting idea. I’m not a huge fan of polenta but it works. I enjoyed the lobster cocktail, the crunchy lobster went well with the refreshing taste of the lettuce and cocktail sauce.
Duo of Beef
I had the Duo of Beef which was on the chalkboard. The steak was done to a medium rare, on a bed of mashed potatoes, and the other side had a shredded beef stew. The flavors mingled well together. Of course the beef is locally sourced, hormone and antibiotic free. I’m of the opinion that maybe Alberta beef is not always the best.
Pork Chop Four Ways
It turns out that my cousin did order the special from the kitchen. This dish was hefty on the meat. The pork chop was very tasty. I suspect chefs appreciate it, when they get to exercise their creativity in the kitchen. Carl came to our table and asked my cousin how she liked her meal. Only my sister and I were aware that it was Carl. He visited several other parties in the room as well. I like it when the Chef takes the time to check in with the diners.
The Stn Burger was interesting as the inside was cooked to a medium rare. It is usually a risk to eat a burger which is not well done. I suspect they grind their meat in house to ensure quality.
Butternut Squash Cheesecake
I enjoyed the butternut squash cheesecake. The cheesecake was substantial. It went well with the mascarpone and if I remember correctly, the maple syrup. The roasted, dry squash sliver on top was a nice touch. It’s something that I would like to learn how to make.
Peach Cobbler
This was a nice, rustic interpretation of regional cuisine. It’s definitely a restaurant that seems to cater to foodies. Will be on my list if I make it back to Toronto.
Sometimes the best food can be found in a dive. Pizza Pide (Peh-day) is a nondescript eatery on the corner of Gerrard and Pape. You could easily walk by it if not for the hordes that wait on the sidewalk for the streetcar. If you never had Turkish pizza, you should give it a try. Number 18 is the best as it has an assortment of toppings. Bring a hearty appetite as one pide can serve a couple small appetites for lunch.
Onto the pide. This is no ordinary pizza. It is shaped like a canoe. It is thin crust, but the edges are folded over, brushed with some kind of oil, and baked to a golden brown. There is an assortment of beef pide as well as the chicken with mozzarella, spinach and feta and an all cheese. I suspect the meat is Halal, as it was a Muslim friend who introduced my sister to it.
It comes with some sides: a lemon for squeezing onto the pide, raw onion, tomato, hot peppers and parsley. I found the parsley good for cleansing the palate of pide and onion after the meal.
Assorted pizza on the left, and chicken and mozzarella on the right
I love sweets. Some more than others. I could have homemade pie three square meals a day. I discovered this lovely little place when I was in town a couple years ago. I did not have a chance to try their wares, but I did buy their cookbook. I’ve made their coconut cream pie a couple of times and it is delicious. So this time, I had to try their food.
Veggie pizza and roasted butternut squash soup
The homemade pizza and soup were very good. After arriving in town, it was the perfect comfort food after a hectic day of travel. But, I came here for the pie.
Coconut cream pie
I bought the 6″ pie. The filling was lovely, but the amount of whipped cream overwhelmed the rest. I should have gone for the full sized pie. Everything is fresh and homemade. Next up, sour cherry.
Sour Cherry Pie
The sour cherry was tart as I would have expected. Very good. If I wasn’t leaving town tomorrow, I would have bought at least a 6″.
They do get busy at times, but they are very good about asking people to lineup as most just stand around gawking at the pie case. I can say that is one of my favorite places for pie. Warrants mutiple repeat visits.
My search for Thai brought me to Khao San Road. Except in Toronto, not Bangkok. This place is popular and like most trendy places, does not accept reservations. Thai food with an urban flair. The green curry was bursting with fresh flavors of lemongrass and spice. The Pad Thai smacked of tamarind. The spring rolls were fresh and tasty. Really good food.
Had I known about their specials, I would have tried them as well. The squash fritters reminded me of the Gorgon Medusa’s hair and the Khao Soi apparently is very good too.
Fresh Spring Rolls with chicken sausage, Thail basil, lettuce, carrots and mint leaves with tamarind sauce.Pad Thai with pork and green curry with chicken
When the restaurant is full, it can be quite loud so I wouldn’t recommend it as a first date kind of place. The service was attentive and the host came by to ask our opinion. When we left there was a lineup outside waiting to get in.
There are no outstanding ramen places in Calgary. I am so glad that there is a large variety in Toronto. My sister took me to Kinton Ramen, in Baldwin Village. It is small, with everyone sitting at communal tables. The atmosphere is much like a Izakaya with the staff shouting greetings as you leave over the general din. The broth is very good and tasted like it had been stewing for days.
I had the Shiro Ramen with the rich broth and pork belly. The noodles were nice and chewy. The pork was cooked perfectly, and the broth was not too salty.
I tried my sister’s Spicy Garlic Ramen. Nice kick with the heat and full garlic flavor. We also tried the Gyoza which was hot and flavorful. I would say that this is a very good ramen place and worth another visit.
Sadly, I did not finish my soup otherwise I would have been a Kinton Bowler.
