Restaurant Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 15

April 17, 2016

Adobo Experience

Fact. I’ve never tried Filipino food. Ok, maybe once, when a friend brought over some cassava cake. Neither have three of my friends. So we all went down to Adobo Experience to give it a try.

We went early, around quarter to 6. The place wasn’t busy and our server was eager to take our order. We needed more time. To explore this exotic to us cuisine. We finally went with his suggestion of crispy pata which is deep fried pork hock to share as an appetizer. Mmmm, crispy pork skin. Three of us choose different versions of adobo, which is a meat stew. Hubby was the odd one out and went with the kare kare which is a peanut sauce based stew. The food was tasty. They also have a meal for a large group called Boodle Fight Experience. Google it. It’s now on my bucket list.

The food came reasonably quickly. But after that, the service fell down. The restaurant got really busy and it turned into Chinese style service. Where you play hail the waiter. If they see you. We decided to share the halo halo dessert which is more than enough for the four of us. It was pretty tasty. But it took a long time to order and then to arrive. Food is good, service not so much.

April 17, 2016

Red’s in Ramsay

Feeling hungry after a session at the climbing gym, hubby and I decided to check out Red’s in Ramsay. It is really hard to find a brunch spot on weekends in Calgary, but Red’s uses the NoWait app which piqued my interest. It worked out really well for us. We arrived; we were seated ahead of a few other parties that were waiting. I wish that busy restaurants would use this more often. You don’t have to be at the restaurant to reserve your place in line. It’s real time, unlike Open Table.

I dug into one of the specials of the day, turkey and bacon on marble rye with creamy chicken and vegetable soup. I found the food pretty average, but it was enough to satisfy a climbing appetite. Service was friendly, but a little spotty as they were busy. Nice location and definitely a neighborhood eatery.

Turkey and bacon sandwich with creamy chicken and vegetable soup

March 25, 2016

Umami Noodle Bar

I had a craving for ramen. It is a craving if I always want ramen? I dropped by Umami Noodle Bar to try their wares. First thing I noticed. The stroller parked in the foyer. As a MoM (Mother of multiples) family friendly restaurants now interest me.

The aroma of full bodied ramen broth was wafting through the air enticing me like Pavlov’s dog. The space was small, but not crowded for a midweek lunch. The server was very friendly and helpful. I like that.

The ramen arrived in short order with a head of steaming broth. The broth was rich and had a full flavour. Noodles were chewy firm; the way I like them. The chashu buns I ordered to go. I reheated them as a snack later and they tasted pretty good. I think I will return.

January 20, 2016

Modern Steak

I was looking for a restaurant for date night on a Sunday. My first choice wasn’t Modern Steak, but I was enticed by a 1,000 point reservation on Opentable.

I suspect that this was the former location of The Muse, as I remember the multiple levels and uniquely shaped downstairs dining area. We were seated downstairs, in a quiet corner. So far, so good. Hubby started off with the steak tartare. The beef was assertively spiced and the chips were nicely crunchy. Anticipating the meat fest ahead, I ordered the wedge trio salad. The salad looked massive; containing three quarters of an iceberg lettuce. All the dressings were house made. I especially enjoyed the green goddess dressing.

Hubby had the 10 oz Wagyu striploin for his entree with a side of brussels sprouts with maple and bacon. He thoroughly enjoyed his steak. I ordered the 7oz Ben’s filet. It was done to a turn (medium rare) and was flavorful. I had asparagus parmesan with a poached egg on the side. I also ordered Bearnaise sauce. It was rich and velvety.

We shared the crème brûlée for dessert. It was traditional and there’s nothing wrong with that.

The service was attentive, but not disruptive. The decor is modern and I do prefer that to the traditional 70’s wood paneled steakhouse decor.

Definitely recommended for that special occasion dinner.

Beef Tartare — Steak Tartare with dijon, caper, gherkin, farm yolk, truffle oil and chips

Modern Wedge Trio with 1000 Island & tomato, blue cheese and bacon, green goddess and red onion

L-R 10 oz Wagyu New York Strip, brussels sprouts and bacon, Bearnaise sauce, asparagus parmesan with 63 degree egg and 7 oz filet — L-R 10oz Wagyu New York Strip, brussels sprouts and bacon, Bearnaise sauce, asparagus parmesan with 63 degree egg and 7oz filet

January 4, 2016

Madras Cafe

I haven’t had a dosa in a long time. So when a friend of mine mentioned that Madras Cafe was having a dosa festival, I just had to go. They had a special menu that featured 100 dosa and dosa variants.

We started off with the podli idli. Idli is a savoury rice and fermented black lentil cake that is steamed. This version was subsequently fried and mixed with spices. It had a tang of heat and the fried onions added a nice crunch. I ordered the mix vegetable dosa for my main dish. It came with a side of soup and a couple of dipping sauces. It was quite tasty. Hubby asked the server for his recommendation. Our server, who I assumed was also the owner had a thick accent that I found difficult to decipher. Hubby accepted our server’s suggestion. It was a vegetarian dosa, bursting with vegetables and flavour.

I love hole-in-the-wall family run places. This is the sort of place that I would come back to, if I found myself in the area again.

December 13, 2015

The Fine Diner

I was in search of brunch with little to no lineups. It’s quite a feat in Calgary to avoid weekend brunch lineups. Which brought me, to the Fine Diner in Inglewood. The restaurant was full when we arrived. We were third in line; the estimated wait was 15-20 minutes. They took my mobile number and would text me when a table became available. No sooner then did we cross the street, I received the text. It turned out the the party ahead of us didn’t show up for their reservation. We were seated in separate dining area in the back of the restaurant. It was nice that they had an overflow area. It was quiet, with just a few tables.

Hubby ordered the croque madame and I had the stuffed french toast. Hubby really enjoyed his dish. It came with a side of fruit and roasted potatoes. Both of the dishes used house made brioche which was delicious. The french toast was stuffed with orange marmalade and cream cheese. I found the first half delightful, but was wanting some relief from the sweetness by the time I finished. It was served with caramel sauce and whipped cream. The only knack was that our meal took a little longer to arrive, and the kitchen apologized for the wait.

We enjoyed our dining experience and we will be returning.

STUFFED FRENCH TOAST House baked brioche stuffed with our kitchen team's latest creation — STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
House baked brioche stuffed with our kitchen team’s latest creation

CROQUE MADAME Home made brioche stuffed with gruyère & bacon. Topped with a poached egg. Served on creamy mornay sauce — CROQUE MADAME
Home made brioche stuffed with gruyère & bacon. Topped with a poached egg. Served on creamy mornay sauce

November 27, 2015

The Lake House

I’ve always enjoyed the food from CRMR and was less than happy when they vacated The Ranche. I finally made it to The Lake House where they have set up shop. I really wanted to see the view of the lake, but having dinner in late fall means none of that. The dining room is decorated in Rocky Mountain style, complete with the antler chandeliers. The dining room has a nice, romantic ambience, complete with a wood burning fireplace.

Back to the food. The charcuterie platter was my favorite at The Ranche. They have reincarnated here, complete with the pickled melon which I adore. The half platter was more than enough for the three of us. I had the black cod for my entree. It was done to a turn, fork tender and full of flavor. The shiitake mushroom and bean stew lent an earthy flavour to the dish. The raspberry tiramisu was a light and refreshing finish to the meal.

The service was good; attentive, but not intrusive. The next time I come back, it will be during the day when I can take in the view.

Rocky Mountain Charcuterie Platter A Selection of Regionally & House Made Charcuterie, House Made Accompaniments & Pumpernickel Bread — Rocky Mountain Charcuterie Platter
A Selection of Regionally & House Made Charcuterie, House Made Accompaniments & Pumpernickel Bread

Pan Seared Black Cod Calypso Bean & Shitake Stew, Salt & Pepper Cuttlefish, Miso Butter, Yuzu Gastrique — Pan Seared Black Cod
Calypso Bean & Shitake Stew, Salt & Pepper Cuttlefish, Miso Butter, Yuzu Gastrique

Raspberry Tiramisu Mascarpone Cream, Mandarin Coulis, Pistachio Dust — Raspberry Tiramisu
Mascarpone Cream, Mandarin Coulis, Pistachio Dust

August 13, 2015

Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus

I went to the Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus for brunch a while ago, it has taken me this long to follow with the post. When we arrived, it was a Saturday around lunchtime. As expected, the place was fairly busy. I ordered the herb butter pannenkoeken. It made for a substantial meal. The side salad was a nice fresh accompaniment to the substantial pannenkoeken. Hubby preferred mine over his Mediterranean.

The icing on the cake (literally!) was the Black Forest pannenkoeken. It was big enough for three or four people to share, after the main meal. It came with a cupful of liquor in a chocolate cup! Good thing I was driving home, as hubby had it all to himself. It was definitely a chocolate and cherry lovers dream. Need to go back…

Kruidenboter (Herb butter) Ham, mushroom, onion and cheese served with a herb butter patty and a small house salad on top — Kruidenboter (Herb butter)
Ham, mushroom, onion and cheese served with a herb
butter patty and a small house salad on top

Mediterrian (Mediterranean) Chicken, spinach, olives, feta cheese, house blend cheese, garnished with fresh tomatoes and red onions — Mediterrian (Mediterranean)
Chicken, spinach, olives, feta cheese, house blend
cheese, garnished with fresh tomatoes and red onions

Zwarte Woud (Black Forest) Warm cherries, ice cream, whipped cream, Kirschwasser in a chocolate cup and chocolate sauce — Zwarte Woud (Black Forest)
Warm cherries, ice cream, whipped cream,
Kirschwasser in a chocolate cup and chocolate sauce

June 17, 2015

Pie Cloud

Continuing on my tour of new places in Kensington, I stumbled upon Pie Cloud. I love pie. All my dreams have come true; I can now take out fresh pie whenever I want! I decided to try their luscious lime pie. It’s sub-lime, if you know what I mean? Everything is made fresh daily, right down to the freshly squeezed lime juice. The velvety filling is layered on a crispy gingersnap crust. Topped with pillowy whipped cream and freshly grated lime zest. Heaven in a pie tin – they even customize their tins!

Better get there quick, the luscious lime is their most popular and I got the last one of the day.

They also serve breakfast and savoury pies as well. On my to try list is their apple pie milkshake.

June 17, 2015

Ikemen Ramen Bar

It feels like it has been ages since I’ve been down to Kensington. Oh, it’s probably been just over a month now, but since then several new places have opened. One that I have been eager to try is Ikemen Ramen Bar. It has been open for about three weeks now. They were still putting the stickers on the windows.

I love ramen. Traditional, fusion, and even my homemade attempts. All good. Ikemen has sprung up where the old Tandoori Hut used to be. They have a small selection of traditional and fusion ramen. We started with the age dashi tofu and gyoza. I had the green curry seafood ramen and my sister-in-law the dynamite roll. The tofu was simmered in a delicious broth. Our server asked us to to describe the dish as she had not yet tried it. I said the broth was rich with overtones of dashi and bonito. With the bonito flakes blowing in the breeze.

I really enjoyed my ramen. The green curry was a tad on the medium spicy side, but full of flavour. They could have been more generous with the seafood, as it came with a whole shrimp, mussel and a couple of scallops. SIL had the dynamite roll which was beautifully presented. For dessert, we shared the organic corn ice cream which was on their daily special board. It tasted of sweet corn and vanilla. An interesting combination. Worth a return trip!