The food in Calgary is really something. You can find nice fancy places or casual local joints. The chefs mix local with new ideas well. Also, the ingredients are fresh from around there so everything tastes great. If you want fancy or laidback, Calgary has you with good choices.
Major Tom
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Me and some friends checked out Major Tom recently, and man what an experience. Stepping outta that elevator on the 40th floor and just being floored by the view – you can see straight across the whole city, it’s unreal.
The place has a really great vibe too. All modern and sleek but still comfortable if that makes sense. The staff were super nice and friendly right off the bat.
We started with the tartare which was out of this world. Fresh ingredients, just popped with flavor. The toasts were a great addition too.
I went with the ribeye which was cooked perfectly, nice char on the outside but still juicy inside. Really let that beef shine through. Loved that it came with mashed potatoes and veggies too.
Even the chocolate thing for dessert hit the spot. Rich but not too sweet, it felt totally indulgent. The perfect way to wrap up the night.
But it’s not just about the food – the service really stands out too. The staff were super knowledgeable, and gave great recommendations all around. And those views, man, you just feel like you’re on top of the world up there taking it all in.
NOtaBLE
Next up on my Calgary dining adventure was NOtaBLE in the Bowness neighborhood.
The menu is excellent. There is something for any taste.
For my main course, I opted for Quebec pork, a house specialty. It’s easy to see why it’s favorite, the skin was perfectly crispy, and the meat was succulent and flavorful.
Also check out their dessert selection. You just can’t complete a meal without it.
Charcut Roast House
One night me and some pals checked out Charcut in downtown Calgary. From the outside you can tell it’s all about the meat – and boy did it deliver.
Right off the bat, we got this huge charcuterie board with all sorts of cured meats, fancy cheeses, and pickles. Like seriously, just row after row of snacks. Sure set the mood for the quality grub to come.
The ribeye was the real star though. Cooked low and slow so it just about melted. And that horseradish just punched it up to another level. Gotta give props to those duck fat poutine bites too. Who says no to fries covered in cheese and gravy?
Even finished strong with a classic apple pie and ice cream. All the savory stuff before made that final sweet note hit even better.
Charcut does it right with local sourcing and innovative cooking. Really nailed that rustic but fancy vibe. A meat lover’s paradise for sure – definitely worth saving room for.
Ten Foot Henry
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This one is for sure another place that you shouldn’t miss if you are planning a visit to my town.
By featuring fresh vegetables and creative plant-based dishes, they’ve created a menu that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Their cooking techniques also seem designed to let the natural flavors shine through.
Its atmosphere seems uniquely bright and welcoming. Fine dining there presents an opportunity to enjoy high-quality, health-conscious cuisine in a relaxed environment ideal for both business lunches and casual meals with friends and family.
Ten Foot Henry has rightfully earned praise for its commitment to sustainability and support of local farms/purveyors. You can feel good about patronizing a place that’s conscientious about its culinary sourcing and impact.
The Nash
I’ve heard lots of good things about The Nash in Inglewood, so I was pumped to check it out recently with some friends. Man, what an elegant space, but also cozy and relaxed too. Really killer vibe.
We started with those charred octopus bites and wow, they nailed the flavors. The tentacles were so tender with like just the right amount of spicy kick from the aioli. Looked beautiful on the plate too.
That duck breast entree was insanely memorable. When the skin gets crispy holding in that juicy meat, it’s such a party in your mouth. Plus the sweet cherry sauce was such a great foil. You can tell these cooks know their way around balancing flavors.
Had to end on a high note with the classic creme brulee. So rich and silky underneath that perfectly caramelized top. When you break through with the spoon, it’s just chef’s kiss perfect.
From the impressive menu to the cozy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why The Nash is such a hit for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
For real, Calgary is out here showing other cities how it’s done with this diverse dining situation. Whether you’re trying to impress a date or just grab a low-key bite, this city’s got you covered.
Spots like The Nash really take it to another level with their creative menus and attention to quality ingredients. But then you also got laidback local joints serving up delicious food without all the frills. There’s a good balance.
