are you gonna eat that? » dinner

TORONTO: Woodlot

are you gonna eat that? — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:41:04 +0000

A love of shoes and fried chicken on Oscar night is just part of my friendship with Shawna who hasn’t lived in the same city as me for years. So when we do get to meet up, we look for a great restaurant where we can feast and catch up.

Since she eats mostly vegan, [...]

CALGARY: Involtini

are you gonna eat that? — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:34:02 +0000

I’ve been enjoying the daily online deals from Groupon and Dealfind, not only for the discounts but also because of the exposure to previously unknown restaurants (and neighbourhoods).

Involtini sounded intriguing to me because I had never heard of its namesake dish. Involtini are thin slices of meat rolled around stuff, and then cooked.

The restaurant in [...]

CALGARY: The James Beard experience

are you gonna eat that? — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:30:13 +0000

Before the Food Network and Julia Child, there was James Beard, arguably the original celebrity chef. Today his foundation keeps his spirit alive, hosting annual awards and culinary events. A select few chefs are invited to “perform” and cook at the Beard House in New York.

It’s a big deal so chefs obviously want their [...]

CALGARY: Dining with baby

are you gonna eat that? — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:30:59 +0000

A few people have encouraged me to write about my new experiences dining out with a newborn. I don’t want to turn this into a mommy blog but I’ve definitely learned a few things that no one told me about.

The most obvious considerations are noise, space and timing. Is a restaurant’s din able to [...]

CALGARY: Tango Bistro

are you gonna eat that? — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000

I dread restaurants that say they specialize in “sharing plates,” “small plates,” or tapas. A lot of the time, it’s a token concept that brings small portions and high prices, mediocre cold cuts or overly fussy concoctions.

So I was leery of Tango Bistro, the latest venture from the Smuggler’s Group that runs Smuggler’s Inn, Open [...]

CALGARY: Opening and closing

are you gonna eat that? — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:06:30 +0000

Giveaway

In a random decision (“Jason, pick a number between one and eight”), supersu is getting two coupons for Arthur’s smoothies and juices. Happy fruits!

Opening

(Courtesy West)

I went to the opening of West Restaurant & Bar last week, a huge, gorgeous *three-floor* space in Scotia Centre downtown. It’s from Concorde Group Entertainment, which also runs Flames [...]

CALGARY: Ironwood Stage and Grill

are you gonna eat that? — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:41:17 +0000

The Ironwood Stage and Grill is a perfectly sized venue for live music (mostly roots, blues, folk, country). It used to be in a Quonset hut which, while quaint, doesn’t compare to their new digs in the renovated Garry Theatre.

The place is fabulous: an intimate stage, comfortable tables with unobstructed views, and an awesome, friendly [...]

CALGARY: Thomsons at the Hyatt

are you gonna eat that? — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:00:38 +0000

To be honest, I don’t give restaurants in hotels much of a thought. I must have had an experience a long time ago that left me thinking they’re all overpriced and mediocre.

I got shaken out of that bubble when Thomsons Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency recently started holding contests on Twitter. For a chance [...]

CALGARY: Cactus Club / Olive Garden

are you gonna eat that? — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:30:14 +0000

I had two vastly different experiences this past month at two chain restaurants in Calgary. I didn’t set out to compare them but it’s hard not to, when one was so impressive and the other so laughable. First, the good.

The Cactus Club Cafe chain started in North Vancouver, B.C. in 1988. I recall the [...]

TORONTO: Table 17

are you gonna eat that? — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Table 17 is one of the many bistros that have sprung up in Leslieville, the latest hot neighbourhood in Toronto. Food is refined (European-style) but the atmosphere is relaxed. I wouldn’t consider it a “special occasion” spot, but with a seasonal menu and focus on local ingredients, I’d likely end up here regularly if I [...]