Calgary, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Alberta, Canada, that offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and western charm. Upon arriving into Calgary (1 hour and 20 mins flight from Vancouver) I explored the downtown area before lunch.
I visited Flower and Wolf Restaurant for lunch where I had a healthy Cobb Salad with chicken which their Executive Chef Prakash Magar recommended. The restaurant is located on the lobby level of the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire.
Spent the afternoon walking and exploring the downtown area as well as The Beltline and 17 Ave SW.
Visited @biscettes for a yummy Coffee Crisp cookie (located at 1516 6 Street in the 17th Ave SW neighborhood) where they offer 12 different cookies in their lineup that change often.
Visited @madebymarcus for some of their delicious ice cream, I had a split scoop with Sea salt & goatmilk caramel topped with the Roasted strawberry buttermilk (located at 1013 17th Ave SW).
Enjoyed a delicious Nepalese dinner at Calgary Momo House starting off with their signature momos; this first platter had the Chili momo, Fried momo, Tandoori momo accompanied by 2 sauces (yellow is mild) and (red is hot).
The Jhol momos were a treat, steamed momos filled with chicken in a delicious mild sauce. Butter chicken curry with rice was very good, large pieces of chicken in a flavourful curry, and I had with their tasty spiced Naan type bread . Sukuti Sandheko was made with dry-aged goat and Nepalese spices, rice flakes and a soy bean mix, so unique and outstanding. Sandheko Aaloo was a potato dish that reminded me of the Spanish patate Bravas, and in this rendition it was potatoes cubes with a Nepalese mix of spices, also outstanding.
The restaurant is located at 20 Crowfoot NW #410, Calgary in the Crowfoot NW area of the city, they also have another location in the NE area of the city. You can follow them on Instagram @calgarymomohouse
A mostly traditional deli Grumans Deli has been serving the Calgary community for over 20 years, known for their sandwiches, matzah ball soup, other deli items as well as their babka and other baked goods. I enjoyed my first visit over lunch having the Grumans Famous Reuben Sandwich which was piled high with smoked meat, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and had Russian dressing on grilled rye bread and I had coleslaw and pickles. I also had a taster of their delicious Matzah ball chicken soup as well as potato filled Verenikes and a Smoked meat knish.
The restaurant is located in the Britannia neighbourhood at 5103 Elbow Dr SW in Calgary. You can follow them on Instagram @grumansdeli
Afterwards I walked over to Monogram Coffee @monogramco for a Cortado (located at 800 49 Ave SW).
In the afternoon I met up with some friends in the Kensington neighbourhood for coffee and treats at Fuwa Fuwa @fuwafuwa.yyc for their popular Japanese Soufflé pancakes, I had the decadent Matcha Tiramisu pancakes which I shared with friends Alya and Eddie (located at 1111 Kensington Rd, NW).
Before heading to the airport I took an Uber back downtown to have dinner up high at Major Tom Bar on the 40th floor with a view of downtown Calgary and all around the city. It’s an energetic atmosphere, I couldn’t get a last minute reservation so I chanced it as a walk-in and was seated immediately. Sat at the bar and watched all the moving pieces in action and delicious vegetable forward food was the bonus.
I ordered a few appetizers that include the very tasty Major Tots with smoked sturgeon, pickled onion; Heirloom Tomatoes with stone fruits, whipped feta and chamomile; and the Grilled Broccolini and Chermoula. The restaurant is (located at 700 2 St SW #4000) you can follow the restaurant on Instagram @themajortombar
There are many more neighbourhoods filled with great cafes and restaurants and I look forward to discover more on future visits.
By: Richard Wolak