Quick Trip to Calgary

I had some business in the city so made that trip last week.  I only spent two nights but that meant almost a half dozen meals out.  I didn’t eat at the same place twice and visited some very interesting places.

Dinner on my first evening was at Char Cut.  It is brand spanking new.  The theme is charcuterie, really.  We shared three items – whole fish baked, poutine and house cured duck prosciutto. 

The meal was out of this world.  The fish was so flavourful and nicely seasoned.  We just pulled the meat from the bones and enjoyed.  The poutine had potatoes fried in duck fat with the traditional cheese curd and gravy.  And the duck prosciutto was served with parmesan reggiano shaved over the plate.  It was delicious with crostini.  And I was the brave soul and took pictures!

On day 2 I enjoyed sushi for lunch and dined at Petite for dinner.  My hotel hosted a cocktail hour before dinner and I had a chance to meet other guests.  It was a very nice social time.

Petite is exactly that, very small.  The scallops were served with a cauliflower puree and cauliflowerlets lightly stir fried.  It seems odd to have white with white but it was tasty.  It didn’t hurt also that they comped me a beautiful glass of cava!

Breakfast on day 3 was a European experience at Manuel Latruwe with a lovely ham and cheese croissant and cappuccino.   Then lunch at El Bombazo for pupusas and tamales.

I bought a ton of groceries, everything from Madagascar Bourbon vanilla to jasmine rice.  I haven’t had real prosciutto in almost a year and also splurged on some Serrano ham.  I am stocked up on Maseca for tamales, anchovies, fish sauce, rice for paella and for risotto, nice cocoa, truffle sauce and so much more.  

My favourite shopping spots are Lina's Italian Market, El Bombazo Latino Market, The Cookbook Company and Superstore, to name a few.