July 21, 2014

Rodney’s Oyster House Soon to be Shucking Calgary

Rodney’s Oyster House Soon to be Shucking Calgary

According to three-time Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion Rodney T. Clark “I thought oyster shucking was going to be the easy part!” Timing for the grand opening of the Rodney’s Oyster House in Toronto in December 1987 may have been slightly dubious, barely six weeks after the stock market crash on October 19, 1987. However, according to the man himself it was not the bottom falling out of the equity market that caused consternation, but rather the fact that the day Rodney’s Oyster House opened on Adelaide Street was the same day the Canadian Ban On Shellfish began. What could have been a bad omen did not seem to matter – Hogtown was hungry for oysters and lots of them. (more…)

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February 6, 2012

Calgary a Touch of Francaise

Calgary a Touch of Francaise

As you all know, Nutmeg was not terribly excited about heading back to Calgary in November. I decided that I should help her out and do a little research on where to find a bit of France in Calgary (pronounced Càl-gà-riêéè in French). Although, Alberta has a reputation for being Anglophone, it is actually the third province in Canada for number of residents with French as their mother tongue. Over 68,000 people can legitimately claim that fact. Despite a reputation of beef, beef and more AAA beef; the province has more to offer on the restaurant and grocery scene. In part, we can thank our French-speaking residents for their more sophisticated palate. Check out how Française Calgary really is… (more…)

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December 5, 2011

Calgary White Hat Welcome Home

Calgary White Hat Welcome Home

Ginger, Nutmeg, and Jade recently arrived back in Calgary after their “Year in Provence”. Ginger insisted that he had to return to North America for several commitments. Although, he did admit that returning in the month of November was dubious. The two ladies agreed to come back reluctantly, but only after Ginger promised that they would return to France next summer. Nutmeg was thrilled that there was no snow on the ground for their arrival. Jade was happy to get out of her travel kennel. She was not too fussed about where she was, as long as the food kept coming at regular intervals. Ginger was probably the most excited as the NHL hockey season was underway and his regular “old boys” league were still playing on a weekly basis. (more…)

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December 6, 2010

Missing The Scene at Calgary’s Caffe Beano

Missing The Scene at Calgary’s Caffe Beano

Expresso used to love Caffe Beano on 9th Street and 17th Avenue SW in Calgary, for the coffee and the scene.   Times have changed a bit and rumor has it that he now loves his Nespresso machine more. Caffe Beano has been in existence and in the same location since 1988.  The owners might have been slightly concerned when Starbucks first opened its doors in Calgary,  in the late 1990’s a few blocks away.  Any concerns were washed away by a very loyal following of coffee lovers, who were not swayed by the big shiny Seattle based brand.  The loyal crowd continues to support this local coffee establishment.  So a couple years back the when the barber in the adjacent retail space moved on, Caffe Beano expanded.  Before Nutmeg left for France, she had the pleasure of several good-bye “coffee meetings” with good friends at Caffe Beano. (more…)

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September 20, 2010

Boxwood Cafe Tasty Dining in the Park in Calgary

Boxwood Cafe Tasty Dining in the Park in Calgary

The City of Calgary has spent $11.5 million and two years renovating Central Memorial Park, one of the oldest parks in the city it opened in 1912.  This centrally located park had fallen from a prominent memorial dedicated to those who fought in the two world wars, to an inner-city eyesore full of drug dealers and home to some of Calgary’s unfortunate street dwellers. The park was officially reopened on May 14, 2010.  The park construction and work on the new restaurant Boxwood Cafe is finally finished.  The restaurant opened on September 15th.  Nutmeg could hardly wait to check it out.  So the best way is to go for lunch with a great friend! (more…)

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August 28, 2010

Chaisso Coffee Company a new name in Coffee

Chaisso Coffee Company a new name in Coffee

There is a new game and a new name in coffee in Calgary, the Chiasso Coffee Company.  They have a brand new location at 17th Avenue and 8th Street SW, it is just barely two weeks old.  The name is Italian and translated apparently means chaos, commotion, racket.  However, chaos is the furthest thing from your mind when you step into this oasis just off that busy intersection.  They have done a great job on the finishes, including hardwood floors, granite counter tops and a mix of comfortable seating options.  The place is spotless and refreshing after some of the other coffee house options in the area. (more…)

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August 19, 2010

Calgary’s Coup the food is so good you forget it is vegetarian

Calgary’s Coup the food is so good you forget it is vegetarian

Poor Ginger he is a good Albertan boy and essentially refuses to try anything that resembles a purely vegetarian focused restaurant.  Only once, in the last decade, has he acquiesced and tried dinner at The Coup on 17th Avenue in Calgary – he complained the whole time about being too hot and did not like the organic wine…..  Needless to say Nutmeg has decided that he is not worth the effort, so she only goes to this restaurant with her girlfriends.  Yes! The food is good enough to forget (or remember) that is is pure vegetarian and really healthy. (more…)

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August 12, 2010

The Vin Room in Calgary

The Vin Room in Calgary

Saffron was is Calgary last weekend and as you may have gathered she is always in the “know” when it comes to restaurants, wine and cool gathering spots.  She was free for dinner on Saturday night and suggested a visit to the Vin Room.  Ginger had not tried out this wine bar/restaurant either so Nutmeg was happy to oblige and made reservations. (more…)

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August 6, 2010

Calgary’s Holy Grill The Holy Grail of Hashbrowns

Calgary’s Holy Grill The Holy Grail of Hashbrowns

Most of you who know Nutmeg, already understand that french fries, chicken wings, chips, onion rings, Cheezies and Kraft dinner do not factor into her diet much if at all.  The odd fry, one or two onion rings and that is definitely Nutmeg’s limit.  Ginger on the other hand loves ALL of it! The Holy Grill, is located right across from Mountain Equipment Coop on 10th Avenue in Calgary.  It has been a restaurant for a while although the name has changed a few times.  It is definitely not fancy and the drill is quite straightforward.  There is no table service so you need to make a decision, place your order at the counter, find a seat and wait for your name to be called and then pick up your meal.  They do breakfast and lunch only. The breakfast menu includes the traditional (to your specifications – Nutmeg is particular and it was perfect),  the Bennies (variations on eggs benedict) and a variety of breakfast sandwiches (paninis and “Mcmuffins”). The lunch menu is basically a selection of paninis and burgers, with enough choice to satisfy most palates. The food is good, fresh and made to order.  The hash browns however are the “holy grail”  they are the perfect balance of crisp, with a hint of grease and a the right salt balance.  The best part is of course they are gluten free for those of you who have concerns.  The coffee is mediocre and definitely not highly promoted. Some of the other real positives with the Holy Grill are they have some patio space out back that on a sunny day, would be perfect (Ginger and Nutmeg were there on a rainy day).  There is free parking in adjacent lot so you do not need to pay the Calgary Parking Authority a dime :-). Bottom line? The Holy Grill is definitely the holy grail of hash browns – Nutmeg did not even share with Ginger! Enjoy! [tfb username=’GingerandNutmeg’ count=’true’ lang=’en’ theme=’light’]

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June 11, 2010

Coffee it’s an art at Caffe Artigiano

Coffee it’s an art at Caffe Artigiano

It is not every day that Starbucks gets run out of town… OK not exactly out of town. Nutmeg is pretty certain that their lease on 3rd Street SW in Calgary was up and it may have been an under-performing location, so they have closed up shop and Subway is going in.  Caffe Artigiano has certainly not missed the competition.  On a recent Wednesday afternoon Nutmeg was a bit early for her meeting with Cilantro, so popped in for a latte. Their signature latte is the Spanish Latte with a touch of condensed milk – heaven in a cup!  At 2:30pm there was barely a seat to be had in the place and a line up at least 20 deep.  These guys have perfected the system, you order and pay as normal at the till and your order comes up on a print out (in order) at the barista end.  Unlike Starbucks: no yelling, no call backs, no cups out of order – do you honestly care what the person ahead of you in line is ordering? (more…)

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