Patricia koyich's Calgary

April huh? Well, well, well!

Cabin fever is here once again and as Mother Nature teases us with the melting snow and warm Chinook winds.  The lack of summer experience from last year has intensified our longing to get out of the house, find a positive vibe and/or create one with a cocktail or two.

The idea of spring and the ”newness” it brings is also applicable in the restaurant industry! It is a time that we discover what was once new is now old, seen its day and/or perhaps closed down or changing hands.  The space has now dawned the token brown paper that shields the windows from the progress and disclosure of the renovations taking place inside. We await the announcements of change, as chefs and managers relocate in hopes of inspiration, and growth.  Perhaps, these individuals are at the point in their careers where they want to take the leap of entrepreneurial faith and open a restaurant/bar/club of their own! The proverbial “Holy Grail” or as I like to call it “The brink of insanity”!  It is an exciting time for those of us in the industry, for you the consumer and even more exciting is the anticipation of a possible “new” favorite on your own personal Zagat list of where to go and what to recommend in Calgary.

This year the trends seem to be similar to that of last year; share plates, the busy vibe of a smaller space and the action or interaction of the open kitchen. I think we will see a few interesting interpretations of the “Bistro” and perhaps that all so confusing term of “Gastro Pub”.  Wine by the glass is still hot and beer and the Micro Brewery in which it is produced is growing in popularity. A place to be social is not new to Calgarians, but the style in which we will do it probably is.  An increased accessibility to really great food that is approachable, flavorful and good value will be the growing vibe here in Calgary, as will the intimacy of the table in a not so intimate surrounding. It’s so “big city” and delicious to think that there is a demand for such quaint little spaces, a demand that will perhaps change the lack of late night spots here in Calgary and maybe even dare I say the lack of late night vibe. Maybe? One can only hope, and pray for I personally feel as though I have been waiting an eternity!  After all, it is the demand for such spaces that supports, sustains and without it, these ambitious entrepreneurs will continue to struggle as will our fair cities late night vibe.

What is new that is currently open? Without Papers a pizzeria and wine bar in the space most of us knew as Nectar Desserts above Sugo restaurant in Englewood.  A quaint little space fully renovated serving delicious pizza from the hands of Angelo & Jesse (owners of Sugo).  There is a newly appointed chef at Vin room on 4th street; Claire Cameron and her new menu is filled with creativity and flavor.

What is in the works? The old Mother Tucker’s is a stir on 10^th avenue as well as Tangerine on 3rd street SW, excited to hear what these renovations will bring. We will see a rumored expansion of the Mercury including what was the Wine Shop and a renovation of the Bungalow on 17^th.  Speaking of 17^th Chef Justin Leboe is anxiously awaiting his approval to open the doors of what will be Model Milk in the old Victoria’s building.  This is a beautiful space and well we all know what Chef Leboe is capable of, very exciting.  The old Nellie’s on 17^th will soon open as a late night Poutinery…yes you heard me. Poutine of all flavors and sizes, I guess I should have mentioned this trend in food items!  On 4^th street we will see a Gastro pub where Wildwood used to be; called WURST as in the sausage, ironic considering this was the original location of Franz’s Gasthaus in the 70’s.  I see the completion of the long anticipated Ki restaurant beside The Westin is a few months away, an Asian fusion restaurant concept some of you may have experienced out East, Ki will be able to hold 150+, an ambitious venture for Calgary’s restaurant scene. Finally up in Marda loop O Restolounge will change its concept to a restaurant and beer market called Fergus & Bix (the original location is in Aspen woods SW) Exciting? That’s spring, filled with possibility and fresh new talent.  If you are not up for waiting then take advantage of this weather dust off a chair on a favorite patio like; Brave, Divino’s, River Café, The Living Room and well who can deny the Ship & Anchor from having one of the best in the city? Order a cold cocktail, a share plate of some kind, take a moment to feel the Chinook breeze upon your face and hopefully smile for this is just the beginning.

I personally look forward to what spring has to bring to our table, fresh vegetables, farmers markets and yes, new restaurants. I look forward to visiting these “Pride’s of joy” and wish them all a great deal of success.  I am not sure we realize (who am I kidding, I lived it!) how much time, energy, emotion and so much money, that goes into each new restaurant, no matter how big or small. Perhaps there are times we need to be reminded that it is an impossibility to please everyone of our individual palates, personalities and needs.   So, maybe if you decide to visit one of these new spots and it is not to your liking…think twice about saying “ I will never go back” to the next person you see…give it a second chance or perhaps take a step back and look at the big picture.  Ask yourself do you like Tom Ford or do you like Gucci? Do you drive Chevrolet or do you drive Acura? Beatles or Stones?  It really is that simple, neither is terrible you just know what you like and just because you don’t like one, does not make the other terrible.  Now please don’t get me wrong, I respect your dollar as you have worked hard for it. You should feel justified in where you spend it; so disrespectful service, burnt food or poor in quality, cleanliness and value is not what I am talking about.  It is expectation and hype that I speak of, you know when someone tells you all about this amazing movie they saw on the weekend and all the reviews are hot, but when you go you have no idea what everyone is talking about?  At the end of the day, it is knowing what you like that matters and the good fortune of choice our restaurant community brings, something for everyone.

Food for thought? Maybe?

Happy Easter & Buon Apetito

Patricia Koyich – Owner of Il Sogno:http://www.ilsogno.org/
http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/patricia-koyich/0/aaa/311

-“Rising Star – Best New Restaurant” (Where Magazine, 2000)
-“Top Ten Restaurants in Calgary” (Avenue Magazine, 2002)
-“Most Romantic Dining Room in Calgary” (Avenue Magazine, 2003)
-“Award of Excellence” (Wine Spectator, 2006, 2007, 2008,2009)
“Most Romantic” and “Worth the Splurge” (Avenue Magazine, 2008)
“Four Diamond” Rating, CAA/ AAA. (2009, 2010) 1 of only 3 in Calgary
“Best Ambience” (Where Magazine, 2009) (Avenue Magazine 2009)
“Best Service” (Avenue Magazine 2009)
“Best Italian Fine dining” (Consumers Choice 2010)