Gobstopper

Wow, would I ever love to have one in Calgary - I hope they stick around, I'll be in Victoria in a few months to give it a try.

I think that's my point, this is a BC + Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan forum.

Why does it have to be BC only? Alot of these dialogues don't have to be exclusively west coast.

Personally, I feel like Teatro and Catch might be a bit big. I've seen a couple biz orientated tables at The Belvedere, which would be my expense account recommendation. They have a French based Alberta fare, and are considered bling for the downtown crew. The service is the best in the city in my opinion. Belvedere Divino Muse All have the full package - menu, service and wine list.

Some of the more general coffee knowledge in this thread has been very educational. Of Vancouver coffee, I can't really speak with much authority. In Calgary, we have, I believe, two in house roasters, neither of which actually make tremendous coffee - Like the difference between burnt onions and carmelized onions - I find both the Roasterie and The Planet to carry some scratchy burnt out beans. I worked for the Kensington Second Cup close to a decade ago - At the time, they were the highest per customer ratio of espresso based drinks in the country (among that franchise). Out here in our "little city" options are less available it seems. There are many independent coffee shops but few varieties in roaster, and I think few of them do the volume necessary to have a decent barista and fresh enough espresso beans. As a result - despite the general outcry against the "chains" there are locations in which they could well be the best choice. If anyone knows of some high volume accessible coffee shops that have the bling - please let me know. As far as buying decent beans in town - I find picking darker beans from the second cup, from bins with unopened sealed bags, is the only consistent bean quality I've found. God knows, at most locations, Starbucks is still pitching pre-ground holiday beans at full price. Though, I don't know if there is a fresher dark roast coffee to be had in the city. We don't really have the luxury of extensive choice.

LaJolle Chef on 42nd avenue, if you live in Calgary gives 20% off to card holders (the cards are 10 dollars or so). They carry Wusthof I believe, in addition to a french brand I haven't heard of, and Henckels.

Thanks for the nod Daddy-A, enjoying the site so far.

I like the idea of flavour per dollar : The rabbit risoto at Wildwood is enough for 2 meals and is only 15 dollars (no pst in Calgary either). It's one of the few rabbit meals available in Calgary. Pastry at Divino - All 8 dollars, and undoubtedly the best after dinner value in the city. Big T's barbeque platter - 40 dollars - dinner for 3 - One of John Gilcrists favourites, real slow cook barbeque. Trongh Khan on Center street north - Huge vermicelli bowls for 7 dollars. Sushi Boat in Crowchild - If you ask for it, you can get the ahi tuna sushi pizza for 3 bucks.