Canuck Cow-Town Quarters & Cuisine.

September 4, 2008 9:47 AM

Tips on Calgary accommodation and restaurants?

I will be attending an event in SW Calgary (Glenmore reservoir area) and would appreciated your latest tips on accommodation and restaurants. A cosy rather than fancy hotel, or a kid-friendly B&B would be nice. I love unpretentious upscale food, and and am willing to chase down any exciting new bistro or buzzing breakfast place in the city.

posted by weapons-grade pandemonium to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

Every time I'm in Calgary, La Paella (6th Ave SW) gets a visit.

It's small, locally-owned, easy to miss because it's hidden under an overpass, and droolingly delicious. It's about five miles north of the Reservoir, a 10min drive. Family friendly.
posted by rokusan at 9:57 AM on September 4, 2008

I would also thanked you in advance.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:58 AM on September 4, 2008

Mercato's. Totally.
posted by LN at 10:08 AM on September 4, 2008

+1 on the La Paella recommendation.

A cool thing about Calgary is that it's getting more and more "third wave" coffee places, where coffee and espresso turns into a delicacy. Try:

http://www.philsebastian.com/
http://kawacalgary.ca/index.php
http://www.caffeartigiano.com/locations.html
posted by demagogue at 10:11 AM on September 4, 2008

Steaks - Saltlik downtown on 7th.
Coffee - DeVille (same vicinity, in the artsy place).
posted by devbrain at 10:28 AM on September 4, 2008

I went to the Blue Nile Ethiopian restaurant a few years ago and remember really enjoying it.
posted by Nelsormensch at 10:57 AM on September 4, 2008

Cosy and quaint hotels/inns are mostly out-of-town. But if you want something other than downtown or the airport, have a look at the Glenmore Inn, the Blackfoot Inn , and the Carriage House Inn. I've never stayed in them, but I've eaten in the restaurants of all of them and and enjoyed it. As far as I know none of these are members of big chains.

The Alloy restaurant is on the pricey side, but lovely, serene, and delicious.

I only know of Jacqueline Suzanne's Bistro and Antiquities by reputation, but it seems to be a real hit, and the neighbourhood it's in, Inglewood, is historic. While it was grungy not so many years ago, it's being gentrified and has many cool, unusual stores and hangouts now.

Enjoy your stay in Calgary!
posted by angiep at 11:17 AM on September 4, 2008

Thanks. I'm enjoying the links so far. Might have to extend my stay...
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 11:26 AM on September 4, 2008

Seconding DeVille - whenever I am downtown early, I hang out there - good vibes, view, music, coffee and free WiFi (ask for the password).

Stay in Kensington at the Inn - it's a cool walkable neighbourhood, and walking distance to downtown.
posted by jkaczor at 12:33 PM on September 4, 2008