Who’s the Calgary chef (and the only chef from Canada) in Netflix’s new show? Plus a tour of a brand new Bel-Aire mansion, a local film hoping for an Oscar nod, Grant Fuhr on the red carpet, one of Teatro’s hot spots is now open for lunch, and the cutest video you’ll ever see of the pandas at the Calgary zoo. All in this edition of BBTV Update! 
Calgary chefs have put cowtown on the map in a slew of TV shows. We boast a high ratio of iron chefs, and last year Nicole Gomes took home $100k and the title of Top Chef, from the all-star season.
Now Chef Darren MacLean, seen above at his scrumptuous Shokunin restaurant in Mission, is one of the contenders on The Final Table — Netflix’s first foray into the dazzling world of chef-driven cooking competitions, complete with intimidating judges. The Final Table premieres on November 20.
The premise? 24 chefs vie to impress the world’s toughest palates as they whip up iconic dishes from nine nations in this star-packed competition. And yes, in classic Netflix style, you’ll be able to binge-watch it — all 10 episodes will be posted at the same time. Just in time for American Thanksgiving, for our friends to the south who will be in the ultimate food mood.
Get a seat at Shokunin for while you still can. It may become crowded with binge-watchers looking to binge-eat Chef Darren’s yummy yakitori. As he says in the trailer, being the final chef at the table “would absolutely change everything.” Check it out to cheer Chef Darren on!
Stepping inside Royale for lunch is like stepping into an oasis, not just because the noise from the seemingly permanent 17th Avenue construction is mercifully muted once the door shuts behind you. It’s the decor, the trees and all that natural light from above. Royale has been serving dinner since late 2017. Why did they wait so long to launch lunch?
Maybe it was because they wanted to make sure it was done right. Which, in my books, means a wine list that includes Whispering Angel rosé. Check. May I recommend the Artisan Green Salad to go with? The chevre makes these greens feel decadent, not diet.
I followed with the Grilled Chinook Salmon, but it was a tough choice. The menu offered many items that justified a second glass of Whispering Angel.
Take a moment to digest the view of the zinc-topped bar in Paris brasserie style. When Corbeaux Bakehouse, the restaurant formerly in this space, suddenly shut down after just one year sprucing up 17th, Teatro Group swooped in to expand its collection of Calgary comestible offerings to seven. In case you missed the Corbeaux moment, and still need your bearings, the restaurant is in the old Melrose location. Which I don’t miss. The ol’ renowned Melrose patio is now even better, with tiered levels to people-watch with discretion. If the construction stops in time for next summer, it will be an excellent place to rosé all day.
Meanwhile, back to our luscious lunch. Save room for foodie feed-worthy tiramisu. If you’re a dedicated copy consumer and you’ve read this far, I must stress: you can’t hear the construction when you’re inside. Go to Royale now, before the rest of the culinary crowds are in on the secret.
All photos except #2 courtesy of the amazing Maggie Keeper.
It’s not even Halloween yet, but I’m going to go there: are you ready for the holiday season? Don’t be disgruntled by my jumping the gun — my mention is motivated by a good cause… and a good drink.
Meet the beverage that gives back: Smokey the Pear. A swirling of spiced pear juice made in-house, spiced bitters, white rum, Cointreau, yuzu and egg white, every purchase of this concoction will provide $1 toward Closer to Home’s Adopt-A-Family program in Calgary.
Sip this smokeshow November 1 through December 15 to feel good about your seasonal swilling. At the Wednesday Room on Stephen Avenue. Cheers!
Superstar goalie Grant Fuhr is one of those people who was a high achieving partier. He’s featured in the new movie, MAKING COCO: THE GRANT FUHR STORY. Plus the Calgary Polo Club has a VIP tournament coming up. But if you’re feeling more farm than fancy, AB Open Farm Days is for you. Details in the vid! Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube.
Did you know there’s a wave to catch in Calgary? River surfers have a plan to build more, along with an urban beach, right downtown! Plus a wacky new film that predicts the zombie apocalypse will be fought on ice. In a hockey arena! Watch the vid for these stories and upcoming concert listings in YYC.
It’s not too soon to revel in the memories, is it? Highlights from the 2018 Calgary Stampede (mostly off-grounds, at the invite-only parties) plus Mexico – Canada polo news, Packwood Grand, and more!
When Brett Wilson invites you to a party at his home, you go. Not only because you’re going to be thirst-quenched and well-fed, but because the entertainment is always amazing. Brett Kissel was just one of the incredible talents on stage at the annual #OMGP Garden Party.
So many great events coming our way for summer in Calgary, including Parkshow this weekend and Stampede! Also, a new direct flight departing Calgary this summer to Chicago, an exclusive shopping night at Burberry, and the poetry debut of a Calgary author. Plus, I got to ride an Hermes saddle! All that and more in this edition of BBTV Update.
Come for the ride as I test drive an Hermes polo saddle… custom-made, bien sur!