Opening Day at Century Downs Racetrack

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After years without racing in the Calgary area, horses are back on the track. Century Downs Casino is so fresh the slots aren’t even sticky yet. And this weekend, it was opening day for the reason behind their existence (aka the help in securing their liquor license): the racetrack. Conveniently located beside Cross Iron Mills outlet mall. I fully supported the opening parade’s emphasis on horse style. In this case, it was zebra-striped everything — even girth straps.The fashion sense continued with the drivers. Standardbred silks just seem to have a certain Evel Knievel super-coolness.No scissors here. This is how ribbon-cutting rolls at the racetrack.I found most of the high-fashion hats inside at a private reception, where the peeps were not only VIP, they were smart, since it was ridiculously cold outside. Hazel Bennett of Borders Racing Stable wore a lovely feathered hat originally worn by her mother in the 1940s. Dr. David Chalack stuck with his ten-gallon, but what would you expect from the man who is not only the Chair of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, but a board member of the Canadian Dairy Network and past president of the Calgary Stampede?Sandra Rexilius paired her beautiful brown velvet chapeau with her actual riding jacket. Bien sur!While Premier Jim Prentice stuck to his lawyerly go-to duds, albeit weekend casual with the button down shirt sans tie, it looks like he might have picked up a little fashion advice — and a big belt buckle — from Max Gibb, vice-chairman of the United Horsemen of Alberta and Century Downs.Although he seemed to charm the harness drivers without cowboying up.Finally, the wait was over and the first official race at Century Downs began. The photo finish ended up being a few short feet between new guard and wise guard: 22-year-old Travis Cullen (ladies, he lives in Airdrie) and 60-year old Rod Hennessy.My fave outfit of the day could be winner Rod Hennessy’s lucky orange and blue silks, but my favorite expression is definitely that manure-eating grin on Waitin Ona River’s face. Congratulations, you two! For more on Opening Day, please check my article in the Calgary Herald.

A Spring in Earls Step

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It might have felt like winter last night in Calgary, with a snowstorm reminding us just exactly how far north we live, but inside Earls Tin Palace, it felt like spring. The restaurant is spiffing up their menu for the green season, starting with craft cocktails. The Paloma, which involved tequila, grapefruit and a whole lot of deliciousness, was my favorite. If you happen to be a quiet talker, you won’t be after one of these.The room was crammed with paparazzi, including Reid Fiest, Global National’s Alberta Correspondent and Buzz Bishop, midday host on XL103. In the background I managed to catch Tim Tamashiro with his eyes closed (sorry about that Tim!) but it made me wonder what brilliance is taking place in the blink of an eye. A new riff for his upcoming jazz album to be recorded in Vancouver? Another dazzling story for Tonic, his show on CBC Radio 2? I will tune in to find out.

The Tin Palace on 4th Street SW is the hippest Earls in Calgary, the beautiful outcome of a horrible experience: the Floods of 2013. It makes some of the other locations seem shabby in comparison. Earls, I understand you’re busy with your 7000 employees and 63 restaurants — with two more opening up in the US this fall — but when can you start a similar ambience upgrade in the burbs of Cowtown? I was going to vote for Westhills to be first, but I have now learned that they are a privately owned franchise. So I will just offer this direct missive to them: hint, hint.

Back to the matter at hand — the tasting of the spring menu. Head Chef Keith Kozlowski, who likes to keep his thermometer ready for instant action, had his kitchen crew so fine-tuned that he was available for a photo op. Do you tell a chef to say cheese?

We started with the Fattoush Salad, which tasted like spring on a plate. Chef Keith told me he ate it every day for a week when they first started making it — and he still isn’t tired of it. The Fattoush will now be my salad go-to. The accompanying Famille Perrin La Vielle Firme Rose wasn’t bad either.

We were told these were half portions, but they were plenty satisfying. Pictured with the most amazing Pinot ever (Belle Glos Meiomi) are plates of Moroccan Salmon. Delicious, fresh, with an unexpected tang.

The waiters at Earls normally offer the stir service, but foodie Lisa Nguyen of the Lemon Lime Lisa blog knew how to muscle her mix of Bibimbap, especially under the encouraging eye of journalist David Gray, who always has his eye out for a good story. After all, he’s the host of The Eyeopener on CBC.

Such a wonderful time was had by all that everyone even put their phones away — except for Goodwill Carlos of Kool 101.5. But he’s a proud new baby daddy, so we understand. Great to see you everyone! And thank you Earls for the spring fling, it was delicious!

Home+Garden Show 2015 Preview

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The Home+Garden Show 2015 starts on Thursday. Even though it will be at the grande BMO Centre, they chose the peqeuno quaint new bistro of two former food truckers for the media preview. I’ve been meaning to get to Marda Loop to check out the Farmer’s House, so for me it was a cocktail party two-fer!Inside, it wasn’t quite business as usual, with the stars of the upcoming Home+Garden Show blocking the counter. I’ll have to get back to the kitchen and general store for lunch, especially with this weirdly warm patio weather we’ve been having in Calgary.Meanwhile, look who I bumped into around the corner! Home Show poster girl and interior designer extraordinare, Heather Draper. The bedding guru will be a featured speaker this weekend at the show. Spoiler alert: she tells me she’s not into trends. She thinks people should be more confident with what they love. Yes! “I love that dress,” said Tiffany confidently. Black and white stripes are a staple that never gets old. Click here and you’ll see that Heather sticks with what she loves.Further in to the Farmer’s House (which is a charming maze of rooms in an actual house) it was blogger heaven. DIY stations so intense that conversation died down and drinks were ignored.Melissa Wagner of Interiors to Inspire espoused the awesomeness of chalk paint, especially for garden furniture.Terrariums are a hot home trend right now and Ryan Massel, otherwise known as Calgary’s super blogger Mr. Fabulous, was digging it.With all the fixings provided by Blue Grass Nursery, even I couldn’t resist. My fishbowl is up front. Try it yourself this weekend. They’re hosting miniature garden workshops all four days of the show.

Exposure Fest at Lougheed House

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While I always enjoy an art opening, I wasn’t at Lougheed House Friday night just to ignore George Webber’s photos.

Opening Night At The Nash

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After a year of planning and careful restoration at the historic National hotel in Inglewood, The Nash is finally here ~ Chef Michael Noble’s new restaurant and bar.

Modern Steak in Kensington

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Tucked away on 10a, a side street off the main drag in Kensington (that would be Kensington Road), is a new take on the slabs of beef we’re so fond of stuffing ourselves with in Calgary. In possibly the softest launch ever held, Modern Steak’s media showcase on Monday night took place a month after its official opening. But working out the kinks meant the soiree was a smooth, well-oiled machine of excellent service, libations and food.

Whitefish: Avant Ski

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If you’re a skier or snowboarder, chances are you also excel at après ski. I myself am a Double Black Diamond après, and have the boozy fireside tales to prove it. On Friday, Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana came to Calgary to introduce a new excuse to party in the name of winter sport: Avant Ski.

Lock Into Paris… in Calgary

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Once you’ve got a dog on the runway, your fashion show is a guaranteed success. This French Poodle was a fit parfait for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra fundraising event “Lock Into Paris” last Friday night.

Royal West’s Derby Gala

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I found out where the formal wear is hiding at the inaugural Royal West.At the off-site events! Like this weekend’s gala charity fundraiser at the new Chicago Chophouse on Stephen Avenue.