Bikers looking for beer, burgers and big screens on 17th Avenue may be a little sad this summer. Melrose is gone. In its place, the new Corbeaux offers its own trifecta of bakery, bistro and bar. 
It’s a combo I haven’t seen before in Calgary, but the Bakehouse concept is making people happy. Corbeaux has been jammed every time I’ve dropped in during its formative first few weeks.
Opened just before Christmas by the same brothers who brought us Analog Coffee just down the block, Corbeaux’s total package is so perfect, it’s almost eery. From the fonts on the menu, to the color of the bakery take-home boxes, to the tiles on the floor, the french-inspired modern restaurant is doing everything it can to create instant character. Once a little dirt gets into the grout they’ll be all set, thanks to interior designer Sarah Ward of recent Nash opening fame. 
The dining menu offers a wide range of reasonably-priced plates designed for sharing. Try the meat-falling-off-the-bone succulent Crispy Duck Wings.
Speaking as someone who gave up bread on January 1st, Corbeaux’s olive oil tasting takes Cheat Night to a whole new level.
Ditto for dairy, which makes the cheese seem impossibly good. Although I’m sure a non-deprived diner would agree. Oh, Valdeon Blue.
The food comes to the table quickly. Serving staff skip the Squirrel terminals and carry iPads, which zip the order directly to the kitchen. 
If you happen to be concerned about time, don’t skip dessert — get it to go. I tried the most heavenly chocolate eclair I’ve tasted in Calgary and a sublime hazelnut chocolate cake. Bon Appetit, Corbeaux! Je reviendrai.
