Pigeonhole – Top of the Pops

10 / 27 / 1510 / 28 / 15

My Minkoff and I checked out Pigeonhole this weekend. Just named Best New Restaurant in Canada for 2015 by Air Canada’s enRoute magazine, I had to give Justin Leboe’s new place a go. Conveniently located right next door to his other award-winning restaurant, Model Milk, his new eatery adds to his edible empire.

Verdict? Love it. Friendly door reception. Elegant decor — because ambience is always important. Amazing service from the waiter, who was quick to find me a wine by the glass that wasn’t on the list. Sharing plates I tried included a lamb tartare (generously portioned) and an unusual (and tasty) radicchio caesar salad. And I’m pretty sure it was celeb chef Justin himself who helped me with the door to the restroom hallway.

With its wine and snack bar mandate, Pigeonhole is a delicious late night stop after a show, although fyi, hungry friends, it opens at 4pm. Congrats on the award, Justin! You deserve it. PS – thanks for the matches.

Tempting Tapas

4 / 19 / 134 / 21 / 13

If the pink ox on this 17th Avenue awning doesn’t mooove you to mosey into Ox and Angela, this should:“The spanish table” is a prix-fix menu of muy delicioso munchies. Instead of angsting over your choice, go with the chef’s selection of the tastiest tapas. It will add at least fifteen minutes to your sparkling witty conversation window. And if it happens to be a slightly dull date, the new plates of food that keep arriving should get you through. Meant to be shared, the dishes will give you a base line of common ground.Owned by the restaurateurs behind one of my other faves in Calgary, Una Pizza + Wine, I predict Ox and Angela will be my new go-to: I’m yoked! Tempting tempranillo and lovely service make it una noche maravillosa.

Lactose Tolerant Model at Model Milk

2 / 1 / 1310 / 28 / 15

Brome Lake Duck Confit tolerant, lovely decor tolerant, great service tolerant, ssseveral glasses of red wine tolerant! Dress, H&M.

Monki Business

1 / 23 / 134 / 21 / 13

The chefs at Monki do their thing behind a host of hot sauces. The “breakfast club and bistro” has been hiding in plain sight in the Beltline for six months now. Even if you order the chorizo and goat cheese benny, they manage to get some of those bananas onto your plate. Mmmm.

Brrrunch

1 / 20 / 134 / 21 / 13

When it’s -15 on a Sunday, a snowboarding girl’s thoughts skip the slopes and turn to brunch. At Cassis, my favorite french bistro in Calgary, a Mimosa was merely a citrus starting point for a Croque Madame… accompanied by a Kir Royale – champagne with creme de cassis, bien sur. Earrings from The Artworks in Edmonton. Sweater: Hache from Beckley Boutique in LA.

Hopeful crocuses hint at spring. Ha! See you in May.

Meanwhile, fervor for fashion will have to keep us warm. Environmental scientist Andrea Douglas looking appropriately tres francaise et tres chic. Hat, Chapel Hats. Sweater, Club Monaco. Watch, Links of London.