Sushi Man
I went to this place on a Saturday where a party had booked the private dining room. I had no idea how big it was as traditional Japanese blue curtains blocked any views although I did see quite a few people enter to the point where they almost ran out of seating. It’s quite nice they have this area in addition to the six or seven other tables I noticed around. Other than the large dinner group, I didn’t notice that many other people around.
I have to give this place bonus points being staffed with a number of real Japanese people, instead of the many other Chinese staffed ‘Japanese’ places I’ve seen. After overhearing a bit of their conversation I can at least attest to the waitress and the sushi chef being Japanese. At least it feels being one more step closer to being considered authentic.
I ordered one of my most favourite dishes, the unagi don (eel on rice). They presented it beautifully in a small enclosed lacquered container and even for the $18 price, they definitely didn’t skimp on any eel. Its flesh, perfectly devoid of any small bones, had been warmed through brushed with a luscious dark sauce, went down a treat.
Found at: 1004 1 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1M2
Contactable on: (403) 205-3232
King & I
The King & I offers Thai cuisine in what is best described as the most modern dining atmosphere in Calgary, at least compared to the other Thai restaurants in town. It’s a large restaurant split into several dining areas adding to an intimate atmosphere adorned with a number of bamboo hangings.
Their prices also reflect this modern take, easily considered on the higher end of restaurants with main dishes (unaccompanied by rice) easily averaging over $20 each. This price definitely contributes to overall presentation with many of the dishes beautifully presented (looking around at other diners) otherwise wasted on the curries dished out in a very plain looking white bowl.
I didn’t know what to make of their menu as it lacked the chilli symbols indicating how spicy to expect each dish, instead a simple description. A little bit skeptical, I ordered their duck in green curry, labeled as very spicy and disappointed I was not. It’s the hottest dish I’ve had since getting to Calgary, making me quickly break out into a small sweat and thankful for the prompt refills of water from the waitress. I definitely found it extremely flavourful although I still question whether or not it was worth the one a half times the price you could get something similar at Thai Sa-On.
I still enjoyed my meal and though it’s not a place I’ll be returning to every week, I would reserve it for some special occasion.
Found on: 822 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E5
Contactable on: (403) 264-7241
The Palomino Smokehouse
It’s a little bit hard to go wrong for BBQ if you own a smoker big enough that it apparently weighs a tonne and cost about $25 000. Although I don’t claim to be a BBQ expert, I can tell when meat is dry and flavourless that, fortunately, The Palomino does not serve. The atmosphere in this place is best described as a pub more than a restaurant, complete with a number of TVs showing different types of sports. It seems to attract quite a local crowd simply for the being a fairly decent pub although the friendliness of the waitresses probably has something to do with it as well.
Their menu had plenty of things I’d want to try of different things but since I’d come to try any of the items subjected to their smoker, I ended up with the two meat platter including the Alberta beef brisket and the St Louis style ribs. Served with two choices of sides, this huge plate of food should appease all audiences. I succumbed to the temptation of the garlic fries and I’m pleased to report that their extraordinarily wicked flavour and crispiness did not disappoint. I tried to make the meal just that tinier bit healthier with the grilled seasonal vegetables.
II can’t say that I was disappointed with the beef brisket and the ribs either – both extremely tender and succulent. The brisket came in strips and though it didn’t have any saucy component didn’t really need it with the flavour that it carried. The ribs, on the other hand, came already covered in a decent amount of sauce and with the meat easily removed from the bone went down very quickly.
I ate at The Palomino too early to see any of the live music that apparently goes on, though I’d definitely return to check out the downstairs area that hosts the bands. Best described as a pub that serves a great selection of down to earth food, The Palomino meets its own description of itself perfectly.
Found at: 109 7 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0W5, Canada
Contactable on: (403) 532-1911