Dine Out Calgary starts this Friday, March 5th and runs until Sunday, March 14th. There’s over 90 restaurants participating this year and that means a lot of great dining choices. To help you with your decision our blog writers have chosen their top picks for the 10 days. First up Wil Knoll
I started to go to the gym before Christmas and had been somewhat committed to my 10k runs, and keeping my weight down around the 160lbs mark. The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is just months away, and I need to be ready.
Christmas came and I battled it. New Year’s came and I hung out with the whereswalter.ca crew (two young Calgarians enjoying the life in a 31 foot Winnebago named Walter) in Las Vegas… Then High Performance Rodeo came and there was drinking more nights out of the week then not.
So, just as I’m starting to trend back down towards the happy 160lbs that is only 5 measly little pounds away, downtown Calgary puts together Dine Out Calgary.
Obviously, you’ll be seeing more of me at the Y in the coming weeks… Here are a few of my picks for Dine Out Calgary. Since over the next 10 days they will be offering a set menu for Dine Out Calgary, I’m going to just give a taste of some of the locations.
Billed as a fondue joint, Laurier Lounge is in a bit of an interesting spot. I had driven past it countless times headed west on 11th Ave, but never noticed that it was there. After enjoying its atmosphere once, I’ve got to put it on the list. This old house feels intimate and classy. The staff are knowledgeable, and the tight quarters feel cozy, not constraining. Great for an intimate date or an upscale birthday party.
The Ironwood has become one of my favorite spots for live music in Calgary, as its layout and feel is right for smaller rock and blues shows. When Kris Demeanor did his first production of “Buzz Job”, the Ironwood WAS the last venue that Cal Cavendish played. It has a nice deep long bar where being the guy sitting there drinking alone isn’t a necessarily a bad thing, as the crowd of locals are friendly and inviting. Friendly staff, good tunes, and a quieter side of Calgary. Great for beers away from the rat race after a long day.
The interior of Muse wraps back around itself creating several independent areas that each have a bit of personality. There are little nooks that provide a bit of privacy, and a larger open area around the well stocked bar. A rich buttery light bathes the arches and curves of the space creating a soothing view for the eye to drink in. The music is a complement to the space, never drowning out conversation. Sexy and modern feeling with hints of something exotic, it’s great for first dates and rendezvous.
Don Quijote’s has a beat, a vibe, and a Mediterranean feel to it. During the summer nights, when the windows are open a warm breeze blows through, you can believe that you’re actually thousands of miles away basking in the authentic feel of this place. Dance is a way of life for many of the regulars at Quijote’s, with amazing live tunes complemented by some of the best tango and flamenco I’ve ever seen. But the Spanish smile is ever present and no one is excluded from the dance floor. This is your “something different” date, and nights out with groups that enjoy wearing big smiles.
Please leave a comment if you have a recommendation to add or you want to share your Dine Out experience. You can also fill out the Dine Out Calgary survey for a chance to win a gift certificate to one of the amazing Dine Out Calgary restaurants.
Tags: Dine Out Calgary, Don Quijote's
