Where to Eat

• Sky 360

  This revolving restaurant at the top of the 190-metre-high Calgary Tower should charm even those who think fine dining and high altitudes don’t mix. New interpretations of regional Canadian dishes include a cured meat platter with candied salmon and cold-smoked steelhead.

  101 9th Ave. S.W., 403-508-5822 403-532-7966, sky360.ca

• Kawa Espresso Bar

  Who knew some of the best baristas in Canada worked on Calgary’s 8th Street? Espresso lovers, take note: The aromatic brew is prepared with state-of-the-art Synesso and Clover technology. In addition to great coffee, the menu features tapas-style snacks.

  1333 8th St. S.W., #101, 403-452-5233, kawacalgary.ca

• Globefish Kensington

  After the great success of the owners’ prior temples of Japanese cuisine, they managed to open a third and even larger place, this one with nautical décor. The result? You can finally get a table. Try the aptly named “Delicious Roll,” with chopped scallop, crab, avocado and mango wrapped with prawn.

  Globefish Kensington, 332 14th St. N.W., 403-521-0222, globefish.ca

• Olives

  Just steps away from the Saddledome and the Stampede Casino, this Italian restaurant emphasizes fresh regional ingredients and sophisticated flavour combinations. If you’re short on time, there’s a great takeout menu; the paninis, sandwiches and cappuccinos are all first-rate.

  1129 Olympic Way S.E., 403-984-5000, olivesrestaurant.ca

• Blink Restaurant & Bar

  Chef Andrew Richardson, formerly of Araxi in Whistler, offers solid interpretations of the classics here, but what may be revolutionary for Calgary is the emphasis on vegetarian dishes: twice-baked soufflé with Moonstruck White Grace cheese and leeks or golden and candy cane beets with buffalo mozzarella. That’s not to say that meat is absent from the menu: Witness the 8 oz fillet of Spring Creek beef and crispy skinned confit of Pekin duck.

  111 8th Ave. S.W., 403-263-5330, blinkcalgary.comFrom: Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2007

• Chef’s Table

  Theo Yeaman honed his skills at some of Canada’s top tables (Canoe, Lumière, Auberge du Pommier) before settling into the role of executive chef here. His pheasant supreme with its creamy, herbaceous sauce – reduced to a consistency ideally suited for sopping up with fresh morels – shows just how succulent this bird can be. So tender is a glistening fillet of Queen Charlotte Island halibut that it virtually trembles at the approach of a fork. Widely spaced tables provide a view into the open kitchen, where the young staff works in almost monastic silence in full service to the food.

  1126 Memorial Dr. N.W., 403-228-4442, kensingtonriversideinn.comFrom: Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2008

• Ibex

  This welcoming, authentic African restaurant combines the culinary traditions of two neighbouring countries: Ethiopia and Eritrea. Forget utensils; at Ibex you eat with your hands while swaying to the rhythmic beat of traditional music from the Horn of Africa.

  3515 17th Ave. S.E., 403-398-5730

• Rush

  Chef Justin Leboe’s passion for French cuisine is revealed in his deliciously unorthodox dishes at this new downtown bistro. Bonus: The bottles housed in two tall glass towers are only a sample of the spectacular wine stash accumulated over the two years prior to the launch.

  207 9th Ave. S.W., #100, 403-271-7874, rushrestaurant.com

• Rasoi Kitchen

  This elegant little resto specializes in the flavours of the Indian subcontinent. Take a moment to breathe in the heady aroma of traditional Eastern ingredients used in daring new ways, from the salad of heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and micro-greens with Indian-spiced vinaigrette to PEI mussels in an irresistible curry sauce.

  2215 33rd Ave. S.W., #101, 403-246-0082, rasoikitchen.com

• Éclair de Lune

  Once upon a time, a post-doc engineering student found that he favoured whipped cream over cement, so he opened his own bakery. Your efforts to locate this hard-to-find spot will be amply rewarded. Once you’ve tasted the “Conversation” brioche, boasting an almond cream and raspberry purée combo, you’ll gladly make the detour again.

  1049 40th Ave. N.W., 403-398-8803

• Farm

  Occupying the niche between fine dining and cheap, cheerful family restaurants, “cheese lady” Janice Beaton’s recently opened Farm restaurant offers a refined take on comfort food. The mostly organic menu favours local producers, with dishes like the custom cheese and charcuterie plates.

  1006 17th Ave. S.W., 403-245-2276, farm-restaurant.com

• Meet

  A combination juice, martini and dessert bar, Meet is the latest offering from the people who brought us The Coup, the popular vegetarian restaurant on 17th. With fresh, healthy juices like carrot and beet, a cocktail list that looks like it was created by a nutritionist, and desserts like Frangelico chocolate mousse and lemon lavender custard shortbread, this spot provides the perfect balance of vice and virtue.

  924b 17th Avenue S.W., 403-541-1041

• Belmont Diner

  After a high-powered workout or a very long night on the town, many flock to the Belmont Diner for an unpretentious chow-down. It’s worth braving the daily lineups at this 1930s-style diner – you get prairie-huge helpings, plus all-you-can-eat toast and hash browns with every order.

  2008 33rd Ave. S.W., 403-242-6782, belmontdiner.caFrom: enRoute, April 2007: Canada's Next Great Neighbourhoods

• Alloy

  Reminiscent of a Palm Springs bungalow, Alloy offers fine dining without the pretension and the best patio in town. Signature dishes include the ahi tuna tartare starter and vegetable risotto.

  220 42nd Ave. S.E., 403-287-9255, alloydining.com

• JAROblue

  Oozing cowboy-chic (burnished wood, show-stopping photographs of Sable Island wild horses), this hip tapas bar serves an excellent assortment of tasty small plates, from duck confit to “breaded frogs’ legs.”

  1314 17th Ave. S.W., 403-237-JARO, jaroblue.com

• Caffe Beano

  Calgary is known for its java joints, and Caffe Beano (on the corner of 17th and 9th) never disappoints with its signature coffee, the Beano Buzz, a high-test espresso made with their own dark roast.

  1613 9th St. S.W., 403-229-1232

• Manuel Latruwe Belgian Patisserie & Bread Shop

  Just north of 17th and round the corner on 1st S.E. is this sinful bakery, which can’t be beat for baguettes, tarte au citron, quiche or anything else happily calorie-laden.

  1333 1st St. S.E., 403-261-1092, manuellatruwe.com

• Vero Bistro Moderne

  This pleasant late-night spot is perfect for a quick drink or a tasty meal. The European menu consists primarily of French and Italian dishes, while boasting a wide selection of tapas.

  209 10th St. N.W., 403-283-8988

Where to Drink

• Brava Bistro

  With its chic but casual atmosphere, Brava Bistro’s bar is a hit with the urban set. Wines by the glass include homegrown options (B.C.’s Blue Mountain Brut) as well as cult producers (Val di Suga Brunello from Tuscany), and the signature crispy chicken is not to be missed.

  723 17th Ave. S.W., 403-228-1854, bravabistro.com

• Raw Bar at Hotel Arts

  This brightly coloured room, with its wavy ceiling and oversize chairs, is more Wonderland than Cowtown. The art of flair bartending – think Tom Cruise in Cocktail – remains alive and well here, and a few of the bartenders here compete with the world’s best. To keep things from falling too far down the rabbit hole, stick with a classic like the French 75, which combines Tanqueray No. Ten with Taittinger champagne, fresh lemon juice and a touch of sugar.

  119 12th Ave. S.W., 403-206-9565, hotelarts.caFrom: Canada's Top 15 Hotel Bars

• Kensington Wine Bar

  This wine lovers’ hotspot, located in the très chic Kensington district, is brought to you by the owners of famed restaurant Muse. Sophisticated gourmands will appreciate the stylized tapas, while savouring wine from their vast selection.

  1131 Kensington Rd. N.W., Lower Level, 403-270-9403, 403-457-1144, winebarkensington.com

• V Ultra Lounge

  Great news for vodka lovers: The popular Earls restaurant chain brings us Calgary’s first vodka bar. Featuring rare vodka brands from France, Holland, Sweden, Poland and Canada, V can shake or stir the perfect martini any time.

  315 8th Ave. S.W., 403-265-3280

• Zia’s Enoteca

  This sleek Italian wine bar, owned by a mother-daughter team, is a great addition to the city’s impressive list of vinotecas. Zia’s smart wine list includes interesting choices from small wineries, with some fantastic Italian varieties.

  425 11th Ave. S.W., 403-984-9429, zias.ca

Arts & Culture

• The Weiss Gallery

  For a thoughtful melding of contemporary and 19th-century art, head over to the design district on 11th Avenue S.W. The Weiss Gallery is a meeting of minds between hot interior designer James McIntyre and artist Barry Weiss, whose works figure prominently.

  1021 6th St. S.W., 403-262-1880, theweissgallery.com

Shopping

• Blu Seafood & Market

  Chef Brian Plunkett, the man behind the North Sea Fish Market in Willow Park Village, is back after several years of honing his skills internationally to promote his new market. It offers delicious prepared food, like salmon burgers and lobster thermidor, all made with the freshest seafood in town.

  9675 Macleod Trail S., 403-252-2330, blusea.ca

• Rossabella

  The perpetual hunt for stylish, original accessories ends at this store, where you can find everything from oversize handbags to imported leather boots. Cervato’s exotic shoes from South America are among the best and brightest.

  1108 11th St. S.W., 403-455-3654

• The Naked Leaf

  Specializing in organic varieties, this trendy tea shop also offers a wide array of tea accessories from around the world. Case in point: delightful tin teapots made by regional and international artists. Commissioned by owner Jonathan Kane, they keep tea fresh for a surprisingly long time.

  353 305 10th St. N.W., #103, 403-283-3555, thenakedleaf.ca

• Rarified

  This newest addition to Okotoks’ Olde Towne offers a lineup that reads like a who’s who list of the Nordic design world. Among the impressive array of houseware, furniture and accessories are beautiful Swedish wool throws from Klippan and Stelton’s stainless teapots by Arne Jacobsen.

  21 North Railway St., 403-939-4042, rarified.ca

• Riva’s – The Eco Store

  The Eco Store sells products made from recycled or durable materials, created by local or international designers. The savvy owners know that (almost) everything can have a second life; prices are marked on pieces of old cardboard boxes.

  1237 9th Ave. S.E., 403-452-1001, rivasecostore.com

• L’Épicerie

  This gourmet grocery store stocks hard-to-find goodies imported from France, like freshly made pâtés, as well as all kinds of cheeses, spices and vegetables. It’s the perfect partner to Manuel Latruwe’s Belgian bakery, conveniently located right next door.

  1325 1st St. S.E., 403-514-0555

• Knifewear

  If you like rolling your own (sushi, that is), head to Kevin Kent’s new Japanese knife store, featuring handmade kitchen tools by master craftsmen like Takeo Murata. Knives of such cutting-edge quality were previously unavailable in Calgary.

  Inside Bite Groceteria, 1212a 1316 9th Ave. S.E., 403-514-0577, knifewear.com


• Eye Candy Optical Boutique

  This aptly named eyewear store looks like it was designed to house fine art. From Dior to Dolce & Gabbana to Miu Miu, it has style in abundance.

  1301 17th Ave. S.W., 403-245-1525

• Smyth & Kang

  Talented independent designers get to show off at this second store from Smyth & Kang, located just steps away from the Grand Theatre. It’s hard to resist Mike & Chris’s mini leather jacket or BGN’s fabulous straight-from-Paris collection.

  610 1st St. S.W., 403-699-9872, smythandkang.com

• Merlo Vinoteca

  This chic Mediterranean-style wine shop boasts a separate tasting room and an Enomatic sampling system that allows you to try before you buy. Their smartly chosen list includes the requisite Super Tuscans, like Sassicaia and Tignanello, and a wide array of varieties from small-production wineries.

  10 Aspen Stone Blvd. S.W., #1000, 403-269-1338, merlovino.com

• Henry

  When you’re hunting for a little luxe, make sure to check out this boutique on 4th Street. Its sophisticated-rock edge explains brands like Nudie and Hugo, and is reflected in casual wear like jeans, jackets and dresses.

  2115 4th Street S.W., 403-209-5030, thinkhenry.com

• The Gallery

  You’ll find unique streetwear from L.A., New York and Tokyo at this hip shop on Calgary’s busy 17th Avenue. Be sure to check out the tees and sweaters by local designer Light & Soul Apparel. And while you’re there, take a minute to enjoy the rotating monthly art shows dedicated to local talent.

  1013 17th Ave. S.W., #113, 403-561-4457, gallerystyles.com

• The Ferocious Grape

  This Midtown wine shop showcases boutique wineries. With a focus on selections from Italy and California, the vibe is simultaneously refined and unpretentious. Tastings, classes and helpful hints are geared towards making fine wine fun.

  833 10th Ave. S.W., 403-457-0099, theferociousgrape.com

• Rubaiyat

  If your shopping compass tends towards the global village, don’t miss Rubaiyat, an emporium of one-of-a-kind furnishings, jewelry and glassware from all over the world.

  722 17th Ave. S.W., 403-228-7192, rubaiyatcalgary.com

• Gravity Pope

  Shoe fetishes of all kinds are satified at Gravity Pope, carrying N.D.C. and Paul Smith, among other Carrie Bradshaw-worthy lines.

  524 17th Ave. S.W., 403-209-0961, gravitypope.com

• Worth

  This beautifully appointed clothing shop for men and women effortlessly blends funky and modern.

  1013 17th Ave. S.W., #119, 403-228-1003, astorecalledworth.com

• Paul Hardy

  Calgary’s premier women’s designer has finally opened a boutique, offering his own wares alongside Prada, Dior and more. We can’t resist the sterling silver, gold-filled Paul Hardy earrings with black sapphires and crystal quartz briolettes.

  1126 Kensington Rd. N.W., #4, 403-242-4794, paulhardydesign.comFrom: enRoute, December 2007.

• Shed

  This eco-friendly shop, run by Combine Design & Communications, is devoted to design-minded products that use recycled or re-appropriated materials. Combine keeps its offices in the sparse showroom, where designers work surrounded by products like hemp Blackspot sneakers from Vancouver, Zurich’s Freitag bags and wallets (fashioned from used truck tarps or bicycle inner tubes) and local designer Karen Konzuk’s line of stainless steel jewellery.

  1022 17th Ave. S.W., #200, 403-245-1702, combine-online.com/shedFrom: enRoute, December 2007: Top of the Shops

Attractions

• Canada Olympic Park

  COP was the venue for the Olympic ski jumping, bobsleigh, and luge in 1988. High performance athletes still use it for training, but fun is now its primary purpose. On winter weeknights, it’s a favourite night skiing spot for Calgarians looking to keep their legs in shape for weekend excursions to Banff. If you visit in the summer, try the perfectly safe (but harrowing) indoor luge course.

  Canada Olympic Park, winsportcanada.ca

Health & Spa

• Liv Spa

  Liv is the first spa in Calgary to provide a mineral pool with water from Southern France. And if you’re feeling like doing penance after sampling the unique range of face, body and foot treatments using caviar, sign up for a Pilates or yoga class.

  1111 Olympic Way S.E., 403-244-3299, wayspa.com/Liv-Spa-Calgary

• The Spa Ritual

  When it’s time for some pampering, hit this 7,000-square-foot retreat in Calgary’s northwest, where a menu of Asian-inspired treatments paves the path to rejuvenation. Enjoy a lemongrass manicure, bamboo massage and the couples-only Lu’lur Experience, based on an ancient Balinese wedding ritual.

  106 Crowfoot Terrace N.W., 403-547-9558, thesparitual.com

• Pro Bodies Health & Fitness

  Fitness buffs rock, roll and sweat it out at the Pro Bodies TKO Sports Conditioning class. Run by former Golden Gloves boxing champion Pete Estabrooks and his partner, Kyla Zalapski, this is the place to literally kick-start the day.

  2123 33rd Ave. S.W., 403-249-8885, probodies.caFrom: enRoute, April 2007: Canada's Next Great Neighbourhoods

Getting from the Airport

Taxis

Public Transportation