from the editor
SEE THE OTHER SIDE
The opening of the George C . King bridge in October 2014 was an exciting moment for those with their eye on the East Village neighbourhood , as it kick-started an influx of activity in Calgary ’ s original ( yet , in recent years , forgotten ) neighbourhood . From the opening of condo developments , to dining options in The Simmons Building , and Studio Bell , to pop-up fitness classes , to outdoor movie screenings , and walking and biking pathways , this area between the already bustling neighbourhoods of downtown and Inglewood has become a go-to destination for visitors . The bridge is a physical reminder to “ see the other side ” of Calgary , to try something new and see things in a new way .
This issue of Essential is all about doing just that : sharing with you the places , people , and events that will let you experience the best of what Calgary has to offer . We ’ re presenting you with a chance to experience the other side of Calgary — not the one that ’ s based on the cowboys and pancake breakfasts of the Calgary Stampede ( though that ’ s important , too ). We hope you have time to experience something unique — whether it ’ s relaxing with an exclusive spa treatment , dining at a restaurant with a globally-trained chef , talking with a gallery owner about a rare piece of art , or getting personalized shopping service at a local retailer . We are excited to share what we love about Calgary with the world ; Lonely Planet — one of the ultimate resources for travel aficionados — named Canada the best place in the world to visit in 2017 , and subsequently named Calgary one of the Top 10 places to celebrate Canada ’ s sesquicentennial . Whatever your reasons for visiting Calgary are , I am glad you ’ re here and hope you enjoy your stay !
BREANNA MROCZEK , Editor
LES CLEFS D ’ OR
On behalf of the Alberta Region of Les Clefs d ’ Or , it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to Calgary !
Les Clefs d ’ Or is an international association of hotel concierges with 3,500 members in 50 countries . As the hospitality industry changes , we continue to flex in our roles but we still maintain our high level of service and dedication to giving our guests the information and recommendations they need to have a great experience within our hotel , our city , and our region .
In Alberta you will find members in some of the finest hotels within Calgary , Edmonton , Banff , Kananaskis , and Lake Louise . The golden keys we proudly wear signify our commitment to impeccable customer service while exceeding our guests expectations . Our motto : “ In service through friendship , in service though excellence ” truly defines us as an organization .
As a Les Clefs d ’ Or member , my passion is to open the doors to my city and to help you enjoy all that we have to offer . Festivals , concerts , restaurants , and attractions are only the surface . If you are looking for a true Calgary experience , reach out to your hotel concierge . They will know where you can go to try rolled ice cream , visit a subterranean lounge for a drink , or where to dine in restaurants with some of the best chefs in the world . Need tickets to a sold out show , to book Segway tours along the river path , or simply to replace forgotten cufflinks or a broken heel ? We can do it . Nothing is too difficult !
Let us show you the best we have to offer ! We are your key to everything !
Visit us at lesclefsdorcanada . org to learn more about our organization . To find out what is happening in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ ABlesclefsdor or like us on Facebook . com / ABlesclefsdor .
In Service Through Friendship ,
CINDY STEWART
Guest Service Manager and Chef Concierge at Westin Hotel Vice Director Alberta Region and Member of Les Clefs d ’ Or Canada
PHOTOGRAPHS : ( TOP LEFT ) BY NEIL ZELLER ; ( BOTTOM LEFT ) BY JARED BAUTISTA ; ( TOP RIGHT ) COURTESY CINDY STEWART
10 THE ESSENTIAL CALGARY 2016 / 17