Where Calgary Magazine September / October 2018 | Page 45
DINING
Chef
Spotlight
JENNY KANG
Eating farm-to-
plate isn’t new for
Jenny Kang — it was
always a way of life.
Kang, the executive chef of Bow Valley Ranche
Restaurant (page 47), grew up on a farm in
South Korea where her parents taught her the
value of growing and picking your own food.
“That’s how I grew up, so I know how different
the flavour is,” Kang says.
Kang brings that passion for fresh and local
food to Bow Valley Ranche, which has its
own garden. The restaurant is in a historical
ranch house situated in a valley in Fish
Creek Provincial Park. Every summer they bring
fresh herbs they’ve grown into the kitch en. She’s
committed to sourcing all their vegetables,
grains and meats from local producers.
Kang’s cuisine is inspired by traditional Italian
and French recipes, thanks to her background
of working in several of Calgary’s fine dining
establishments like Teatro and Catch, with
Asian flavouring mixed in.
“I have all the traditional and classic recipes
The following listings include cafes and restaurants that
the editors judge worthy of your attention, including
advertisers in Where Calgary. Prices are based on a
dinner main course per person without a beverage —
($) under $15; ($$) $15 to $25; ($$$) more than $25.
The map coordinates at the end of each listing (E4, E8
etc.) refer to the city maps on pages 59 to 60. If you
have an observation regarding any of our listings, please
email [email protected].
ADVERTISER
FOR FULL LISTINGS, PLEASE VISIT
where.ca/calgary
BARBECUE
BELLE SOUTHERN KITCHEN + BAR This welcoming
space showcases stylish picnic tables, a pink pig smoker,
and the food is exquisitely presented on cookie trays.
The menu is full of Southern-inspired dishes and lets you
build your own feast, with the ability to pick from multiple
snacks, salads and sides. 1919 - 4 St SW, 403-455-5775,
bellebbq.com
BIG SKY BBQ PIT While Big Sky isn’t exactly in Calgary
(it’s about a 30-minute drive south), it’s well worth the trip
to this massive, no-frills barbecue emporium with indoor
and outdoor seating for hundreds. Bring your hungriest
friends to help you defeat the mountains of Texas-style
smoked meat. 306016 - 15 St E, Okotoks, 403-938-0701.
www.bigskybbq.ca
BIG T’S BBQ & SMOKEHOUSE True Southern barbecue
with slow-smoked barbecue ribs, chicken, pulled pork and
more. Served with tasty homemade sides. Try their deep-
fried pickles. Casual vibe and a great bourbon selection.
and try to incorporate modern styles,” Kang
says. She points to a popular item on the
current menu — the Bouvry farm elk tartar with
horseradish cream, cured yolk, truffle powder
and parmesan.
One of her favourite parts of the job is
developing new menus, from the Sunday Night
Chef’s Table to menus for the multiple events
they host in the building. Seeing a customer’s
happiness after trying one of her meals keeps
her energized and motivated in a demanding
industry.
“I love to cook for people. It makes me happy
when they enjoy my food. I hope they taste the
freshness of what we’re using.”
Kang invites patrons to walk the grounds, which
offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the
city. She’s always happy to share her passion for
cooking farm-to-plate with other people.
“I have the background so it’s easy for me, but
people are thinking, ‘That’s not easy,’ but they
can do it at home too. I can show them our
garden.”
—Silvia Pikal
Entrees: $$ 2138 Crowchild Tr NW, 403-284-5959. Map 1, F5
BOOKERS BBQ GRILL & CRAB SHACK With a rustic
warehouse interior, this casual barbecue and seafood
restaurant serves smokehouse brisket, crab legs by the
bucket, blackened catfish, jambalaya and smoked chicken
wings. Entrees: $$ 316 - 3 St SE, 403-264-6419. Map 2, D7
www.bookersbbq.com
HAYDEN BLOCK SMOKE & WHISKEY House-smoked,
true Texas BBQ brisket, turkey, and pulled pork paired
with hand-crafted whiskey cocktails. 1136 Kensington Rd
NW, 403-283-3021. Map 1, G5 www.haydenblockyyc.com
BAR & PUB
THE BLUES CAN Live blues bar serving up Cajun
food. It is an intimate venue with good acoustics and a
good view of the stage all over the bar. 1429 - 9 Ave SE,
403-262-2666. Map 1, H7 www.thebluescan.com
BOTTLESCREW BILL’S PUB A friendly downtown
neighbourhood pub that serves more than 300 different
beers. Shares a very good upscale pub menu with
Buzzard’s Bar & Restaurant next door. 140 - 10 Ave SW,
403-263-7900. bottlescrewbill.com
BRIDGETTE BAR A chef-driven bar featuring Chef JP
Pedhirney’s ambitious menu with small plates, entrees
and a unique cocktail list in a mid-century modern
setting. Also open for lunch! 739 - 10 Ave SW. Map 2, G2
www.bridgettebar.com
KENSINGTON PUB A homey tavern serving English
comfort grub such as Yorkshire pudding and bangers and
mash. 207 10A St NW, 403-270-4505. kensingtonpub.com
THE LIVING ROOM A restaurant with a cozy atmosphere,
serving contemporary and “interactive” cuisine: a fusion
of traditional French and Italian dishes with a Canadian
touch. Private room and complimentary parking available.
Try the chef’s tasting menu. Entrees: $$$ 514 - 17 Ave SW,
403-228-9830. Map 2, I3 livingroomrestaurant.ca
SHIP & ANCHOR This alternative English pub serves
excellent pub fare including fish and chips, veggie burger
and poutine. Entrees: $ 534 - 17 Ave SW, 403-245-3333.
Map 2, G5 www.shipandanchor.com
TOWNSHIP BAR & GRILL A casual, stylish hangout with
upscale bar bites and daily specials, plus happy hours,
live music and TVs. Serving steaks, pizzas, sandwiches
and burgers and more. 250 - 6 Ave SW, 403-265-3837.
Map 2, E5 townshipbarandgrill.com
BISTROS
AIDA’S BISTRO This bright Mediterranean bistro features
authentic, homemade Lebanese cuisine and friendly
service. Takeout and catering available. Entrees: $$ 2208 -
4 St SW, 403-541-1189. Map 1, H6 www.aidasbistro.ca
MONKI BREAKFASTCLUB & BISTRO A contemporary
breakfast bistro in the Beltline featuring gourmet breakfast
fare including paninis, Benedict dishes, and more. Entrees:
$$ 1301 - 10 Ave SW. Map 3, G1 twitter.com/monkibistro
YELLOW DOOR BISTRO Yellow Door Bistro serves
contempoary French-inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The brunch buffet is an enduring favourite with locals.
Open 6:30 am - 10 pm daily. Entrees: $$ 119 - 12 Ave SW,
403-206-9585. Map 2, H5 www.yellowdoorbistro.ca
BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES
BANDED PEAK BREWING A local micro brewery that
produces craft beer creations inspired by the Canadian
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
where.ca
45