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