DINING loaves and croissants plus a variety of pastries and desserts . Also , pizzas , sandwiches and salads . Entrees : $ The Simmons Building , 618 Confluence Way SE NW , 403-457-2245 . Map 2 , 8E Sunnyside Natural Market , 338 - 10 St NW , 403-460-9065 . Map 1 , G5 www . sidewalkcitizenbakery . com
TUBBY DOG A hip diner specializing in large hot dogs with unusual toppings from peanut butter , jam and Cap ’ n Crunch to crushed potato chips . Their signature Tubby Dog is topped with mustard , homemade chili , raw onion , nacho cheese and bacon . Cash only . Entrees : $ 1022 - 17 Ave SW , 403-244-0694 . Map 2 , I1 www . tubbydog . com
WISE AND WRIGHT Wise and Wright serves a selection of super food salads ( we love the fresh farmer ’ s salad ) along with flatbreads , gourmet toast , vegan pho , and more . A wide range of pastries made with healthy ingredients and freshly pressed juices are also available . 317 - 7 Ave SW , 403-454-2987 . Map 2 , F4
CAT CAFÉ COMES TO TOWN
A cat café is opening its doors to provide Calgarians and visitors with some indulgent fuzz therapy . Located in the city ’ s Kensington neighbourhood , Regal Cat Café ( page 58 ) is the city ’ s first to give visitors the chance to spend time with cats , while enjoying a coffee or some cuddles .
The highly Instagram-worthy Kitty Kingdom is separated from the café by large glass windows , so those warming up to the idea of cat snuggles , or anyone with allergies , can have their space . Cat lovers can make reservations to visit the Kitty Kingdom ($ 10 for 45 minutes ) or drop by the café for some kitty-inspired coffee and macarons .
The concept of cat cafés blossomed in Japan and their popularity is on the rise , with cafés popping up in Europe , Australia , and many parts of North America .
“ The world is falling in love with cat cafes and now Calgary can too ,” says co-owner Tia Wieler .
The café will be home to up to 12 cats and the felines are adoptable for those who can ’ t get enough . Don ’ t have a reservation ? The café has daily drop in spots for walk-in traffic and visitors .
— Seema Dhawan
CHICKEN ON THE WAY A local landmark serving greasy chicken since 1958 . Old-fashioned fried chicken , corn fritters , French fries , potato salad and coleslaw served in boxes wrapped with brown paper . Entrees : $ 1443 Kensington Rd NW , 403-283-5545 . Map 2 , G5
CLUCK N CLEAVER Southern style food is the star at this take-out joint including southern fried chicken , housemade buttermilk biscuits , and chipotle lime corn and bean salad . Try the malted milkshake for a sweet treat . Entrees : $ 1511 - 14 St SW , 403-266-2067 . Map 1 , H5 www . cluckncleaver . com
GRATE & BARREL A funky little eatery focused on grilled cheese sandwiches and pie milkshakes . Also licensed . 627 - 1 Ave NE , 403-452-2966 . www . facebook . com / grateandbarrel
HOLY GRILL A casual café with style , its specialty is gourmet burgers with toppings such as blue cheese , avocado
TIP and red onion . Try the Californian , a vegetarian panini made with sun-dried tomatoes , cream cheese , artichoke hearts , marinated eggplant , hot peppers and tomatoes . Entrees : $ 827 - 10 Ave SW , 403-261-9759 . Map 3 , G5
NANDO ’ S South African chicken , coated in a marinade made with peri-peri — an African chili pepper — and flame grilled . Sides include peri fries , classic fries , spiced rice , coleslaw and baked potato . For some variety , try one of their sharing platters . Order at the counter . Entrees : $$ 3333 - 32 Ave NE , 403-769-0610 . Map 2 , F8 www . nandoscanada . com
PETERS ’ DRIVE-IN Featuring the same menu since 1964 , this classic Calgary spot offers some of the best burgerjoint fare in town . Big portions , great milkshakes . Drivethru and walk-up windows . Cash only . Entrees : $ 219 - 16 Ave NE , 403-277-2747 . www . petersdrivein . com
SIDEWALK CITIZEN BAKERY Excellent sourdough
CHINESE BUDDHA ’ S VEGGIE FUSION CUISINE A former vegetarian restaurant that serves more than 200 dishes , inspired by the culinary traditions of China and Southeast Asia . Order meat or veggie versions of ginger beef , shrimp and cashews , and sweet and sour pork . Dim sum on wknds from 11 am to 2 pm . Entrees : $$ 5802 Macleod Tr SW , 403-252-8830 . Map 1 , I6
CALGARY COURT Choose from an extensive menu of more than 80 noodle dishes , curries , lai fan , congee , and rice and spaghetti items . Plus a variety of cold drinks : slurpees , slushes and milkshakes with a twist . Entrees : $$ 119 - 2 Ave SE , 403-264-7890 . Map 3 , C7
CHINA ROSE Featuring north Peking cuisine . Sample the seafood dishes or the daily buffets . Banquet rooms available . Entrees : $$ 228 - 28 St SE , 403-248-2711 . Map 1 , G7
DRAGON CHINESE RESTAURANT This sunny Chinese eatery specializes in traditional cuisine but also features a range of western-Chinese dishes . Generous portions and an extensive dim sum list . 200 , 118 - 5 Ave SE , 403-718-0088 . Map 2 , D7 dragonchinese . wordpress . com
DRAGON PEARL A fixture on the Calgary dining scene , serving Mandarin and Szechuan-style cuisine in the historic Inglewood district . Favourites include ginger beef , Szechuan noodles , salt and pepper squid , sizzling chicken , sweet and sour spare ribs , Mandarin-style pork , and lemon shrimp . Entrees : $$ 1223 - 9 Ave SE , 403-233-8810 . Map 2 , F9
FORBIDDEN CITY This northeast restaurant serves a variety of regional Chinese and Asian dishes . Dim sum before 3 pm every day and all-you-can-eat hot pot weekday evenings . Entrees : $$ 220 , 999 - 36 St NE , 403-250-1848 . Map 1 , F8
GINGER BEEF BISTRO HOUSE With three full-service restaurants and six take-out and delivery locations across the city , this popular chain features a Northern Chinese menu . Dine-in locations serve standards such as Shanghai fried noodles , salt-and-pepper seafood and ginger beef . Dim sum is also served , and try the one- or three-course Peking duck . 400 , 388 Country Hills Blvd , NE , 403-265-1616 . Map 1 , B6 9629 Macleod Tr SW , 403-271-2233 . Map 1 , K6 309 , 3630 Brentwood Rd NW , 403-282-5090 . Map 1 , E5 www . gingerbeef . ca
GOLDEN INN An authentic Cantonese restaurant that has been around since 1976 . Its late hours ( open until 3 am
Dog-friendly patios have arrived . Head to the Vin Room from Sunday to Wednesday , all summer long , to lounge on the patio with canines . Dog beds , a hydration bar and homemade dog biscuits will ensure that everyone has a good time ( page 67 ).
PHOTOGRAPH : J . BLANDIN , COURTESY REGAL CAT CAFÉ
60 where . ca JULY / AUGUST 2017