DINING
Dining Spotlight
CONSTANTINOS GIANNOULIS
A steakhouse might be the most typically Albertan concept of a restaurant , but Caesar ’ s Steakhouse and Lounge ( page 53 ) embraces and represents cultural diversity in many ways .
Owner Constantinos ( Gus ) Giannoulis immigrated to Canada from Greece at the age of 17 in 1958 , two years later , he moved to Calgary and studied at SAIT before working as the executive chef at the original location of Hy ’ s Steakhouse . In 1972 , he opened Caesar ’ s ( www . caesarssteakhouse . com ) with three other partners and designed the restaurant to look like its Vegas counterpart : Roman pillars , plush red seating , and emblems of Julius Caesar . The look of the restaurant has not changed since its doors opened , save for repairs and upgrades , because customers continue to express that they like the iconic look and don ’ t want it to change . Giannoulis has even used the same supplier of Alberta beef since day one — Centennial Packers . “ I have the first choice of their meat and I never look at price . I look at quality ,” Giannoulis says .
In 45 years there have been a lot of memorable moments , but the one that stands out most fondly to Giannoulis is the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary . For four weeks as athletes , volunteers , media , and spectators packed the city for the main event , the restaurant was packed every hour of every day . “ People were standing up and we were adding extra tables by the door ,” Giannoulis recalls . “ It was just a friendly , happy time . People of all cultures from all over the world were gathering . They just wanted a nice place where they could get a good meal . There was lots to celebrate .” Lots of deals have been made at Caesar ’ s , and it remains a top spot for business lunches and drinks thanks to its highquality menu , formal yet comfortable atmosphere , and discreet , friendly service . Regulars can reserve “ their spot ” in the restaurant or lounge , and it ’ s a family business that makes you feel like family . Village Brewery ’ s ( page 44 ) Jim Button recalls a time when he and Dave Kelly met at Caesar ’ s and finally had an opportunity in their busy schedules to sit down and have a really good discussion , and ended up conceiving the idea for Dave Kelly Live ( page 32 ).
“ Everyone that knows Caesar ’ s knows what we stand for , and the quality and service we provide ,” Giannoulis says . “ We do the best we can to satisfy the customer , and going forward we will continue that .” While Giannoulis ’ daughter , Connie , and son-in-law , Garry , have joined the operation , he is still at the downtown location every day , often greeting customers at the door . “ It ’ s my hobby and I like it . I have always loved what I ’ m doing , and I hope that comes through to the customer .”
— Breanna Mroczek
PHOTOGRAPH : BY JANET DAVIE
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 editor _ calgary @ where . ca .
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BARBECUE BOOKER ’ S 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 . All-you-can-eat crab and ribs Sun . Live blues bands Fri and Sat nights . Entrees : $$ 316 - 3 St SE , 403-264-6419 . Map 2 , D7 www . bookersbbq . com
HAYDEN BLOCK SMOKE & WHISKEY House-smoked , true Texas BBQ brisket , turkey , and pulled pork paired with hand-crafted whiskey cocktails . Entrees : $$ 1136 Kensington Rd NW , 403-283-3021 . Map 1 , G5 www . haydenblockyyc . com
HOLY SMOKE BBQ & SMOKE PIT Pork and brisket sandwiches wood-smoked at low temperatures for hours in the traditional Southern U . S . style topped with chooseyour-own barbecue sauces . Entrees : $ 4640 Manhattan Rd SE , 403-605-9365 . Map 1 , I7
PALOMINO SMOKEHOUSE & SOCIAL CLUB A bustling restaurant and bar featuring American slow-cooked barbecue . Live music . Entrees : $$ 109 - 7 Ave SW , 403-532-1911 . Map 2 , E5 www . thepalomino . ca
BAR & PUB 1410 WORLD BIER HAUS Specializes in international beers . Global fusion menu served every day until 2 am . Live DJs Fri and Sat . Group and party bookings available . Entrees : $$ 1410 - 17 Ave SW , 403-229-1410 . Map 2 , H5 www . 1410bierhaus . ca
4TH SPOT KITCHEN & BAR A casual local eatery that serves upscale pub food including pizza , pasta dishes , and ribs . Nightly drink and food specials every day of the week . Entrees : $$ 2620 - 4 St NW , 403-984-3474 . Map 1 , F5 www . 4thspot . com
BEER REVOLUTION Premium beer and wood-fired , thin crust pizza . The 24 draft lines change several times per
TIP week with a focus on breweries outside the mainstream . Try the Blazing Saddle Pizza with blackened steak , banana peppers , cajun remoulade , and horseradish aioli . Entrees : $$ 1080 - 8 St SW , 403-264-2739 . Map 2 , G2 www . beerrevolution . ca
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
BOURBON ROOM A private , speakeasy style tavern located above National on 10th Avenue serving up cocktails , brown spirits , beer , and food . Entrees : $$ 341 - 10 Ave SW , 403-474-2739 . Map 2 , G4 www . bourbonroom . ca
BREWSTERS BREWING COMPANY Brewsters features 14 handcrafted house ales and lagers complimented by an upscale pub menu . Call to book group parties . Daily food and drink specials . Happy hour 4 pm - 7 pm . Entrees : $$ 834 - 11 Ave SW , 403-265-2739 . Map 2 , G2 www . brewsters . ca
BRIDGETTE BAR A chef-driven bar featuring Chef JP Pedhirney ’ s ambitious menu . Lunch , happy hour , dinner
Food Trucks are out and about in the spring ! Visit yycfoodtrucks . com to see where the trucks are , and visit cargoyyc . com for updates on a new food truck park .
MAY / JUNE 2017 where . ca 43