October 14, 2009
On Saturday night I met some friends at 1600 World Bier Haus, in the Glenmore Landing Shopping Centre at 90th Ave and 14thStreet SW, to celebrate a birthday. Now, it was a short notice kinda thing, so when it was put together, I got a call asking if there was anyway I might be able to help out with getting us a table. (I know a couple of people in the restaurant and pub biz I guess was the rationale for the call, LOL)
Well… I sheepishly called my good friend George Haralabakos to see if I could impose on him for a favor. Now, when you make this kinda call, it is never for a reservation for 2 on a Tuesday night at 8:45pm….NO… it is always for a party of 19 (18 guys and 1 girl) at 11:oopm on a Saturday and you ask for no line, no cover, the best table in the house and a promo tab! Ok.. I’m exaggerating a little, but non the less, it was a “Hail Mary” request, and my friend George came through for me, making me look like the rock-star I wish I was! (by the way, this was the first time my wife had met George, and ladies…the word she used to describe him was…hmm what was that word… oh ya…Gorgeous!!, settle down Dana!!)
When we arrived, the pub was packed and we were escorted to our “VIP” table by 1600’s General Manager, Jaime Mansour, a veteran of Calgary’s Restaurant and Bar scene. I love a room that’s electric and that is the only way to describe 1600! The crowd was well dressed and very attractive, trendy without the attitude you find at some of the Downtown hot-spots. As we sat down, the DJ was just starting to pump out some amazing music, current dance hits combined with retro classic’s from just about every era. Now.. being an old DJ from back in the day, I’m not easily impressed, but the mixes were smooth and VERY creative, really adding to the feel of the night.
As we sat there enjoying the conversation and the drinks (WOW, that Three Olives Grape Vodka goes down WAY too easy!) I noticed a familiar face moving through the crowd. It was the other half of the “Dynamic Duo”, Ernie Tsu, a man well known in the Industry as one of Calgary’s most respected and experienced operators. Ernie made his way through the crowd, stopping to say hello and checking on his customers, all the while not missing a detail about the way the room was running. After stopping to say hi and see how we were doing, he was off again, I love to watch a pro in action!
Ernie and George, along with George’s brother Ari, are also the driving force behind two of 17th Avenue’s hottest spot’s, Classic Jacks and 1410 World Bier Haus, so it’s no great surprise as to the success of their latest project.
So here is a big thank-you to George, Ernie and Jaime for their hospitality and friendship, and to Candice for the GREAT service! It was a great evening and I can’t wait to return for another night out!
If you are planning an evening out, either with friends or just the two of you, take the time to visit 1600 World Bier Haus. Get there early and enjoy something from the fabulous menu (Ernie told me how proud he is of the response the food is getting, and I can say first hand, that it is excellent!!) and then stay and party the night away. I personally guarantee…It’s worth the trip!
Cheers!
October 8, 2009
I took some time today to meet up with one of my oldest friends (he’s actually younger than me), Dave Setter, and have a bite of lunch at the Chianti’s in Willowpark. I have been going to Chianti’s for years and walking through the door is kinda like coming home. We were seated almost immedialty, and had our drinks and some fresh bread before we could open the menu’s, proof that service is still alive and well in Calgary!
I have to admit, although I have tried a number of things on the menu, I can’t help myself when I visit Chianti. I always seem to order the same thing, because it is soooo good, Fettuccine Supremo ($9.99) – scallops & smoked salmon in a creamy curry parmesan sauce! I didn’t feel so bad about my predictability when Dave told me that the Penne Campesino ($9.99) is the ONLY item on the menu he has ever had.
Now the food was fast and hot and as usual extremely tasty, and should we have had the need, we could have been out of there in 45 min. Gotta love that for a lunch meeting! Did I mention that it was all for the unbelievable cost of only $26 plus the gratuity!
With 4 restaurants in Calgary and locations in Edmonton and Saskatoon, and along with Fiore’s on 17th Ave SW, it is easy to find a great Italian meal!
Cheers!
October 5, 2009
A GREAT opportunity to own a PROFITABLE business at $650,000+ in gross sales, with a downtown location and Mediterranean cuisine, this is a very well established business!
With a 10 year history in the area, this is one of Calgary’s most unique dining experience’s. It has a VERY loyal and diverse client base, the targeted marketing program is geared to the young downtown professionals and people with a Mediterranean heritage, but the crowd is from all walks of life.
This is a well managed establishment and has strong systems in place which have been developed over the years to ensure profitability. This combined with strong relationships with the key suppliers, make this a very attractive business.
Once again, Twitter has lead me to another unique find, a Blog by a local Calgary foodie!
If you are into eatin’, loungin’ or just plain hangin out, this is a great look at the Calgary food scene from the eyes of a local lover of food and traveler. Take a minute and scroll through the tastes and textures of ugonnaeatthat.com. I enjoyed it, and I know you will too!
Cheers!
October 1, 2009
I just want to take a minute to thank the Alefantis Brothers of The Broken Plate Group of Restaurants for the invite to last Saturday’s inaugural Greek Poker Tourny. All of the profits went to benefit the Calgary Hellenic Society’s Special Projects Fund.
Now… being a poker virgin, I was a little hesitant to sit down at the tables. But after hearing that the 4th place player had never played before, and had a set of rules in his pocket, I am bound and determined to play next time!
The cast of characters in attendance was a who’s who of Calgary restaurant owners, but they shall remain nameless, to protect the identity of those who were supposed to be at work!! LOL!! You know who you were! The food was great and a lot of money was raised for a great cause, I am looking forward to the next one, and yes Vic, I am bringing my wallet and my lack of experience with me!
Cheers!
Doing our best to get in a little “no kids/date time” last week, my wife and I managed to escape for a few hours and enjoy some patio time on Stephen Ave. With the weather as warm as it was, the patios were packed, but we were glad to get a space at Divino’s. We enjoyed a number of appetizer plates (the House Made Rabbit Sausage was outstanding!), and a great bottle of wine (2007 Robert Weil Riesling). Our server Brett was very well versed on the menu and wine list and made the evening.
While we were sitting, talking and enjoying the night, we were really impressed by a musician who was playing on the mall. Ben Rose has an amazing song list and the crowd was as impressed as we were, even asking him for an encore. I have made his name a an active link, if anyone is thinking of having entertainment for a corporate function or other event or venue, you should really look him up.
Cheers!
