We are very proud to announce today, the signing of a new location for Olivier Reynaud and Paul Rogalski, for their newest restaurant Bistro Rouge located in West Market Square on Sirocco Drive SW. This will be a fantastic addition to the Westside Area for people who love great food and great service, set in a contemporary French Brasserie.

The partnership of Olivier Reynaud and Executive Chef Paul Rogalski garnered critical acclaim when they opened Rouge in the iconic A.E. Cross House, located in the historic Inglewood area of Calgary. Since opening their doors 11 years ago, the accolades have poured in including making the prestigious  San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants List (2010).

We want to thank Olivier & Paul for the opportunity to work with them on this exciting project and we wish them much success in this new venture.

David Parker's Column from the Calgary Herald...

Well…. it’s been a while since I have blogged, but I have a good reason today. I met up with a buddy of mine, Richard Fuller for lunch, he is the owner of The Trough Dining Co. in Canmore. It was just a reason to have a bite and get the 411 on what’s happening in Canmore. If you haven’t been to The Trough, it is reason enough to make the beautiful drive to Canmore. Dana and I love the place, Richard takes great care of his customers, the food is fantastic and it’s a great romantic evening, check it out!

We decided to visit another friend of mine, who I just helped purchase his latest restaurant. I had listed Capo for Giuseppe & Fiona Di Gennaro so that they could focus on their new project on 17^th Ave, the stunning Borgo Trattoria. Rob Greco has purchased the old Capo space in Inglewood and it has now blossomed into The Fine Diner and the transformation is...

Can I use the word “WOP” without offending my many Italian friends? Well…. in this case I don’t have a choice and if I offend you with the reference, then go down to 1216 - 9th Ave SE, walk upstairs and tell Executive Chef Angelo Contrada and his business partner Jesse Johnson how you feel. But while you’re there..... try the pizza!!

This is the latest homerun from the duo that brought us Sugo in 2001. WOP is located right next door to Sugo in the old Nectar Desserts space. The focal point of the restaurant (besides the great pizza and affordable wine and beer selection) is the “Ferrariesque” pizza oven that pounds out pizza at an astonishing pace. The beauty of the oven is that you get a perfect pizza in less than the time it takes to check the oil in your Pinto. The casual warmth of the room is immediate and you feel right at home. This is...

Got an email this morning from my buddy Rob Hilditch of the Joey's Only group of companies, telling me he is growing a moustache (Texas handlebar with a soul patch I was later informed) to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. So after I stopped shaking with laughter and found my Blackberry on the floorboard of my truck, (all the while trying not to drive off the road) I fired up the laptop and donated $50 bucks to this physically impossible, yet very good cause on behalf of Rob's efforts.

Now we are all aware that Prostate Cancer is not a laughing matter (Rob's face with a handle bar is an entirely different kettle of fish) and this is something that has touched both Rob and I in our families. I would love to be able to join Rob in his quest to raise as much money as possible, but I have 2 problems,

1) As most of you know I have a pretty healthy Goatee and no issues with its growth.

Well my trip to Edmonton was very positive for a number of different reasons, but one of which is VERY interesting.

I stopped into West Edmonton Mall after a meeting to grab a bite. As I walked down Bourbon Street, feeling like I was back in Vegas, I decided to park myself at a table in Hudson's. Now this is not my first time at Hudson's, but it was at this location, and it's beautiful! Lot's of TV's, a warm inviting atmosphere and very friendly service proved that I made the right choice. I looked through the menu, which was varied and complete without needing an guided tour and a nap before deciding on what to have. I ordered a LOADED Burger (don't tell Dave my trainer) and some Cheese-sticks to start.

When the burger arrived.... I almost fell out of my chair, it was LOADED for sure! As I giggled to myself, I grabbed my cell phone and called Chris Decock to harass him about the size of my...