Summertime Strolls

Mixed Message

On a Friday night, the walk down the stairs to the Tangerine Supperclub is complete with a bass-filled soundtrack more suited to dancing than eating. After moving through the lounge into a thankfully quieter back dining area and settling in amongst the club-attired crowd, it is clear that Tangerine is a true supper club, where you can come for the food but stay for the “prowling.”

The menu inlcudes items such as Tangerine tomato soup, $7; tiger prawn tempura, $14; grilled squid, $13 and  organic salmon filet, $27 along with many others from a variety of world cuisines with a contemporary touch. Tangerine has revamped its menu since opening, but it still features items great for sharing with a group of friends while sipping a cocktail. Perfect for completing a trifecta of dining, drinking and dancing without changing venues. (100, 751 3 St. S.W., 403-237-8237)

Old School

While many of Calgary’s Japanese restaurants create food with a modern edge, at Misai Japanese Restaurant the menu and decor retain a refreshing sense of traditionalism. Located on 32nd Avenue N.E., its menu has items from a number of categories, including sushi and sashimi both by the piece and in combos (salmon roll, $3.25; assorted sashimi, $15.50).

There are appetizers that are cold (sunomono, $4.50; tuna tataki $17), grilled (12 gyoza, $9.50; small yakitori chicken, $5) and deep fried (assorted tempura, $9.50; kushiage, deep fried pork on skewers, $6.50). Misai also has a number of ramen (tempura ramen, $9.50), soba (yaki beef soba, $13) and udon (seafood udon in soup, $12.50) noodle dishes. It also offers a number of hot pots for two to three people (shabu shabu — thinly sliced beef — vegetables, tofu and noodles cooked in a broth, $38). It’s a great little tucked-away surprise outside the core. (7, 1915 32 Ave. N.E., 403-250-1688)

Worth the Drive

With so many dining options in the core, it is easy to forget Calgary also has wonderful “destination” dining a bit further afield. Such is the case with Bragg Creek’s Bavarian Inn. Chef Charlie says his philosophy is “nothing but the best,” which leads him to use mostly organic, free-range and locally produced ingredients.

Dishes focus on Bavarian classics such as the Wiener schnitzel (thin slices of veal breaded and panfried, $26.25) and Pfeffersteak (beef tenderloin with white and green peppercorns with a cognac cream sauce, $38.75) and Bavarian-inspired “Rocky Mountain” dishes such as Elk Medallions Diane (served with sautéed sour cherries, $28.75). Desserts include chocolate Bavarian cream and Vienna appelstrudel ($7.50 each). While the decor is nothing to write home about, the setting is beautiful, making this a great spot for a romantic road trip. (75 White Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-949-3611)