This week I was invited for lunch at the newly opened Chop Steakhouse and Bar at Chinook Centre. Since recently I found myself saying, "when did they built that restaurant in front of the movie theatre?" I gladly accepted the chance to check it out.
Chop is a well-executed steakhouse concept that isn't trying to re-invent the wheel but offers up some interesting options that make it a welcome addition for dining in the area.
The large lounge and rooftop patio would be great for a pre or post-movie drink or dining. I can picture the lounge's long circular bar being the venue for a number of "hey thanks for the movie do you want to grab a quick nightcap" drinks.
While the Ahi tuna tataki salad ($17) I had as my main was tasty with several healthy chunks of lightly seared fish (Chop follows the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise recommendations) it was a couple of the appetizers I sampled that stood out as really unique. You don't see parmesan bacon chicken wings ($11) everyday and the lobster, scallop and gorgonzola dip ($11) was creamy and delicious.
Here's a shot of the Gorgonzola Stuffed Filet ($33) from the dinner menu with salad as a side .
The Calgary location of Chop is the third store for this new brand created by Moxie's Classic Grill.
Think of Chop as one, maybe two steps up in the restaurant hierarchy from Moxie's with a smaller menu that focuses on steak and seafood.
The restaurant was described to me as "premium casual" by Marcel Blais, vice president of operations for Chop, and I think a fair desription of what they are trying to do is a simple and consistent steakhouse menu a la The Keg served in a room with a more contemporary style.
Here's a shot of what was a water-soaked patio on the day I visited but on a sunny day would be a little sun-soaked delight.
The interior of both the dining room and the upstairs lounge is very stylish with keen attention paid to lighting.
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