When it Opened
February 2023
Who’s Behind it
Co-owners Rajiv Malhotra and Chef Elia Herrera.
Why We Love it Already
Milpa marks the foray into Calgary for Elia Herrera, a third-generation Mexican-born chef, with two successful Toronto restaurants to her name (Tecolote Richmond and Tecolote Liberty Village), as well as Top Chef Canada and Top Chef Mexico TV appearances. Freshly fried tortilla, corn and taro chips are an ideal start here with the house-made salsas or the crave-worthy and creamy coconut ceviche. Chef Hererra’s grandmother’s recipe for rajas poblanas, a combination of roasted poblano peppers, confit chicken and a light creamy sauce, is ideal for spooning on the freshly made-in-house corn tortillas. Though the cuisine is thoroughly Mexican, local ingredients are thoughtfully integrated — the quesabirria features Alberta brisket, brined for 24 hours, marinated in adobo and then braised for five-to-six hours. On the drinks side, the standout is a papaya milk punch, made with three different rums (including one infused with papaya seed), and mixed with cola and vanilla ice cream, and served with a black-pepper marshmallow. For a special treat, try the $50 Silky Smooth Old Fashioned, featuring an aged Patrón extra añejo.
1531 5 St. S.W., milpa.ca, @milpayyc