There will always be a place in our hearts for a foil-wrapped baked potato, but let’s not forget that variety is the spice of life. Here are 10 different dishes you can find around Calgary, from pubs to steakhouses, that highlight the common potato as the starchy star we all know it can be.
Bistro 2210 Duck Confit Poutine
Poutine is definitely a dime-a-dozen these days, but this variation at this little bistro in Mission is one of the best in town. Crisp fries, tender duck, cheese curds and gravy. (2210 4 St. S.W., 403-228-4528)
Diner Deluxe Crispy Potato Pancake
If you’re really hungry, this giant latke topped with cilantro sour cream with a side of farmer’s sausage should fill you up just fine. (804 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-276-5499, dinerdeluxe.com, @diner_deluxe)
Ox and Angela Patatas Bravas
Tender baby potatoes are served with rich aioli and a paprika ketchup. There’s a lot to choose from on the tapas menu here, but these guys are a must-order. They’re arguably the best bite of potato you can have in this city. (528 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-1432, oxandangela.com)
The Palomino Smokehouse Garlic Fries
Not the ideal dish to consume on (or before) a date or business meeting, but it goes without saying that garlic and potatoes have always been flavour soulmates. (109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, thepalomino.ca, @ThePalomino)
Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus Potato, Onion, Bacon and Cheese Pannenkoeken
This crepe-meets-pancake-meets latke is mouthful to pronounce and also to eat. Braving the lines at this little Dutch pancake house just off South Crowchild Trail is always well worth it. (2439 54 Ave. S.W., 403-243-7757, dutchpancakes.ca)
Pig and Duke Parmesan Truffle Chips
Hand-cut potato chips are fried, then tossed in parmesan cheese and finished with truffle oil. Pairs well with a cold pint of beer and a hockey game on one of the many televisions. (1312 12 Ave. S.W., 403-245-8487, pigandduke.com, @pigandduke)
Rush Marrow Whipped Potatoes
The buttery richness coming from the roasted marrow in these silky potatoes is a warming treat on a cold night. After eating these, you’ll be convinced that when it comes to mashed/whipped potatoes, marrow is the new butter. (207 9 Ave. S.W., 403-271-7874)
Taste Perogies
One of the most beloved of all comfort foods, these perogies come with gooey cheese curds and are lovingly drowned in sausage gravy. How could you not order these? (1210 1 St. S.W., 403-233-7730, taste-restaurant.com, @tastecalgary)
Vintage Chophouse Bacon Scalloped Potatoes
This ooey gooey dish is rich, flavourful and the perfect accompaniment to one of Vintage’s simple and perfectly prepared steaks. (322 11 Ave. S.W., 403-262-7262, vintagechophouse.com, @VintageChopHous)