Avenue’s 2019 Dinner Series is in full swing. Each year, we partner with some of the restaurants from our Best Restaurants list to create one-of-a-kind dining experiences. To fit with formal, but not fussy vibe of Rouge and its incredible location of a heritage home with a beautiful garden, we hosted an outdoor Pink Party.
True to Calgary weather in June, there was some rain with breaks of sunshine. Guests moved between the tent and the lush gardens where Rouge grows ingredients to be used in its seasonal menu. There was rose to sip on, hors d’oeuvres were passed around and food stations set up throughout the event space.
The suggested dress code was pink and white as a way to toast summer and in support of Alberta Cancer Foundation. Partial proceeds from ticket sales went to the foundation, which is the official fundraising partner for all CancerControl Alberta cancer centres.
Here’s a look inside the event.

The welcome cocktail kicked-off the pink theme with Croft Pink Port.

Rouge has an event tent set up in its garden with patio lights and walls that fold up. It kept the party protected from the rain.

Olivier Reynaud prepares pizza to be cooked in the outdoor pizza oven.

Margherita pizza and cream, onion and house-smoked bacon pizza were on the menu.

Truffled potato croquettes were passed around.

Chorizo risotto was made fresh throughout the afternoon.

Martini’s tortellini came stuffed with fresh basil and bocconcini.

The dessert station included flambeed rhubarb over Made by Marcus ice cream.

Albert from DJ Phenom provided the background music for the party.

When the sun came out the party spilled into the gardens and a few rounds of giant Jenga.

In style in pink and white






Guests left with a gift bag and a flower arrangement.
Our next Dinner Series event is at Foreign Concept on August 22 when chef and owner Duncan Ly and executive chef Jinhee Lee will create a multi-sensory experience with a menu that features some unusual Asian ingredients. For more information, visit avenuecalgary.com/dinnerseries.