Here’s what you need to know about the latest food-related openings, news and events in Calgary.
1918 Tap & Table opens in West Hillhurst
1918 Tap & Table officially opened its doors for business on June 23rd. The Royal Canadian Legion owns and runs the 140-seat restaurant, which is located on the main level of the new Kensington Legion building in West Hillhurst. Executive chef Chris Murphy is heading up the kitchen here, which is focusing on seasonal and local fare as much as possible. One of the most interesting things about the seasonal menu is that it will change almost entirely every three months, so you could get an entirely new dining experience on repeat visits. Current dishes on the menu include crispy pork belly, Alberta beef chuck burger, grilled spring salmon, lamb pappardelle and more. 1918 Tap & Table also has a 56-seat patio.
1918 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-209-1918, 1918tapandtable.com, @1918tapandtable
Deane House’s patio is the place to be during Stampede
With its views of the restaurant gardens and proximity to the Elbow River, the patio at the historic Deane House restaurant is a gorgeous spot to dine at on a regular summer day. But during Stampede, the restaurant is turning things up a notch. There will be live music by local artists Steve Pineo or Tom Olsen and the Wreckage, an outdoor oyster bar and grill, an outdoor bar for cocktails and games of horseshoe on the restaurant’s lawn. The fact that it’s so close to the Stampede grounds means it’s the perfect pre- or post-Stampede spot.
806 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-0595, deanehouse.com, @deanehouse
Order soft serve ice cream from Luke’s Drug Mart in Bridgeland
It’s been around 50 years since Luke’s Drug Mart offered soft serve ice cream. But as of June 22, the locally owned and operated shop is offering it again at its Bridgeland location for only $4. Luke’s Drug Mart worked with chef Eric Hendry of Bar Von Der Fels to create the ice cream, which is made with D Dutchmen Dairy from Sicamous, B.C. They’re currently offering soft serve in vanilla and coconut charcoal flavours, which you can try separately or opt to get them swirled together.
Regal Cat Cafe opens in Kensington
Calgary’s first cat cafe has officially opened in Kensington. Designed by Mattson & Company, Regal Cat Cafe’s approximately 3,000-square-foot space is split into a two main areas: a cafe on one side and an enclosed play room (called the “Kitty Kingdom”) for cats on the other. Cat lovers can grab a seat in the cafe for a cup of coffee or tea, plus treats such as scones, cookies and mini cupcakes from The Purple Pastry Chef and cat-shaped macarons from Ollia Macarons & Tea. Only a glass window separates the cafe side from the Kitty Kingdom, so you can watch the cats play while you’re eating. But if you want to play with the cats yourself, you can also book a 45-minute time slot for $10 through the cafe’s website (a few walk-in spots are available as well). During your time slot, you can play with the cats in the Kitty Kingdom as they explore the cat perches, climbing walls, kitty bridges, beds and toys.
303 10 St. N.W., regalcatcafe.com, @regalcatcafe
Seed N Salt opens in Mission
There’s a new healthy dining option in Mission. Seed N Salt, which opened in late June, offers healthy fare such as salads, bowls, smoothie bowls, breakfast items and smoothies. Guests can also create their own salad by choosing a leafy base, toppings and dressings. While you can get your food to go, try to dine in if you can. The eatery’s bright and surprisingly large space is extremely inviting with its white wall planks, live edge wood communal table, pendant lamps and cool concrete serving line. But if the outdoors beckon, Salt N Seed also has a patio.
2008 4 St. S.W., 403-460-9904, seednsalt.com