Calgary’s constantly changing. Spend this Friday evening recognizing and celebrating the recent growth and success Calgary’s Beltline has experienced. Eat at one of the best restaurants in the country and attend the opening of a new park, which has been eagerly anticipated since construction began in August 2012.
Eat award-winning fusion food
It’s no secret that Calgary’s restaurant scene is now recognized across the country. And the latest Top 50 Restaurants in Canada ranking by Vacay.ca, published at the end of last month, proves just that.
This weekend, take the time to really appreciate the quality of Calgary’s growing food scene. Five Calgary restaurants made the Top 50 list this year, including Charcut, Model Milk, River Caf, Market, Notable and Raw Bar by Duncan Ly. This weekend, head to Hotel Arts’ Raw Bar to see why Duncan Ly’s restaurant made the list this year.
It’ll be no surprise. Vietmodern cuisine paired with quality cocktails by Christina Mah make for a delicious evening. Start off with the crispy sweet potato and ginger spring rolls for the table ($9), which are paired with a coconut soya sauce that perfectly complements the rolls. Then try a few small plates – the spicy salmon and tuna tartar ($14) and beef short rib steamed buns ($16) are both excellent choices – followed by the lemongrass coconut braised chicken curry ($18). Wash it all down with a $4.99 Prosecco or a $4.99 pint.
Soak in the fun interior design of Raw Bar or, if there’s space on the popular patio, opt to eat poolside; the poolside patio opened on the May long weekend.
And don’t leave without sampling one (or a few) of pastry chef Karine Mouline’s tasty desserts.
(119 12 Ave. S.W., 403-206-9565, hotelarts.ca)
Show community spirit in the Beltline
After dinner, walk 15 minutes west along 12 Ave. S.W. to Beltline Park for the official opening of the Barb Scott Park and a new public art piece. While the official park opening begins at 12 p.m. with Mayor Nenshi, aim to get to the park by 8 p.m. for the community celebration.
You’ll want to get here in time for the official unveiling of Chinook Arc, an interactive and illuminated sculptured created by artists Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock. Chinook Arc perfectly portrays the teamwork of this artistic duo: O’Connell is a technologist while Hancock is a sculptor and both have an interest in living systems and machines. See for yourself how this new work encourages participation, community and engagement.
After the unveiling, stick around to soak up the party atmosphere. Meet members of the community, talk art and listen to live music performed by local bands. Bands will entertain Calgarians until 11 p.m.
(12 Ave. S.W. and 9 St. S.W.)