bj

I am searching for a resturaunt in Calgary with great food and a mountian view. Does anyone know of somewhere that has both?

rita

BJ, the Rocky Mountains are a good 80kms from Calgary and on a clear day yes, you can see them off in the distance. However, the only restaurant that I can think of that would have a view of the mountains (on a clear day) would be the restaurant at the top of the Calgary Tower. The restaurant rotates (once per hour) and from your table you can see the mountains off in the distance. I haven't eaten there in years (and frankly from what I understand the view is still better than the fare). If you are still interested the website for the Tower is www.calgarytower.com<BR><BR>If however, you are looking for good food rather than a view then Calgary has many restaurants to offer. Post again and I will give you my suggestions.

bj

Thanks rita, i guess if there's nothing with a view then it's good food i'm looking for. My daughter is having a very, very small wedding and we looking for somewhere to have the wedding dinner. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

traveller

Is your daughter getting married in Calgary? Congratulations.<BR><BR>For fine formal dining, we always enjoy the Owls Nest. Bear in mind that Calgary is never too formal. But the food there is excellent. There are many different places and types of food in Calgary. Do you like North American cuisine, Asian, Mexican, Indian? <BR><BR>What is your preference?

bj

Thanks, it will be just parents and grandparents attending the wedding. So simple is best. North American food is probaly the best choice. We have just recently moved to Calgary and are not familar with ... well, anything yet. Any suggetions would be great.

traveller

Check out the Owl's Nest for really wonderful food, great service at a good price. They have the 5 course dinner at a certain rate. The Owl's Nest has been one of the top rated restaurents in Canada for many years.<BR><BR>They have always been most accomodating for us. I would suggest phoning them and telling them that it is a special occasion, asking them what they have to offer for a menu for that evening. I am sure that will love to do it and enjoy helping you out and serving you and your daughter on her special day.<BR><BR>Good luck and let me know how it works out.

rita

BJ, welcome to Calgary . . . hopefully the weather will grant some greenery in time for your daughter's wedding!<BR><BR>If you are looking for a small intimate dinner with lots of atmosphere you may consider the Ranche down in Fish Creek Park. They have some smaller rooms that I am sure you could book strictly for your party. Another alternative might be the River Cafe (the restored Boathouse) on Princess island Park. Both of these restaurants offer wonderful settings and excellent menus based on local ingredients and game meats. One of my favorite restaurants right now is Il Sogno in Bridgeland. Wonderful atmosphere and northern Italian cooking.<BR><BR>I am trying to think of restuarants that have smaller rooms (and good food) that you could book just for your party. Bonterra Restaurant also comes to mind and yes the Owls Nest is always an option. My old stand-by has always been Cilantro on 17th Avenue.

traveller

I had forgotten about Cilantro. It is an excellent option for you.

traveller

Rita, perhaps you can help me remember the name of an Italian Restaurant in Kensington. Just after you cross the bridge, on the left hand side. We ate there for our 25th WA. It was also excellent food and they really catered to us because of the special day. The restaurant is located on the end of a small strip mall in Kensington. Any names?

bj

Thankyou, rita and traveller for your suggestions, they all sound wonderful. We do have a fair bit of time to test out your favourites, so it looks like my husband and I will be busy doing just that over the next few weeks. <BR>The reason I was hoping for a mountian view was that the groom's family has never been this far west. We thought it would be a nice touch but, of course good food and great service are most important. Again thanks for your advice.<BR>bj

traveller

Hang tough for Rita's reply to my question about the Italian Rest. in Kensington. <BR><BR>If you live in Calgary, just drive over the bridge to Kensington, just across the bridge, on the left hand side, there is a small strip mall. In that strip mall is a wonderful Italian Rest. Not cheap but still good and they cater to you.<BR><BR>I still think the Owl's Nest is the place for your wedding dinner. Especially if they know it is a wedding. They love to cater to special occasions.<BR><BR>Please let us know how it turns out. <BR><BR>My daughter is getting married in Lethbridge in August, I wish it was a small wedding such as yours but I am sure we will have fun.

Susan

What about somewhere out at Bragg Creek? I haven't lived in Calgary for years, but my sister is still there and I think she's mentioned that area. It's not far from Calgary.

rita

Traveller, the name of the restaurant you're thinking of is Osteria De Medeci. I have never eaten there as I have my favorite Italian places I keep going back to. I have heard that it is good. My favorite Italian restaurant in Calgary is La Luna Rosso, you might want to check it out when you're next in town.<BR><BR>BJ, another suggestion is Teatro (downtown on the 8th Avenue mall, very upscale Italian with lots of grand atmosphere and good service).<BR><BR>As for Bragg Creek, I haven't been for dinner there in years. It is a possibility as it is a bit closer to the mountains (but not in them). However, you won't find a hotel with a view as Bragg Creek is in a valley in the foothills.