Howdy!

Since my last post on Calgary in June of 2013 there has been a surge of great new establishments pop up. I haven't even got to all of them yet, but for now here is a list of the places I am most excited about as well as few oldies that are new to me.

CAFÉS/FOOD SHOPS

Dirtbelly - Plus 15 Level TD Square 315 7th Avenue SW 403.452.3340

Welcome addition to the core shopping centre, Dirtbelly will satisfy a long overdue need for more health conscious to go cuisine in the city. Offering a beautiful array of salads, "bacos" (half taco half bread sandwiches), cold pressed juices and "tealada" beverages. Light and airy space.

Our Daily Brett - 2509 14th Street SW 403.457.0422

The gourmet traveler's perfect spot for lunch or busy professional's to-go dinner. Beautiful space to have a coffee and croissant or get some dips and cheeses for a impromptu gathering. They also sell a good selection of gourmet grocery items and cold pressed juices from Cru Juice.

Cru Juice - Multiple Locations 816 16th Avenue SW 403.452.2159

Cru Juice has been the fastest growing juice company in Calgary and they are popping up everywhere. Good thing as there was a huge market waiting for it. Cold Pressed Juice was a totally unknown concept to the city prior to that. Their newest location in Mount Royal Village not only offers smoothies and salads, but also a small lounge area where you can rest your feet after some serious shopping on 17th Ave. If you love Juice Served Here in LA, you will definitely like Cru Juice.

The lovely staff at Cru Juice Mount Royal Village.

Wild & Raw Superfood + Juice Bar 1119 Kensington Rd NW 587.354.2729

Really love the neighbourhood feel of this awesome new addition to Kensington. On my first visit here the owner offered me a sample of their house bone broth which was delicious and totally comforting on the cold winter day. Most recently I tried one of their made to order juices which was super delicious and made with 100% organic ingredients. Great menu and friendly staff. Now also offering cold pressed juice in glass bottles.

Monogram Coffee 4814 16th Street SW 403.473.3886

also at Dade Gallery patio in Inglewood 1327 9th Avenue SE 403.454.0243

Have yet to try the coffee but have heard rave reviews.

RESTAURANTS/BARS

Proof Cocktail Bar - 1302 1st Street SW 403.246.2414

Love Proof! From the owners of Vine Arts comes Proof, a place for cocktails and curiosities for the connoisseur and great wine list in a fabulous space. They also offer a small food menu to go along with all those doubles... ;)

Best new watering hole in town: Proof Cocktail Bar.

Cannibale 813 1st Avenue SE 403.454.5808

Barber shop slash neighbourhood watering hole featuring fine cocktails and spirits.

The sexy scene at Model Citizen, the speakeasy style lounge hidden between Pigeonhole and Model Milk.

Pigeonhole - 306 17th Avenue SW 403.452.4694

Fabulous new addition to the Model Milk family of restaurants, along with Model Citizen. Small plates bursting with innovative flavors accompanied by a stellar wine list will be making a lot of people happy. A few of my favorites include the BC Halibut Ceviche with avocado, black currant, crudites, Tuna Crudo with whipped yogurt, cucumber, verbena, and the Halloumi Cheese with pickled celery, pistachio and olive. Food, wine, service are all spot on, not to mention a very chic and cool space designed by the talented team at RAD Architecture.

Bar area at Pigeonhole. Image courtesy of Nathan Elson Photography.

Suzette Brittany Bistro 2210 4th Street SW 403.802.0036

Fun new french bistro from the owners of Cassis, Suzette brings all the French classics from Brittany, to Calgary. Buckwheat galettes, Chèvre chaud, moules frites, and along with a selection of pastas and other mains make up this simple yet delicious menu. And of course the sweet crêpes! Leave room for a classic like the caramel beurre salé or go all the way with the Normande - carmalized apple, flambée with Calvados and vanilla ice cream. Wash it all down with some real French cider. Yer'mat!

Natives Tongues Taqueria 235 12th Street SW 403.975.0243

Natives Tongues Taqueria is finally open and I couldn't be more excited for the team. Chef Cody Willis along with restaurateurs Jayme MacFayden and Kelly Black of BMex Group (Una and Ox & Angela) have made the foray into authentic Mexican cuisine and are doing an incredible job. The food is crazy good and the vibe is young and hip, reminiscent to me of some of my favourite Mexican spots in LA. Favorites include the frijoles and carnita tacos and tuna ceviche tostada. Try it with a mezcal margarita and you'll be hooked.

The lovely bar ladies of Natives Tongues Taqueria.

The Nash 925 11th Street SW 403.984.3365

Beautiful space. Still have yet to experience.

The Beltliner 243 12th Avenue SW 587.955.1555

Great spot for breakfast post big night out. Modern diner with quality food.

Charbar 618 Confluence Way SE 403.452.3115

Part of the Simmons building restoration, comes this beautiful new restaurant from the owners of the very successful Charcut. Charbar is inspired by Argentinean and Latin American flavors and offers a stunning view of the Bow River from their rooftop patio. Table side ceviche served in beautiful Caribbean blue Le Creuset stoneware, or the aged strip loin from the imported Grillworks grill.

SHOPPING & WELLNESS

Modern Duke Home Decor 808 16 Avenue SW Mount Royal Village 403.283.3598

Modern Duke is a high end home decor boutique that reminds me of a shop in Paris or London. Never before has Calgary had such an availability to luxurious brands like it does today. Collections from Aerin Lauder, Kelly Wearstler, and local designer Amanda Hamilton. Other standout brands include: Cire Trudron, Santa Maria Novella, Carolina Bucci, and Astier de Villatte.

Fine china selection at Modern Duke Home Decor.

Esmé Beauty Bar 825 17th Avenue SW 403.264.5355

Esmé is an all-natural beauty bar which also doubles as a flower shop. Idyllic setting.

The Livery Shop 1130 10th Avenue SE 403.453.7711

Candles, accessories, clothing, coffee, and jewelry. The Livery Shop is the work shop & retail outpost of Camp Brand Goods and CoutuKitsch, two local popular brands of casual clothing and jewelry.

Danielle's Consignment Boutique 908 17th Avenue SW (in the Devinish bldg, 2nd level) 403.244.4472

Luke's Drugmart 112 4th Street NE 403.266.4142

Luke's is the perfect neighborhood general store. From delicious coffee to vinyl records, home goods and decor to organic toothpaste, you can buy almost anything here.

Fresh Laundry 1216 9th Avenue SE

Fresh, clean, and everything in between. This concept shop is dedicated to beautiful and unique bath/body, linen, scents and design objects with a focus on organic compounds and ethically sourced ingredients. Look forward to checking it out!

Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates 919 9th Avenue SE 403.474.9118

One of the only places to offer "rooftop yoga" in the warmer months. Junction 9 looks like a great space and offers many different kinds of classes. They also have a coffee and juice bar serviced by Phil & Sebastian and Cru Juice.

Silk Road Spice Merchant 1403A 9th Avenue SE 403.261.1955 and at the Calgary Farmer's Market

Touted as the best selection of high quality spices in Canada, this is the place to buy your spices in Calgary. A total experience for the senses.

MUSEUMS / ART GALLERIES

Newzones Gallery 730 11th Avenue SW 403.266.1972

Masters Gallery 2115 4 Street SW

Paul Kuhn Gallery 724 11th Avenue SW 403.263.1162