It’s French immersion infused with some prairie love; that’s right, the French scene is alive, well, and growing in our thriving, multicultural city. Calgary is host to a few notable Parisian culinary hot spots. If Parisian culinary means “French wine” in your dictionary, that’s ok, too. Ahem, vin.
Cassis Bistro
Tuesday is the new Friday, at least according to Cassis Bistro. Located in the newly-opened Casel Marche, Cassis Bistro offers French Tuesdays. Featuring French food, wine and music, linger as you feel and taste as though you are in the South of France. The long bar at Cassis beckons for red wine carafe conversations or at least learning a French phrase or two from Gilles Brassart, owner of the beloved restaurant and quickly earning a regular following. Parlez-vous Francais?
Petite Restaurant & Lounge
A mainstay in the Calgary foodie scene, Petite has outgrown its cozy, rustic home and has re-opened in a much larger space on 17th Avenue. Moonlight as an effortlessly chic Parisian woman, or debonair as a charming Francophile man in the bustling lounge, an engaging place to socialize with new and old friends. Petite’s Deirdre Malone adds, “The room, the staff and Executive Chef Jared Alvey’s menu are fashioned to cater to passionate carnivores, heartfelt vegetarians and exacting epicureans alike.” Petite has also introduced the resurgence of the Sunday supper. The team lovingly prepares a three-course meal for $39 per person, and is a perfect way to wind down the week.New location open at 344 – 17th Avenue SW.
Belgo Brasserie
A hallmark of Stephen Avenue with its red lacquered doors, Belgo Brasserie is located across from Holt Renfrew and is a prime locale for after-work drinks and socializing. The word ‘brasserie’ is French, and by extension means “the brewing business.” Belgo boasts over 50 beers, an extensive wine list and special offerings from their cellar.
In France, a brasserie is a Cafe doubling as a restaurant, but with more informal eating hours than a full-fledged restaurant. That’s right; Belgo also offers breakfast Monday – Friday starting at 7am. You can take on your day with a full breakfast only steps away from the office.
Wine and France always go hand-in-hand. Belgo celebrates this long standing relationship with French Fridays for ladies. They offer $4 glasses of wine from 11am – 8pm, meaning you can start the weekend right or, if you’re lucky, duck out early, grab a girlfriend, and recount the week’s water-cooler chat, corporate happenings, and weekend plans.
Photo courtesy Petite