If you lived in Calgary back in 2008 you would probably agree the city had a very different vibe when it came to eating out. There were certainly a handful of stellar restaurants like River Cafe and Cilantro, but the Calgary palate was more inclined to like big Keg-style steaks and blockbuster Cabs that would rip your taste buds clean off.
Lucky for us, Janice Beaton’s Farm Restaurant opened its doors that year and brought what felt like a whole new kind of dining experience that imparted the values of appreciating farm to table meats, cheeses and produce available to us from producers just outside the city limits. Beaton, who has long been a staple to the food scene in Calgary, was also responsible for opening Janice Beaton’s Fine Cheeses and the well-known Fratello coffeehouse and hipster hangout Caffe Beano before jumping into the restaurant biz.
The quaint 40–seat eatery that opened up that year had the feel of an establishment you’d find in a bigger city. The long corridor of the restaurant was set up like a rustic wine bar with a floor-to-ceiling chalkboard against the far wall covered with daily specials; the white paneling along the walls and decorative wallpaper made you feel right at home. The main focus of the room was the harvest table, an impressive high-top dining table that comfortably seated 12 people with the intention of hosting big family-style meals or encouraging a communal energy where multiple parties could enjoy lunch and dinner.
While our restaurant scene has come a long way since 2008, this week we’re tipping our hats to this trendsetting spot by reminding everyone why Farm is still one of the best restaurants around.
The Food
The specials change daily but you’ll always see a substantial list of local producers on the menu like Broek Acres, Broxburn and Fairwinds Farm. We suggest ordering from the charcuterie menu, which allows you to build your own board of terrines, pates, sausages, delectable condiments and craft cheeses from the Janice Beaton Cheese Shop that conveniently sits on the other side of the restaurant.
You’d also be full of regret if you didn’t order the bubblin’ mac and cheese that comes with a side of house pickles, an item that will probably never leave the menu. As bold as it may sound, this dish is so good that even lactose intolerance shouldn’t discourage you from ordering it. The rabbit served with Brassica mustard gnocchi and wilted kale is also of notable mention. Really, you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes here.
The Wine
Since the very beginning, Farm has always been heavily focused on food and wine pairings. Here you’ll find food-friendly French and Canadian Gamays, low alcoholic whites that work beautifully with cheeses, and lesser-known Rhone and Spanish reds thrown in for good measure. Make sure to ask the staff to recommend a wine to accompany each cheese, meat and dessert course. Also worth a mention is the Undervine Pinot Noir on the list, a California red that is actually made by a duo of Calgary wine professionals who purchase juice from winemakers in the Central Coast to create their very own cuvee.
When To Visit
It seems like there’s always a good reason to visit. There’s free corkage on Monday nights, a prix-fixe dinner on Tuesdays that includes three chef-inspired courses for $30, and Wednesdays are Flight Night, during which you get to sample three different wines for only $15.
Brunch happens every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Just looking at the menu will sell you on lining up for the first meal of the day. Where else can you find a brunch menu that has a breakfast burger, multiple eggs Benny options, French toast and the coveted mac and cheese?
Finally, Sundays are fondue night and you’ll be in for a treat with a smorgasbord of charcuterie items and fresh bread alongside a flaming bowl of cheese that’s the perfect meal close to the weekend.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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