Must Try: The Lake House

There is a plethora of amazing restaurants in downtown Calgary, but have you visited one of the most talked about new restaurants of 2014? We’re talking about the Lake House (747 Lake Bonavista Drive Southeast), located on the south side of town, a lovely eatery that sits on the picturesque Lake Bonavista and offers diners a great view as they enjoy first-class fare.

The Canadian Rocky Mountain Resort group runs the Lake House, formerly known as The Ranch, and they can be credited with helping define the regional cuisine of Alberta. The interior is inviting with a rustic décor that makes you feel like you’ve just landed at the cabin for the weekend. Guests will love the signature touches of the dining room, like the distinctive elk horn chandelier and the grandiose fireplace that sits along the west wall. If you’ve arrived a little early for your reservation, ask if you can grab a seat at the bar, with refurbished wood top that’s been reclaimed from a mercantile shop in Montana circa 1800s.    

While the beauty of the property is a draw, the menu is the main attraction. Chef Thomas Neukom and his team have created an offering that will keep food lovers coming back for more. For starters, the Rocky Mountain charcuterie board gives you a nice sampling of sausages, terrines, pates and confits made locally or in-house. If you’re looking for a veggie option, the slow-roasted beets with pomegranate vinaigrette is what you’ll want to order. 

There is no shortage of dishes for meat lovers to sink their teeth into. You have to try the 57-degree Celsius Wild Northern Caribou served with Wild Rose brown ale jus and a side of truffle and chive dumplings. You’ll be challenged to find this option on other menus around town. The slow-roasted wild boar shoulder accompanied with spaetzle and bacon crisp is also a noteworthy dinner choice. One bite of this rich dish will make you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.  

 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the wine list, which is housed in the impressive new wine cellar. Curated by Brad Royale, CRMR’s vino mastermind, the list is approachable with thoughtful tasting notes for wines by the glass and a progressive list for wines by the bottle.

Should you still need a reason to visit the Lake House, take a look at their Sunday brunch menu and consider enjoying a meal on the patio. If you manage to save room for dessert then you have lots of great options from which to choose from.

Finally, for those of you who will be tying the knot this year, the Lake House is also available for intimate weddings and receptions. If you and your significant other are looking to keep your guest list small while offering guests a high-end dining experience with an artisanal wine selection, consider setting up an appointment to view the space. Wedding photos on the lake will be stunning any time of year.

#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)

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