Off the menu - more glamour, less clamour
In November of 2006, The Calgary Herald published an article by Calgary's premiere restaurant critic, John Gilchrist, entitled "Off the Menu - More glamour, less clamour" in response to readers who wanted a calmer atmosphere in which to dine. Though not aimed at hard of hearing readers, it has some good suggestions. John kindly allowed us to include his article in the CHHA-Calgary Web site.
A weekly column by John Gilchrist Apparently a restaurant research study of a few years past revealed that restaurant food, diners, and decor all look more appetizing when bathed in dim orange light. I've never seen the study, but I've seen the results - many of the new chain or chain-inspired restaurants have given the orange light industry a big boost lately. Apparently the same study decreed that over stimulating the crowd with loud music also improves the bottom line. Perhaps the assumption is that we eat and drink more when our eardrums are vibrating. Or, following the mode of fast food joints that use uncomfortable chairs, maybe the plan is to move people in and out quickly. Regardless, I've had numerous requests lately from those who want a calmer atmosphere in which to dine. So here are a few places that won't set your teeth on edge with excess sound and light. (Note: They're not tomb-like in silence either.) Bangkoknoi This tiny Centre Street cafe is a warren of private booths and discreet corners. All the better for enjoying each other's company and the fine Thai cuisine served here. The Bavarian Inn An excursion into the spruce-lined by-ways of Bragg Creek takes you to the Hansel-and-Gretel setting of The Bavarian Inn. Aside from the crackling fireplace and a little lederhosen music, this is a forest-calm place. Carver's The subtle sounds of a steak knife slicing through a good slab of tenderloin are the biggest noises you'll hear in Carver's, the fancy room at the Sheraton Cavalier. That and the carnivorous appreciation of happy meat eaters. |
The Casbah The cushions, the hassocks, and the carpets all absorb sound at The Casbah, a Moroccan restaurant located in a Beltline basement. This is quiet dining, North African style. Isabella's by Infuse The wood floors creak a bit at Isabella's by Infuse, located in the historic Lougheed House. But all that old wood also absorbs the sound, and the elegant setting has everyone putting on their best manners. Jonas' Restaurant Pick a dark corner, light a candle, open a bottle of Bull's Blood, and enjoy the Hungarian food and atmosphere at Jonas'. There will be a little gypsy violin music in the background, just to cover the dampened sounds of 6th Avenue outside. Kashmir The food is subtle and refined, and the setting follows suit at the Kashmir on the corner of 17th Avenue and 4th Street SW. It's a busy intersection, but inside, the tone is almost serene. La Chaumiere The standard-setting La Chaumiere puts food and service first, second, and third. The tables are well spaced, the staff are well trained, and quality is the watchword here. Want more privacy? Book the wine cellar. LeVilla The glassed-in patio at LeVilla is surprisingly cozy. With a fireplace in the middle and a wraparound view of the city, the tone is almost lodgy. LeVilla is a great place to end a day that was far too hectic. |
Moroccan Castle See The Casbah above, only the Moroccan Castle is larger, darker, and even more secretive. And the food is a sumptuous, hand-eaten feast - no cutlery clanging here. Mt. Everest's Kitchen I would think the peak of Mt. Everest might be quite quiet, notwithstanding the potential of a howling wind. Mt. Everest's Kitchen, Calgary's only Nepalese restaurant, doesn't have quite the same view, but is a haven of professional service and fine Nepalese food. Q The former La Caille has been reborn as the simply named Q with a commitment to haute cuisine. The new owners have kept the dining room with the fireplace and the great view down the Bow River. C'est tres elegant. The Rimrock After almost a century, the Palliser continues to impress. The Rimrock has the space, the staff, and the oddly curved ceiling to provide intimacy and class. For the full effect, ask for one of the tables in front of the fireplace. Simone's Bistro Simone's says "mature" in a good way. It looks, acts, and feels like a grown-up restaurant. And with live jazz on occasion, it’Äôs relaxing in a deeply satisfying way. |
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If you have a comment or recommendation, please e-mail it to us at info@chha-calgary.ca. However, CHHA-Calgary takes no responsibility for any of these suggestions. Please check to see if the restaurant is still in operation, as they come and go frequently. Go see for yourself, and let us know what you think.