Tour the World with Your Taste Buds
by Amanda Follett
So, you thought you’d arrive in the Bow Valley, pull up a seat at the local pub and hunker down for some good ol’ fashioned Canadian fare. Yes! And no. While the Rockies may host much Canadiana, it’s also a venue for ethnic delights from all over the world. Once you’ve had your fill of buffalo burgers and poutine, treat yourself to some of these fine ethnic dining experiences.
Typhoon
"Eclectic Asian Cuisine"
Located in downtown Banff, Typhoon's dimly-lit interior reflects the chic ambiance that has only recently begun to show its face in the Bow Valley. Tiny white lights and candlelight blend with an eclectic colour scheme that, despite being in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, captures the rustic elegance of Asia. A relatively new addition to downtown Banff, its menu offers a selection of Asian dishes, with each dinner item paired with an accompanying wine. A martini list offers a selection that even the most sophisticated urbanite would die for. And don't expect any of that curry-straight-from-the-bottle wannabe stuff – this is the real thing. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the China Sea lapping nearby.
137 Banff Avenue
Call 762-2000 for reservations
Tapas Restaurant
"Flavours of Spain and Portugal"
If there's one thing Tapas has an abundance of, it's atmosphere. Located in a rustic old Bankhead house tucked just off Main Street Canmore, this quaint restaurant serves up traditional "tapas", or small-sized portions perfect for sharing with friends – this is the fondue of the new millennium! Everyone orders an item or two from the menu and dishes are served as they are prepared. Sample tasty delights as Spanish guitar strains play in this relaxing atmosphere. The environment is perfect for socializing.
629-10th Street
Call 609-0583 for reservations
Balkan
“The Greek Restaurant”
Not only is the Balkan the best place to find traditional, homemade Greek cuisine, every Thursday the restaurant truly busts out with a little plate smashing and belly dancing. This family-owned and operated business credits itself with having brought Greece to the Rockies and the tradition continues with tasty dishes like spanakopita, souvlaki and dolmathes, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs. All Greek recipes are authentic and have been passed down the family, through generations. It also offers a wide variety of dishes from salads, pasta, steaks and seafood.
120 Banff Avenue
Call 762-3454 for reservations
Ukrainian Loft
“Homemade Ukrainian”
Dining at the Ukrainian Loft is the next best thing to visiting Mom and Dad – if you’re Ukrainian. Tucked in a unpretentious space upstairs in Canmore’s Elk Run industrial area, this down-to-earth dining experience will leave you with the satisfied feeling that only comes with true homemade delights, no preservatives added. Enjoy hand-pinched perogies, cabbage rolls and Ukrainian sausages, all made from scratch at the restaurant. It’s what owner Dusty Fedorick describes as his wife Katryna’s “feel good food”. Apart from the food, come for a laugh. Dusty and Katryna are all the entertainment this restaurant needs.
102 Bow Meadows Crescent (upstairs)
Call 678-3007 for reservations
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Typhoon chef and co-owner Stéphane Prévost holds the Pan Seared Cod Fillet, which is served over fresh soy bean purée with Thai yellow curry and mango sauce.
Chez Francois
“Fine French Cuisine”
Fourteen years ago, Canmore was a very different place and introducing fine French cuisine was a novelty to this not-so-long-ago coal mining town. Nonetheless, Chez Francois made a go of it and today remains one of the area’s favourite dining spots. Sample European treats from French-trained chef/owner Jean-Francois Gouin, who’s saucier-training makes him a whiz with blending spices and balancing the perfect ingredients. But don’t be intimidated by the elegant atmosphere – holding true to Canmore’s roots, Chez Francois happily welcomes anyone straight off the golf course, the ski hill or the trails.
1604-2nd Avenue and the Bow Valley Trail
Call 678-6111 for reservations
Chef’s Studio Japan
“Japanese Fare with Artistic Twist”
Apart from some of the tastiest sushi and Japanese platters imaginable, there are a number of reasons to visit Canmore’s Chef Studio Japan. Japanese-trained sushi chef Aki and the rest of the staff are always quick to greet with a smile and the ambiance of this downtown restaurant is as relaxing as it is elegant. Lunchtime at Chef’s Studio is popular with the business crowd for quick and tasty “lunch box” and “sushi-lovers’” specials. In the evenings, chose from an a la carte menu of nigiri, sashimi and other Japanese favourites, or chose from combo sushi platters, elegantly served over a bed of ice.
108-709 Main Street
Call 609-8383 for reservations
French Quarter Café
“Cajun Creole Cuisine”
There’s nothing like a little Cajun seasoning to spice up your night, and in the Bow Valley, the French Quarter is the place to get piquant. Chef Michael Raso makes an annual trip to New Orleans and brings back ideas for new and traditional Creole cuisine to be served up at this Elk Run industrial area restaurant which has developed a dedicated local following. The French Quarter is also a favourite spot for group gatherings with its Cajun cooking classes that accommodate 10 and include food and drink for only $25 per person.
4-102 Boulder Crescent
Call 678-3612 for reservations
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