parks suNNyside up NiGht liFe

Friday, May 17, 2013
N°5
FESTIVALS,
FOOD & WINE
issue
parks
Devonian Gardens the world’s largest
indoor green oasis in the city’s heart. //8
sunnyside up
Second-generation resident raises family
in well-loved neighbourhood. //10
night life
A club crawl of YYC’s hot spots takes us
to bars, casinos, lounges & theatres. //12
It’s like having
26 chefs as your
neighbour eclectic
restaurantsdo
free with con
NOW
BUILDIN
G!
LOFT INSPIRED LIVING
STUDIO CONDOS FROM $297K
ONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOM
CONDOS STARTING AT $300K
TWO BEDROOM TOWNHOMES FROM $545K
SALES CENTRE 1640 17A STREET SE // PHONE 587.353.8955
Friday, may 17, 2013
N°5
INNER-CITY
Inner-City Living is a publication of the
Calgary Herald’s Special Projects Department
LIVING
INNER-CITY
Cover: Nuit Blanche/11
Calgary’s entertainment scene has
received an injection of new local
events in the past 10 years, including
GlobalFest, Sled Island and the
city’s inaugural participation in Nuit
Blanche 2012, an international latenight arts festival that has a following
in Toronto, Paris and Halifax. Locally
held at Olympic Plaza, Nuit Blanche
will make a return engagement at the
plaza Sept. 21.
LIVING
FESTIVALS,
FOOD &
WINE
Image: Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald
J onas ’
F ood
Neighbourhoods/6
Gardens/8
Living in inner city/10
Night life/12
Fringe festival/15
Special Projects manager: Monica Zurowski, 403-235-7339; [email protected] // Special Projects co-ordinator/designer: Karen Petkau, 403-235-7513; [email protected]
advertising feature
SoBow so
accessible,
so beautiful
in Inglewood
Y
ou’ve heard of SoHo —
now say hello to Calgary’s
own SoBow.
Located next to beautiful Pearce
Estate Park in Inglewood, nestled
on the Bow River’s south bank,
SoBow is where everything comes
together.
“We have a vision for this
development, which is communitybased and Inglewood-focused,” says
Ted Gaisford, marketing program
manager with M2i Development
Corp., a division of Matco
Investments. “We have Calgary’s
most historical and eclectic neighbourhood at our front door and at
our back door is Mother Nature.”
Under the guidance of M2i, construction has begun on 1912Cross,
the second phase of SoBow, featur-
ing a mix of 120 condos and twostorey town homes, with 13 versatile floor plans to choose from.
Gaisford says this large number
allows 1912Cross to appeal to a
wide range of homebuyers, from
young singles and professionals up
to empty nesters.
“As only the second building in
SoBow (after the sold-out Phase
1, Grande House), 1912Cross
offers outstanding value to those
who wish to get into SoBow at the
start,” says Gaisford.
Each suite in 1912Cross has an
open layout with seven full-size
deluxe appliances, in-suite air-conditioning and heated underground
parking. Concrete construction
offers long-term value and imparts
a modern, urban esthetic, with
extensive use of brick, metal and
glass.
“We’re focusing on building integrated communities in Calgary’s
inner city,” he says. “We’re not just
putting up a building that has no
relation to where it sits. Everything
we do is respectful of the surrounding neighbourhood. SoBow will
take architectural and lifestyle cues
from Inglewood as it develops.”
That includes strong connections
to next-door 20-hectare Pearce
Estate Park with plans to connect via meandering pathways and
green space.
With only 694 units planned
for the entire six-hectare SoBow
development, it’s not going to be
overcrowded, either.
Prices in 1912Cross start at
$297,000 and include heated
underground parking. Floor plans
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
3
range from 694-square-foot studios
to 1,632-square-foot penthouses
with three bedrooms and three
baths.
Residents of 1912Cross and
Grande House will share exclusive
gym facilities, as well as concierge
and security services, Gaisford says.
First possessions at 1912Cross
are expected by the last quarter
of 2014, “in plenty of time for
Christmas,” says Gaisford.
“We’re within 10 minutes of
chicken paprikash
columnist and
restaurant reviewer john
G ilchrist tackles inner - city
jewels & gems /13-14
downtown, 15 minutes of the
‘mini-downtown’ they’re building at
Quarry Park, 15 minutes to the airport, and we have immediate access
to the Blackfoot and Deerfoot
trails. There’s no other site like this
in Calgary,” he says.
For more information, visit
sobowcondos.com or drop by the
sales centre at 1640 17A St. S.E.
(just off Blackfoot Trail), email
[email protected] or call
587-353-8955.
advertising feature
Avi Urban’s Victoria
Cross crowned Best
Community
CHBA - Calgary Region
2012
2012 MULTI-FAMILY
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
W
here soldiers once paraded, today
a new community is coming to
life.
Victoria Cross by Avi Urban, a townhome development whose name honours
those who served our country, is located on
the former Currie Barracks site, centrally
located near many shopping, recreation and
service areas and moments from Crowchild
Trail. Its location, amenities and design saw
Victoria Cross recently honoured at the
SAM Awards as Community of the Year.
It’s also been nominated for the National
SAM Awards Best Community and the
Alberta Awards of Excellence.
“Avi Urban is honoured to be recognized
by our industry for both the community and
marketing campaign of the year,” says president Charron Ungar. “We worked hard, and
being acknowledged for that is a good feeling. It’s great to share the spotlight with the
best in the homebuilding industry.”
Ranging from 2,100 to 2,300 square feet,
the three-storey townhomes at Victoria
Cross line the new neighbourhood’s central
boulevard and are designed to reflect the
traditional feel of the community.
Each home features unique elevations and
East Coast inspiration.
Features include James Hardie siding
and painted brick, permanent planter boxes
beneath the windows, stylish trim, and each
home is set amidst landscaped lots with
trees and greenery, including a fully landscaped back yard and a detached two-car
garage.
The homes overlook Victoria Cross
Boulevard, itself an example of attractive
community design.
Like something out of a Norman
Rockwell painting, the streetscape includes a
fully landscaped boulevard with park benches, paved pathway, and stone memorials
remembering those who fought for our freedom. Area amenities include the Richmond
Green Golf Course, tennis courts, baseball
diamonds, sports fields and quick access to
Garrison Green and Marda Loop with their
shops and services. It’s also minutes from
Mount Royal University.
Prices at Victoria Cross start in the
$790,000s, with homes available for immediate possession, and two model homes
can be toured. For more information, visit
liveatvictoriacross.com, or drop by the sales
centre at 132 Victoria Cross Blvd. S.W. (off
Sarcee Road, south of 33rd Avenue), open
Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and
weekends from noon to 5 p.m.
AUTHENTICALLY URBAN.
Located in the prestigious inner-city community of Currie Barracks, life at Victoria
Cross is all about distinctive living, fresh new spaces and an unmatched lifestyle.
Discover Calgary’s most unique townhome opportunity at
homesbyavi.com/victoriacross.
QUICK POSSESSION HOMES AVAILABLE
403 536 7230 | 132 Victoria Cross Blvd. SW
homesbyavi.com/victoriacross
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
5
LUXURY INNER-CITY
TOWNHOMES
FROM
THE
$790’S
neighbourhoods The Design District
The art in Design
Business owners love
district’s creativity
Words: Meghan Jessiman //
Images: Calgary Herald files
Appropriately named for its abundance
of cutting-edge furniture and decor shops
and some of the city’s most talented design
firms, Calgary’s Design District — roughly
running along 10th and 11th avenues between
4th and 14th Street in the city’s southwest
— is most people’s first stop when home
improvement is on the agenda.
Over the last few years, however, this
neighbourhood’s residents have diversified
and the downtown Design District is now
a hotbed of must-visit galleries, boutiques,
restaurants and wellness practices.
Known as the destination for indulgent
desserts, Brulee Patisserie has been a fixture in
advertising feature
Two new Carlisle
projects give new
buyers northsouth options
F
inally you can have it all —
at a price you never before
thought possible. Alberta’s
top-selling condo builder is upping
the ante with competitive pricing on
two new projects in Calgary’s northeast and southeast quadrants.
One such project is Lakeview
at Saddleridge by the Carlisle
Group, featuring two-bedroom
suites affordably priced from the
$120,000s. Located in northeast
Calgary, these units offer direct
access to Stoney Trail and are only
minutes away from the Saddletowne
LRT station, numerous parks,
schools, hospitals, dining options
and leisure venues, including the
new Genesis Place.
Lakeview is set to launch to the
public May 25, and at these prices,
the district for the past 16 years.
Owner Jennifer Norfolk says that during
that time, the area has transitioned from an
Electric Avenue feel, chock full of bars and
nightclubs to a true shopping destination.
“Over time, the frenetic bar energy has
given way to a calmer vibe, with more sitdown restaurants and outstanding galleries,”
she says. “I think this happened partly because
the younger crowd grew up a little or moved
on to 17th Avenue and partially because the
business and residential communities in the
area were growing larger and wanted a little
more from their neighbourhood.”
What Norfolk loves most about the district is
the creative inspiration and positive energy it
offers to business owners and visitors alike, and
she’s not alone in that feeling.
Kim Chernow, the owner of the district’s
boutique wine shop, the Ferocious Grape, has
discovered many gems over the last four years
she has spent in the hood. The clothing store
Lililime has a very unique selection,” she says.
“If you want something that nobody else has,
high demand is anticipated.
“We have a deposit-incentive
program that allows a purchaser to
reserve a unit with a payment of
only $1,000 at the opening launch,”
says vice-president of sales Tim
Bryce. “The purchaser makes up
their five per cent deposit in equal
payments over a five-month period.”
At these prices, homeowners can
qualify for a mortgage with a household income of only $32,300. That
translates to biweekly payments of
only $245, which is far less than the
average monthly rent in Calgary.
For this reason, “we attract a lot
of first-time homebuyers, emptynesters and investors. We also build
in communities where there are a
lot of extended families,” says Bryce,
adding home prices are expected
to increase again in the near future,
making now the time to buy with
current low interest rates.
Another hot project also offering
two-bedroom suites at affordable
prices is Albert Park Station in
southeast Calgary — a mere fiveminute drive from downtown. These
conveniently located two-bedroom
units, starting in the $140,000s,
shop there. I also
really enjoy visiting
Newbury spa and I
love my neighbours
at The Holy Grill —
they make a mean
Ferocious Grape owner
burger.”
kim chernow.
Jon Sawyer,
principal of Kit Interiors, has called the Design
District home since 2005. He has a number
of neighbourhood favourites including the
Cookbook Company, Metrovino, Broken
City, Avec and Domicile, just to name a few,
“independent businesses with a distinct vision,”
he says.
“Inner-city retail districts like ours give startup businesses the chance to grow without the
pressure of the high rents of the malls,” he says.
“This freedom allows us all to try new things
and offer shoppers something they can’t find
anywhere else. If I had to do it over again, I’d
pick the same spot in a heartbeat.”
With access to everything one needs to
live the good life within a few blocks’ radius,
offer access to all major traffic corridors, the LRT and all the shopping and dining amenities one could
desire on International Avenue. With an eye on quality and a
focus on value, suites at both properties feature efficient floor plans,
professionally co-ordinated interior
finishing packages, underground
heated parking, and free digital
television and internet for a year. A
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
6
brulee Patisserie owner Jennifer Norfolk.
it looks as though the vibrancy of this district
will only continue to grow along with the areas
residential community.
“I’m looking forward to doing more exploring
of my own,” Norfolk says of the steady stream
of new businesses opening up. “I can do my
grocery shopping and working out on my
lunch break and then I can break my fast and
stock up on wine, cheese and chocolate for
the evening.” //
third-party warranty guarantees the
quality of the final product. “Carlisle
is able to offer a price point, quality
and size of home that is unmatched
in the industry,” says Bryce.
To attend the Lakeview launch
or for more information, register
at liveatlakeview.ca. Register for
the invitation-only sales launch
of Albert Park June 8 by visiting
albertparkstation.ca. To take
advantage of an advance purchasing
opportunity at Albert Park Station
before June 8, email albertpark@
carlislegroup.ca. Show suites are
located at 102, 7210 80th Ave. N.E.,
where further information on finishes, site layout, area amenities and
floor plans can be obtained. Visit
the central sales office at 352 4th
Ave. S.E. (across from Bookers) or
call 403-228-5872.
o n ly 18 u n i t s l e f t !
fRoM the
Mem
orial
Drive
NE
2 Ave SE
Sales Centre Hours:
mon.-fri. 12-6 pm
weekends 12- 5
SE
4 Ave SE
403.228.5872
e SE
5 Av
Register at riverfrontpointe.ca
iMMEDiatE occupancY
Visit our new Discovery Centre at Riverfront Pointe, Main Floor 325 3rd St. SE Calgary.
352 4th AVenue se
3 Street SE
3 Ave SE
Riverf
ront A
ve
Macleod Trail SE
Centre Street S
ExEcutivE REntal pool
suitEs availablE*
Across the street from downtown plus 15
1 Street SE
$300’s
Garrison woods? the Bridges? Yaletown in Vancouver
ring any bells? there is no fashionably late in real estate.
with exciting changes to east Village, the river walk and
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*Professionally managed by Premiere Executive Suites
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Many suites under $180,000.
Sounds perfect to me!
sales launch event june 8
Register at albertParkstation.ca
2 BEdROOM CONdOS
$140’s
fROM ThE
11TH AVE. SE
12TH AVE. SE
27TH ST. SE
14TH AVE. SE
245 Bi-WEEKLY*
$
32,300
Prices shown do not include GST and are subject to change without notice. *Ask for details, based OAC.
It's Your Perfect
Station In Life
352 4TH AVENUE SE
Turn on 3rd Street
off Riverfront Ave.
(across from Bookers)
403.228.5872
Sales Centre Hours:
Mon.-Fri. 12-6 pm
Weekends 12- 5
3 Street SE
12TH AVE.
SE
NE
Riverfro
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SE
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fROM $
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core essentials Gardens
Garden grows
Devonian Gardens an indoor retreat
Words: Robyn Burnett // Images: Calgary Herald files
Calgary may be synonymous
with snow, but right in the heart of
downtown is a garden oasis that
allows for a glimpse of green all year
long.
Located on the 4th floor of the
Core Shopping Centre (317 7th Ave.),
the Devonian Gardens is Calgary’s
only indoor park, and is a little
piece of natural heaven that offers
something for everyone.
Known for being the world’s
largest indoor gardens, it garnered
international attention when it first
opened in 1977.
Now, thanks to a complete
advertising feature
The Guardian
caters to buyers
with sights for
luxurious living
L
iving at The Guardian, the
latest development by Hon
Towers, is paramount.
Not only does the prestigious
skyscraper offer a bird’s-eye view
of picturesque Calgary, but it also
provides the perfect place for
Calgarians who work in the core
to have a luxurious home close to
where they work and play. And
at The Guardian, there’s no more
supreme unit to choose than the
Paramount Suites.
“If you’re looking for luxury urban
living in Calgary, you’d be hardpressed to find anything superior
to the Paramount Suites at The
Guardian,” says Steven Cox, the
principal and creative director of
Cause+Affect, the brand and marketing team behind The Guardian.
“In terms of design, space, views,
finishing, appliances, location and
renovation by the City of Calgary,
the Devonian Gardens are more
beautiful than ever. Boasting 10,000
shrubs, 550 tropical trees, a ‘living
wall’, lots of natural light, serene
walkways and tranquil fish-filled
ponds, the gardens are more than
just a “pretty place.”
They are a great destination for
a multitude of reasons thanks to the
diverse offerings of the new space.
A perfect location to capture a
bit of serenity during a busy day,
Devonian Gardens has lots of
seated areas to just soak in the
surroundings.
value, there just isn’t anything that
matches The Paramount Suites.”
On floors 36 to 41 of the tallest residential tower in Calgary,
the Paramount Suites’ offerings
range from 1,256-square-foot twobedroom, two-bathroom units to
1,830-square-foot two-bedroom,
two-bathroom units with a media
room and den.
With only four suites per floor,
each Paramount Suite will have
grand views of the city, rivers and
mountains, particularly from its
massive balcony, which spans up to
472 square feet — the perfect vantage point from which to entertain
while barbecuing using the installed
natural gas lines.
“The Paramount Suites are a perfect combination of lifestyle, luxury
and location,” Cox says.
The Paramount Suites are
equipped with a premiere Miele
appliance package, many of which
with integrated panels in the kitchen, boast over-height ceilings and
come with two side-by-side parking spots. And like all suites at The
Guardian, they are outfitted with
kitchen and bathroom cabinets from
esteemed Italian company Armony
Cucine, adding to their sleek, modern design.
With three rental spaces, it has
also become a premiere event
location for weddings, corporate
functions, galas and fundraisers.
The Terrace is the largest
space, accommodating up to
350 people (150 for weddings)
with a range of seating options
amid the plants and ponds.
For smaller functions, the Event
Room is a private room for up to
80 people offering palm trees,
skylights, and a beautiful view of
the Calgary skyline.
Finally, the Gallery, located
“We are very proud to be the
first to bring Armony Cucine to
Calgary,” says Cox. “They’re fantastic
products that I think have set the
bar for quality in this city.”
Those lucky few who live in the
Paramount Suites will also have
access to all of The Guardian’s many
amenities: fitness centre and yoga
studio; workshop; and the luxurious social lounge that opens onto a
tranquil garden terrace.
“The Guardian sits atop one of
the most ideal locations of the city.
It’s minutes from downtown, steps
from Stampede Park, connected
to East Village by the 4th Street
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
8
on the +30 level of the gardens,
is an elegant option for cocktail
parties for up to 150 guests
(standing room only).
For adults looking to learn a
bit as they wander through this
paradise, pack a lunch and join
in the free weekly Devonian
Dialogue Series (12:15 p.m. on
Tuesdays in the event room).
Each week, a different theme is
discussed, from urban forestry to
composting, wetlands and more.
With a modern indoor
playground (and lots of fish to
underpass and minutes from the
RiverWalk pathways,” says Cox.
“East Village is undergoing a
massive revitalization and will be
home to many new businesses
and amenities, including the new
Central Library and the National
Music Centre.”
Moreover, Victoria Park — The
Guardian’s neighbourhood — is also
undergoing a rebirth, as the Calgary
developer New Urban plans the first
Renaissance ClubSport hotel and
fitness resort in Canada just one
block west of The Guardian on the
corner of 12th Avenue and Macleod
Trail S.E.
point out), it’s become a great
space for parents needing a
free play place while the snow is
on the ground. Drop-in programs
allow for some green education
for the kids, as well.
The weekly Mums and Sprouts
program located near the
playground includes a handson activity to educate little
ones about nature — all free of
charge. The gardens are also
open to schools, giving students
a taste of ecological education.
See CORE/12
In addition, Cox says the addition of nearby Stampede Trail, a
western-style retail-, restaurant- and
amenity-laden strip between 12th
and 14th avenues along Olympic
Way, will also make the area more
vibrant. The trail is being developed
by Alberta Development Partners
and Calgary Stampede and will
transform Stampede Park into a
year-round travel destination.
One bedrooms in The Guardian
start at $254,900, two-bedrooms
start at $423,900 and Paramount
Suites start at $710,900. For more
information, visit the project’s website theguardiancalgary.com.
PARAMOUNT
SUITES
Enjoy grand corner-suite views from the 36th floor and up. Soak it all in from
massive wraparound balconies and entertain friends in your sleek imported Italian
Armony Cucine kitchen with integrated appliances.
1,256 sq. ft. two bed, two bath to 1,830 sq. ft. two bed, two bath with media room and den. Each suite comes with two side-by-side
parking spots to extend the Paramount standard from the top of The Guardian to the bottom. STARTING AT $710,900
PR ESENTAT I ON CE NT RE 4 5 6 - 1 2 TH AV EN U E SE
T H E G U A R D I A N C A L G A R Y. C O M
Clockwise from top
left: Tracy, Benjamin,
Ryan and Callum
Collyer on the steps
of their 1912 home
in Sunnyside.
living it Inner-city dweller
Sunnyside of
Second-gen resident relives childhood
“It has the
feeling of a
small village,”
says Collyer, a
family support
worker. “People
are like-minded.
They want to be
connected with
their community.”
Sunnyside,
which is also
home to the
Calgary
Curling Club,
has retained its
character despite
the arrival of more
professionals and
fewer of the working–
class folks she
remembers as a child.
The neighbourhood
is trendier than in
those days, but shops,
such as Vendome
Café have only added to the overall
character, she says.
“It is diverse. I cannot imagine being
anywhere else at all,” adds Collyer.
“There is such life and vitality.”
She also loves the many remaining
character houses, including her own,
that help Sunnyside retain its charm. Her
father and uncle renovated her 1912,
two-storey, four-bedroom home, but
maintained much of the original look.
Thinking of moving
Sunnyside of
life? Consider these
facts:
// Located north
of Bow River, across
to the
from downtown
Calgary.
// Adjacent to
Kensington shopping
and dining district;
Sunnyside is primarily
residential.
// Home of Calgary
Curling Club at
Words: Gerard Young // Images: Michelle Hofer
When
American
novelist
Thomas Wolfe
wrote You
Can’t go
Home Again,
he didn’t have
someone like
Tracy Collyer
in mind for
his main
character.
Unlike the
fictional,
disillusioned
George Webber, the
38-year-old mother of
two found it easy to
return to her Sunnyside
neighbourhood where
as a kid, she rode her
bike, played in nearby
parks and enjoyed
treats at Bernie’s
corner store.
These days, there’s more traffic near
her 2nd Avenue home from the busy
Memorial Drive thoroughfare and a
few more condos and trendy eateries in
Sunnyside and adjacent Kensington.
However, for her, the neighbourhood
— one of Calgary’s oldest — retains the
same feel it did when she used to skip
across the street to Sunnyside elementary
school, where her children Benjamin, 8,
and Callum, 5, now attend.
S unnyside
the east end of the
neighbourhood.
// One of the oldest
neighbourhoods in the
life
A key feature is the front porch
looking out at Calgary’s cityscape. Also,
a double lot affords lots of play space
and is garnished with cherry blossom,
weeping birch and crab apple trees.
While Bernie’s may be boarded up,
there are other convenience stores, as
well as two grocery stores, two parks,
numerous coffee shops and other
amenities within walking distance.
Husband Ryan Collyer, 41, is from
Sherwood Park, but has lived all over
Calgary since moving south to attend
college. However, since the couple
moved to Sunnyside 14 years ago, there
is no other neighbourhood for him.
The couple moved into their current
home a year ago.
He loves the outdoors and keeps fit,
so Sunnyside’s proximity to bike paths is
appealing. He hops on his mountain bike
and can be at his job as a paramedic
in his downtown station in less than nine
minutes. However, he often chooses
other routes of up to 17 kilometres long
for a workout.
Apart from the amenities, the family
is within easy walking distance of the
Sunnyside C-Train station and one stop
from the free-fare zone in the downtown
core. Still, what Ryan really loves is how
close-knit the community is. He recalls
even before they had children, he and
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
10
Tracy joined a group that successfully
rallied against the planned closure of
Sunnyside Elementary, which nowadays
is filled to capacity. Parents are always
willing to keep an eye on each others’
children, he adds.
When Tracy’s father Bill Sneddon and
his buddy bought the home the Collyers
now live in 1970, they paid $19,000. It
is now valued at about $800,000. The
property-buying duo later purchased
three more homes in Sunnyside and
rented out the 1912 home to the Collyers.
“I don’t frequent a lot of places the
young people do, but there
is nowhere else I
would want
to live,” says
Sneddon. //
city, with a population
of about
3,700;
homesteaders settled
the area in the
1880s
with the area becoming
City of
Calgary in 1904.
// Original residents
worked for Canadian
Pacific Railway and
Eau Claire sawmill;
now, mostly urban
professionals.
// Home to Sunnyside
part of the
elementary school and
C-Train station.
// Part of the
Hillhurst-Sunnyside
Community
Association.
// Calgary Real
Estate Board reports
that the inner-city
a
market is more vibrant
than anywhere in the
city; average
2012
cost of single-family
home was
$685,000,
townhouses almost
$619,000 and
condominiums
$298,500.
classical revolution calgary performed
in bars and cafes last year in an effort
to bring classical music to new listeners.
city comparison Calgary vs. Edmonton
arts & culture
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embrace city ’ s
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Calgary and Edmonton
are often pitched against
one another in the battle of
Alberta, but some Calgarians
might concede when it comes
to arts and culture.
“Driving to work listening to
CBC, you get the sense that
people here seem to have
a larger, more established
appreciation for the arts,” says
Ian Smith, a saxophonist and
born-and-raised Calgarian
who recently moved to
Edmonton for work.
That strong, supportive
relationship between artists
and audience has been a key
component to the capital city’s
successful arts scene, which is
as recognized for its vibrant
summer festivals as its classical
offerings, says John Mahon,
executive director of the
Edmonton Arts Council.
So, too, is the fact that no
one event seems to overpower
the rest.
“My sense is the Stampede
is so big and dominant
that it might, consciously or
unconsciously, crowd out other
events,” Mahon says.
Fresh off its one-year stint as
the Cultural Capital of Canada
in 2012, however, Calgary is
insert, top: Slow Learners
play during the 2012 Sled
Island. Insert, bottom: irishbased comedy dance theatre
company Ponydance entertain
shoppers during this year’s high
performance rodeo.
// calgary herald files
proving that it’s not a onetrick pony — and indeed
never has been.
And people are noticing.
“We’re really pleased
with what’s happening in
Calgary,” Mahon says.
“I hope that Calgarians
realize what a treasure it is
and start buying tickets for
these shows.”
Smith also sees that
growth, which he believes
stems from the budding
entrepreneurial spirit
among local artists, such as
Calgary Philharmonic bassist
Matt Heller who a year
ago organized Classical
Revolution Calgary, a group
that brings classical music into
bars and cafes.
Much like Edmonton, a lot
of the credit for Calgary’s
burgeoning cultural community
is given to the people —
artists and those demanding
more options for theatre,
music, dance, exhibitions.
“There’s something
about the youthfulness of
Calgary,” says Terry Rock,
president and CEO of
Calgary Arts Development.
See CITY/12
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
11
core essentials Entertainment
‘Cheers’ to downtown hot spots
W ords : M eghan J essiman // I mages : C algary H erald
files
When it comes to getting dressed in YYC, there’s
no denying that Luon and Gortex reign supreme the
majority of the year.
Sure, come July, the Wranglers and cowboy boots
come out to play, but for the most part, we are a
pretty casual crowd and we like it that way. Every now
and again, though, it’s nice to dust off the sport coat
or cocktail dress and hit the town in high style. Here’s
where to go where to find the action next time the
party clothes — and vibe — are calling your name.
Ox & Angela (528 17th Ave. S.W.; oxandangela.com)
Spanish in both vibe and taste, Ox & Angela’s bar
serves up some of the tastiest cocktails and nibbles in
the city. Composed of unlikely liquor choices, fresh fruit
and house-made bitters, you can’t go too wrong with
any of the libations on offer, but the Rio Fogo (Sagatiba
Cachaca shaken with passion fruit and a hint of fresh
chili) and the house sangria are both showstoppers.
West (225 7th Ave. S.W.; westrestaurantandbar.com)
There are few places in Calgary that embrace
peacocking (aka. putting on your finest
frocks and strutting your stuff) quite
as much as West. If you
are in the mood
to see and
be seen, its rooftop patio,
complete with fireplaces,
cosy cabanas, full kitchen
and bar service and an
impressive city view, offers
just the right, well, scene.
Viva Mexico Dance entertain shoppers at Deerfoot Mall during GlobalFest
2013. <Calgary Herald files>
Elbow River Casino
(5218 18th Ave. S.E.;
elbowrivercasino.com)
No need to splurge out
on a flight to Las Vegas
when we have a “Vegasstyle” casino right in the
heart of downtown. No
longer just a destination to
try your luck at the tables
or on the slots, the Elbow
River Casino is now a one-stop shop for entertainment.
Housing three different dining options, Yuk Yuk’s
Comedy Club and regularly booking superstar musical
acts on the Bayou Stage, glitz and glamour are always
in full effect on the casino floor.
Milk Tiger (1410 4th St. S.W.; milktigerlounge.ca)
Old-timey, classic cocktails are having a moment
and no one in YYC delivers them as well the gang of
skilled bartenders at Milk Tiger. And extensive list of
Champagne cocktails, Manhattans, Negronis and a few
more innovative concoctions, these pros make them all.
More impressive, though, is they are happy to educate
you about what they are serving up, while they are at it.
A drink and a history lesson, now that’s our idea of a
good date..
The Theatre
From Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre
Calgary to Vertigo Mystery and the latest
billing at the Theatre Junction Grand, there is
a show to suit every viewer’s tastes. Nothing
screams culture like a night at the theatre, so
suit up and step out. Check atplive.com,
theatrecalgary.com, vertigotheatre.com
and theatrejunction.com for season
details. //
Jef Kubik, left, and Alan Cho, on stage
at Yuk Yuks at Elbow River Casino.
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
12
city Arts...
“We have a large cohort
of young professions and I
think a lot of the enthusiasm
is being driven by that group.
They really love their arts
scene and they’re connecting
to it in ways that perhaps the
generation just before them
didn’t.”
This has resulted in people
stepping up within the last five
to 10 years to bring and invest
in new local events, such
as GlobalFest, Sled Island
and Calgary’s inaugural
participation last year in Nuit
Blanche, an international
late-night arts festival that has
a strong following in Toronto,
Paris and Halifax.
Other events have gained
in popularity as they’ve
matured, such as the High
Performance Rodeo.
Exciting new offerings
continue to come the city,
such as the first installment of
Beakerhead, which is planned
for this September.
This five-day showcase will
merge arts with science and
engineering.
Now is the time to
capitalize on this interest
so that arts and culture are
seen as a priority in this city
for generations to come
— something Calgary Arts
Development recently started
working on with the creation
of a new policy.
“I’m really excited that the
plan will have a big focus on
education,” Rock says. “That
means the long-term future
of arts and culture in Calgary
will be really bright.” //
core Gardens...
For those kids who can’t
get enough green, you can
also book birthday parties.
For kids five and up, the
gardens offers two party
themes — How Does a
Garden Grow and Pests or
Pals. Parties include handson nature activities, guided
walks and crafts for up to 20
kids. Families with natureloving kids will find that these
birthday options are a natural
fit.
Strolling around the
Devonian Gardens may
bring a sense of serenity, but
this green gem has grown
since its inception, offering the
community much more than
a simple natural setting. It
has become a thriving space
with diverse offerings for
individuals of all ages — and
it just keeps growing. //
LIVING FESTIVALS, FOOD & WINE
INNER-CITY
Jewels & gems
C
algary’s inner city is packed with great
dining options from the finest corporateclient restaurants to tiny hidden gems.
<JOHN GILCHRIST>
room (if someone else is paying.)
At the Olympic Plaza end of Stephen
Step off the Avenue and into Charcut,
Avenue, Teatro holds sway in the cena meaty enclave in Le Germain where
tury-old, high-ceilinged Dominion Bank
Building. The sleek interior, the contem- chefs make their own charcuterie —
try the mortadella — and where bone
porary Mediterranean menu created by
marrow is as
talented chef
common as
John Michael
butter.
MacNeil and
Or stay on
Teatro’s deep
n Anju -- Spicy salt-cured squid ($5)
Stephen Avwine list make
n Catch – Dungeness crab cakes ($18)
enue for a visit
Teatro a destin Charcut – Prime rib sandwich ($16)
to Home Tastnation for the
n Downtownfood – Tuna tataki ($13)
ing Room in
higher end of
n Escoba – Seafood paella ($29)
the sandstone
the market.
n Jonas’ – Chicken paprikash ($15; full portion: $19)
Ashdown
n Mango Shiva – Braised lamb shank ($27)
At a simin Q Haute Cuisine – Lunch special starter and a main
Hardware
lar level, just
course (starting at $15).
Building. The
across 1st
n Rush – Rush burger ($19)
food is rustic
Street S.E.,
n Silver Dragon – Black pepper beef tenderloin ($15.50) and homey
Centini fires
and reasonup a modern
ably priced.
Italian menu that includes hand-thrown
Across from Home, The Belvedere oflunch pizzas and house-made pastas.
fers one of the more unique views of the
The service here is always excellent.
Calgary Tower through a decades-old
On the same block, Catch offers two
versions of seafood; the livelier and less skylight. The cuisine is haute (Siberian
caviar for $130) and lush and available
expensive oyster bar (if you’re paying)
a la carte or in tasting menus.
and the elegant, second-floor dining
INNER-CITY FAVS
J onas ’
Looking for Alberta beef? The lunchtime New York steak sandwich ($20)
at The Trib is outstanding, as are the
rest of its meaty offerings. Or try the
beef at the Rimrock Dining Room in the
Fairmont Palliser Hotel — that’s a great
way to finish.
But what about the smaller, hidden
places downtown?
Few are as hidden as Jonas’, Calgary’s only Hungarian restaurant. It’s in
a long, narrow space that was formerly
a laundromat. Regardless, the chicken
paprikash ($15) is as hearty as any I’ve
had in Budapest.
Most people do a double take over
Anju’s address. Hidden amid the condo
towers of the west end, it’s tricky to
find. But Roy Oh’s Modern Korean food
will bring you back time and again.
(Even the tofu is gorgeous.)
See Jewels/14
Inspired Diner Fare
Still think
J.Webb
is just
Your breakfast
lunch & dinner diner.
fine wine?
Think again.
Now Serving Herbicide
and Pesticide Free Produce
from our Own Garden
Over 250 sensational
wines for less than $20
Hundreds of organic and
sustainable wines
Fun and informative
weekly tastings
1613 9TH STREET SW (JUST OFF 17TH AVENUE)
chicken paprikash <C algary H erald files >
Locally sourced
products Calgary’s Top 10
New Restaurants Lunch & Dinner
Reservations call Ahead
www.jwebb.net
Glenmore Landing: 90th Ave. and 14th St. SW | Casel Marché: 24th St. and 17th Ave. SW
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
13
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#4-1420 9th Ave SE Calgary, AB.
403-234-8885 • Inglewood
www.finedinercalgary.com
Salads, grills & libations
I
t’s a law of nature: As the
seasons change, so, too,
do our taste buds.
<MEGHAN JESSIMAN>
While the Bordeaux blends and Californian cabs will always have a place next to
a grilled sirloin, spring and summer are the
ideal time to familiarize yourself with some
of the wine world’s less-explored options.
Summer Salads
Spring and summer’s tender greens can
so easily be overpowered by the wrong
wine choice. Most white varietals will do in a
pinch, but Calgary’s Ferocious Grape owner
Kim Chernow suggests bubbles as salads
ultimate match. “A nice sparkling wine or
Champagne pairs well with so many things,
but most vegetable dishes are actually the
ideal counterpoint,” she says. “Bubbles are
light, fun and tasty and they get the palate
ready for more. They also won’t be competing for attention with most salad dressings.”
Fish Without the Chips
There’s nothing quite as nice as grilling up
some fresh seafood and enjoying a feast al
fresco. “A sauvignon blanc, especially one
from New Zealand, is a nice choice for fish,
since most are quite delicate,” Chernow
says. “The mineral quality of these wines is
exactly what you want when serving seafood and they also have a beautiful acidity
to bring the flavours out in whatever side
dishes you choose.” Serve nice and chilled
on your favourite patio for best results.
WINE FESTS
Wine events to check out:
n May 24: The Delta Calgary’s Winter to Spring
dinner in the hotel’s Atrium restaurant. Chef
Dana Rogers has planned a four-course meal
with each course paired with a premium wine.
n May 29: Metrovino wine store’s Patio Pinks, a
class and tasting on dry and sweet pink wines from The New and Old Worlds.
n June 5: Metrovino’s The Beautiful North
(Italian Style), an evening dedicated to
discussions and tasting of wines from Northern Italy. Background will be provided on well-known
and lesser-known producers and estates, as well
as on grapes indigenous to the area.
n For more information: localwineevents.com.
A BARBECUE With the Crew
Barbecue sauce has a lot of flavour all on
its own, so finding the right wine accompaniment can be tricky. Chernow recommends
zinfandel for its multiple flavour layers.
“These wines are jam-packed with dark
fruit, but they aren’t too heavy,” she says.
“It’s a definite crowd pleaser and because
of its multi-dimensional taste it pairs well
with all kinds of foods you are likely to find
at a backyard cookout.”
Dishes That Bring the Heat
When it comes to turning up the culinary heat, it’s best to look to a winemaking
country that knows a thing or two about
spice. For red options, Chernow looks to
Spain’s tempranillos for their soft, spice-free
finish. “Tempranillo has a ton of flavour, but
instead of overtaking the spice on the plate,
Just Like
Your Mom
Better
with Age
Party Where Your Parents Did
Lancaster Building
304 - 8th Avenue SW
theunicorncalgary.com
Beach Blanket Bingo
When you are packing a picnic basket full
of delectable meats
and cheeses you really can’t beat a tasty,
yet affordable blend
from California. “The
Americans have mastered putting six, seven, or eight grapes
together to come up
with a mouthful of
goodness,” Chernow
says. “These wines
are typically not too
heavy, and pairing
them with charcuterie and cheese just
brings out more of
the flavours in the
wine.” Ironically, “table wines” are great
for blanket fare. //
Double Zero is as downtown as you can get but
since it’s in the basement of
The Core, it’s not an obvious
location. But it has downtown’s best pizza — Neapolitan style — so don’t miss
it. And for excellent Persian
cuisine – kebabs, rich stews
of chicken, pomegranete
and walnuts— for very affordable prices, check out
Atlas.
And if you’re downtown,
look for downtownfood.
Under the direction of chef/
owner Darren MacLean,
Downtownfood offers local,
seasonal cuisine with an
Asian twist.
Then look into the glassand-steel Eighth Avenue
Place for the tiny Cucina,
an off-shoot of Teatro
(read:cheaper) with big
flavours.
There are dozens of gems
in Chinatown, but for a
quick, tasty and cheap lunch
you can’t beat Trung Nguyen
with its Vietnamese sub
sandwiches.
Perhaps the best hidden
gem in downtown — to visitors at least — is River Café.
We locals have known about
the Prince’s Island restaurant
for years but visitors are still
challenged with finding it.
These are just a taste of
what Calgary’s inner city has
to offer. //
SIP
DOWNTOWN’S
FINE
Authentic
EAST COAST
EXPERIENCE
• Live Music •
• East Coast Pub Fare •
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403-452-3832 • Like us on Facebook
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
14
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#223 8TH AVENUE SW
WWW.THELIBERTINE.CA
DRINKS
We Get
it complements that depth of
flavour,” she says. For white
wine lovers, Chernow suggests the verdejo grape from
from Spain’s Rueda region.
“This area is a leader in white
wine making and has been for
centuries. Verdejo showcases
lemon and citrus, minerality and, above all, a sharp
acidity which makes it
especially compelling with
spicy meals.”
JEWELS
Fringe benefits
T
he Calgary Fringe Festival isn’t on the fringe of
the theatre scene anymore — it’s flourishing in the
community of Inglewood and is only getting hotter.
<ROBYN BURNETT>
Coming into its
the establishment of
eighth year, the artistthe Canadian Associafriendly festival contion of Fringe Festivals.
n Dates: Aug. 2 to 10.
tinues to attract more
Originally, the Caln Tickets: Go on sale
and more performers
gary
festival was split
on July 1. Prices are
thanks to the dedicain venues between
determined by individual artists, to
tion and passion of
17th Avenue and
a maximum $15.
festival director and
downtown, making
n Shows: Descriptions available
producer Michele Gal- online later this month.
it hard for patrons to
lant and her team.
move from show to
n Info & tickets: calgaryfringe.ca.
“I used to be a
show.
financial planner. So
“When we found
doing this, for me, is living the dream.
Inglewood, the merchants took a leap
I’m always amazed at something—the
of faith with no idea of what to expect,”
inventiveness of the artists is incredsays Gallant. “It’s a nine-day festival
ible,” says Gallant.
and for that first fest in the area in 2006,
The concept of the ‘fringe’ festival
many of the owners closed down for
goes back to Edinburgh, Scotland,
that period of time — until they saw all
where a group of theatre producers
the people attending.”
wanted to put on shows but there
Since then, “they have been so welwas no room in the city, so they found
coming, with many opening their doors
spaces on the ‘fringe’ of town.
for performers to use their space at no
The first Canadian Fringe Festival was charge.”
in Edmonton in 1982, which then led to
The Calgary festival now has nine
FEST FUN
advertising feature
Momentum grows
for up-andcoming
East Village
Y
ears in the planning,
Calgary’s East Village is
already setting a new standard for inner-city redevelopment.
Construction is now underway
on two major condo developments,
which, combined with the recent
groundbreaking for the National
Music Centre, shows momentum
is growing and the vision of East
Village is starting to take shape.
“We had Embassy Bosa, developers of Evolution, breaking ground
last September, and in the beginning of February, Fram+Slokker
broke ground for its project, First.
Both are in the ground and under
construction, which is a big signal to
Calgarians and potential buyers that
East Village has arrived,” says Clare
Nolan, senior manager of marketing
and communications with Calgary
Municipal Land Corp., chief landowner in the East Village.
CMLC’s mandate is to guide
development of the East Village, “so
when the master plan was produced
in 2009, that document provided
the vision and plan for the whole
community.
“Our job is to ensure we have the
right mix of residential, retail, commercial and public places, as well as
the cultural institutions that make
a well-rounded community,” says
Nolan.
A projected population of 11,000
will live in this diverse neighbourhood that is to include not only the
National Music Centre, which also
broke ground in February, but also
a new central branch of the Calgary
Public Library, a Hilton hotel and
the RiverWalk, the latter of which
has already proven to be a success.
“This spring, we embarked on
the redevelopment of St. Patrick’s
Island — a project that will turn
the under-utilized park space into
an activity destination for all East
Village residents and Calgarians to
enjoy,” says Nolan, adding a pedestrian bridge between East Village
and the island is expected to be
completed this year. “That 30-acre
(12-hectare) island has huge potential.”
Nolan says the best way to
introduce oneself to the new East
DEVILISH DELIGHTS
Stephen LaFrenie as the Devil and Sarah
Joy Bennett as Minion in Keystone Theatre’s
The Last Man on Earth at the 2012 Calgary
Fringe Festival. < calgary herald file >
venues, all within a 10-minute walk of
each other. With 31 confirmed acts, all
guaranteed six performances over the
nine-day festival, the range of performance spaces only makes it more
exciting. Each show is about an hour.
“There can be 20 to 25 shows going
on in a day,” says Gallant. “For me,
that’s a part of the fringe experience.
Major shows cost $60 a ticket. “Here,
you can see four or more for the same
price and watch something completely
new. Every year we grow — last year,
we just broke 9,000 attending.”
Village is to attend an event there.
After a successful slate of events in
2012, this year the plan is for East
Village to host at least one signature event each month through the
spring, summer and fall, including
the annual Rock the Walk.
From May 23 to June 2, East
Village will also host performances by Melanie Jones of her
Run Woman Show Endure, tying
calgaryherald.com/innercityliving
15
The Alexandra Centre also holds
a workshop for kids ages nine to 15
where they write and produce their
own shows, which are performed during a special matinee on the opening
Saturday at 1 p.m. A junior technician
mentorship/apprenticeship program
during the Fringe run is also offered to
high school students.
“If you’ve never seen performance
poetry, dance movement or experimental art, here you can find it. It’ll only take
an hour of your time so it’s a chance to
try something different,” says Gallant. //
in with the Scotiabank Calgary
Marathon. East Village will also
host Canada’s first outdoor summer opera festival this August. This
four-day, six show performance of
The Pirates of Penzance will be on
RiverWalk Plaza Aug. 22 to 25.
“The events and programs we
have planned will allow people
to come to East Village and truly
experience it,” says Nolan.
“Whether it’s taking an outdoor
yoga class or enjoying food trucks,
it’s a way for people to get a feel
of how this community is evolving
into a new destination.”
Learn more about the ongoing
transformation of East Village at
the new 8,000-square-foot sales and
experience centre at 553 Riverfront
Ave. S.E., or visit CMLC’s village
website at evexperience.com.
4 Ave SE
f ro
nt
Av
e
Bo
w
R iv
er
SALES
CENTRE
St. Patrick’s
Island
6 Ave SE
LRT
City
Hall
6 St SE
EVEXPERIENCE.COM/REALESTATE
ve
r
4 St SE
HOMES AT EVOLUTION FROM $359,000. HOMES AT FIRST FROM THE MID $200’S.
Ri
Macleod Trail SE
Right now, East Village is coming to life. Your condo overlooking the Bow River is under construction –
actually, 399 of them are being built as you read this. A new bridge to St. Patrick’s Island is going
up at this moment and will be completed this year; the island itself is being rejuvenated as we
speak into a green breathing space for all Calgarians. The $150 million National Music Centre at the
historic King Eddy just broke ground. A landmark new Central Library is in the planning stages at
this very minute. The iconic Simmons Building is in the process of becoming your favourite new
gathering place. A summer full of events and surprises is on its way. We’re building a new way
of city life on the downtown riverfront site where Calgary was born. It’s right around the corner.
Come see for yourself at the East Village Sales and Experience Centre.
8 Ave SE
King
Eddy
Fort
Calgary