Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/309330
(LE BEAUJOLAIS) KIM PAYANT S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 13 AROUND ALBERTA DISHING OUT DIAMONDS American and Canadian auto clubs use a rating system that bestows one to ve diamonds on deserving restaurants. The diamonds shine a light on the type of cuisine served and the frills surrounding it. But even one diamond means a delicious meal. by Shauna Rudd FOUR DIAMONDS Fine dining with air. An executive chef whips up complex, inspiring dishes; accomplished servers staff the dining room. Wine pairings may be selected by a sommelier, and luxuriant decor details such as table lamps and plush upholstery are the norm. Le Beaujolais, Banff: This mountain restaurant has upheld its four-diamond status since 1991, thanks to its ne French cuisine – and all 23 plaques are proudly displayed. Chef and owner Albert Moser recommends the whole Dover sole meunière, expertly deboned tableside to show that the llets are true sole. FIVE DIAMONDS The top of the ne-dining mountain. Expect world-class haute cuisine and dishes that are as much works of art as delicacies. A maître d' leads expert service staff including a sommelier; you're wielding the nest silverware and your every whim is anticipated and catered to. Eden at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff: The crowning jewel of the Rocky Mountains, Eden is Canada's only ve-diamond restaurant west of Ontario. Try the Chef's Tasting Menu with wine pairings as you drink in 180-degree views of Banff. W THREE DIAMONDS The start of ne-dining territory. There's a trained chef at the helm, a dining room manager and a de ned reception area. Inventive cocktails and a curated wine list grace the menu, while consistent design elements appear in every- thing from the decor and table- ware to the menus. Boxwood Café, Calgary: The savoury aromas of locally sourced, sustainable rotisserie porchetta and chicken greet diners at this Central Memorial Park- located "casual cousin" of the acclaimed River Café. A garden on the south side of the building supplies herbs and greens for summer salads. In lieu of reserva- tions, it's rst-come, rst-served. ONE DIAMOND Tasty, simple food at a fair price. These are quick-serve or cafeteria- style eateries with food prepared by a short-order cook. Expect plastic cutlery and paper napkins. Fifendekel Pie Shop Café, Edmonton: Step up to the coun- ter and order a sandwich on fresh-baked bread, with soup, salad and a piece of phenomenal pie. The coconut cream is a uffy, tropical dream. Discover more Alberta Diamonds! Pick up a CAA TourBook at your nearest AMA centre or visit: AMATravel.ca/ AMADiamonds TWO DIAMONDS Reasonably priced meals prepared by a cook or chef, with some atten- tion to plating. You order from a menu, and casually dressed serv- ers ferry food on china. A de ned reception area welcomes guests. The Manor Casual Bistro, Edmonton: This lovely spot checks so many three-diamond boxes it could easily achieve that rating, if not for being in a historical home and lacking space to meet some of the stricter decor requirements (such as a large waiting area). But its intimacy only adds to its charm. Chef and owner Cyrilles Koppert infuses international variety into the menu, and the cocktails are superb. p12-13Diamonds.indd 13 14-04-29 9:13 AM