City Style and Living - Winter 2008/2009 - (Page 50)

Putting our wedding crasher fantasies HOTEL ARTS 119 - 12th Avenue SW Stepping out of our car, an eager valet opens the door for our stroll down the plush red carpet and past the sliding doors of Calgary's first boutique hotel— Hotel Arts. Looking past the main lobby, an eclectic mix of sleek modernity and South Beach cool, a glimpse of one of the hotel’s focal points–the pool– beckons us to sit around, sip a cocktail and admire the view. The hotel has a sophisticated yet casual, sexy atmosphere. It seems to subtly announce a legacy of great parties, with equally impressive guests. Upon check-in, we could not help but be magnetically drawn to the buzz of a wedding taking place in one of the hotel’s reception rooms. Putting our wedding crasher fantasies aside, we headed up to our junior luxury suite. The Art deco light fixtures and red wing back chairs in the hallway made it impossible for us to not believe we were rock stars, crashing for the night. We were welcomed into our entirely spacious yet cozy suite by a perfectly chilled bottle of Prosecco and house made chocolates—a delightful and welcomed treat (available with the Romance package). We sat back on the leather couch, under the warm throw and toasted our vacation away from home. The night was complete with a sweet pastille of Bernard Callebaut chocolate on our 310-thread count Pima cotton pillows. While settled into the most luxuriously plush Kingsized bed capped with a suede headboard, we watched the remainder of the football game on the enormous forty-two inch plasma television. We pulled the cozy goose down duvet over us and fell into a slumber. RAW BAR undoubtedly sets a cool tone - the lights are dim, diners are enjoying themselves and the large red sofas and low tables make for an intriguing setting. On the night we arrived tables of diners were feasting on crab legs, while others sipped their drinks and chatted. Our cocktails, Derelict (well-balanced) and Snow Globe (tasted like the essence of flowers) were delectable. The highlight of our Chef’s collection meal created by James Waters was the tempura trio of prawn, yam, and green been which was crisp, light, and exactly as it should be. For dessert the chocolate platter created by Karine Moulin, benefited from the unusual secret ingredient—tofu. A chocolate terrine mousse was silky without being overpowering. 50 | WINTER 2008/09 | citystyleandliving.com FAIRMONT PALLISER 133 9th Avenue SW OLIVES Stepping into spacious, modern Olives, amber tinged chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, adding just the right ambiance to the relaxed atmosphere inside. Taking the dinner and a movie concept to an elevated height, Olives open concept kitchen makes this the star attraction. It is refreshing to see the chefs able to display their skills before the public. Sizzling, searing and chopping punctuate the air, while the scent of roasted garlic and freshly baked focaccia permeate. Led by executive chef Jonathan Canning the chefs work together briskly, while diners surrounding the perimetre of the kitchen interact with waiters. The inviting dish of Southern Italianimported olives was one of the highlights of our three course meal. Our fruity, mellow, enormous green olive was devoid of any salty brininess. The meal began with a selection of New Brunswick oysters, and cornmeal breaded calamari with a Puttanesca style tomato sauce- the crispiness of the fresh baby calamari married well with the intensely salty sauce, this was followed by braised lamb with orzo and halibut with white beans and radicchio. The finale to our meal was two dessertsa tiramisu topped with a bright fuchsia flower, surrounded by a plate of Illy espresso bean chocolate. The spoon of rich chocolate mousse atop the cylindrical glass added a depth to the lightness of the tiramisu. Our hazelnut panna cotta, a nod to the ubiquitous filberts of Piedmont, was replete with the taste of the nut, while the silky creaminess was not too rich after our meal. The panna cotta, served in a chilled glass, was accompanied by four miniscule amaretti cookies, adding a textural contrast to this dessert. www.hotelarts.ca www.olivesrestaurant.ca Have you ever wanted to trade places with Eloise, the mischievous little pampered girl who lived at a famed New York hotel? The good news is that this dream can be realized. The historic Fairmont Palliser in downtown Calgary is one of the city’s most recognizable edifices. Our late night check-in seemed to show off the sparkle of the oversized crystal chandeliers above our heads. The decadence of the eight foot tall Christmas tree dripping with gold and red glittered ornaments in the centre of the lobby accented the space effortlessly. In fact everywhere you looked, a touch of Winter holiday opulence was apparent. The bellmen decked out in top hats, coattails and white gloves ushering guests into the hotel is an ode to a bygone era and a touch of good old fashioned hospitality. When we awoke on Sunday morning to a freshly fallen blanket of snow—our unobstructed view of the Pacific Railway and beyond was a sweeping way to begin our day. The famous Fairmont brunch was awaiting us below- a display of roast meat, salads, bread and cheese, made to order omelets, Belgian waffles and an array of cakes, mousses and sweets. Crowds of eager adults, turned into children marveling at the spread were lined up. While there was plenty to choose from, we were disappointed that our favourite clam chowder, nanaimo bars and multigrain rolls were absent. As the live piano music suddenly commenced, guests filed into both the famed Rimrock and Oak rooms, the inviting warmth of the fireplace and oak wood surrounding the tables filled the room with a lively atmosphere. This is an experience everyone should try once. www.fairmont.com/palliser Perks: complimentary water beside bed (a requisite for dry aired Calgary); High speed internet connection; Sink and ‘bar area’ in room; Full length mirror and ‘powder area’ Perks: Miller Harris toiletries; Great views (especially with snowfall). Tip: check in on Friday and do some late night shopping (hours are extended during December). Bottom Line: Hotel Arts beds are the epitome of luxury. e Hotel Arts Group restaurants are cool and modern. Go for drinks at Raw Bar, eat dinner at Olives and end the night like a rock star in your suite. Bottom Line: Live a fantasy life at the Palliser. is is the place you loved as a child. COURTESY HOTEL ARTS, FAIRMONT PALLISER, K& S MEDIA http://www.fairmont.com/palliser http://www.hotelarts.ca http://www.olivesrestaurant.ca http://www.citystyleandliving.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of City Style and Living - Winter 2008/2009

City Style and Living - Winter 2008/2009 Contents Editor's Note Behind the Cover The District Events Wrap It Up To Market To Market Culinary Conversation Need It Want It Kitchen Restaurant Inspiration Dancing the Cocoa Covet Prêt-à-porter Inspired By... Giving Anatomy Of... Casanova Fragrance Profile Focal Pointe Passport 24 Hours In... The Staycation Ombudsperson Horoscopes Final Thought

City Style and Living - Winter 2008/2009

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