The Living Room Calgary Restaurant Review

July 25, 2013
By Cody Battershill

THE Living Room Calgary Restaurant Review

If you want to turn any ordinary night into a special one, I have just the suggestion for you.

It’s called the Living Room on 17th Avenue SW in Calgary! This beltline establishment is well known as one of Calgary’s premier restaurants.

Atmosphere – 9.5

Service – 9.0

Food – 9.5

Atmosphere and Service

Simply put, the Living Room never disappoints. It’s very cozy interior ambiance for chillier months, spectacular fire and floor lamp heated patio for summer eves, daily changing ‘fresh sheet’ feature menu and interactive seasonal menus are sure to impress even the pickiest of diners.

You will feel spoiled from the minute you walk in, they offer a dining experience generally reserved for celebrities and super VIP’s. The seemingly casual, but very precise, attention to detail by the entire front and back of house staff is above and beyond what I’d consider ‘average’ in the downtown Calgary dining scene.

This Connaught gem has coined the term “Contemporary Interactive Cuisine” as their concept. It’s an expanded twist on classic French and Italian cuisine with a distinctive Canadian touch, and it’s simply delectable.

They offer an extensive wine list with some really beautiful wines even available by the glass.

Famous for their contemporary fondues, either cheese or chocolate, the perfect setting is arranged for a first date, anniversary, business engagement, or a simple gathering of friends.

The term interactive is used to describe the way the chef has prepared many menu options specific for sharing, and I couldn’t be fonder of this suggested structure to the menu. I’m all for having the most incredible flavors possible jammed into one meal.

The Food and More...

A variety of fresh oysters are available from both east and west coasts, served with fresh shaved horseradish and a divine berry mignonette.

The lobster ravioli is to die for, and be sure to ask for extra bread to soak up the succulent citrusy beurre blanc sauce.

The calamari is neither battered nor deep fried, but rather fresh and baked in a sort of putanesca sauce, and on this particular summer menu, a watermelon caprese salad is available and serves as the perfect aperitif (or palate cleanser) before your entrée.

We shared the feature striploin, which was done in the best red wine demi glaze I’ve ever tried, a top baby potato, baby carrots, and a morel mushroom sauté.

The staff is knowledgeable and always eager to introduce food and wine parings, as exemplified with their five course menu suprisé prepared by Chef Kevin Hill. This is a really nice way for the restaurant to showcase their skills and talents. The ingredients used, the flavors created, and the stunning presentation of the food is truly an art form appreciated by any real foodie.

The diverse range of entrees and daily fresh sheets featuring exceptional/unique meats and seafood, are a few of the reasons that the Living Room maintains their status as one of Calgary’s premier restaurants.

Their commitment to consistency and forward thinking in the kitchen will keep them on the map for an indefinite amount of time. Make the most of your night, extend the special moments you’ve shared, keep it romantic, and walk to and from dinner back to your beautiful Connaught Condo.

***I can’t be sure that they are the originators of this drink, but they certainly are one of the originals, best, and most famous for their SHAFT. You must try it; that’s an order!!! A blend of espresso, milk, kahlua, and espresso flavored vodka, it’ll give you just the buzz you need to continue your night at any of the nearby Connaught pubs and bars. ***