Restaurant Review Saint Germain in Calgary
Classic French Cuisine Styled for the Modern Foodie
Sep 2, 2008
Shortly after opening, Saint Germain was voted one of Canada’s Top 10 New Restaurants by EnRoute Magazine for 2006. Located alongside the Hotel Arts at 119 12th Avenue SW the establishments work together to create an atmosphere of sophistication and satisfaction.
Fresh Fare
Saint Germain’s Executive Chef Peter Swarbrick creates a menu fusing classic French dishes with locally produced goods. The fresh dishes feature traditional cooking standards with modern presentations. Each dish on the seasonal menu is as sumptuous to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. With quintessential cuisine such as foie gras, escargots and duck confit Saint Germain is a culinary trip through the provinces of France.
The wine cellar, a glass walled work of art, is fully stocked with a plethora of French and international selections by the glass or the bottle. The bartender can also skillfully blend a wide variety of mixed drinks. Pastis, a staple liqueur in France, is also available on the drink menu.
Setting the Mood
The ambience of Saint Germain is cool and classy. Styled with an au courant French flair the walls are adorned with contemporary art. There are tables and secluded booths dressed in very minimalist decoration. The floors, a polished concrete, offer a neutral palette off which the lime green dinner chairs play dramatically in the intimate space. A large wall separating the ‘bistro’ from the lounge is art in itself with intricately carved details.
As the city darkens outside the floor to ceiling glass front wall the evening lights blend into the low candlelight. In the newly rejuvenated neighbourhood of Victoria Crossing a window seat allows for a night of interesting people watching as the area begins to come to life once the sun goes down.
Prairie Paris
For the foodies in Calgary searching for a real taste of France, Saint Germain is much like a restaurant one might find on the namesake street in Paris. The bistro offers a constantly revolving menu of satiating eats and a long list of libations throughout the year. The restaurant is open every day for dinner from 5pm until 10pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday) and a special selection is offered on Sundays. For the “See You Sunday” events a 3-course menu with 3 choices per course is offered for only $39. Lunch is also served from Wednesday to Friday, 11:30am until 2pm.
Information
Walk-in guests are welcome and reservations may be made online or by calling (403) 290-1322. Located in a bustling area of downtown parking can be hard to come by on busy nights. There is valet parking available in front of Hotel Arts as well as street parking outside the restaurant and a few pay parking lots nearby.
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