Read Part 1 HERE !
Toronto is two hours ahead of Calgary. By the time we had settled into the room, I was exhausted and ready to tumble into bed after a nice, rewarding shower. In spite of having expressed an inclination towards ordering UberEats, the sleepy polar bear hovered about sheepishly, refusing to budge.
Fighting fatigue, we readied ourselves for the drive into downtown.
Fighting fatigue, we readied ourselves for the drive into downtown.
Contrary to the calm conditions of the highway, I was surprised to find an abundance of flickering lights as we entered into the downtown district. Calgary had a night life after all.
The sleepy polar bear urged me to secure a table first, for there was limited parking surrounding the restaurant. Hurriedly gathering my things, I hopped onto the sidewalk.
After taking a few steps, I realized it was remarkably warmer than it appeared. Icy patches remained on the walkway in spite of the above-zero temperatures. In the upcoming days, we would learn that this was, unfortunately, the norm.
After taking a few steps, I realized it was remarkably warmer than it appeared. Icy patches remained on the walkway in spite of the above-zero temperatures. In the upcoming days, we would learn that this was, unfortunately, the norm.
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Lonely Mouth had been my pick, as was 90% of the itinerary. The storefront adopted the form a tall wooden entrance, awakening vague recollections of Raku. Amidst the dimness, I had failed to see that the entrance was not one door, but two. Yanking hard to combat their weight, the corner of one door promptly slammed into my big toe, causing a pained yelp and groan of annoyance.
Limping into the eatery, I entered through the second door - this one propped open for customer ease - and scanned the environment. The dining area was illuminated minimally and fully occupied. I hovered about until a member of staff approached me. The hostess inquired whether I had made a reservation; I hadn't. But even so, there were three tables available in the covered patio area.
Limping into the eatery, I entered through the second door - this one propped open for customer ease - and scanned the environment. The dining area was illuminated minimally and fully occupied. I hovered about until a member of staff approached me. The hostess inquired whether I had made a reservation; I hadn't. But even so, there were three tables available in the covered patio area.
Being seated away from the crowds was great. Beyond being able to hold a conversation at normal volume levels, the booth seating offered more space for my jacket and backpack. The heater installed above were less to my liking, as it caused profuse overheating. It was probably geared towards patrons clad in skimpy going out attire, but internal temperature is unlikely to be low with alcohol in one's body.
Water was served prior to the arrival of the sleepy polar bear. Interestingly enough, there was no additional charge for sparkling water.
Not sure of the status of parking acquisition nor the delivery speed of sustenance on a bustling Friday evening, I took to requesting Tempura Ebi, the sole dish the sleepy polar bear was bound to enjoy, and a Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. The evening marked my first and only instance on the trip of being asked to provide proof of age for alcohol-affiliated affairs.
Water was served prior to the arrival of the sleepy polar bear. Interestingly enough, there was no additional charge for sparkling water.
Not sure of the status of parking acquisition nor the delivery speed of sustenance on a bustling Friday evening, I took to requesting Tempura Ebi, the sole dish the sleepy polar bear was bound to enjoy, and a Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. The evening marked my first and only instance on the trip of being asked to provide proof of age for alcohol-affiliated affairs.
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The Yuzu Lager was refreshing and zesty: light, as lagers tend to be, and not hoppy or malty whatsoever. The drink was ideal for those looking for a juicy beer that is less a radler and more a beer. Had the eatery also carried the Espresso Stout I had spotted on their online menu, I likely would have ordered that too.
The sleepy polar bear's entrance coincided with the arrival of my drink, at which point we discussed - in brief, for one of us was hungrier than the other - the remaining items to be requested. Instead of the hostess this time, a different member of staff approached our table. Shortly afterwards, he delivered a ceramic plate with two steaming hand towels, intended to be used just before the arrival of food.
The sleepy polar bear's entrance coincided with the arrival of my drink, at which point we discussed - in brief, for one of us was hungrier than the other - the remaining items to be requested. Instead of the hostess this time, a different member of staff approached our table. Shortly afterwards, he delivered a ceramic plate with two steaming hand towels, intended to be used just before the arrival of food.
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View the full album HERE !
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