Originally, when I booked The Westley Calgary Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, I was focused on one thing: getting a burger and fries at Class Clown in downtown Calgary. But, I realized that the day I would be there was Boxing Day - a national holiday in Canada. So, I called the restaurant to check and see if they were open on the holiday. When the phone rang without an answer, I got concerned. Especially, because the website said that there was no waitlist. I didn’t see specifically that they were open or closed. However, as it was 8 degrees outside, I didn’t want to get a Lyft and go to the location - only to find that it was closed.
Luckily, when I got into the elevator, I struck up a conversation with couple returning from their night out. One thing led to another and they told me that they’d just gotten back from an incredible dinner at Caesar’s Steak House. That lined up with the nudge from the hotel that recommended Caesar’s Steak House when I texted the hotel and asked what the front desk’s favorite place for dinner was. After all, that’s how I ended up at Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar when I stayed at Hotel Bourre Bonne Louisville, Curio Collection in Kentucky. The right recommendations make life easier.
After carefully shuffling in the snow and walking the few yards over to the restaurant, I realized how truly hungry I was.
After carefully shuffling in the snow and walking the few yards over to the restaurant, I realized how truly hungry I was.
Settling into the bar area for my reservation, I was excited to enjoy the best of the restaurant – but without the formal nature of the main dining room. After all, I’d been in traveling mode since arriving at LAX at 8am that day and I just needed a drink and a steak.
I began with an “Antica” Aged Manhattan (Bearface 7 yr. triple oak rye, Carpano Antica Vermouth aged on premise). The Manhattan was one of the absolute best I’ve ever had.
The garlic toast was rich and buttery. Yet – not overpowering with taste. It was delicious, saturated goodness.
But the star of the show was the Alberta beef itself. The Filet Mignon (225 grams – 8.0 oz.) with Garlic toast, Caesar’s specialty steak sauce and a cup of House made Buttermilk ranch sauce for the fries.
The Filet Mignon was the perfect portion for me. My knife cut through the meat like it was slicing through softened butter. It was smooth and delicious. The steak sauce was perfect accompaniment. And the fries with the ranch was delightful. I ate it all and left nothing behind.
Food tastes better in Canada when it’s snowing outside.
Caesar's Steak House & Cocktail Bar - Downtown Calgary
512 4 Ave SWCalgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0J7
