The District Pub & Eatery
607 — 11th Ave. S.W.
Calgary, (403) 233-2433
www.Enjoydistrict.com
Rating: ***
Dinner for two with drinks: $55
Signature Dish: Bucket o’ bacon
Signature Drink: Hairy eyeball
The District looks like a regular pub, but this saloon focuses on locally grown, organic ingredients and dressed-up pub grub.
Food is heavy, perfect to go with cold Brew Brothers, made-in-Calgary beer on tap.
The signature bucket o’bacon ($6.25) is the ultimate starter to share, literally a mini pail of mouth-watering, house-smoked bacon strips with maple syrup to dip.
The District’s poutine ($7.95 small/$11.95 medium) makes an impression with crispy, hot fries, a burly gravy and real curds. Add-ons like duck confit ($5) and gruyere ($2.50) heighten the experience, but it does get costly.
A three-cheese grilled sandwich ($14.25) with that bacon again, basil garlic aioli and tomatoes is fabulous. But the price feels steep even if the side salad comes with a priceless Saskatoon berry dressing.
Beef short ribs ($9.95) slathered in Black Pilsner beer and mustard have good flavour but are not tender enough.
The District does some standout wings (25 cents each) including a flavour of “jalapeno cheddar bacon” that I swear makes the appendage taste like a cheeseburger.
There are almost too many cutesy touches, from chalkboard menus that require neck-straining (or waving down a server to wheel one over) to drinking jars, but The District means well and it makes good bacon.
Dining out
MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION Here is one great way to feel good about indulging in some delicious desserts. Participating Calgary restaurants, including Cactus Club, Alloy, and Olives, are donating 100 per cent of their dessert proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation today.
WINE BAR AKA Wine Bar (709 Edmonton Tr. N.E.) is featuring a three-course chef’s tasting menu for only $39 a person. The great deal only goes until this Sunday so don’t miss out. Call (403) 984-7534 for reservations.
