The perfect downtown date night!
We’re sure you’ve noticed we rarely venture out of our downtown bubble. But can you blame us? There’s so much to see and do within the city’s core, and we love seeing friendly faces out and about! Over the past few months, our Hotel Arts neighbourhood on first street has seen some new additions, so we took it upon ourselves to plan the perfect downtown date night complete with dinner, drinks, and a show—just for you and yours! You’re welcome in advance!
Foreign Concept
First stop, dinner! You can’t be your best self on an empty stomach. Foreign Concept offers a unique, modern take on Vietnamese that has been satisfying our bellies since it opened towards the end of last year. After dinner, walk a block and a half north and grab a drink (or five) at our next Loves Local pick…
Bar Von Der Fels
Photo by Jared Sych for Avenue Magazine
This place is wine lovers heaven! With over 250 bottles on the menu, and expert sommeliers on staff, you’ll never be disappointed. The menu, however small, has an impactful assortment of cheese, charcuterie, and light bites. The space is small enough that walking by, you might miss it. AKA the perfect lowkey atmosphere for your intimate night out. Now, it’s show time!
Calgary Underground Film Festival
Since 2003, CUFF has showcased programming that defies convention and embraces diversity. From horror, sci-fi and fantasty, to comedies, thrillers and music-related films, they always feature local and international films and add a burst of culture to our city. We’re thankful for our resident film buff and guest services team lead Natalie, who was gracious enough to highlight some of her choices at this year’s fest:
From Natalie: "I personally find film to be the best way to story tell, there are so many creative and visionary ways to express yourself and sharing it with the world, which can be so vulnerable.
In the fall, I'm enrolled in the two year film program at SAIT, where I'll learn writing, producing, editing and the technical aspects of shooting with a film camera."
BERLIN SYNDROME:
I loooooove thrillers, especially in an unexpected or foreign setting. Berlin's such a beautiful and super cool city, so I'm excited and curious to see what the cinematography looks like.
ARE WE NOT CATS:
I chose this film because I'm a huge fan of strange love and weirder love stories! Romantic and horror aren't two words you'd generally put together, so this should be interesting!
G FUNK:
NUFF SAID! G Funk is a story about some of my favourite rappers (Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G.). I seriously LOVE west coast hip-hop and the soundtrack is AMAZING. Should be fun!!
Theatre Calgary
Film is great and all, but nothing compares to live theatre! We are so excited for Theatre Calgary’s upcoming musical Crazy for You, about a young banker sent to the sleepy town of Deadrock to foreclose a rundown theatre. Get your tickets here.
Butter loves you!