Just as the sun was setting across the city I found myself walking along Stephen Avenue in search of Briggs Kitchen + Bar. My first dinner in Calgary would be at this lively haute sports bar meets hipster fine dining room. Guests have an opportunity to sit at two different spaces which offer there own distinct vibe. Hang a right for the sports bar offering people watchers the perfect opportunity to stare out the ceiling to floor windows that overlook the street. Or, take a left to peak at the open concept kitchen which stands in front of a dimly lit dining room.
The space has an industrial vibe to it with funky design elements featuring high ceilings, hovering black lamp shades, gold spray-painted shark jaw, exposed brick and black horned cow bust. The menu here has something for everyone but focuses on share plates perfect for nibbling with a group of friends.
The bartender at Briggs has created a fantastic cocktail list. I sipped my way through two of their signatures which included a tart Lemon Pepper Buck and floral Barbaram. Highlights from the kitchen include Potato Tic Tacs (imagine fluffy deep fried mashed potatoes with asiago dipped in aioli…they are addictive to say the least) Josper Smoked Chicken Wings and a massive mapled braised Pork Belly which sat perched on top of a crunchy apple slaw.
The Feast:
Lemon Pepper Buck
beefeater gin, lemon pepper jelly, ginger cordial, soda, lemon wedge
Barbaram
wild turkey, aperol, strawberry, fresh orange zest
Stiegl Grapefruit Radler
Potato Tic Tacs
asiago, aioli
Herb and Potato Gnocchi
brown butter, smoked mushrooms, sage
Rustic Flat Bread
goat cheese, honey, walnut, sour cream
Josper Smoked Chicken Wings
lemon salt, chili ketchup
Bone in Pork Belly
apple slaw, maple braise
Lemon Pie
meringue bits, white chocolate
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