Paula Hits the Road: Mat's Diner in Calgary

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I saw so many posts from friends eating here during Sled Island, that I had to try it. This was a very late lunch/early supper of avocado toast on focaccia with sunny side up eggs and balsamic drizzle. I added a side of herbed roasted potatoes (they were awesome) and smoked salmon. #yyc #calgary #yycfood #kensington

A post shared by Paula E. Kirman (@apaulagetics) on Jul 2, 2019 at 3:20pm PDT

Rock Sole at New West Restaurant

Rock sole, hash browns, and veggies. #yeg #yegfood #yegeats #foodporn

A post shared by Paula E. Kirman (@livingsanctuary) on Nov 12, 2017 at 11:30am PST

It's obvious from walking through the doors of New West Restaurant (15025 111 Avenue) that this place has never been renovated - nothing major, anyway. It's like stepping into a time warp. A no-nonsense diner with a menu of classic dishes like hot sandwiches, all-day breakfast, and homemade soups, the menu is extensive and reasonably-priced. I had the rock sole dinner, which came with a choice of soup or salad, as well as dessert. The sole itself was plentiful, pan-fried in a light batter and served alongside freshly-cooked carrots and squash and my choice of potato - which, in this case, was the hash browns. They are great with breakfast and equally so with supper. My cream of cauliflower soup was comforting and thick, while the chocolate pudding for dessert rounded off a good meal on a sweet note. No complaints here.

Breakfast for Lunch: Smoked Meat Scrambler at Jay Bee's

Smoked meat scrambler #yegfood #eatalberta150

A post shared by Paula E. Kirman (@livingsanctuary) on Jul 15, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT

I had my first experience ay Jay Bee's (3633 188 Avenue) this past weekend, as the person I was with told me his workmates recommended the place highly. This is a diner with all of the things you would expect to find on the menu: breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and traditional mains like fish and chips and hot turkey. Some of the breakfast offerings are quite unique for this sort of establishment, like the option of beef sausages and turkey bacon with your eggs. I had one of the "scrambles" with smoked meat. It was more like a flat omelette that was so huge, it covered the plate. Underneath was a bagel which was very fresh and actually tasted like a bagel (as opposed to some places where bagels just taste like bread in a round shape), and hash browns. The server said they were going to be cubes, but they were small strings that were a bit greasy, and a bit overcooked in places, but then again this is a "greasy spoon" sort of place. My eggs tasted heavily from the smoked meat, as it should have, and the onions were sweet and cooked. I held the marble cheese that would also have been a part of the dish. I was totally stuffed at the end, and the dish was less than $15. The place was clean, spacious, and the service was good - my server went back to the kitchen several times to get answers to my questions. I will definitely be back if I am in Beverly, and I hope future visits will live up to this one.

Breakfast for Lunch: Two Eggs and Hash Browns at Route 99

Two Eggs and Hash Browns, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I don't find myself at Route 99 Diner (8820 99 Street) often enough. The food is great and the prices reasonable.

I went for the low-priced ($5.99) two egg breakfast. My eggs over-easy were perfect - a runny yoke with some crunchy white around the edges. The hash browns at Route 99 are a favourite of mine - they are so much more flavourful than shredded varieties I have had in chain restaurants.

The meal also came with two thick slices of toast, which are not pictured here because the cook kept buttering them. I ordered my toast dry, and out of force of habit each time my slices popped up, on went the butter. Eventually, my poor waitress toasted them for me herself. It was the only glitch in an otherwise great meal.

A Mixed Lunch: Steak Sandwich at Early Bird

Steak Sandwich, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

The steak sandwich on the menu of the Early Bird Cafe (102 Avenue and 97 Street) was listed as one of the diner's (it really was more of a diner than a cafe, with an open kitchen) signature dishes. I went for it, and was impressed with the portion size. The sauteed vegetabled in particular stood out - they were freshly prepared. The fries were crispy and nicely seasoned, and the three large onion rings atop the steak were a hearty garnish.

The steak itself was average. It was a seven ounce piece of broiled meat which could have done with a bit more seasoning to bring out the flavour. I also asked for well done, and it was closer to medium well in some spots. I am also not sure how fresh the bread was which was used for the garlic toast.

The menu variety and reasonable prices would bring me to Early Bird again, but Ia m not sure I would order this. I would try to come extra early to have a breakfast item, which is what I understand the place really shines at.

Starters: Chicken Barley Soup

Chicken Barley Soup, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

When I ordered lunch at Early Bird Cafe yesterday (102 Avenue and 97 Street), I did not expect that it came with a starter. What a pleasant surprise: this chicken barley soup tasted absolutely made from scratch, with a rich broth, flavourful barley, and lots of chicken. It was one of the highlights of my meal.