Impressions are formed so quickly nowadays and first impressions are always hard to overcome, especially when it comes to people, places and food. Not surprisingly all are elements of a successful restaurant: the service, the atmosphere and definitely the taste. They are all equally as important and you can’t have a truly great experience when one part is missing. Sadly, sometimes unexpected issues arise and maybe the instance might not be one to rave about because those aspects didn’t align, but as first impressions are formed I also believe that there is room for new thoughts to replace the old ones. So more often then not, I try to give everything a couple shots before I truly define it and one place that sprang to my mind was Alloy.
Atmosphere: Trendy dining area with an Asian inspired theme, a nice airy patio for the summer and both versatile enough for large groups or a romantic evening.
Price: Mid $20s - $30s
Food and Wine: Alloy provides a complimentary house made hummus, olives and pita platter (if anybody read my other restaurant experiences will understand how this pleased my dining companion greatly), I’m a sucker for pita and dips, so the evening was beginning well. As a starter, we ordered the Greek Village Salad, which essentially is a Greek salad, but the deconstructed form allowed for a stunning presentation. The salad also came with a side of tempura calamari, done perfectly crispy and served this way allowed the calamari to say in its crispy form. Our mains consisted of the Lobster Paella and the Seared Duck. The paella was served with a mixture of seafood including a lobster tail over creamy saffron rice while the duck was seared a perfect medium-rare (just as ordered) with sweet potato gnocchi, root vegetables and a delicious sweet honey truffle glaze.
At this point we were both quite content, but one look at the dessert menu and seeing the Lemongrass Panna Cotta, how could we not get dessert! Due to the recent menu change, Alloy has decided to bring the dessert back for the summer and I have to agree that it’s quite fitting for this weather. The combination of the cooling panna cotta offset with the lingering heat from the three types of peppers used to create the sauce toppings, along with the sweet fruit flavours, what is there not to rave about? (Except that I could probably have three of them and still want more).
As for the wine, Alloy provides a wide range of both red and white wines to accompany its many dishes. The servers are well versed in this area, so definitely let them guide you if you’re unsure where to start off the evening.
My Picks: Lemongrass Panna Cotta
Overall: This wasn’t the first time I’ve been to Alloy and it has been a while since the last time I visited, which was an interesting experience to say the least, so I figured it was time to go back and seeing what has changed I’m happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The service that we received has flipped 180º from the previous occasion and the food was well prepared and presented. Sometimes its a good idea to let first impressions be just that and nothing more.
Atmosphere: Trendy dining area with an Asian inspired theme, a nice airy patio for the summer and both versatile enough for large groups or a romantic evening.
Price: Mid $20s - $30s
Food and Wine: Alloy provides a complimentary house made hummus, olives and pita platter (if anybody read my other restaurant experiences will understand how this pleased my dining companion greatly), I’m a sucker for pita and dips, so the evening was beginning well. As a starter, we ordered the Greek Village Salad, which essentially is a Greek salad, but the deconstructed form allowed for a stunning presentation. The salad also came with a side of tempura calamari, done perfectly crispy and served this way allowed the calamari to say in its crispy form. Our mains consisted of the Lobster Paella and the Seared Duck. The paella was served with a mixture of seafood including a lobster tail over creamy saffron rice while the duck was seared a perfect medium-rare (just as ordered) with sweet potato gnocchi, root vegetables and a delicious sweet honey truffle glaze.
At this point we were both quite content, but one look at the dessert menu and seeing the Lemongrass Panna Cotta, how could we not get dessert! Due to the recent menu change, Alloy has decided to bring the dessert back for the summer and I have to agree that it’s quite fitting for this weather. The combination of the cooling panna cotta offset with the lingering heat from the three types of peppers used to create the sauce toppings, along with the sweet fruit flavours, what is there not to rave about? (Except that I could probably have three of them and still want more).
As for the wine, Alloy provides a wide range of both red and white wines to accompany its many dishes. The servers are well versed in this area, so definitely let them guide you if you’re unsure where to start off the evening.
My Picks: Lemongrass Panna Cotta
Overall: This wasn’t the first time I’ve been to Alloy and it has been a while since the last time I visited, which was an interesting experience to say the least, so I figured it was time to go back and seeing what has changed I’m happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The service that we received has flipped 180º from the previous occasion and the food was well prepared and presented. Sometimes its a good idea to let first impressions be just that and nothing more.
Alloy
220 42 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB
(403) 287-9255
Website: http://www.alloydining.com/
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