Tapas, which means “to cover” in Spanish was developed when the Spanish had to cover their drinks to prevent them flies and other buggers. Eventually the cover held little bites which patrons would often munch on while they were enjoying their drinks, slowly over the years tapas has evolved to what we know today as mini plates or appetizers. In North America, this phenomenon has taken hold and with it many new restaurants have entered the culinary food scene and truly brought tapas to a whole new level.
Atmosphere: A quaint small tapas restaurant with a pub like feel giving it a boisterous trendy quality, a great alternative to your neighbourhood pub.
Price Range: Broken down to $5, $10, $15, $20 increments
Food and Wine: The small plate phenomenon has exploded here in Calgary and I'm finding more and more places that are catering to people who are looking for more of a hangout rather than just a fast meal. Taste would definitely fall in that category along with many new restaurants that have been popping up all around the city. The great thing about tapas is the fact you can try a wide range if food without feeling restricted to a certain entree category and we did just that. Starting with the Mushroom Truffles Gnocchi, which was delicious but definitely a tapas serving with the gnocchi being perfectly cooked, next was the Beef short ribs and Foie Gras, both were flavourful, the foie gras was served with a refreshing blackberry compote and Leslie Stowe like crackers but if I was to compare I've had a more unique short rib before. Our flavour journey wasn't over yet though and things greatly turned around with the Tomato Salad, where the tomatoes tasted extremely fresh and were little bursts of flavour (it was also a big seller as well)! Plus the artichoke dip was light even with all the cheese that was baked in to it, the chef’s managed to give it more of a soufflé feel with its nice texture.
As for the wine, Taste changes its wine list on a monthly base to focus on different regions or areas in the world. We were there when it was on the Loire Valley. The selection was good with both reds and whites progressing from lighter to fuller bodied, although with the pricing of each it might make you think twice about wanting to follow the whole list.
My Picks: Tomato Salad
Overall: Located on a newly renovated block on 1st SW, Taste is a great little place for an after work gathering, just make sure you get there early to get a seat at one of the few coveted tables!
Taste Restaurant
1210 1st Street SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 233-7730
Website: http://www.taste-restaurant.com/
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