That's the Ticket

It all started with the ticket I got last weekend for driving an unregistered vehicle.  In Alberta this translates into a $230 ticket and a tow, although I did manage to avoid the later.  No, it wasn't intentional, I honestly had no idea that my registration had expired and I seem to have missed getting that all important reminder notice in the mail.  I know, I know it's my own responsibility to look after these things.  I've already had that lecture from Mr. Policeman. 

When I went to pay my ticket and renew my registration the other day I had a difficult time parting with that much coin for a stupid ticket.  To ease my suffering I decided I needed to go out for dinner, so I could try convincing myself that I'd spent hundreds of dollars on good food instead.  And so that's how I ended up on the doorstep of Divino's Wine & Cheese Bistro on Stephen Avenue with Lisa, who had kindly agreed to help me consume my sorrows. 

When we walked in the door we were greeted by the smell of the wood burning grill.  The sweet smokiness wrapped itself warmly around us and playfully teased our appetites.  The decor in the restaurant was trendy without being uncomfortable or pretentious and the few added touches, like the sea salt and pepper grinders at the table were perfect.  We were seated across from the open kitchen, so we could see the goings on, the different foods and interesting presentations.  Maybe not everyone's ideal spot, but we enjoyed it. 

The service was exceptional.  Our waiter was admirably patient with my questions and was free with his opinions and recommendations, which was helpful.  When we eventually made it through the decision making process, we ordered the Celeriac and Black Truffle Reversed Ravioli with butter poached lobster and seared sea scallop as a starter.  For dinner I ordered the Lamb Confit Melt with fig jam, braised leeks, and Cambozola and Lisa ordered the Bacon Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich with aged cheddar, frisee, and heirloom tomato relish.

The Reversed Ravioli was a seared sea scallop and poached lobster served over a ravioli pasta lined with a thin, tender round of celeriac and drizzled with truffle infused oil.  The various elements blended well in this dish.  The scallop was perfectly done and while the lobster was slightly tough it was fresh and sweet tasting.  The celeriac was a pronounced flavor, but it was lost in the presentation as it was too similar in both color and texture to the pasta.  Still the appetizer was impressive and I would order it again despite the $19 price tag.

My lamb melt was served with a mixed spring greens salad with mustard vinaigrette.  The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the bold taste was the perfect match for the aggressive Cambozola.  The sandwich was messy with the sauce dripping everywhere, but in fairness, I was warned of that.  My only complaint would be that the fig jam and the braised leeks were too muted.  Still I'd recommend the sandwich to anyone who like lamb. 

Overall the experience was a great one.  We enjoyed the atmosphere, the service, the buzz of the kitchen and quite importantly, the food.  There were a number of things that looked interesting on the menu, and since I couldn't have them all I'm sure I'll be heading back. 

113 - 8th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
Reservations Phone: 403.410.5555
 
The picture is courtesy of the Divino website
  

Comments

[Ana]

Tickets are a royal pain, but I'm glad you took it in as much stride as you could and that you chose such a good place to swallow your sorrows in.

[Liz]

Ana,
At least it all ended well and as an added bonus I'll never forget to renew my registration again!

[Vladimir Levin]

Hey, I like your blog, especially the photos! How do you remember to bring your camera?! :)

[Liz]

Thanks a lot Vladimir! I usually have it with me. You just never know...

[Vladimir Levin]

You're welcome. I suppose I should get a smaller digital camera or something! I did take some photos of my last outing and will try to start posting pictures along with my reviews. Have a look at my blog and let me know what you think - vladsfoodblog.blogspot.com. I wonder if anyone else in Calgary is writing restaurant reviews?

[Andrew]

Nine times out of ten you can get a hefty reduction in your fine by speaking to the crown lawyers who are also at the Traffic Court. I know this for a fact, since I work there and enter the ticket related information in the database.