Buchanan's, Calgary

My boss and I were visiting Calgary and weren't sure where to find a good meal. We wanted good food in a casual atmosphere and decided to try Buchanan's. We both loved it. With the change in time zones, we were peckish in the afternoon but it was too early for dinner so we started in the bar with a couple of appetizers. The mussels in a curry-based sauce were outstanding, and the beef and ginger potstickers were also delicious. Loads of flavour. We were pleased to see an excellent list of wines by the glass, and an amazing array of scotch available. When we moved to the dining area, the atmosphere was comfortable and the menu provided a wide variety of options. I chose the rack of lamb and my boss ordered the phyllo wrapped halibut. We both thought the food were fantastic. The portions were very generous. I had a full rack of lamb, with garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach (outstanding), sauted vegetables and balsamic mushrooms. We finished it off with coffee and Grand Marnier and left very content and satisfied. The wait staff in both the bar and the dining room were excellent. Fun, friendly and helpful but not hovering. It was a fantastic experience. It's not an inexpensive meal, but given the large portion sizes and the excellent quality, it is good value. Highly, highly recommended, and I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Calgary.

The $27 steak sandwich was tiny, literally half the size of the burgers being served all around us (we sat at the bar). It was the smallest "steak" I have ever been served in a restaurant. We complained about the size and were told that was the "lunch sized portion". Caesars, Chophouse, etc. are priced about the same but serve much more reasonable portions.

The location is unassuming, and the decor is well appointed. Not your traditional (dark) subdued "steak house". My steak was cooked exactly the way I asked for it, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The salmon, I was told was excellent. The presentation was very well done. I was able to try a bite of their burger. I have heard claim's (including their own) of "best burger in the city". I haven't tried everybody's yet, but this one is definately the front runner. I'm not sure how anybody could beat this one. For dessert my wife and son shared a chocolate mousse concoction. "It was to die for" I was told, and it looked really nice. If the room was darker I'm pretty sure you would see little sparks from their spoons, duelling for another scoop! the service, I think was more memorable for what it didn't do wrong then for what it did right. We wanted for nothing the entire evening, and these day's that is pretty impressive (sad to say). It was excellent. some say the prices are high, but for a high-end steak house, I think they are very reasonable. You can go to any chain restaurant in the city and order an $11 dollar (prefab) burger. Or you can go to Buchanans, spend $15, and have a chef made, freshly prepared Sirloin burger, That will definately set the standard.

The prices are a little high, but the food is incomparable! The Sea Bass in particular is exquisite!!! I've never had fish that was more tasty or beautifully presented. The place is always full, so be sure to make a reservation!