Buchanan's

I always like to try new restaurants when I go out of town, and Calgary always has great little foodie places I've never seen or heard of before. I've always liked Calgary, I used to live here before when I was young, and I often go back. On my recent trip I found this family-owned restaurant that was in a nice area downtown, very close to the hotel I was staying at. 

This spot intrigued me, it had pretty good reviews and I generally enjoy dining at family-owned restaurants because I find them unique, and there's something comforting about home-cooked meals that appeals to me. I made reservations, but since it was later in the evening that was apparently unnecessary as it was pretty dead. However, the atmosphere was quaint and the service was phenomenal.
 

The wine was great, served generously and taste samples were offered easily, which impressed me.  I ordered white wine, and it was delicious- not too dry or too sweet. Granted, I'd already had a few drinks before arriving at Buchanan's, but I was very happy with the speed and efficiency of service here as opposed to the previous restaurant I'd come from.

The complimentary bread was like a biscuit that looked like a muffin and even though it wasn't warm-it was delicious. Probably the best biscuit I've ever tried. I didn't expect it to be so good, and it was a pleasant surprise that made me anticipate my meal favorably.

 
 

I ordered crab cakes to start with and they were a very tasty appetizer. They were very crab-meaty and the sauce was awesome. They weren't the most crispy perhaps, but overall were nicely made, if a bit on the pricey side at $16. 

For my main course I ordered the "Buchanan Special" off of their feature menu and it consisted of bacon-wrapped pork loin medallions, mashed potatoes, and roasted spring vegetables with pineapple salsa. It was fantastic, the bacon was extremely yummy, and I was informed it was cooked in real maple syrup. The plate was awesome, my only complaint being the potatoes were passable-but not up to par with the rest of the plate. They tasted like they were those fake, instant mashed potatoes you get when you eat mediocre catered food, and they probably were.

Otherwise, I had an awesome experience. The service was distinctive in its excellence and the food and drinks were all very enjoyable. Drinks, and appetizer, and a main course came to around $70 so it's definitely a bit of a fancier dinner spot, but I loved the atmosphere; it's a great place to go on a  dressed-up date or for a nice dinner party.