NathanPaulPrince.com
July 2009
The Velvet Lounge
608 1 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
Hidden Martini Gem
There's nothing quite like taking a stroll home from a Calgary workday, get off the C-Train, turn a corner and walk right into a lounge that plays mellow techno, serves a mean gin and where the staff are not only friendly, but share some of the history of the building they're situated in.
Walking in through the front doors off 1st Street SW, downtown Calgary, you walk up a set of marble steps that are part of the Grand Theatre's older flooring. Looking up overhead, you will see actual plaster from the old days of the theatre - cracked, mildly disasterous but very cool to see. Right in the middle of that ceiling is a huge chandelier made of broken bottles - very industrial, and adds to the whole deteriorated look. And below you, there are remnants of the old flooring that walk you into the belly of the theatre itself.
At which point you find yourself in a totally modernized lounge with mellow techno, reflective surfaces everywhere, blue and red neon, the logo floating over the floor as it's lit from overhead. You'll also notice the second floor lounge for extensive parties.
You are actually in the lobby of what used to be the Grand Theatre, and sort of still is. The Velvet plays host to most all events that are now held here, including wedding events, galas and -performances in Theatre Juncton.
Owned by the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts group, Velvet is a great place to swing by after work and unwind.
I highly recommend their Alsatian Tart - shares well with friends, and the flaky pastry makes a great hors d'oeuvre or a welcome bite to eat before continuing home. They offer lunch and dinner throughout the week. One great idea: order their to-go lunch boxes and take in an afternoon theatre showing at Calgary's downtown Pro Arts' Society's "Music at Noon" events.
Food Service Hours:
Lunch: Monday: 11:00am - 2:00pm: Tuesday - Friday: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00pm - Close
But the lounge is open evenings for drinks as well - don't forget!
Tuesdays through to Saturdays they are open late!
Bring friends and share memories in a cool ambient setting... 卡尔加里
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