Calcutta Cricket Club

Calcutta Cricket Club (CCC) went on our must-try list after hearing all the buzz around town about this restaurant that opened last July in Calgary’s happening beltline strip on 17th Avenue.   Not even a year after opening, CCC was recently named one of Canada’s Best 100 and Calgary’s Top 25 restaurants (Avenue Magazine).  Inspired by tastes from Bengali, the menu brings modern versions of classic Indian fair dishes in small plate and main dish styles.  The creative cocktail list is extensive and perfect for sipping with just some snacks like Kati rolls and curry and chips, or complimenting the palettes experiencing the menu’s full cuisine.

We finally had a chance to try CCC last month during their daily short-and-sweet 5-6pm happy hour where we immersed ourselves in a feast of tasty selections for a more than reasonable penny.   Our first-time evening dining experience was so fabulous we knew we had to return on a weekend to try the brunch menu and appreciate the sun lighting up the restaurant’s remarkable décor.

ENERGETIC SOCIAL CLUB SPACE

*Photos courtesy of Calcutta Cricket Club

The interior surroundings offers a 1950-1960’s Indian social club vibe in a modern setting and elevates the CCC dining experience to a whole new level.  Designed by local artist Maya Gohill, her first restaurant design has received a lot of attention and recently won the Canada’s Best Designed Restaurant award on Canada’s 100 Best list.

The floor is checkered and the colors throughout are pastel pinks, blues and mint green.  The bar area is especially remarkable with it’s Morrocan ceramic tiles, Tiffany lamps and bamboo bar stools.  And of course no one can resist noticing the statement vintage carousel leopard above the bar.  Also lovely are the rattan screens which subtly separate the banquette seating area from the open concept kitchen.

Overall we found the space at CCC to be inviting with it’s energetic and easy-going vibes.  Another enjoyable element to our surroundings while brunching was the music.  Nothing beats enjoying some good eats while listening to blast-from-the-past hits of Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Billy Idol and Queen.

BRUNCH WITH AN ETHNIC TWIST

CCC’s brunch menu offers traditional comfort food favorites like pancakes and bennies but with an ethnic twist.  A variety of cocktails are also available to compliment the delightful brunch dishes.

Chai tea – a perfect balance of sweet, chai tea spice and creamy goodness.

Pineapple Mimosa – Pineapple juice with champagne is an approachable yet exotic take on your standard mimosa.

Mango Lassi – If you haven’t tried a mango lassi you must. If you are concerned at all about the heat in Indian cuisine, the creamy fruity mango lassi extinguishes that concern.

Ovaltine-Chai Pancakes –  A delicious fresh take on a staple , these pancakes are fluffy and crispy on the edges and topped with sweetness and hints of Indian spice.   Elevated with a nice cream and blueberry compote.  Ovaltine and chai are one of my favorite comfort drinks and to combine them into a pancake is genius.

Feature Benny –  perfectly prepared medium poached eggs served on top of pulled pork hollandaise with just the right amount of mild heat served on homemade naan bread.   The naan is a nice alternative to the traditional English muffin and soaks up all the yolky-hollandaise goodness.  Served with a side dish of masala potatoes with, peas, caramelized onions, mustard seeds, and a comforting masala spice.

Parsi Akuri – Soft and creamy scrambled eggs with subtle savoury spices is a refreshing twist on a classic.   Comes with a nicely toasted and crispy sourdough bread that is a nice counterpoint to the eggs.   Also served with the delicious marsala potatoes.

ON THE CCC PATIO

*Photos courtesy of Calcutta Cricket Club

It’s been a long and drawn out winter and rough start to spring so when the warm weather finally decides to show up in Calgary, foodies will most certainly flock to patios.  CCC will re-open it’s patio doors for the second season in the next few months and wait, isn’t it’s one-year anniversary just around the corner?!  It’s hard to believe this amazingly accomplished restaurant isn’t even one year old yet!

Whether you are a local or traveller to Calgary, Calcutta Cricket Club is a must-try if you want a delicious and stylish dining experience in a vibrant setting.

HOURS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Open 5pm daily with happy hour between 5pm-6pm

Brunch 11am-3pm Saturday & Sunday

$5 Beer and Kati Roll Special Sundays

Reservations Available

Take Out Available

For more information, check out Calcutta Cricket Club’s Website

*** This post was in partnership with CCC and Thank You Hospitality .  All opinions are my own.