Una Pizzaria + Wine: ReView – e50s1

episode 50 season 1

Pizza + Pie, can it get any better than this!

Welcome back to another episode of Valerie’s Variety podcast and this week we are ReViewing a newish local hotspot, Una Pizza and Wine, based off a Californian style of cuisine…enjoy the episode.

Una Pizzaria Review, this is actually the second time we’ve been to this pizza place, it’s located at 618 – 17 Avenue SW – which is a trendy area in Calgary’s southwest. Doesn’t it just have a good sound to it. Take a listen

when you walk into this place it’s busy. The place is long and rectangular with the open bar situated in the middle of the restaurant along one side. You need to walk the whole length of the restaurant to get to the washroom. To do this you’ll bump into people and other people will need to move out of your way it’s that tight.

Order wine to start…

Pinot Noir for Jeff and a sweeter Blend for me..

as we review the menu – which btw it’s an amazing menu…hear us debate this.

Una Pizzaria Menu

When you’re a pescatarian (only eat veggies and seafood) in a beef province it’s always hard to stop the waiter when he goes through the specials on the menu beef this and that – said with a sense of pride lol. meat balls etc, take a listen most people would think this sounds amazing and don’t get me wrong when we ate meat and beef several years ago we would have been all over this! Plus we are on the OMAD eating style one meal a day, so once we break our fast we want to eat everything, we are ravenous and need all of the food at once. hmm this sounds good hey?

Insert 7:18

You can do a half and half pizza here but the way it goes is like this, one kid of pizza and half can have some of the first kind removed, like half without mushrooms for example.

Una has a few kinds of sauces you can drizzle on top – and this we loved when we were here the first time so we made sure to not miss out this time: spicy honey, hot and plain honey that is locally sourced and there’s one even with truffle oil

Isn’t that funny we could not remember the pizza we had last time, was it this or was it that? LOL but we remembered we loved it,

Insert 9:06

ATMOSPHERE

One thing you notice immediately is, it’s super warm in there, like warm and humid, like foods been cooking all day – it’s cozy and has a good vibe.  It’s loud and bustling it’s busy, people are constantly lining up to get in, we used the no-wait app and likely we got a table right away when we were en route driving over but the wait can be long like an hour or more. This was 6 o’clock on a Friday night and it was already full with a waiting line of hungry lookers.

While waiting for our supper we just sat in this nest of a place . there was some interesting art on the walls…then we had a thought?

Insert 29:27

supper arrived along with all of the tasty honey drizzle options on the side  yummy insert 32:04 sauces here

We enjoyed, added another glass of wine then decided to review the dessert menu. Turns out This was a good thought. The desserts especially mine key lime pie was relish.London ordered their house made Carmel popcorn. It was very tasty!

Wasn’t this where the old Wicked Wedge pizza was?

Una Pizza Decor

Do you remember wicked wedge?

Insert 44:35

I do  when I first moved to calgary barely 19  I packed up my car with my BF at the time and our dog and moved to Calgary  we lived just up from this very place on 5 street and 19 avenue  we frequented wicked wedge.

Insert 58:00

So we asked our waiter Johnny….he attested to this yes indeed this was the previous home of Wicked Wedge so cool hey? The pizza joint lives on! 1:26

Dessert Time

Insert 1:07 or 1:11 ordering dessert

Dessert? Ummm yes please. We ordered the key lime pie – this didn’t disappoint. Jeff ordered the rubbed cheesecake which was served in a small sealer style of jar. And London wanted only the popcorn that was on the menu. Our waiter Johnny obliged and brought us a small snack sampler bag to take home. Insert 1:19 here gift Thanks Johnny! Our dessert arrived  yummy!

and did we enjoy our dessert? Insert 1:24

We pay our bill. Johnny our waiter spots me recording and then I check to see if he’s okay with this. He again obliged. Such a curious and good sport

insert 1:07

The Washroom

On the way out I stopped into the rest room  first there is a ladies – busy a men’s – I avoided and then a unisex washroom  I went in here it’s small and tight BUT a great ‘feeling?’ If I can say this about a public washroom. Take a listen…so cool hey?

Also next door they have a ‘by the slice’ option so if you’re feeling a little peckish and you’re in a hurry or walking by stop in and snag a triangle. But wait while there stop and take a minute to walk past the individual slice counter keep walking into the back and you’re going to come upon a place called Frenchie. And it’s a seductive speakeasy place to sit and drink wine by the glass. Pre-Prohibition era cladded in tapestry seating for only about a dozen. People dressed to impressed and enjoying their evening. It’s adorable in there.

Want to meet me for a glass of wine?

OeB ReView – e49s1

episode 49 season 1

love the crepes and the savoury boxed breakfast meals.
OeB Calgary ReView

Episode 49

We love to go for Breakfast but recently we changed out eating style to the new fan dangled OMAD regime (one meal a day) this has proved to be most fruitful, I was the heaviest I’d ever been and Jeff was in the market for a new waistline also…full disclosure we both had experienced a strange sensation in our bodies on the exact same day – separately. He felt a sort of intense surge of sugar after eating a cookie at a local artisan market and I had the same sensation after eating a free granola bar at a conference I was attending. So after we compared stories we decided to do some investigating on inulin influx and it’s complications within the body- ending up with the OMaD eating lifestyle.

I digress, we once in a while will splurge and eat breakfast, this has always been a favourite of ours so now it’s a little more of a luxury when we get to go…

We went to OeB (stands for Over Easy Breakfast) in Bridgeland. This place has become a staple in Calgary boasting 3 giant locations that never disappoint.

London is choosing 1 scrambled egg, sausage, and a piece of toast – which as her momma I help steer her onto something I think she will a) eat and b) like, we are sitting up at the bar facing the window, it’s a sunny day and we’re feeling good in this place. We’ve been to other OeB locations and our menu choice remains the same – Jeff orders the lobster scramble ‘box’ and I order the don’t even go there crepe. – sometimes they are out of Lobster…Jeff is very particular and strict with his answers…from ‘nothing else’ to 8:30

We’re deciding our meals insert 5:00

It’s got a good buzz in this place. We order 6:47 London fog 7:14 we order 7:17

Reminiscing

A side story, years ago OeB was located on Edmonton Trail, my sister and I were going for breakfast wanted the Diner Delux but it was busy. We were walking up Edm Trail and passed this place (OeB) there was people waiting all over the place, inside and out. It was a nice sunny day in the summer. We went into see what the wait was like…they said approx 90 minutes – serious all these people were waiting for 90 minutes? or more?

We put our name on the list. This place must be good, they had a ‘free’ coffee station and offered this to us while we waited. We helped ourselves and went for a walk to enjoy peoples gardens. While walking with our hot coffees we passed a cafe just up the street from OeB and walked up the front stairs to peek inside. There was no one inside, the doors were open and inviting but no one in there Finally, a lady came around the corner and said, ‘ you cannot bring your coffees in here!’ not hi, not nothing…hmmm do you think they just lost a customer, yep! we were going to eat there but not with this comment. Here’s the place up the street (less than a block away) has people waiting for 1 and a half hours and giving away free coffee and this place….well they are no longer in business. Hmm a little lesson, don’t be so quick to judge.

14:19

Anytime we are in Bridgeland we always remember a house we fell in love with when we decided to take the plunge, sell our home in Chestermere and move into the city. This place in Bridgeland will always hold a spot in our minds…we always drive by to check it out. Do you live in Bridgeland, do you love it here…

MealTime

16:25 our meal arrives it’s served on gorgeous plateware – kind of a ceramic feel. Mine is always perfectly coiffed with a long crepe, elegantly place line of piped whipped cream (the real kind) and a neat sprinkle of pistachios. Inside it’s filled with bananas that are perfectly ripe, a sort-of custard that isn’t too sweet and other fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, there a tiny picture of warmed maple syrup on the side.

Jeff’s is tucked into a chinese style of paper take out box and from the bottom up it’s complete with yummy potato wedges and fried veggies, then a bit of green, then a couple of poached eggs on top with lobster and hollandaise sauce. It’s always stunningly hot and smells so savoury (btw as I write this my mouth is watering and I want to open my ‘no wait’ app and get in line). I enjoy several of his potato wedges – it’s our deal we make. He doesn’t even want to try mine and honestly I’m good with this lol.

Jeff’s came as the other Lobster scramble and not the one in a box, so they changed it for him, and very promptly. As we sit and 20:40 enjoy our food, the buzz in the place makes it all the more enjoyable. London’s loving her meal and so are we.

29:00

Jeff debates if he should save his or take it home, they are large meals and very yummy, there isn’t typically enough to take home and when you’re there you likely eat more than we should 🙂

29:00 Scarborough area in Calgary is a good location for us, it’s quaint and beautiful, lots of character. Typically after breakfast on a Sunday we will go for a drive and check out houses, what’s for sale in areas that we love and how much these homes are going for.

35:00 we’re checking out the plates lol always looking for cool plates and they are available on Amazon

35:50 oh shit that was good. 36:10 I recognized the waitress from the Edm Trail location and she was filling us in on the other new locations that have opened since the original one closed. How friendly is she? They needed more space. Mission location is bigger – I think we should check this out! We’ve since visited the mission location which is huge by the way…and very beautiful.

39:00 let’s drive by that house – the house I mentioned earlier lol we are so predictable.? Dessert? LOL we could barely finish our meal…as we were sitting we see people coming in with these cute little baskets, they are a lightweight bamboo wood with some straw in the bottom. At OeB they sell eggs…yes farm style eggs you can buy from OeB and I’ve thought about it many times coming in but never have done this egg service, have you?

If you don’t believe my word for this meal, check out these reviews, once I combed through the Local Guide comments.- which are all good btw…here’s what other people have to say:

ReViews

about a month ago: The food was fantastic. I had scallops and eggs with bacon and spinach. Everything cooked to perfection. I would highly recommend this cozy spot.

2 weeks ago: Filling breakfast spot. Decent menu selection, my omelet was good and the pancakes were incredibly delicious.

about 2 months ago: Yes sometimes the wait is long but if you use the No Wait app its super convenient and so worth it. Super happy every time I come here! I think I’ve tried all of their “box’d” items and all of their bennies. Now I’m moving on to the other items 😉 Service is always quick in terms of how busy they are. They are always happy to serve us even if its quite close to when they close up for the day. I know a lot of places would tell people they wouldn’t serve. Everything has always came to our table as specified to our server.

Till next Tuesday, let me know if you’ve tried this place out any of their locations and what you thought of it?

Tenshi Sushi – e48s1

episode 48 season 1

…some of the greatest sushi in Calgary.

A sushi restaurant we absolutely love it called Tenshi Sushi…it’s small, very small only about 6 tables located in this little spot in Kensington at 304 – 10 Street NW. London and I and Jeff just love sushi…this restaurant isn’t much to look at but the food is so good, the atmosphere is okay, a bit tight to the table next to you and it’s not the most cozy environment – the restaurant is very chilly…especially as our weather that’s been severely cold for many weeks…but this doesn’t stop us from taking in a good meal here – take a listen to our experience

As we debate the menu, this place is located on 10 street NW tucked in from the corner between mainly midtown bar and the Roasterie. So after you get you sushi fix, stop into the Roasterie and get a Grogg Coffee (tastes like a warm coffee crisp chocolate bar) and go for a walk down Kensington District, it’s alive with people and stores, and shoppers. Enjoy walking through and peeking into the stores to see what’s going on. It’s quaint and enjoyable as your stroll.

London is next to me against the wall, Jeff’s across from us with his back to the door – each time the door opens and closes it’s breezy. He ordered the 21 the miso soup, it’s super good and cozy tasting. Hit the spot.

Honey Plum tuna | Miso Soup | Shrimp Tempura | California roll | Mackerel | salmon | tea | small sushi rice on the side – can’t wait for this yummy!

We can hear all the people around us having a great time chatting it up, because the place is so small it’s loud. They have music playing in the background yes, but it’s not really adding to the atmosphere… the staff tho is so nice and friendly, and happy visiting with the tables helping them decide what to try and how to review the menu.

Are you a Sushi Fan?

Like my family? The theory, the California roll was created in Canada by Japanese-born chef Hidekazu Tojo, a resident of Vancouver since 1971. Tojo insists he is the innovator of the “inside-out” sushi, and it got the name “California roll” because it was popular with patrons from Los Angeles. The original type of sushi was first developed in Southeast Asia a huge region. To south China before being introduced to Japan in the 8th century (year 701). Originally, fish was salted and wrapped in fermented rice – that was it!

It’s interesting as I listen back to these recordings and hear what we are talking about and catching up on, like this episode. We sometimes want to switch things up in our house and refresh today it’s our cups, glasses and plates lol. Do you ever want to do this – pillows perhaps in your living area? We have a set a nice dishes that we’ve always kept for formal dinners like ThanksGiving and Christmas. I’m up for a change to revive of an area, they are beautiful so – we swapped them out!

We’re discussing our trip, one of my goals this year is to take a big trip – Portugal is what we have in our minds, we’re looking forward to trying the seafood, wines and take in the history and culture. Hispeed trains and tapas! Tapas was invented in the Moss house and now restaurants are copying us!

Like Jeff mentioned, it’s a bit cold in the restaurant..as we wait for our food we debate other sushi restaurants and what we like about them. What’s your favourite place to get sushi at in Calgary – Kinjo? Pointe Sushi (a future episode) One of our all time favourite and one of our first frequented sushi places is Maruju on Centre. What about you – any favourites let me know as we’re always up for trying out a new place. If you do check out Tenshi, let me know what you think and what your review would be…

Here’s some of Tenshi Sushi reviews out of the 182 on google:

From 3 days ago: Small, authentic feeling place. Great service, food, and prices. Our waiter was very attentive and kind. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and will definitely be back.

From 2 weeks ago: Delicious and unique! Would totally go back. If you love sushi and cool, authentic atmospheres, then check out Tenshi!

From a month ago: Very small restaurant. Only 8 tables. Little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Kensington with some high quality sushi at reasonable prices.

From 9 months ago: I’ve been coming to this place for about a year now and service and food is always excellent! For this cute little restaurant in Kensington, for 1-2 people there’s never usually a wait and service is prompt. This is one of the only sushi restaurant that serves raw oysters and portion sizes are great for sushi in Calgary. Take out never takes too long so it’s great if you wanted to grab a couple rolls and head down to the river for a picnic. Will definitely try more of the hot items with more people as I’m addicted to sushi!!