Calcutta Cricket Club

Where: 370 – 17th Avenue SW

It’s interesting for me to write about new restaurants. I can only review them up to my taste and I am no foodie. I love food but growing up in a polish household left me with a taste preference for bland and savory. I never strived to be that person who’s super into spicy foods (or deserts for that matter), even though I heard it has some wicked health benefits (spicy foods, not deserts!). So you can imagine that a new East Indian restaurant in the city wouldn’t exactly be on my list of priorities EXCEPT Calcutta Cricket Club not only was the baby of some of my favourite Calgarians but it’s truly a feast for the eyes just as much as it is for the stomach. Maya Gohil, the artist behind some of my favourite pieces in the city (think Phil & Seb’s caricature portraits in Mission and Simon’s giant mural on Stephen avenue) is the mastermind behind this incredible interior, and as she confessed, done entirely on a budget, which makes it as impressive as much as it seems impossible. It was one of Maya’s first design projects of this scale and I think deserves an encore don’t you?

The colours and theme in here transport you to an entirely different, and tropical place, Jungle Book comes to mind, it’s warm and inviting and so stylish it makes you want to go home and start working on your new interiors. To call it a hot spot is an understatement. It’s a space to inspire but also have a family dinner, or bring your friends along for a drink at this gorgeous bar. And can we talk about that pouncing leopard?! Every element of this space has been thought out and executed perfectly in such a way that walking through the door is a total treat.

You may notice that we shot these images quite a while back now (patio season was in full swing ahem!). I am as excited about Calcutta now as I was then, however and the food has only gotten better. On our plate here you will find the Far Far puffed crisps, which coincidentally also help take the edge off some of the spicier dishes, Parsi Prawn Curry & Tandoor Roasted Fish. Add the Kati Rolls to your list of things to try, they taste like delicious East Indian version of crepes or burritos, and remember, one is never enough. YUM!  I am also happy to report the starter spicy is totally manageable and if you wish you can always add more.

You can check out the entire menu or make reservations on the Calcutta Cricket Club website, www.calcuttacricketclub.com

wearing: H&M denim jacket & skirt, Topshop tee, Stuart Weitzman boot, Sneha Varma double canteen bag