CALGARY, April 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Heard the one about the Sundance Kid? Tried the 1800-second burger? Tasted 'Snorkeling in the Bathtub' single cask, single malt whisky?
Officially open for business, ONE18 EMPIRE offers up a deliciously unique experience in dining. With locally-inspired food on the menu, an exclusive selection of the world's finest whiskeys and rich stories from the annals of Calgary's history, patrons find themselves easily kicking back and leaving the day behind.
The restaurant is located close to the site of the historic Empire Hotel at 118 Atlantic Avenue, hence the name. Building on that history and wanting to keep the old west alive, it was easy to develop the restaurant focus on great food, fine whiskeys and good times.
The Food
'ONE18 EMPIRE is a place where people want to share a few laughs while trying new things,' says Executive Chef, Eric Larcom. 'So I've kept it simple by putting a new twist on some old favourites, all of which make your mouth water just reading the menu!'
People love good food. But looking around their table, it's easy to feel a bit of 'dinner envy'…often wanting to try what their friends ordered. Larcom has solved this problem by creating dishes that are not only delicious, but smaller and entirely shareable. 'You can keep your dish all to yourself,' adds Larcom. 'But why not dive into the experience and try everything on the table!'
From snacks to salads to the full meal deal, ONE18 EMPIRE's menu offers everything a palate desires. Snack on Rosemary Almonds or Chili Lime Chips and Dip while enjoying a drink before dinner. Want something on the lighter side? Try the Crisp Duck salad with arugula, currents and pine nuts tossed with a rye whiskey and burnt orange marmalade dressing. And for the main event, take your pick from dishes like Bone-in Ribeye, Slo Smoked ½ Chicken or Cedar Plank Salmon. Or, as the chef recommends, order a few dishes and enjoy them all.
And if you're just looking for a great place to unwind with family or friends over breakfast, lunch or brunch, ONE18 delivers a fabulous menu of omelettes, sandwiches, salads and soups.
The Whisk(e)y
Whether you're a connoisseur or an amateur, ONE18 EMPIRE offers an expansive selection of whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails and a great assortment of wine and craft beer. With a focus on whiskeys, the bar is stocked with the smoothest Single Malt Scotches you've longed to enjoy, including Glenlivet, Glenmorangie and Kilchoman 2008 KWM Cask 326. But you'll also find the world's foremost single cask, single malt whiskies including 'A ballerina in stilettos', 'Buttercups, bothies and bbqs' and 'Dapper Dan meets Holly Hunter'…just a few taglines from a drinks menu that will wet your whistle and knock your socks off.
If you're new to the world of whiskey and want to learn, ONE18 EMPIRE offers tastings and education sessions in the McTavish Room, a Private Dining Room that can also be booked for special dinners and events. 'I've always been a bourbon man,' says Larcom. 'But I'm quickly developing a taste for Scotch whisky like Lagavulin 16yr.'
The Atmosphere
Blending the old with the new, ONE18 EMPIRE offers a cool, contemporary space designed with textured materials including wooden planks, smooth stone and metal accents. But it's the warm, welcoming vibe that sets it apart. While patrons share the locally-inspired cuisine and sip on their drinks of choice, they will be delighted to hear the tales of the old west shared by staff.
Did you know the Sundance Kid once operated a saloon at the old Grand Central Hotel during Prohibition? Or what about the two friends who gave their lives in the historic fire that brought down the Empire Hotel…all for a good Poker hand. Stories abound at ONE18 EMPIRE, where patrons are invited to listen up or jump in with their own stories.
There's more
To find out more, visit us online at www.one18empire.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/one18empire. Or follow Chef Larcom's Twitter feed: @eric_larcom.
Better still, come in and share some great food, smooth whiskey and a few tall tales.
SOURCE Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada
Video with caption: "Video: ONE18 EMPIRE bar and restaurant shows how to make a Fresh Mint Julep, using only the best ingredients. ONE18 EMPIRE is a whiskey-inspired bar and restaurant focused on sharable, locally inspired cuisine, and offering a selection of over 100 types of whiskey.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150415_C6733_VIDEO_EN_14304.mp4&posterurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.newswire.ca%2Fimages%2F20150415_C6733_VIDEO_EN_14304.jpg&order=1&jdd=20150415&cnum=C6733
Image with caption: "ONE18 EMPIRE Breakfast Buffet - Serving full breakfast buffet daily, including fruits, breakfast breads, meats, omelettes cooked to order and more. ONE18 EMPIRE welcomes guests for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night dining seven days a week from 6:30am until close. (CNW Group/Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150415_C6733_PHOTO_EN_14301.jpg
Image with caption: "ONE18 EMPIRE Private Dining Room - Plan an event with a tasting in the McTavish Room with local experts and renowned Master Distillers to take you through the world of whiskies, ryes and scotches! Choose creative menus with pairings for business, special occasions, dinners or lunch. (CNW Group/Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150415_C6733_PHOTO_EN_14302.jpg
Image with caption: "ONE18 EMPIRE Whiskey Bar and Restaurant (CNW Group/Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150415_C6733_PHOTO_EN_14303.jpg
Lukas Campestrini, Phone: 403-269-0260, Email: [email protected]
Share this article