Highly anticipated
Avec Bistro
brings classic French fare in a chic, sophisticated dining room to Calgary diners, serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week
Calgary's food lovers and Francophiles alike are in for a treat with this week’s opening of Avec Bistro in the Beltline. Proprietors Jackie Cooke, Michael Lazarowich and Kirk Shaw (along with silent partner Gail Norton of Cookbook Company fame) have created a venue that highlights a carefully curated wine list, an imaginative cocktail program, and an interior designed by Connie Young of Ce de Ce with custom carpentry by Dave Knight of Enchanting Dimensions.
Darnell Japp (formerly Sous Chef of Rouge) has taken great care to create a menu inspired by classic French bistro fare. Sure to become favourites are steak frites with local beef and signature Avec aioli, and duck confit with stewed cherries.
Keep your eyes open for original photography by Calgary's own Phil Crozier featuring key faces from Calgary's wine and food industry.
An intimate space with seating for up to 66 diners, Avec will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. A zinc bar (seating up to 6) will prove a popular spot for solitary diners who can admire the custom Alder wood carpentry. A luxurious banquet in charcoal ostrich spans the west facing window, custom designed by Connie Young. Private functions and parties of up to 72 can be accommodated.
"Avec is the culmination of experience learned from decades in the hospitality industry, and countless trips to France," says Kirk Shaw, proprietor. "We saw an opportunity to combine our passion for great wine and simply prepared, but locally sourced cuisine - and celebrate the classic French bistro."
Proprietor/Sommelier Jackie Cooke is equally enthusiastic, citing that "Every trip to France left us more inspired and determined to bring the simplicity of the French bistro to Calgary's dining scene." Both Cooke, Shaw and Lazarowich (who bring a shared 75 years of restaurant experience to the proverbial table) are thrilled to be working with Darnell Japp, who celebrates classic French techniques with modern flair.
Reservations are recommended, walk-ins encouraged, and private functions can be accommodated with sufficient notice. Follow Avec Bistro on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the-minute specials, insight and availability.
Avec Bistro
Proprietors: Jackie Cooke, Michael Lazarowich, Kirk Shaw
Executive Chef: Darnell Japp
Sommelier: Jackie Cooke
105-550 11th Ave SW
Phone: 587.352.0964
Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
www.avecbistro.com
Twitter: @AvecBistro
