get lost: things to do on a whirlwind trip to calgary - part one.

last weekend, we hopped in the car for a whirlwind trip to see our southern neighbors. the gentleman caller works for a television show that received a plethora of nominations at our provincial film awards, so we packed our fanciest clothes, consulted our compass, and got on the queen elizabeth highway full sails to calgary. and by compass i mean google maps. naturally. 

our tickets and yes, my matching nails because awesome. a little snow for the road.

upon arrival in calgary, we headed straight for the fine diner. i had done a bit of research before the trip, and aspired to eat only at restaurants featured on you gotta eat here - one of my favourite food network offerings. this classy little cafe boasts a menu full of local, organic ingredients and friendly, fun staff. we met my dear friends holly and jake in the waiting area (which was a nice consideration, because who likes standing cramped in the doorway, or hovering so close to patrons they can't carry on conversation over the sound of your growling stomach? yeah. not me. plus... waiting room = coffee!). the menu details a 'mealshare' program, where you purchase one of the specified menu items for yourself, and the fine diner donates a meal to a charity benefiting calgary's homeless.

ryan enjoyed a stuffed brioche french toast, which was just as decadent as it sounds. even though it was brunch, i couldn't resist the sound of a wild mushroom and spinach mac and cheese made with truffle oil. oh yes, it was glorious. if you're in calgary, definitely go check out the fine diner! 

with full bellies, we headed to our accommodation, which was almost exactly in the middle of the city. my room was on the twelfth floor, with a great view of stephen avenue - which we explored later on. we stayed at the hyatt regency hotel, and, to quote ferris bueller, 'it is so choice. if you have the means, i highly recommend it'.

obligatory calgary tower photo... 

after an afternoon of wandering around downtown, we went back to the hotel to sharpen up for the awards ceremony. i donned my new dress from mars & venus (my favourite!), and my pearls (also favourite), and we walked arm and arm down to the awards ceremony.

fix up, look sharp!

bad picture, but the awards were hosted by comedian shawn cullen - he was pure gold.