Spunkygirl Monologues

I’m 5 months away from leaving my life behind in Canada and traveling the world. This means I’m staying home more and resisting the urge to take mini trips when those tempting-crazy-cheap sales pop up.  As I’m currently living in Calgary I thought it would be interesting to breath a little life into the city, hence this new series of articles, The Calgary Verve.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for sudden cravings or homesickness. If you’ve been to Peters’ and currently far from home, stop! DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER! Thank-you.

Peters’ Drive-In

Peters' Drive-In

I was sitting at home this afternoon craving a float and creeping on Twitter when @nomadicchick suggested I go to Peters’ Drive-In. Peters’ Drive-In is a Calgary institution located on 16th Ave (Trans Canada HWY 1) near 1st St NE. . In business since 1962, their prices have changed a little but their menu has not.  What’s on menu? Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fries, Onion Rings, Floats and more than 4,000 possible milkshake combinations!

One of the things I love about Peters’ is that it’s mostly windows, which means you can see everything happening inside. Unlike some drive-ins from the 50′s and 60′s (A&W’s) that are still around, Peters’ is still very much the same as it was all those years ago. In fact Peters’ use to be a favourite stop for my parents when they were younger.

My original plan was to drive over to Peters’, buy a hamburger, onion rings and a float using some change I had laying around my apartment as well as my credit card. I know, you can’t get more pathetic than that. However when I arrived at Peters’ I was reminded of one thing that has been the same since the day they opened- cash only! Eek! My plan was foiled. I quickly sat down and counted my change, looked at the menu on the window and decided what I was going to order while the guy inside chuckled at me.

Cheeseburger & Onion Rings

Eating at Peters’ in not cheap. I was more hungry than thirsty so I opted for a cheeseburger and onion rings which cost me $7.60. But the food is worth it. The service at Peters’ is out of this world. The staff are friendly, patient and FAST. I think it was all of 60 seconds between placing my order and receiving my order.

Although my original plan was to order a float don’t worry, I still figured out a way to have a yummy A&W float with my dinner.  How? I drove to 7-11, bought a large ice cream sandwich and a small bottle of A&W Rootbeer. When I got home I pried off the cookie part of the ice cream sandwich, dropped the ice cream into a mug and poured the Rootbeer over top. MMmm

Stay tuned for the next The Calgary Verve: Crave…

Located on Granville Island, Atlantic Canada House is in the Arts Theatre next to the Public Market.  Of all the houses, I think Atlantic Canada House was the most satisfying. Once again I was the guest of lady luck.  I didn’t do any reading or research before going, I just called a cab and asked to go to Granville. My plan was to visit the house and then take the Aqua Ferry to Yale Town.

It was a great plan. I joined the line to get in, only to find out they were doing FREE food tastings. YUM! Although I was warned that there was no need for me to be in line as the food would run out before I got inside, I stayed in line anyway.  As it turns out there was still a little food left and I walked out with a couple free pins, and very satisfied taste buds (I can still taste the Salmon Cerviche and Raw Rock Oysters, so good!).

Although the food was incredible, my favourite part of Atlantic Canada House was the show.  The theatre was small, but intimate.  As I sat down I wasn’t sure what I was in for, but when I left, I left with a desire to go to Atlantic Canada. The show consisted of musicians from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  Each musician would tell their story and the story of their respective province as personal photos were displayed on the screen behind them. Then they’d share a song.  It was fabulous.  I loved Newfoundland’s David Payne. His humor and his music was lively and had me fully energized!

Talking about Prince Edward Island.

If you’re thinking of going to Atlantic Canada House, try to go during one of their food tastings. But be early if you want food. They have tastings everyday at 11:30am, 2pm and 5pm. As I mentioned, the food is amazing, but you will be in line for awhile if you want some. If sampling free food is not your thing, then see the show. It’s a great way to learn more about Atlantic Canada and their music. They have wonderful artists.