. "2"^^ . . "5"^^ . . "2"^^ . "4"^^ . "2012-11-16T00:00:00"^^ . "As the Calgary restaurant landscape continues to evolve, so do the many offerings in the form of presentation, flavour and serving concepts. Tapas is not a new idea, though lately it has seen a lot of interpretation and creativity in terms of what new cuisines can benefit from this fun and tasty, sharable delivery system. Bar C is a new Food & Drink establishment that has fun with local food, offering up some fresh and non-pretentious dishes that are a pleasure to enjoy.\n\nThe space itself is modern and clean, incorporating natural forms and woodgrains into its environment alongside the machine-like precision of industry with its brushed steel seat backs and metallic finishes. As a result, you get a refined overall look that has warmth and feels welcoming. The large window offers a clean view to the kitchen where the charcuterie is proudly displayed. On the wall, numerous canned vegetables are displayed. Whether they are actually used on the menu, I wasn't sure.\n\nThe service staff is friendly and very knowledgable about the food and drink menu and are always ready to recommend their favourite items to new guests. Wine is available to order in tasting portions in addition to the standard serving sizes. The house cocktails are original with a nice variety of flavours for whatever your taste may be.\n\nThe food is a straight-forward selection of fresh ingredients prepared in a number of traditional ways, from the crispy cornmeal-breaded, crab fritters with a citrus tartar sauce to a simple but very delicious braised lamb shank with gremolata butter and tomato confit that willfully yields to the touch. Fresh baked bread is available, fluffy and warm with that wonderful crust, perfect for tearing into. It's served with a fresh olive tapanade and roasted pepper ayvar that complement each other nicely.\n\nFinger food is always necessary in a setting like this, and Bar C answers with their crispy artichoke hearts with fireweed honey and citrus aioli. Also worth mentioning are the house frites, a generous serving of french fries with padano and smoked paprika mayo. Portions are served on sharable plates that make for a very social and interactive experience with friends. \n\nWhen the dinner is done, save room for the sweet stuff because Bar C offers up a baked hot chocolate souffle that is simply decadent. At first glance, the sheer richness of the deep, dark chocolate is deceiving, but then as soon as you dig into the hot mug and sample your first taste, you are rewarded by an ethereally light, but flavour intensive bite. In addition to the main event, fresh coconut macarons are standing by, perfect for dipping.\n\nFinish with an Americano and sit back. Enjoy the surroundings and conversation with friends. This is a place that is a perfect spot for light fare or a full and complete meal. Bar C has a lot to be proud of and I sincerely wish them the best of luck."^^ .