Blog Number nine

Heart of Chinatown

During the end of summer, I finally got a chance to go to Edmonton to try Baiju. As much as I enjoyed Baiju…this unfortunately is not a blog about how much I enjoyed that restaurant, however this is what made me discover my new favorite place. This place is in the heart of Calgary Chinatown.

When I got back from my Edmonton trip, I raved about going to Baiju and how much fun it was. This conversation is what led to me discovering Paper Latern. In the heart of China town where the alleys look a bit run down, sits this little gem of restaurant, hidden from the rest of the Calgary.

As a passerby, you wouldnt even see it. You might not even realize that its open? Behind the false scene of abondon walls lies a crowd inside. Dave and I booked a reservation for 10pm, this might seem quite late for some however we are night owls, so 10pm was the prime time for us.

Dave and I parked and we did not see signs or anything that said PAPER LATERN, we used google maps to direct us. When google showed that we were righ in front of it, we stood still and found cement stiars that lead us downwards. Down the stairs lies a Golden Buddah which gave us sense that we were in the right place. We walked through the first set of doors and then we saw a dark painted door which we opened. At this moment we still werent sure if this was the right door to the restaurant.

We opened and walked in, then a friendly man welcomed us to come in and thats when I realize what I was walking into. The restaurant looked like a tropical dream. There was tropical wall paper that lined the walls, leaf hats were hung from the cieling and flamingo floaties were all over the tables. This of course made me smile, I was really excited.

I sat down and started observing, the place was so much fun! Overall the lighting was quite dim but bright enough to see th Vietnamese laquered paintings on the walls. I truly felt like I was in this secret hideaway. All the tables were full with guests and though the retsaurant was loud with chattering, the place was chill and relaxing.

THỊT BA CHỈ RAM MẶN (PINEAPPLE STIRFRY )

Caramelized Pork Belly, Shrimp, Pineapple, Rice

CHẢ GIÒ CÁ

(CRACKLING SALMON SPRING ROLLS)

Sushi Grade Salmon, Prawn, Sesame Seeds, Rice Paper, Fish Sauce

Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Subs)

Braised Pork Belly, Special Sauce, Pickled Veg, House Mayo, Soy, Jalapeno

Dave and I were really excited to try the cocktails, between us we were able to experience a few of thier featured cocktails however my favorite was of course the Pandan Pain Killer. This creamy delight was definitly a drink that you couldnt have too many without feeling gulity but a truly delicious experience. Asain flavors mixed with a modern twist.

As we continued the night ordering more cocktails and more dishes to share between us, I kept telling Dave how much I enjoy it here. It was nice to experience such a modern take to a Vietnames restaurant. The decor as well as the tastes of the drinks and food brought familiarity but Paper Latern was brand new to me.

*Pandan Killer- cocktail

I loved Paper Latern, great atmosphere with affordable prices makes it easy for me to reccommend this spot to others. Who would have thought a old abandon storage space in Chinatown could turn into such a hidden gem.