Murrieta's

Open Air Atmosphere

On nice days, Murrieta’s (737 Main St, 609-9500) and Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co (838 Main St, 609-5508) open their huge sliding windows to bring the outdoors in. — NO

The Drake's raised patio

Patio Picks

• See and Be Seen The Wood’s huge patio is best for sun and socializing.
• Watch from Afar The Drake's (shown) is raised—see bustling Main St and Policeman’s Creek ducks in seclusion.
• Stay the Evening The Grizzly Paw patio has heaters, fireplace and home brews.
• A Little Romance The Quarry’s intimate streetside patio has only five tables.
• Away from the Crowds The Rose and Crown has a lovely creekside patio has shade trees.
• Shelter from the Storm Bonjour Bistro patio has glass wind breaks, propane heaters and Ha Ling Peak view.
• Other Side of the Tracks Sage Bistro elevated deck has log cabin charm and a view.
• Best New Patio The Iron Goat has a large patio with Three Sisters vista.
• Golf Course Glory Sandtraps’ deck offers an amazing pond, fairway and peaks view. Rustica and Stoney's cobblestone patio overlooks fairways and Mt Lady Macdonald.

Taste & Tunes of Canada

The only place in the Rockies to meet singing lumberjacks, Mounties and Anne of Green Gables is at Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show. The playful 5-course meal graciously served by the performers includes pan-Canadian home-style favourites like French Canadian pea soup, Alberta Grade Eh? roast beef, fresh Atlantic haddock, roasted Manitoba chicken and PEI potatoes. — NO

Meals Like Mom Never Made

Awarded Where Magazine 'Top Ten New Canadian Restaurants' of 2007 honours, The Trough Dining Co offers intimate, upscale dining without pretension. By combining fresh, local ingredients with spices from exotic locales like India, Morocco and Jamaica chef and co-owner Rosie Gair ensures the ever-changing menu has choices not found on your own dinner table. — JN

Chef and co-owner Rosie Gair in The Trough kitchen

Image © John Gaucher

BEST NEW RESTAURANT FOR 2007: The Trough Dining Co.

Canmore’s The Trough Dining Co. is one of Where Canada’s Top Ten New Restaurants of the Year.

The 10-table Trough Dining Co. offers an intimate, upscale dining experience without pretension. “We’re having a lot of fun with it right now—it’s magical,” says proprietario Michael Western of his restaurant with hardwood floors, glass waterfall feature, slate counters and orange-terracotta finish.

Chef and co-owner Rosie Gair ensures the ever-changing Trough menu has choices not found on your dinner table at home. The balsamic braised lamb shank spends all day slow roasting, while the jerk spice ribs takes four days to prepare. Gair seeks out fresh, locally grown ingredients and spices from such counties as India, Morocco and Jamaica. Where editor Warren Mackie puts it simply: “The food is incredibly tasty.”

Dinner at The Trough is full of surprises. Mackie was treated to a glass of Moscato D’asti after he was seated, Portobello amuse-bouche before appetizer and a palate cleansing sorbet between appetizer and main course. Cutlery was changed with every course, and the decanted wine was served in a Riedel glass shaped to match the wine’s character. The 3-course meal for two with a bottle of wine cost $145.

The Trough Dining Co. is located at 725B 9 St, Canmore, Alberta, 403-678-2820.