Eight Restaurant

[CompletelyNumb]

The new restaurant by Darren MacLean has opened: https://eightcdn.ca/

Booked until march already. Which one of you ballers (other than ercchry of course) have a spot?

[Buster]

I'm going to book in... Just haven't checked into it yet

[suntan]

It's no Dorsia.

[ercchry]

I missed it... GF is also being boring right now... blah, blah... rsp contributions.... blah, blah. Don’t want a huge tax bill :rofl:

We’ll probably go for my birthday or something, was about to book nupo but then that got delayed due to building issues or something

[triplep]

Their logo reminds me of the Rich Energy logo, which is the logo for Whyte bikes just in a different color.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Which resembles the next logo for the Canadian Energy Centre

[89coupe]

No menu?

Pre-pay?

WTF!

:thumbsdow

[ExtraSlow]

Well, it's not a-la-carte. Tasting menu every day, so you can't expect them to publish that for months ahead.

I don't like most trendy things, but I do like chefs tasting menus. So I'm conflicted. Good thing I can't afford it.

[89coupe]

Well, it's not a-la-carte. Tasting menu every day, so you can't expect them to publish that for months ahead.

I don't like most trendy things, but I do like chefs tasting menus. So I'm conflicted. Good thing I can't afford it.

Tasting menus can be adjusted, easy to update.

No excuse IMO.

And pre-pay? Seriously?

[The Cosworth]

It's no Dorsia.

Trump wouldn't be at a Texarkana

[Chandler_Racing]

Went to school with Darren, been meaning to try his restaurant out.

[Brent.ff]

And pre-pay? Seriously?

sooo no tip?

[BavarianBeast]

Darren is a good chef but treats his staff poorly which seems to result in a revolving door of unhappy bar staff and waiters/waitresses.

Wife and I had to walk out of Shokunin the last time we came in, used to love going there but won’t be back. Too many places in town that will treat you properly.

[you&me]

Tasting menus can be adjusted, easy to update.

No excuse IMO.

And pre-pay? Seriously?

This ain't no $90 Earl's lunch...

Darren's good friends with a friend of mine. I've been to several parties & events where he was brought in to cook & was around for some of the pre-open tastings for DTF - always excellent.

I'm booked for my wife's birthday and will report back.

[Buster]

Tasting menus can be adjusted, easy to update.

No excuse IMO.

And pre-pay? Seriously?


No menu?

Pre-pay?

WTF!

:thumbsdow

I can only assume you are joking.

[ExtraSlow]

Darren is a good chef but treats his staff poorly which seems to result in a revolving door of unhappy bar staff and waiters/waitresses.

Wife and I had to walk out of Shokunin the last time we came in, used to love going there but won’t be back. Too many places in town that will treat you properly. If that's legit, fuck him. the high-maintenance celebrity chef schtick is awful.

[89coupe]

I can only assume you are joking.

No I am not.

I’m not exactly a noob when it comes to fine dining.

[ercchry]

No I am not.

I’m not exactly a noob when it comes to fine dining.

I’ve done some of his special events with the same structure and actually prefer it that way. No surprises, all in cost. Can just sit and enjoy... and if you are with one of those sneaky fuckers that always tries to grab the bill... too bad! Already done

[Mitsu3000gt]

If that's legit, fuck him. the high-maintenance celebrity chef schtick is awful.

I only saw him on that Netflix Chef show, but it looked like he got carried big time by his partner from the French Laundry. Then again I only saw what Netflix wanted me to see. Haven't really had any desire to check out his restaurants, but maybe I'm missing out.

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I’ve done some of his special events with the same structure and actually prefer it that way. No surprises, all in cost. Can just sit and enjoy... and if you are with one of those sneaky fuckers that always tries to grab the bill... too bad! Already done

+1, prepayment is awesome and not that unusual. Don't have to worry about anything. It's like Uber haha.

It's also not unusual for no menu. If you've ever had the Epicurian Adventure at Rouge it's like that and it's probably my single favorite dining experience in the city.

[89coupe]

I’ve done some of his special events with the same structure and actually prefer it that way. No surprises, all in cost. Can just sit and enjoy... and if you are with one of those sneaky fuckers that always tries to grab the bill... too bad! Already done

I’ve been to many Michelin star restaurants.

Private Chefs & events

All sorts of nice places and I always know what I’m getting.

I don’t like surprises

$185/person is nothing, it’s not the cost, but I want to know what I’m getting.

[BavarianBeast]

$1000 says the restaurant doesn’t last till 2021

[Buster]

I’ve been to many Michelin star restaurants.

Private Chefs & events

All sorts of nice places and I always know what I’m getting.

I don’t like surprises

$185/person is nothing, it’s not the cost, but I want to know what I’m getting.

dat flex tho

[blitz]

I’ve been to many Michelin star restaurants.

Private Chefs & events

All sorts of nice places and I always know what I’m getting.

I don’t like surprises

$185/person is nothing, it’s not the cost, but I want to know what I’m getting.

Maybe this isn't for you then.

[Disoblige]

$185/person is nothing, it’s not the cost, but I want to know what I’m getting.
Updated in 2020 for inflation. $185 is the norm now!

[beyond_ban]

Here are a few more details and photos. The Winter Canadian Reflections Menu is being served until Mid March, and then will be switched to something for the Spring.

https://i2.wp.com/crackmacs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Eight-seats-at-a-time-details.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1



https://crackmacs.ca/food-and-drink/eight-calgary-8seatsatatime/

[ercchry]

I thought Eight was like $3xx each? Nupo is the cheaper one

[ExtraSlow]

Maybe this isn't for you then.

Probably not, it specifically says there's no pretense.

[you&me]

Probably not, it specifically says there's no pretense.

:clap:

[89coupe]

Maybe this isn't for you then.

No maybes

[Buster]

friendly person: "Hey 89coupe, you want to come over for a dinner saturday? Small get together, should be fun"

89coupe: "well that depends on what you are planning to serve."

[ercchry]

$1000 says the restaurant doesn’t last till 2021

I think he is attempting to go for a star... but not sure how that works here? Like... if Calgary isn’t in the guide, then Calgary isn’t eligible right?

I get your stance, I have heard it from a few people. But he has always treated me well, and it’s one of those “separate the man from the art” sort of things. Seems like you just have to in this age of media or how many great movies and show would one no longer be able to watch??? :rofl:

But I’m going to support him anyways, he has done great things for the city with the exposure he gets, this will lead to more options for everyone. He has created a great international circle of influence in the chef community too. I do worry that he is juggling way too many venture right now though. Something is bound to slip

[89coupe]

friendly person: "Hey 89coupe, you want to come over for a dinner saturday? Small get together, should be fun"

89coupe: "well that depends on what you are planning to serve."

Seriously?

Buster, I was so impressed until this.

[Buster]

Seriously?

Buster, I was so impressed until this.

just busting your balls man. all good.

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I think he is attempting to go for a star... but not sure how that works here? Like... if Calgary isn’t in the guide, then Calgary isn’t eligible right?

I get your stance, I have heard it from a few people. But he has always treated me well, and it’s one of those “separate the man from the art” sort of things. Seems like you just have to in this age of media or how many great movies and show would one no longer be able to watch??? :rofl:

But I’m going to support him anyways, he has done great things for the city with the exposure he gets, this will lead to more options for everyone. He has created a great international circle of influence in the chef community too. I do worry that he is juggling way too many venture right now though. Something is bound to slip

canada doesnt do michelin stars.

[ercchry]

just busting your balls man. all good.

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canada doesnt do michelin stars.

At all? I’ve never actually looked at the guide haha... thought at least Montreal/Toronto would be in there?

[Mitsu3000gt]

I think he is attempting to go for a star... but not sure how that works here? Like... if Calgary isn’t in the guide, then Calgary isn’t eligible right?

I get your stance, I have heard it from a few people. But he has always treated me well, and it’s one of those “separate the man from the art” sort of things. Seems like you just have to in this age of media or how many great movies and show would one no longer be able to watch??? :rofl:

But I’m going to support him anyways, he has done great things for the city with the exposure he gets, this will lead to more options for everyone. He has created a great international circle of influence in the chef community too. I do worry that he is juggling way too many venture right now though. Something is bound to slip

He can't get a star here (Canada) unfortunately unless Michelin changes their procedures. There are other lists that include us though, like the 50 best list (Rouge is always on that one).

[Buster]

At all? I’ve never actually looked at the guide haha... thought at least Montreal/Toronto would be in there?

nope. never has been.

[ercchry]

He can't get a star here (Canada) unfortunately unless Michelin changes their procedures. There are other lists that include us though, like the 50 best list (Rouge is always on that one).

I still need to get to rouge! I lived down the street for a year and went everywhere but there haha... byob Sunday family meals at deane house were good

[Mitsu3000gt]

I still need to get to rouge! I lived down the street for a year and went everywhere but there haha... byob Sunday family meals at deane house were good

Get the Epicurian Adventure - it's their best thing by far IMO. 89coupe would hate it :rofl:

[89coupe]

I still need to get to rouge! I lived down the street for a year and went everywhere but there haha... byob Sunday family meals at deane house were good

Save your money.

[ExtraSlow]

Get the Epicurian Adventure - it's their best thing by far IMO. 89coupe would hate it :rofl:

Did that back in the day when oil and gas made money. Enjoyed immensely.

[dj_rice]

I’ve been to many Michelin star restaurants.

Private Chefs & events

All sorts of nice places and I always know what I’m getting.

I don’t like surprises

$185/person is nothing, it’s not the cost, but I want to know what I’m getting.


Those $89 lunches seem like a distant memory now #humblebrag

[phreezee]

Shokunin is overrated anyway.

[The_Rural_Juror]

(enter) This is a rich people thread (exit)

[msommers]

For our 5 year anniversary we went to a Michelin star restaurant while in Lyon. The menu was two pages, the first was background about the restaurant and the chef, the second was your choices of Random: Large or Small; wine pairing?

It was an unforgettable experience. No idea what was being served, excitement for the next course, every dish was explained at length... I'm not joking when I describe the experience as a culinary journey. Such a great memory that will stay with us forever.

If you trust the chef, not knowing what you're getting makes it way more fun and exciting.

[CompletelyNumb]

So, Beyond meet? :bigpimp:

[Buster]

For our 5 year anniversary we went to a Michelin star restaurant while in Lyon. The menu was two pages, the first was background about the restaurant and the chef, the second was your choices of Random: Large or Small; wine pairing?

It was an unforgettable experience. No idea what was being served, excitement for the next course, every dish was explained at length... I'm not joking when I describe the experience as a culinary journey. Such a great memory that will stay with us forever.

If you trust the chef, not knowing what you're getting makes it way more fun and exciting.

its really common to do what Eight is suggesting to do...the idea that you wouldn't pay a set price and you wont know the menu in a high end restaurant is pretty funny. the only explanation is that you simply havent been to that many high end restaurants...despite claims to the contrary.

[The_Rural_Juror]

So, Beyond meet? :bigpimp:

Only on CCR nights.

[CompletelyNumb]

Only if on CCR nights.

:barf:

[speedog]

Here are a few more details and photos. The Winter Canadian Reflections Menu is being served until Mid March, and then will be switched to something for the Spring.

https://i2.wp.com/crackmacs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Eight-seats-at-a-time-details.jpg?w=1024&ssl=1

https://crackmacs.ca/food-and-drink/eight-calgary-8seatsatatime/

You are crack macs?

[beyond_ban]

You are crack macs?

нет

[The_Rural_Juror]

:barf:

Don't be such a student.

[bjstare]

Seems like it would be cool, and price/surprise menu aren't offputting... but the thing that gets me is the idea of being in such an intimate setting with a few other randoms. I'd rather have a nice dinner with my wife and not get to know new people.

[ercchry]

Seems like it would be cool, and price/surprise menu aren't offputting... but the thing that gets me is the idea of being in such an intimate setting with a few other randoms. I'd rather have a nice dinner with my wife and not get to know new people.

Well the good news at least is they should be quality people... little networking is never bad

[Buster]

Seems like it would be cool, and price/surprise menu aren't offputting... but the thing that gets me is the idea of being in such an intimate setting with a few other randoms. I'd rather have a nice dinner with my wife and not get to know new people.

I'm not sure if the intent is to interact with the other guests...it sounds like it might be encouraged?

I just did a tasting menu in NYC by myself, while my wife was at a work dinner. It was a 12 seater, and I was by myself, and I didn't talk to a damn person other than the chef. I also didn't know the menu up front and pre-paid for the meal...lol.

[nzwasp]

Seems like it would be cool, and price/surprise menu aren't offputting... but the thing that gets me is the idea of being in such an intimate setting with a few other randoms. I'd rather have a nice dinner with my wife and not get to know new people.

Reminds me of those chef’s tables on cruise ships....

[bjstare]

I'm not sure if the intent is to interact with the other guests...it sounds like it might be encouraged?

I just did a tasting menu in NYC by myself, while my wife was at a work dinner. It was a 12 seater, and I was by myself, and I didn't talk to a damn person other than the chef. I also didn't know the menu up front and pre-paid for the meal...lol.

Yeah it seems like it's encouraged? Idk. Interesting you did a tasting menu on your own and only spoke to the chef. That's encouraging haha.

Ercchry is correct, networking is never bad... I just do enough of that through work and other social avenues.

[JRSC00LUDE]

I just did a tasting menu in NYC by myself, while my wife was at a work dinner. It was a 12 seater, and I was by myself, and I didn't talk to a damn person other than the chef. I also didn't know the menu up front and pre-paid for the meal...lol.

This sounds perfect, fuck off everyone else haha

[BavarianBeast]

Networking with a bunch of goofs at a restaurant decorated in my dead grannies furniture sounds like a terrific time. I can’t stop thinking about all the incredible connections I would make at such a place!!!

[Buster]

Networking with a bunch of goofs at a restaurant decorated in my dead grannies furniture sounds like a terrific time. I can’t stop thinking about all the incredible connections I would make at such a place!!!

haha, I'm with you. If I'm out for dinner I don't want to start swapping business cards and discussing colabs. I just want to eat my food. Might be my stage in career though.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Nothing wrong with sharing a cassette or two. I feel that I am entitled to drop some sick beats on the other customers if I am paying rent money for dinner. Y'all don't know what you are missing.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Nothing wrong with sharing a cassette or two. I feel that I am entitled to drop some sick beats on the other customers if I am paying rent money for dinner. Y'all don't know what you are missing.

No shit. Drop those beats.

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