Artisan Bistro
809 First Ave. N.E.
(403) 263-3727
artisanbistro.com

Hours:
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday 9 a.m.-3p.m.
Dinner: Friday & Saturday 6-10 p.m.

Rating:**1/2
Price range: $6-$16.95
Reservations: Yes
Low: Soup of the day $6
High: Specialty sandwiches $16.95
Licensed: Yes

Artisan Bistro is the place to go for an unhurried, civilized lunch in a decidedly European setting. Serving all-day brunch, the menu is a fusion of Spanish and French.

The quinoa salad ($16.50) is a refreshing plate of greens topped with a moist, baked salmon filet. The mixed-in asparagus was lovely but the bland tomatoes, indicative of this time of year, could be skipped.

I chose the empanada de pino ($15), a Latin specialty rarely served in Calgary restaurants. Like a refined pizza pocket, the slightly sweet bread is stuffed with beef, onions, black olives, and hard-boiled egg. It’s a delicious change from your ordinary lunch choices.

The empanada comes with a lovely, homemade cilantro salsa. Artisan’s strength is in its house-made items especially the chorizo sausage.

My only quibble is that for the prices, portions are on the small side, even if many come with a soup or salad.