Chef and restaurateur Uri Heilik has been a co-owner of Alloy restaurant for 13 years. He says the best part of his business is the heartwarming feeling of serving good food to good people. “It’s the relationships that only time can develop… having couples come back for anniversary dinners each year, and then years later introducing me to their children,” he says. So, even during a pandemic that has hit the restaurant industry hard, Heilik finds himself more motivated than ever to hone the Alloy experience. Here are his 10 favourite things in and around Calgary.
Pho Chu The
“My favourite pho place right now. Their ingredients are very fresh and they have some unique spins on their offerings.”
Cottonwood Golf and Country Club
“I could golf every day, and Cottonwood is my home away from home.”
Biking at South Glenmore Park
“We loved the splash park when my son was little and we love the bike path now that he rides his bike everywhere.”
Shopping at the Italian Centre
“I love shopping at the Italian Centre – you could spend hours there. I also admire all the charity work that Gino [Marghella] and the team do for our community.”
Establishment Brewery Kolsch
“Alloy is blessed to be in the Barley Belt with dozens of craft breweries within blocks of us. My Best Friend’s Girl kolsch by Establishment Brewery is my go-to beer.”
Henry Singer and Harry Rosen
“Dressing up for work takes me to Henry Singer and Harry Rosen. My favourite designer is Hugo Boss – just fits me right.”
Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
“Our family really enjoys the Lodge. [Pre-COVID-19] the staff would really make it special for my son, creating ‘cocktails’ for him.”
Connie and John’s Pizza
“Our ‘can’t sit still’ child made us wait two hours in line for a pizza from Connie and John’s. But he did proclaim it the best pizza ever! So, time well spent.”
Calgary Farmers’ Market
“I like walking the aisles and cooking dinner based on what catches my eye. It usually revolves around seafood from Market Seafood. Or, if I want someone else to cook for me I’ll pick up some Eastern European dishes from my friend Danny Korduner at Margarita’s.”
Bonterra Trattoria
“My wife and I have celebrated many occasions with Curtis [Gallinger, general manager] and his team. If I can’t sit on Alloy’s patio, then Bonterra is the place to be.”