In just over 18 months, FinePrint has distinguished itself as one of Canada’s top-rated restaurants, attracting foodies, celebrities and celebration-seekers alike. Situated in the historic original home of the Calgary Herald on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary, FinePrint’s location alone carries a certain gravitas. But beyond the storied walls and vintage charm, there’s a fresh, creative spirit that’s turning heads and winning awards.
Creativity at the forefront
Aside from the seasonal menus, FinePrint’s dedication to innovation is best showcased in the popular Chef’s Tasting at The Roost, a specially curated experience at an exclusive sitting area overlooking FinePrint’s kitchen. Picture this: an open kitchen, a carefully curated multi-course meal and dishes that each tell a story — all meticulously crafted and paired with wines or cocktails that match their flavour complexity. It’s more than dining; it’s a journey and an experience that makes The Roost the ultimate setting for both milestone events and casual indulgence.
FinePrint also offers a playground for those with a desire to get hands-on with its FP MasterClass series. These sessions allow guests to learn from FinePrint’s bartenders and chefs, gaining insight into mixology, flavour pairing and culinary techniques that turn ingredients into art. For the food and drink enthusiast, the skills picked up in these intimate classes are more than souvenirs; they’re keys to elevating your culinary abilities to a FinePrint standard.
Those interested in The Roost or MasterClasses need to be quick as they often sell out within hours of being released on the website and the OpenTable platform.
A whispered invitation
Among FinePrint regulars, whispers swirl about an elusive gathering known as HR TasteLab. Held in the depths of the owner’s private lounge, this experience is as exclusive as it is experimental. TasteLab isn’t just a tasting — it’s a front-row ticket to the creative process, where FinePrint’s executive chefs present a lineup of imaginative appetizers and small bites, each with a twist. It’s an intimate glimpse into future menu items and culinary innovation, and it’s reserved only for those in FinePrint’s inner circle. The mystique? It’s intentional. HR TasteLab isn’t promoted; it’s discovered, an experience stumbled upon only through invited access to the owners’ lounge.
Heavily Redacted (HR)
Heavily Redacted (HR) is the private, invite-only owners’ lounge located below the restaurant. Calgary’s most elusive private retreat has earned a reputation that’s nearly mythical — a haven of privacy, luxury and finely crafted cocktails. Unlike a speakeasy, HR makes no attempt to conceal its existence, yet it remains inaccessible to the public, reinforcing its exclusivity. Only invited guests are granted access to this hidden gem, where cameras are forbidden, and social media is non-existent. HR’s no-photos, no-website policy has only added to its allure, keeping it a sanctuary for those who truly value privacy and refinement.
With growing attention and intrigue surrounding Heavily Redacted, the owners have introduced an opportunity for access through a discreet application process on the FinePrint website. By entering a short password (provided by FinePrint staff) into the virtual typewriter, applicants can unlock the application page. While HR remains an exclusive retreat primarily for FinePrint’s VIPs, this process offers select applicants a chance to be considered for entry. Additionally, the public can try their luck, as two to four coveted invitations are extended to FinePrint dinner guests on nights when HR is open, though access remains highly limited.
At FinePrint and HR, it’s clear that the owners sought to move beyond typical dining and event spaces by merging food, drink and creative touches of theatre into an experience that celebrates hospitality.
To learn more, visit fineprintyyc.com.
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