Going a little Maisie

Maisie Eatery

Irish-born “restaurantrepreneur,” Barbara Spain (Cleaver, Gringo St.) has partnered with the Calgary Stampede Foundation to open her latest venture, Maisie Eatery. Located within the Sam Centre in Calgary’s developing Culture and Entertainment District, Maisie gives visitors a natural place to connect on the area’s history. Spain’s concept for the restaurant is based on innovative culinary/cultural partnerships she saw in Europe. “Maisie was created to celebrate sensation through sensational food and defiance of convention. Our dishes and beverages are designed to spark conversations and foster connections. It’s a place people come to be wowed,” says Spain.

Named for Spain’s grandmother, Maisie is open daily, from early breakfast right through to half-past happy hour. The format is cafeteria-style, but this is unlike any “line” you’ve seen before. Gorgeous gourmet salads, creative sandwiches and eye-popping pastries elicit one “oooh” after another as you make difficult decisions moving down the line. Fortunately, many of the chefs who created the dishes are right there to help you choose.

We enjoyed a three-salad plate with spiced chickpea carrots with halloumi and mint; broccolini with mushroom, ketchup, nori and peanut; and potato chaat masala with tamarind, cilantro and chutney. The brisket sandwich was exceptional and the smoky harissa lamb flatbread with lime crème fraiche, cucumber and mint was a delight. A highlight was the pork chorizo sausage roll, which found that perfect balance between a light and flaky pastry and a bold, savoury filling that left us wanting more. For dessert, light, fluffy, one-person-sized cheesecakes abound. The peanut-butter cheesecake was surprisingly delicate, while the key lime was a beautiful dance between tangy and sweet. Pair your meal with local brews, prosecco or a cocktail if a celebration is in order.

Maisie Eatery | 632 13th Ave. S.E. | hello@maisieeatery.com | maisieeatery.com