EXTRAORDINARY IN THE EAST VILLAGE

Every now and again, an epicurean experience can excite and delight even the most experienced eater. The latest outings by Calgary celebrity chef Darren Maclean, Nupo and Eight each offer something extraordinary.

Nupo, named as a derivation of Maclean’s mother’s maiden name, shines a spotlight on plant-forward Japanese dining. The experience begins with a delightful beverage program celebrating the Japanse tea tradition with tea-infused cocktails in all manner of colour and flavour. We loved the build-your-own mar-tea-ni. Also, take advantage of an extensive sake list. Maclean says he’s particularly proud of the cashew-nut vegan tonkotsu ramen featuring
local sunchokes and toasted konbu (kelp). Nupo’s seafood menu offers guilt-free sustainable choices that illustrate Maclean’s passionate proposition that we can enjoy spectacular seafood while protecting our oceans. The proof is particularly obvious in Calgary’s first hand-serviced omakase sushi experience. Available by reservation only, you will be served 12 courses of sushi, piece by piece by Nupo’s gifted sushi chefs. Prepaid reservations for $125/person can be made at exploretock.com/nupo.*

On the other side of the bustling kitchen, eight places are set around the bar. This is Eight. And it’s Maclean’s chef d’oevre. Intimate and personal, Eight is a conversation about ingredients, food and what it means to cook and eat in Canada. Curated, orchestrated and hosted by Maclean himself, the 10-plus course experience guides diners through a culinary journey of Canadian ingredients, international influences and global techniques. Engaging and inspirational, this experience is unique in Calgary and sells out quickly. Prepaid reservations of $185/person can be made at exploretock.com/eight.*