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THIS ISSUE FEATURES BANFF ALBERTA
Banff offers the perfect getaway for those yearning to escape the city without compromising their big city-tastes!
Banff's scene has it all for the weekend traveler. With it's picturesque views and incredible hospitality, our neighbors in the mountains won't disappoint when it comes to providing more than just peace & quiet. You'll enjoy a myx of the outdoors, trendy dining, stylin' hotels, and big city nightlife!
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CITYSCENE ARTICLES
DINING SCENE
On The Road to Banff: Breakfast in Canmore
The Maple Leaf : Fine Canadian Dining
Muk-A-Muk Bistro & Lounge : Funky Aboriginal-style
HOT SCENE
PARTY IN THE PARK: Martinis to Mischief, find out what makes the city of Banff howl 'till the wee hours.
LODGE SCENE
The Juniper Hotel: New York in the mountains
EVENT SCENE
The Kennedy Fundraiser: Celebrities in Banff
MAKEOVER SCENE
BABY, IT'S DRY OUT THERE : How to prepare your skin
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DINING SCENE
CANMORE Breakfast Bonanza
If you're planning on going skiing for the day, you may want to stop in Canmore to fill up on a wholesome breakfast at one of these great café's.
The Summit Café offers a delightful breakfast menu with a mexican twist! From Huevos Rancheros to a tasty breakfast burrito, everything here is made with the freshest ingredients. Located just .5km up the hill from the Sheraton 4 Point exit to Canmore, it's worth the climb. If you want to pick up a sandwich for the road, their breads are homemade and so are their sumptuous pecan squares made fresh every day.
 Harvest Café is yet another café nestled amongst a fury of choices when in Canmore. However, this café prepares it's menu from scratch each and everday. From warm pumpkin-ginger soup to a unique "STUFFED FRENCH TOAST" (two pieces of french toast stuffed with a variety of fruit fillings and cream cheese, then soaked in maple syrup) makes it well worth the drive!
THE MAPLE LEAF GRILL & LOUNGE
After a long day on the slopes or in the shops, why not treat yourself to a purely Canadian experience.
 You are in good hands with award winning Chef Michael Lyon serving up the very best in Pan Canadian cuisine from rustic game meats such as bison and Brome Lake duck to fresh lobster from the restaurant's own tank.
From the moment you walk in the door, the grand wooden staircase and river rock waterfall will make you feel like you're in a lodge fit for a King. The smell of freshly baked bread will inspire you to order a glass of red wine from their fine wine list - as it has garnered many awards.
The Award winning cellar (2002, 2003 & 2004 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence) offers over 400 labels including a fabulous Canadian selection. The lounge attracts the fashionable apres ski crowd with its comfortable interior, delectable appetizers, fabulous martini list and Canadian favorites such as Maple Whisky and Ice Wine.
MUK A MUK Bistro & Lounge
Muk a Muk is a "Chinook" word for food or feasting. But one visit to this hidden mountain treasure and your eyes will feast on the tastefully decorated dining room and warm, inviting lounge equipped with a crackling fireplace...
The menu is comprised mainly of Canadian specialties ranging from casual Bison Burgers to Elk Tenderloin alder scented with walnut grmolata & merlot caramel... but most appealing after a day in the snow would be their "Mukamuk Table of Sharing" stew pots. What would be better than sitting back in front of the fireplace with a steaming cast iron pot like West Coast bake with Prawns, Clams, Scallops and assorted fish in white wine tarragon fume? Not to mention the breads for dipping to fill your belly for a good night's sleep in one of the Juniper's many funky guest rooms!
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HOT SCENE
PARTY IN THE PARK: Why so many take off to howl in Banff for a weekend is clear once you visit The hooDoo Lounger & The Aurora Nightclub...
The hooDoo Lounge
There are plenty of great restaurant lounges, hotel lounges, and pubs to choose from while visiting Banff National Park if you're looking to have some social time - but if you're looking for that big city hip & trendy bar for your first few rounds of the evening, The hooDoo is where to start. This used to be Banff's only "nightclub" but instead of competing with The Aurora, as the two are now owned by the same group, The hooDoo is more of a sit-back & relax kind of place before you go hardcore in the clubs. New partner Joe Gregory brought in some very chic leather couches as well as big screen plasma televisions throughout, which play a variety of sporting events or skiing/snowboarding flicks. The theatre sized TV screen reels up into the ceiling, turning the main seating area into a dancefloor on busy weekends. If you're sitting alone in your hotel room watching the game, or if people watching is something you're a fan of, this is Banff's place to be!
The Aurora Nightclub
No matter where you choose to have your first round of cocktails, once the clock strikes twelve - The Aurora is ready for you. There isn't any room for more than one nightclub in Banff, so you're lucky The Aurora does it right. During the busy ski season or when there are large conventions in town, this place rocks until the wee hours of the morning. It's also the only place in Banff that still has a smoking room. This room is perfect for booking stags or staguette parties as it has a fireplace, a private bar, and is fairly private as it's closed off from the main club area. You can be sure once again of a very mixed crowd of business suits, snowboarders, and club hoppers alike from all over the world. Thank goodness you have Ardvaark's pizza just around the corner...
LODGING SCENE
 A Decadent Stay In The Park is what you'll get when you visit THE JUNIPER HOTEL, formerly known as the Timberline Inn. Located at the foot of Norquay, this is Banff's newest twist on the hotel scene. This "boutique" hotel is reminiscent of many stylish hotels we visited in New York - namely the Royalton Hotel. The similarities are seen not only in it's sleek design but in the lobby, the rooms, and not to mention it's very funky restrooms!
The Penthouse Suite is perfect for a couples trip or a group of friends needing a fun trip out-of-town. This fantastic suite has three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (with granite counter tops), a large den with big screen TV, fireplace, and flat-screen plasma in the main bedroom. Did we mention a large jacuzzi tub with a rain shower?
 The Juniper's retro style is absolutley perfect for the Aprés-ski party not only for convenient location and it's funky rooms but the Muk-A-Muk Bistro & Lounge is conveniently located in the hotel. If you & your group would like to take a trip down to the local scene, The Juniper will gladly shuttle you to and from your favourite restaurant & nightclubs.
Try something "different" next time you visit Banff.
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EVENT SCENE
citySCENE had a ton of fun attending this year's ennedy Celebrity Fundraiser held at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on January 8th. Being in the same room as many celebrities is somewhat exilirating but mainly strange. Not knowing who to approach, or if they are interested in talking to us "normal" individuals is often awkward and unappealing. One thing is for sure, some celebrities are more approachable than others but all in all they are here visiting our treasured Banff in support of a great cause. We met a few celebrities like Lou Gossett Jr., Glenn Close, and Alec Baldwin as well as chatting momentarily with...
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Marla Maples, known best for her scandalous affaire with Donald Trump, then much publicized divorce to Donal Trump, was extremely lovely to talk to. Very down to earth, beautiful personality, and open to chatting about how she is loving her single life! In our opinion, Marla's hired... your loss Mr. Trump. |
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Chris Noth may be Mr. Big on HBO's Sex & The City, but in real life he looks more like someone you'd hit the local pub with for a dozen draft. He doesn't look like a movie star, but sure does "act" like one. Although not very interested in small talk, a line-up of girls very eager to meet him got what they came for... Mr. Noth was in character. |
Robin Williams met Ruth and her family upon check-in at the Springs and was more than happy to greet the kids with a few jokes. My daughter's 7yr old friend asked him to join us in our room! He said it was the best offer he's had all day!
Robin Williams was extremely congenial and during his hilarious stand-up act at the Kennedy fundraiser later that evening, he added how "darn friendly Canadians are!" well, we think he fits right in and is certainly one of the friendliest celebrities we've ever met. We loved Robin Williams before, from Mrs. Doubtfire to 1hr Photo, this man can act and is not only a real movie star but a very kind man.
Thank you Robin!
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MAKEOVER
BABY, IT'S DRY OUT THERE!
 With the bitter cold we're experiencing in January, we decided to visit Calgary's newest Salon & Spa for some advice on how to maximize the moisture and overall good health of our most exposed area - our face!
To help pour some moisture back into our skin, specifically our face, Luxe chose to give us a Hydradermie facial...
Using the Guinot product line, the qualified estheticians at Luxe applied this high-tech, world famous treatment which makes use of mild electrical currents to help push moisture deep into our skin and is designed to restore our skin’s natural balance. The treatment was customized to meet our skin’s individual needs whether it was sensitive, dry or normal. Once the Hydradermie treatment was completed, our faces really did appear toned and radiant. Not to mention renewed with moisture.
Many thanks to the great staff at Luxe for showing us a great regime to say good-bye to dry skin and hello healthy glow, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way! Back to top.
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CALGARY EVENT LISTINGS
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 Arts & Entertainment
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Suite, Songs and Symphony, Classic Masterpieces presented by CPO @ The Jack Singer Concert Hall Friday, Jan 14.
ABBA mania concert presented by the CPO @ Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thurs Jan 20.
Hugh Fraser Quintet, University of Calgary's Calgary Jazz Series @ University Theatre on Monday Jan 24.
AS I SEE IT, 2005 Doug McLean of the Cdn Art Galleries shares his take on contemporary art @ The Art Gallery of Calgary, Thurs Jan 27
RODIN: A Magnificent Obsession @ The Glenbow Museum until Jan 30, 2005
MACBETH by William Shakespeare, presented by Theatre Calgary February 1 - 26.
Vigil of Angels presented by Alberta Ballet, February 2 - 12.
Artists of the World - Wine & Cheese Fridays, starting February 4th from 5 to 7pm.
Poncho Sanchez, Latin Jazz Band @ The Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thurs Feb 17, call ticket master @ 299-8888
Wine & Food Savour Event @ The Art Gallery of Calgary, Wed Feb 23
Night At The Oscars at The Fairmont Palliser Hotel, presented by Theatre Calgary on Sunday, February 27th.
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 Wine & Food Events
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Demystifying Wine Seminar @ The Cellar Wine Store, Wed Jan 26, 7pm
Artists of the World - Wine & Cheese Fridays, starting February 4th from 5 to 7pm.
VIVA ESPANA! Gruman's Chef Paul Orr's paella paired with Spanish wines, a Slow Food Event on Friday Feb 4
Cognac Connection @ The Cellar Wine Store, Wed Feb 2, 7pm
Valentine's Dinner Delivery from Sunterra, Preorder & enjoy a romantic evening at home
Around The World in 35 Blocks, a tour of many fine shops and food markets, call 248-7288, tours start Saturday Feb 19
Sip & Experience the Savour Wine & Food experience throughout downtown Calgary from Feb 23 to March 12
Celebrity Hors D'oeuvres, Calgary's cheekiest fundrasier, presented by Lawson Lundel on Friday February 25 @ Telus Convention Centre.
California Wine Fair on Friday February 25 @ Telus Convention Centre
SLEEP WITH TWO CHEFS & A WINO @ The Kensington Riverside Inn, Feb 25 call 228-4442
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Do you need an effective personal trainer who will work with you, your schedule, and New Years goals?
Schedule your first appointment with Crystal from Elite Performance Training, a personal trainer that we strongly recommend if you're ready to commit to a better inner & outer you.
If you want the best results, hire the best personal trainer.
Call Crystal @ 608.7202
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Dressing Hot for the Cold: Smyth & Kang boutique on 17th Avenue has a variety of nightclub wear perfect for any cocktail or club party, call 541-1717.
THE PLACE FOR MEN on 14th Street has a wide selection of high end consignment designer fashions from Armadi to D&G, sure to impress without the high costs, call 209-2088.
HELIA SPORTS will dress the trendy ski bunny in the finest of outdoor apparel, whether you're heading to Banff or MYNT's ice lounge, call 228-4445.
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cityMYX would also like to welcome the following companies who've recently been added to our new Style Directory:
Please note The Living Room will be closed due to a fire and will re-open new & improved (hard to believe they could get even better) on February 13th. They'd like to thank the Calgary Firefighters for the amazing job they've done.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
If you have any questions, articles, ideas, or comments you'd like to submit to our newsletter, we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at :
info@citymyx.com or advertise@citymyx.com
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