Calgary's 50-year-old student-run restaurant has had a swanky new renovation
A student-run restaurant in Calgary has received a major facelift and is finally set to reopen to the public this month.
The Highwood Kitchen + Bar, the elevated restaurant concept operated by students at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), is back on Friday, Nov. 20. The spot will be serving “contemporary, elevated à la carte fare” prepared by Calgary’s newest culinary minds.
Found inside the John Ware building, the 230-seat restaurant has been fully renovated, with a fresh new design by FRANK Architecture. Part of the renovations includes a large bar which operates as a living classroom for SAIT’s beverage lab.
There is also a new lounge area, which offers its own unique menu of dishes such as Crispy Duck Wings, Beef Carpaccio, and Yellow Fin Tuna, a private dining room, a marketplace showcasing food prepared by SAIT culinary students, and a rotating selection of products from alumni-owned businesses.
View this post on Instagram
The Highwood’s first iteration, a makeshift restaurant designed to give SAIT students hands-on restaurant experience, opened in 1977. In 1997, the first purpose-built Highwood restaurant was opened.
Much like its predecessors, this newest iteration of The Highwood will showcase the culinary talent coming out of SAIT, as well as giving its students the opportunity to gain real restaurant experience.
Among the dishes on offer will be Braised Bison Short Rib, Lamb Wellington, and Lobster Poutine, alongside housemade fresh pasta and gourmet desserts. There is also an extensive curated wine list and cocktail list designed to complement the food.
“Since the Highwood opened nearly 50 years ago, generations of students have developed their craft, built their confidence and prepared for careers in hospitality within its walls,” said James Overall, dean, School of Hospitality and Tourism, SAIT.
“The reimagined Highwood honours that remarkable history while looking firmly to the future, combining the traditions of hands-on culinary and hospitality education with a modern learning environment that will prepare the next generation for an evolving industry.”
Reservations for The Highwood Kitchen + Bar are now open on its website.
The Highwood Kitchen + Bar
Address: John Ware Building, SAIT Main Campus – 1301 16th Ave. NW, Calgary