There are sports bars, and then there are restaurants where you can have a drink, eat some great food, and immerse yourself in the love of the game–whatever that game may be. Calgary has just welcomed Home & Away, a sports-themed restaurant that could prove to be a real game-changer.
The local appetite for sports is strong in Calgary, and that’s exactly what Home & Away owners P.J. L’Heureux (CRAFT Beer Market), Pete Emes, Mike Grimes, Graham Furse and Sarmad Rizvi are banking on with their 170-seat restaurant that boasts a clever design and an elevated menu of comfort eats.
The interior has an almost rec-centre pared-down style, and was designed by Sarah Ward of Sarah Ward Interiors. Reminiscent of like, the best gym class ever, Home & Away has an exposed wood and metal joist ceiling and a deliberate “utilitarian feel,” according to Ward. Don’t expect an electronic era dazzle; there are eight televisions thoughtfully situated, and a drop down screen can come into play for the really big games and events.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for another era, you’re on point: The vintage-y throwback design, along with the skateboards, stadium seats, and various sporting gear and memorabilia are all mean to evoke a sense of yesteryear. Ward has put her signature stamp on other Calgarian current hot spots, like Analog South, Bro’kin Yolk, and the late Corbeaux Bakehouse, among others.
Cakes & Nugs (Home & Away/Facebook)
In the kitchen, chef Mike Pigot is manning the stoves, and behind a menu of sport-y comfort fare, with a fun twists. Rather than Chicken & Waffles, Home & Away is serving up “Cakes & Nugs,” as in chicken nuggets and pancakes. They’ve got inventive tacos, burgers, hot dogs, and mac and cheese. They’ll add on a brunch soon, too.
Home & Away
Address: 1331-17th Ave SW
Phone: 403-455-9789
Twitter: @homeandawayYYC
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.