Looking for a classic dinner and a movie experience? Be sure to stop by RUSH for lunch, dinner, or drinks, and then head to your nearest Rogers Video to pick up a copy of Breakfast at Tiffany's or Roman Holiday. RUSH is as much an experience for your eyes as your palette -- an air of old Hollywood glamor rules, with monochromatic tones, rich wood, glittering bobbles, and luxurious textures offers up a feeling of grandeur. The restaurant itself is split between several rooms: a formal dining room, a lounge for drinks or a quick bite (which includes a beautiful, long communal dining table similar to Farm's harvest table), two private dining rooms which together fit up to 28, and my personal favorite: Calgary's first chef's table.
I had the culinary pleasure of having a leisurely lunch in the Rush lounge. I dined on potato gnocchi with slow poached egg and spicy mushroom saute, while my lunch date feasted upon a lobster bisque with sandwich. The gnocchi literally melted in my mouth, and both of us easily cleaned our plates.
In between lunch and dessert, we took a tour of the venue, taking in the private wine boxes, stunning wine cellar, and different rooms. We then settled in for cappuccinos and dessert, Rush-style. Each item on the menu is themed: I settled for carrot, which included carrot creme laced with sea salt (amazing) and my date for blueberry, the highlight of which was a lemon/basil/blueberry concoction (equally delicious).
At the end of it all, we both decided Rush would become a new favorite Friday evening drink spot, dinner spot, and lunch spot. From September 1 until October 31, 2009, you will receive a $20 gift card to Vintage Chophouse and Tavern when you spend at least $100 before taxes at Rush and pay with your American Express Card. This and similar offers are featured in A Guide to Great Food in Calgary, a beautiful photographic guide produced by American Express and Avenue Magazine. Check for details online if you haven't found your guide yet.
