Dinner and a Movie Recommendation: Flight Night at FARM followed by Unmade Beds

Last night, I had the pleasure of temporarily escaping the grim gray skies of what now seems to be a full-blown Calgary Autumn to catch a cozy dinner and a movie (actually, it ended up being a movie, then dinner) with my mom. We started at the Globe for Cairo Time, a melodic, sensual film that seemed to cross between a grown-up (read: complicated) version of a summer romance, and an ambivalent - part adoring, part critical - commentary on a city changed from the filmmaker's nostalgic view of how it was.

Following the film, we made the short trip over to FARM (1006 17 Ave SW/ P: 403-245-2276), which ended up being the perfect stop for a few solid hours of great conversation about the film. At a cozy tea-lit table decorated with fine bone china the same pattern as my grandmother had, our server brought us the Flight Night pairing (Flight Night is every Wednesday...what better way to end -- or begin -- hump night than a perfectly paired meal?): three glasses of wine, a selection of meat, pate, and cheese, accompanied by tomato chili jam (my absolute favorite, and available for sale in the shop), onion relish, and Saskatoon berry spread.


As we worked our way through the pairings -- first, as we were supposed to in the order suggested by FARM, and then in a more free-flowing, experimental way -- we listened to those around us. The place was packed for a Tuesday night, filled with young and not-so-young, several languages being spoken that we could overhear from our little table: those at the 30th birthday party praised the food and the atmosphere; a newcomer came in and was helped along by a knowledgeable waiter; and a collection of small groups and couples added to the general hum of in-depth and intimate conversations that lasted as long as we did.

It truly was the perfect place to while the time away, ask each other questions about the film, and fill our bellies with scrumptious morsels of this and that. If you're heading to the Globe to see Unmade Beds tonight, I'd suggest starting at FARM to taste a flight of wine, cheese, and meats yourself.

In celebration of the Festival, FARM is offering American Express Cardholders a special offer until October 31: If you spend at least $60 before taxes (and pay with your American Express card), you and a guest will each receive a free dessert. FARM's sister, Janice Beaton Fine Cheese, is also in on the action: 10% off a minimum $25 (pre-tax) purchase when you pay with your American Express Card. These and other similar offers are featured in A Guide to Great Food in Calgary, a beautiful publication produced by American Express and our friends at Avenue Magazine. Pick one up at CIFF's Festival Central Box Office for more information, or check out details online.All offers in the guide are valid until October 31, 2009!