Don't look now but Calgary's all grown up. Yet, for all its new maturity, this dynamic Western city has never really delivered the high calibre of sassy, sophisticated and super-hip nightspot that it deserves.
Ooops, better check that.
Mile One Urban Tavern, newly situated in the downtown core's thriving west end, has dramatically raised the bar.
Named for a historic CP Rail junction, Mile One Urban Tavern marks the triumphant return of Ramsey Haymour to the after-hours spotlight. And he has ample reason to be proud of this handsome, open-concept room at 1140 10th Avenue S.W. It offers superlative food, elegant yet comfortable decor, a wine list as long as a midsummer night, the highest possible service standards and plenty of free parking.
A respected representative of Calgary's hospitality industry, Haymour built up some serious credibility during 18 years in the trade. As the man who helped chart the success of a number of fashionable watering holes in the city, including Mynt Ultralounge, he also enjoys a reputation for lighting a fire under Calgary's occasionally less-than-scintillating nightlife scene.
And he's convinced that he's hit the jackpot with Mile One, which accurately reflects his personal vision of what the ideal downtown hotspot should be.
"I call it a supper club with a twist," smiles Haymour, whose beautifully appointed new space combines flash, dash and elegance with hospitable welcomes and superb dining.
"We set out to create the perfect atmosphere and I'm convinced we've accomplished that.
"Mile One Urban Tavern is exactly the warm, inviting place that I hoped it would be when I returned to the industry after more than two years," he adds.
This unequalled urban oasis brings you an ambience of cool comfort, a sophisticated fusion of creative cuisine, worldly wines and cocktails, all backed by a hip soundtrack.
Then, as dinner winds down and the DJ perks up, Mile One morphs into a stylish high-energy lounge where diners have a front-row seat. Try a refreshing after-dinner drink, while making time for a little mischief.
Love sports? Mile One's big screen (plus more than 20 strategically situated LCD screens) ensure that you never miss a play while watching the big game.
Whether it's delicious cuisine, an informal gathering of friends or a stylish celebration, Mile One will be sure to please those who expect the most from Calgary's nightlife. Mile One Urban Tavern is choice and chic, but never pretentious.
But there's another side to the Mile One Urban Tavern. Haymour and his associates demanded versatility in the design of their new showplace and corporate Calgary has already discovered that the club makes an ideal choice for seminars and business luncheons.
Whether you're looking to close a sale, to treat a client to a charming evening out or to take your company's quarterly board meeting out of the office, Mile One Tavern fills the bill.
The venue is ideally suited for informal brainstorming sessions, small conferences or intimate gatherings. And repeat corporate bookings are already pouring in.
Business clients will find state-of-the-art wireless capability throughout Mile One. Just fire up your laptop and you're away. Plug your PowerPoint presentation into the big screen and take it from there.
There's no better place to hammer out details of that sales agreement or to firm up details of a fresh strategic thrust. And when the work's complete, there's no need to move a muscle. Simply relax with the world-class menu, an inimitable wine list and Mile One's accomplished service staff.
Affordable? Absolutely. It's important to note that Mile One Urban Tavern, with a capacity of 500, doesn't charge for the use of its space by corporate clients, while offering a variety of custom catering packages.
Don't overlook the superior quality of the dining experience. Haymour's inviting menu has already drawn raves from regulars. And why not? Nothing but the finest, freshest ingredients grace these tables.
Executive chef Kip Chou and his associate, Scott Harrington, both bring star-studded resumes to their jobs.
"We feel we were very lucky to attract chefs of this calibre," enthuses Ramsey, who considers Mile One's tempting menu to be his ace in the hole.
"Both these gentlemen have worked in some of the best restaurants in town. They take enormous pride in their work and are well known and well respected across Western Canada," adds the boss.
So c'mon down. Everybody's welcome at Mile One Urban Tavern. In the meantime, please give the website (www.mileonetavern.com) a look. For corporate bookings, please contact Jenna Koeller at 403.229.1118.
