For the Love of...: …Bolero Fire Grill (Calgary)

Overall - 9/10
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Food - 8/10
Service - 9/10
Ambiance - 9/10

We had been looking forward to our reservation at Bolero Fire Grill the entire week. To prepare for the restaurant that has been referred to in some conversations as the "meat palace", one must increase physical activity, reduce meat intake and familiarize yourself with the menu in advance.  There is a range of meat options including, beef, pork, lamb, chicken and sausage. What's more is that each meat had its own unique flavour and was perfectly grilled leading to a crispy and smokey crust. In addition to the great food, the service and ambiance made for a satisfying dining experience.

The hot and cold food buffet had a range of dishes including a delicious beef stew that was bursting with flavour and full of tender beef. Mashed potatoes, rice, baked beans, and roasted veggies were great side dishes for the parade of meat that is brought to your table. The salads were really fresh and unique including grilled asparagus, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and potato salad to name just a few.

Red pepper and parsley dipping sauces

Our first round of meats included baby back ribs glazed with house made BBQ sauce, filet mignon with sea salt, Fraldinha (bottom sirloin with garlic and parmesan) and pork loin seasoned with habinero salt. Surprisingly our favourite was the pork loin which tender juicy and had just the right balance of sweetness and spiciness.

Next up was the linquica, (locally produced sausage flavoured with paprika), lamb shoulder roasted with sea salt, bacon wrapped filet mignon, and Picanha (classic Brazilian top sirloin seasoned with sea salt). 

Finally came the bacon wrapped apple wood smoked chicken thighs, rib eye steak with sea salt and caramelized pineapple. The sweet and smokey pineapple went great with the other grilled meats and is a must try when at Bolero.

Surprisingly after all this meat we still had room for dessert and went with the tres leche cake which was a white sponge cake soaked in condensed milk and topped with a delicious vanilla whipped cream.  Although a bit on the dense side, the cake was moist and delicious. Easily one of the best desserts we've had.