Calgary food critic John Gilchrist’s 11 favourite Canmore eateries (he couldn’t settle on just 10).

These are John Gilchrest's suggestions.  My experiences will be added in red as we explore.
I will tell it like it is.
Chef’s Studio Japan The sushi at Chef’s Studio is as finely cut and as beautifully presented as at any place in the Bow Valley (709 Main St., 403-609-8383).  CH=D

Chez François The eggs Benedict is definitive here, as are chef Jean-François Gouin’s soups. (Green Gables Inn, 1604 Bow Valley Tr., 403-678-6111).  CH=D

Communitea Enjoy the primo coffee and the quinoa-tabbouleh salad in these sunny confines (1001 6 Ave., 403-678-6818).  CH=C

Crazyweed Kitchen Whatever Jan Hrabec has prepared as her daily special is guaranteed to stop time at Crazyweed. It’s always superb (1600 Railway Ave., 403-609-2530).  CH=D 
(Steer clear.  Something has happened to this place and we had a very bad experience here.  I wrote to the owners and never did receive a reply.)  No we will not go back - EVER.

Harvest House-built sandwiches, soups and granola are the local favourites at Harvest, but if the cinnamon buns haven’t all been scooped up, grab one (718 10 St., 403-678-3747). CH=B+

Quarry Bistro The old Texaco station makes a perfect locale for brother-sister team David and Naomi Wyse to serve up the freshest regional ingredients (718 Main St., 403-678-6088).  CH=A+

Railway Deli Austrian brothers Harry and Roland Griesser have created an upscale café and deli that’s great for breakfast, lunch and meals to go (702 Bow Valley Tr., 403-678-3637).  CH=B-

Sage Bistro My mother-in-law swears the osso buco at Sage is the best she’s ever had. Who am I to argue? The chicken and prawn curry bowl is pretty good too (1712 Bow Valley Tr., 403-678-4878). CH=A

Stoney’s Grill Mighty fine ribs are a perfect finish to a game of golf at Silvertip. For more elegant cuisine, Silvertip’s Rustica offers the white linen approach (2000 Silvertip Tr., 403-609-6599).  CH= A

The Trough Rosie Gair’s unique flavour combinations (how can mashed peas, potatoes and mint taste so good?) and Mike Western’s wine selections make an unbeatable pair from this unbeatable pair. (725 Walk of Champions/9 St., 403-678-2820).  CH=A

Valbella Café No one does cured meats better than Valbella; you’ll find its bundnerfleisch, bacon and paté on menus throughout the Bow Valley and beyond. But go directly to the source for the full meat experience (104 Elk Run Blvd., 403-678-4109)CH = C.

Wild Orchid Bistro - A beautiful location in Silver Creek Lodge on Mountain Ave in the West End.  We had a wonderful lunch there and so far I have only heard great reviews from others. 

As we explore and taste for ourselves this list will be a'changin - Keep an eye on it.

Bill