Chorney-Booth: FinePrint writes a new culinary chapter at one of Calgary’s most storied heritage buildings yyc yyceats
FinePrint lives in the former Divino location on Stephen Avenue and is steeped in restaurant lore, but the 1893 sandstone building also happens to be the former headquarters of The Calgary Herald, dating back to the early 1900s. Taylor says that his designer, Anna-Maria Wurz of Avid Interior Design took all of that into account when conceptualizing the new restaurant.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Taylor, who is also the guy behind Briggs Kitchen and Bar, has a long relationship with chef Xavier Lacaze, who was tapped to develop FinePrint’s menu. Following that theme of homage, Lacaze came up with his versions of Divino’s famed tempura green beans and bison tartare, with the rest of the menu comprised of contemporary creations combining local seasonal ingredients and regional French inspiration and global flair.
A unique custom Moet and Chandon champagne machine leads to the intimate champagne tasting area on the lower level at FinePrint located on Stephen Avenue. Jim Wells/PostmediaIn the tradition of the room, FinePrint has a strong wine list and, for those who like a bit of flash, a rare champagne vending machine in the downstairs waiting room. Breeze in a half hour or so before your reservation to buy individual bottles of bubbly, accessed with tokens purchased from serving staff .
Annamaria Novello , Francis Martinez and Holly Johnson in the kitchen area at FinePrint located on Stephen Avenue. Jim Wells/PostmediaSpeaking of Divino, the Herald ran a piece last week about the recent passing of local restaurant legend Witold Twardowski, but I wanted to add a few more words in the context of this column for readers who may have missed it.