Duxford Girl

We are, once again, at the end of the holiday season. I find the two months ahead to be the worst of the year for me personally. The term “unbearably depressing” comes to mind. The last three years I have dealt with this depression by taking time off and leaving the country. Twice, I ventured to London and last year I visited Mexico (call me a freak, but I’ll take Blighty over Mexico, any day). This year, while I’ve taken off the last two weeks of January, I don’t plan to travel any farther than the Rockies for some skiing. Fresh air, exercise and even a few days away from home should take care of the blues but I still want to be prepared for the inevitable doldrums to come.

The solution is to vacation within the city. I think most people are guilty of not exploring the place they live as fully as is possible.

Evil Scientist and I were driving aimlessly around the city trying to decide what to have for dinner, the other night, when I suggested a plan that I’ve wanted to try for some time. We made a quick stop at our local Chapter’s and picked up a copy of John Gilchrist’s 6th book reviewing the restaurants in and around Calgary area.

The idea is to visit every establishment, cover to cover, in no particular order.

On the night in question, we ended up at Boyd’s Seafood Restaurant on Macleod Trail. We had intended to visit a place closer to home but the original choice was closed over the holiday week. Based on the time we had available and what we were dressed in, casual dining seemed our best choice.

The restaurant reminded me of several places we ate at when we vacationed in Halifax a few years ago. It was very kitschy décor and who can’t smile at a stuffed marlin on the wall wearing Christmas antlers? The service was great but my quest to find “real” British fish and chips is still on. It was a hearty, affordable meal and their soups are fantastic.