Thursday, June 25, 2009

Experience the flavours of Europe at The Cup 'n Saucer in Downtown Lethbridge








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NOTE: The Cup 'n Saucer has closed for business.

Sarah talks to us about the inspiration behind The Cup 'n Saucer and why she and her partners have brought a taste of Europe to downtown Lethbridge. Sarah and Marga decided to open their restaurant because they wanted to have a place where they could go for a nice coffee in a proper cup and saucer and enjoy some of the comfort foods and treats that they miss from their native countries of England and The Netherlands.

Marga is passionate about cooking while Sarah enjoys meeting and pampering their customers. Their extensive menu includes a wide-variety of dishes - full English breakfast which includes bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes and beans; full Canadian breakfast which includes bacon, eggs, sausage, hashbrowns and toast; Dutch pancakes served with either syrup, cheese, meat or veggies; steak and kidney pies; chicken and mushroom pies; Dutch kebab (shoarma); fish and chips with mushy peas or coleslaw; fresh pastries and much, much more.

Besides their extensive menu and exceptional service, The Cup 'n Saucer also puts together a number of special events for their loyal customers. They host English pub-style quiz nights where customers are invited to put together teams for an evening of fun and laughs. Every six weeks they also put on a full British-style Sunday dinner. Tickets are sold in advance for a full-course meal comprised of roast beef, roasted or mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, gravy and desert - apple crumble with custard, coffee and chocolate mints ... now that's a meal!

However, if you're just looking for a place to go after a bit of shopping, you can relax and visit over The Cup & Saucer's wide selection of coffee and tea. They offer locally roasted coffee provided by Cuppers, as well as imported Italian coffee by Lavazza. If you're too busy to leave the office, they also offer a catering and delivery service that includes a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, sweets and beverages. After work, The Cup 'n Saucer is a great place to sit back and unwind over a bottle of European beer or a glass of wine.

So, if you're looking for a great little restaurant with lots of charm, character and excellent food, make sure to check out The Cup 'n Saucer at 309 - 7 Street South - Phone 403 317-7797.

Check out their full menu at www.thecupnsaucer.ca.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Penny Coffee House ... a legacy of great coffee, fresh-baked goods & even better service







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Eileen Abbott talks to us about why her business is much more than 'just a coffee shop'. The Penny Coffee House has become a downtown Lethbridge institution. With many locals, it's top-of-mind when it comes to selecting a meeting spot. The 'Penny', as it's known by to their clientele, is well-known for its superior, locally roasted and French pressed coffee and even better customer service.

The 'Penny' was the first cappuccino bar established in Lethbridge. Although the interior was renovated a short-time ago, in order to enhance the seating area and food prep stations, it has successfully maintained the relaxing and friendly atmosphere that has made it such a popular downtown Lethbridge meeting spot.

Eileen and her staff have developed a unique rapport with their customers, many of whom are considered friends. "They will help out if we are busy, assist in making coffee in the morning or even ring themselves through the till on a quiet day." Many customers come in more than once a day with some even running their business through the 'Penny' by bringing clients in for meetings or consultations. Meetings are aided by the wireless internet service that is also provided to her customers.

With one full-time and one part-time baker on staff, customers are always treated to daily fresh-baked goods. On Saturday's they feature delectable sausage rolls that are quickly sold-out to a lucky few that choose to start there weekend with a visit to the 'Penny'.

The 'Penny' also caters to the health conscious by offering daily homemade vegetarian soups and gluten-free breads and wraps.

In order to make the 'Penny' experience even more unique, Eileen utilizes her space as a gallery to showcase art from the U of L's Student Art Society. The art rotates on a bi-monthly basis with the majority of the pieces available via a silent auction.

The Penny Coffee House is located on historic Round Street (331 - 5th Street South). For more information, contact Eileen at 403 - 320-5282.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ultraviolet Eyewear - Exclusive eyewear with a unique brand of customer service








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Simon Atkinson talks to us about a few of the Exclusive lines of eyewear he carries in his trendy, full-service, downtown Lethbridge store - Tom Ford, Emilio Pucci, Ed Hardy, Wiley X and many more.

Simon started Ultraviolet Eyewear in 2001, moving 2 1/2 years ago from his original location on 11th Street to the high-profile corner of 4th Avenue and 5th Street. The move to the downtown was prompted by a need to expand his retail display area in order to showcase a rapidly expanding line of Exclusive eyewear collections.

Simon and his staff pride themselves on being able to find and match the right frame and lens to each of their customers requirements. They are always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that all of their customers specific needs are met. Ultraviolet Eyewear is well-known for providing exceptional customer service and expert product knowledge.

Ultraviolet Eyewear carries the largest selection of Exclusive designer eyewear in Southern Alberta. They travel 3-4 times a year to various Frame shows in order to find the special 'looks' that their customers have come to expect from them.

So, if you're looking for that unique and special 'look', make sure to visit Simon and his staff at Ultraviolet Eyewear at 333 - 5th Street South (right next door to the popular Penny Coffee House).

Learn more about their store at www.ultravioleteyewear.com. Phone 403 - 327-1104.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

McGuire's Men's Wear ... the very best in quality fashion and service for over 100 years







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Phil provides us with a bit of the history behind Lethbridge's oldest retail store. Located in the heart of downtown Lethbrige, McGuire's Men's Wear was founded in 1905 by A.R. McGuire and A.L. McKelvie - "the two Mac's". Over the years, it has become a destination location for generations of southern Alberta shoppers who have come to rely on their top-notch men's fashions and impeccable, friendly service and advice.

Current owners, Phil Nicas and Dean Goughnour, recently moved from their long-standing location on 5th Street to a newly renovated and remodelled building on 7th Street. The new location positions them perfectly within a cluster of established, quality retailers.

McGuire's is a complete men's store, offering a variety of suits, sportswear, business-casual wear, shoes and name-brand accessories. They offer their customers a wealth of knowledge and experience and are always happy to take the necessary time to put together that perfect combination for special occasions, work and leisure.

They carry all of the major lines such as Bugatchi, Jack Lipson, Cutter & Buck, Carnoustie, Turtle Creek, Gordon Mitchell, Polifroni, Kenneth Cole, Ecco and much, much more!

Check out their new location at 312 - 7th Street South or call them at 403 - 327-3761.

Visit them online at www.finditdowntown.ca.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Cristie Gray creates a heartfelt and meaningful tribute to local veterans




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Artist, Cristie Gray, talks to us about the inspiration for her paintings. They were recently installed on the Army, Navy and Airforce building at the corner of 6th Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Lethbridge. The subject matter has a special meaning for this talented local artist. Cristie is a former Royal Canadian Army cadet officer.

This unique and colorful tribute mural was unveiled to the public during a public ceremony that took place on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

The paintings were commissioned by the Lethbridge unit of the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans of Canada as a tribute to the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country. The paintings also commemorate the centennial of the ANAF Veterans of Alberta provincial command and the 89th anniversary of our local unit.

Each panel illustrates various eras in our country's military history. The first panel depicts soldiers from the War of 1812, a WWI soldier wearing a gas mask and a Spitfire airplane from WWII. The middle panel features our cenotaph while the third panel shows two contemporary Canadian soldiers, an army tank and a naval destroyer.

Cristie is Fine Arts graduate from the University of Lethbridge where she is currently completing her degree in Education. She is available for other commissions and can be reached through the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ office - 403 327-9002.