Andre LeBlanc
Concierge
Fairmont Palliser
Calgary, Alberta
What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
Sharing my knowledge of the area in regards to golfing, scenic drives, hiking, fishing, and downhill and cross-country skiing. Getting the information and their expectations for their stay and customizing their days to come.
What are your group restaurant recommendations?
Being in Alberta, beef is king and the Rimrock at the Fairmont Palliser is one of the best. Local ranches like Spring Creek Ranch and Carmen Creek Bison operate with the highest standard of farming practices to ensure antibiotic- and hormone-free products, making available premium cuts of striploin and rib eye as well as a great bison tenderloin.
These cuts are offered on the Rimrock’s Butcher Block menu and two others. Diamond Willow Farms provides a dining room with an organic beef tenderloin, and Snake River Farms crosses Wagyu cattle with Black Angus for an exceptional American-style Kobe beef.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
The Oak Room and the Velvet for your cocktail lounge, the Whiskey and Tantra for your nightclub, and don’t forget Cowboys has reopened at a new location. Hi Fi Club and Bamboo for great music, Flames Central to watch the big game, and Bottlescrew Bill’s, with over 100 beers from around the world, to find that one beer you’re looking for.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Stephen Avenue walkway mall and Olympic Plaza are good for a short walk close to the hotel. You will find shops, restaurants, art galleries, performing arts, and our past Olympic history. For a little longer walk, try Prince’s Island Park and the beautiful trails along the river. You’ll find yourself away from the hustle of people and cars without leaving downtown.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Jacqueline Suzanne’s Bistro and Antiquities in the heart of Inglewood are great for those who love folklore.
If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
At the Glenbow Museum and their gift shop you can brush up on Alberta history and culture and shop for that unique souvenir to bring home for that special someone.
What has been an unusual request from a group?
A guest wanted a specific vehicle—BMW 7 or 8 series—to drive him to his meetings. Unfortunately, we could not accommodate the request, but I believe we still met his expectations—we found a Rolls Royce.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
The Chicago Chophouse has been very accommodating in the last year, with same-day reservations from groups of six and as large as 16 not getting a refusal. If they are not able to fit them into the dining room they’ll make room in the lounge or offer their private room just to accommodate our guests.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
This past September we had The Players Run stay with us. This event was an exotic car poker run beginning in Calgary and finishing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. There were about 30 cars—Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and so on—all lined up in front of the hotel for the start of the run. It was absolutely an awesome sight to see.
