Restaurant, Distillery and Brewhouse
Blake is a converted garage-turned-restaurant located at 810 Bow Valley Trail, on the edge of Canmore town and is known for its great food and relaxed atmosphere. Due to its location, it’s easily accessible during the busy months when parking issues and congestion are common in the downtown area.
Blake doubles as a distillery and brewhouse, with a selection of in-house spirits and beers on tap. They rotate their beers regularly and offer growlers for purchase. They are also known for their in-house ice cream known as Canmore Cool, available in both regular and plant-based varieties. Though I didn’t get a chance to try it this visit, it’s definitely on my list for next time.
Atmosphere
On a Friday afternoon at 1.15 pm, we visited Blake which was busy with other guests. Although the restaurant was busy, its large and open dining area ensures it never feels overcrowded even during a busy lunch hour.
This industrial-style building has high ceilings and large windows which creates the spacious and airy feel. During the summer months, the garage doors open to allow additional airflow and access to the patio. The outdoor space was closed on this occasion, but you can see how it is a great spot for a summer evening dinner.
The restaurant is also equipped to host private events, with a capacity of up to 125 guests. For smaller gatherings, there’s a private back room available. Blake even offers event catering with self-serve and food truck options.
Menu
Blake’s menu is packed with Asian-inspired dishes which is a nice change compared to most of the other brewhouses in the Bow Valley that mainly serve typical pub-style food. The menu caters to a range of dietary needs, with many vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
What We Ordered
Bread & Butter
Our meal started with the Bread & Butter, their house-made focaccia served with citrus-infused whipped butter. The portion size was generous and the citrus butter had tiny shavings of orange adding a zesty touch. A touch of rosemary and salt would have added to this dish, however it was still a great start to our meal.
Peppercorn Shortribs
From the Big Plates section, we then ordered the Peppercorn Shortribs, which were the highlight of the experience. The beef ribs were marinated in triple pepper, and the accompanying sweet and sour mango slaw had a complementary spicy kick. The sea salt fries were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Overall, the Shortribs were well-seasoned and presented.
Sweet & Sour Pork Baos
We then ordered the Sweet & Sour Pork Baos which was recommended to us by our server. These steamed buns were filled with seared pork belly, mango sweet and sour sauce, kewpie mayo, red onion, and scallions. The pork belly was juicy and flavorful. The mango sweet and sour sauce was a great addition. The bao buns themselves were perfectly soft and fluffy. This dish was a standout, and I’d definitely order it again.
Our water glasses had The Three Sisters Mountain range pattern engraved on them with stained glass. The food only took 15 minutes to arrive and although we asked for our dishes to be served once ready, you can also request for all dishes to be served together.
Conclusion
Blake has a great blend of unique food, a cool atmosphere, and friendly service. Its Asian-inspired menu sets it apart from other local brewhouses, and its spacious, stylish setting makes it a great choice for a casual meal or a special event. Overall, the quality of food was great and the price for quality and portions received was very reasonable. If you’re in Canmore, make sure to visit Blake and experience its distinctive charm!
