Perhaps signalling the advent of a “neighbourhood bistro” concept in Calgary, Alexis Bistro & Lounge opened in July 2005 to much fanfare and Altadore community anticipation. Former Muse co-owner Brett Johnson (whose latter restaurant was an En Route magazine 10 Best New Canadian Restaurants award recipient in 2003) introduced a simple 50-seat dining room with such stunning traditional French bistro fare as to move Calgary CBC food critic John Gilchrist to declare Alexis the “hot new restaurant of fall 2005.” Meanwhile, well-travelled executive chef James Havlin commands the restless and creative Alexis kitchen team.