Everytime I walk into Farm & Fire, a bright and airy farm-to-table open-kitchen eatery inside of Banff’s Elk and Avenue hotel, I am reminded of how downright pleasant the dining space is. Think sleek wood, glossy white tiles, benches lit by the glow of overhead kitchen lamps, and smiling waiters in Tom Bib aprons. Primarily using locally sourced ingredients, a woodfire forno and a full rotisserie oven ensure slow roasted comfort food that is simultaneously elevated and unfussy. Unequivocally among my favourite brunch and lunch spots in town, it had been a while since I had swung by for dinner. With a bright and inclusive menu, I found plenty of reasons to entice me in.
I’ll save you an excerpt from my love letter to scotch eggs (this time) and just firmly assert that the Farm & Fire’s bacon and elk sausage wrapped soft poached egg with braised red cabbage, pickled mustard seed and roasted garlic aioli is up there with the best of them. Also exceptional were the croquettes; fondant potato meets goat cheese and roasted garlic, panko crusted and served aside a tart cranberry compote which brings mouth watering acidity to an otherwise decadently rich nibble.
Farm and Fire are well-known for their freshly-spun forno-oven baked pizzas and their slow roasted chickens, so we combined them both with an order of rotisserie chicken pizza, slathered in roasted garlic sauce, mozzarella, pickled red onion, chorizo and added chicken skin for texture. I am going to declare it now: this is the best pizza in town. Don’t at me, just try it! However, for those who don’t care for meaty toppings, the funghi is just as good, offering a solid vegetarian option drizzled in rich, earthy truffle oil.
While there certainly is a worthy selection of Alberta-sourced, ethically farmed meats “from the pasture” on offer, the earth-grown options also really stand up, for example the vegetable wellington with roasted squash, wild mushroom and farro is hearty and flavoursome.
What’s happening with the drinks menu? Farm & Fire has a tried and true selection of cocktails and mocktails, with highlights including the colourful Purple Rain, a gin, elderflower, butterfly pea, honey and lemon sip, plus the maple smoked apple old fashioned. There are plenty of local beers on tap, plus a list of Canadian wines offering the right amount of acidity to support the fuller flavours of the food menu.
Are you the sweet toothed type? The dessert list is small but mighty, with sugary options to end your evening on a gut-busting high. While I keenly eyed the forno-baked puff pastry cinnamon and apple pie, the torched s’more brownie looked honestly kind of fun! Excellent for winter, but also a nod toward the impending camping season, a toasting in Banff-roasted coffee added a welcome bitterness to the plate, with Graham cracker crumbs adding texture and a little salinity.
Those in the know can really make the most of Farm & Fire; early birds can enjoy the bargainous daily apres hour from 4-5, featuring $10 pizzas and $5 feature beer, Tuesday’s presents a $69 date night menu for two and Wednesday’s sees the lilting tones of local singer-songwriter, Stephanie O’Dette, take to the floor from 6-9pm.
Visit farmandfirebanff.com for further information.
