he Mile One Tavern, which opened up in September 2007, was initially launched as a supperclub. Co-owner Ramsey Haymour realized that Calgarians were over the whole club scene and needed a party experience more akin to the supperclub phenomena that had spread through Montreal over the last decade. Apparently Calgarians aren’t quite ready for Montreal-style partying.

With its recent complete identity change, signified by the loss of Chef Kip Chou (Mango Shiva) and a shift from “supperclub” to “urban tavern,” Mile One has been re-primed, re-released and ready for summer.

The tavern is a huge, 7500 square foot open concept bar/restaurant with lots of TVs, pot lights and stone pillars. The menu was edited considerably when Chou left but he did leave behind a couple tasty Chou-esque options. The Butter Chicken ($17.95), for example, was Chou’s creation. A juicy tandoori chicken breast is nestled onto a bed of fresh veggies and basmati rice and then the entire dish is lovingly smothered in homemade butter sauce for a smooth finish.

The tamarind-flavoured fish and chips ($16.95) and the tandoori chicken flatbread appetizer ($13.95) are also left over from Chou’s reign. The rest of the menu, sadly, doesn’t compare. Pork ribs, chicken wings, Caesar salad, nachos and burgers make up the remainder of the confused menu. Indian cuisine meets pub fare?