Since debuting in Saskatoon in 2004, One Bad Son has been omnipresent in the Canadian rock scene.
From amassing multiple Top 10 hits over the years on Canadian rock radio charts and a No. 1 hit "Raging Bull" to opening for acts lke Juas Priest and Def Leppard, the band's near-twenty-year existence boasts no shortage of career highlights.
Today, the band is comprised of original members Shane Connery Volk (lead vocals) and Kurt Dahl (drums), as well as Tara McLeod (lead guitar) and Ryan Kuly (bass). One Bad Son recently released their first new music in six years with the single "I Come Alive".
To celebrate the release of the new tune, the band is touring across Alberta and Saskatchewan from Nov. 21 to Dec. 15, 2023. (Make sure to check out their website for all tour dates and how to snag tickets.)
Recently, One Bad Son lead singer (and accomplished comic book artist) Shane Connery Volk took the time to chat with us about his favourite places for eats and drinks in his home base of Calgary.
From a Calgary diner institution to an "iykyk" spot for bourbon, his picks offer a fun cross-section of the city's robust food scene.
Breakfast
I have two favourite spots right now: Blue Star Diner and Blackfoot Diner.
Blue Star is a Bridgeland icon. The Jackfruit Carnitas Hash bowl is a must-have and the coffee is amazing too.
Blackfoot Diner is an Inglewood legend. It’s been around since 1956...and for good reason! It's an amazing, classic truck stop diner, complete with a model train that runs in the rafters. Definitely go check out a piece of Calgary’s breakfast history.
Lunch
You can’t beat Monday’s Plant Cafe for lunch! It's a cute little spot right on Edmonton Trail in Bridgeland that serves amazing vegetarian dishes and has the friendliest staff.
Why is the Kale Salad so good!?
If you go there, you have to do yourself a favour and get the Peanut Butter Brownie. You won’t be disappointed!
Dinner
If you want a burger for lunch or dinner, go to Boogie's Burgers in Renfrew. It never disappoints!
Trolley 5 on 17th Avenue is another dinnertime staple of mine. If you’re a beer drinker, you will love this place, and the food is amazing. Go for the dim sum or hit up something from the smoker!
Drinks
I don’t really drink much anymore, aside from a good dram of whiskey here and there. If I were going to enjoy that dram out on the town, I would definitely hit up Bourbon Room inside National on 10th. It’s got a laid back speakeasy kinda vibe. The name doesn’t lie - it’s a real paradox of choice in there if you decide to honour the name and imbibe in one of Kentucky’s finest.
(Note: National on 10th is currently closed for renovations, but should reopen later this year.)
