What I Thought of It

Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill
5010 4 St NE
Calgary AB  T2K 5X8
Phone: 403 275 1642

After repeatedly hearing radio advertisements for the new Summer Sensations meal, we made plans to dine out at Swiss Chalet. At dinner time on a Sunday night, the Swiss Chalet at McKnight Boulevard & 4th Street NE was packed with customers, yet we were still seated immediately.

The atmosphere at this Swiss Chalet restaurant is on the old-fashioned side, which could be intentional given that the customers tend to be from an older generation.

Service was efficient right from the start, and our food arrived after a short wait. The Summer Sensations meal ($11.99) includes a quarter chicken, salad (spinach or tomato-cucumber), a choice of side, and a sundae or pie for dessert.

Uniquely among restaurants, Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill offers a choice of white or dark meat when you order chicken. We chose dark and were happy we did. The chicken was perfectly cooked, slightly juicy, and very flavorful. The salads looked and tasted fresh (we thought spinach was a better choice than tomato-cucumber). The side of fries was a bit overcooked but still tasted good. The side of vegetables was somewhat bland (needing table pepper) but at least not drenched in butter. All in all, each Summer Sensations meal was more than enough to fill one stomach.

Dessert was still to come. I chose the sundae (vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, cherry on top). It was good, but the fudge was poorly mixed in, either sitting on top or stuck on the bottom. My friend chose the pecan pie, warmed up. The pie filling - buttery, sweet, nutty - really hit the spot.

Last thoughts: We had a great dinner experience at the Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill. The staff were extremely courteous, the food was good, and the meal was excellent value. Judging from the full house that night, many others agree. I will definitely keep this restaurant in mind the next time I feel like chicken.

Food ++++
Service ++++
Ambiance ++++
Washrooms +++

Cristy’s Rotisserie Chicken
2775 32 Ave NE
Calgary AB
Phone: 403 250 2828
www.cristyschicken.com

Critsy’s Rotisserie Chicken is a small Calgary chain with 3 locations in food courts all over the city and one sit-down place on 32nd Avenue NE. I went to the one on 32nd Avenue NE because I expected more of a sit-down restaurant.

Finding this location of Cristy’s is not difficult - it has big signs and is situated right between Boston Pizza and Arby’s. In front of the building are plenty of parking spots.

Inside, there’s an aisle in front of the ordering counter and seating on both sides of the aisle. The decor feels a bit granny-ish but is nice enough for a sit-down meal. The tables have tablecloths and are additionally covered with plastic to keep them clean.

Ordering is easy. You read the big menu board above the counter, and the staff is helpful, though a bit impatient. After you order the food is prepared and delivered to your table. In my books, it’s like a fast-food restaurant, which I guess is why you find all the other Cristy’s Chicken locations in mall food courts.

The food is good, but don’t expect restaurant food. It is fast food, done a bit more “homestyle” with cooked vegetables and home-cooked chicken. The chicken was no better than what you could pick up at the supermarket hot deli.

Last thoughts: Cristy’s Rotisserie Chicken is an okay place to go for a fast meal or takeout. To me it’s not that special. If I’m craving chicken on-the-go I would choose Chicken on the Way (a Calgary institution) hands-down. Cristy’s is not a place I would go back to again and again.

Food ++++
Service +++
Ambiance +++
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