With a custom-built rotisserie , a vintage-style slicer and charcuterie bar, CharCut Roast House caters to carnivores—so don’t be surprised if you see a pig’s head staring back at you. (OK, so maybe we were.)

Located at the new Hotel Le Germain, this eatery plays into its urban-rustic narrative perfectly with wood tones, a large Douglas Fir communal table and jars of pickled veggies (balanced meal? sure!) lining the bar.

Start with something light like the slow roasted heirloom beets with mint, basil and goat cheese ($9) or kitchen pickles with house vinegar ($6). With a roasted garlic sausage patty, cheese curds and fried egg, the decadent share burger ($2.50 per oz.) is not meant for a dainty stomach—or a first date.

CharCut Roast House, 101-899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-984-2180, www.charcut.com

The small yellow house on 17th Avenue home to a consignment shop for years has just spiced things up.

The owners have moved into the restaurant biz with the newly opened Los Chilitos Taco and Tequila House. Serving authentic Mexican dishes, the well-edited menu has the all the classics: burritos, tacos and tortas (Mexicans subs). The tostadas ($6.95) are a lighter option and choose from six different types of salsas including pico de gallo, verde and avocado.

The 35-seat indoor space is cozy but when summer hits, the 70 extra spots on the double-tier patio are sure to be packed with margarita-sipping and tequila-shooting Calgarians.

Los Chilitos Taco and Tequila House, 1309 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-5528.

The City of Bridges, or Toon Town as it’s affectionately called by locals, Saskatoon is enjoying a rebirth of cool with an invasion of young entrepreneurs who are making their hometown hip again.

stay
Take in a slice of Saskatoon history at Hotel Senator, the downtown haunt built in1908, rich with charm from bygone eras. Location is key as the hotel is only minutes away from the river and plenty of restaurants, pubs and lounges. From $100, Hotel Senator, 243 21st St. E, Saskatoon, 306-244-6141, www.hotelsenator.ca

shop
Head downtown to Dekan Clothing where it’s a mix of local designers and vintage, including tartan Vivienne Westwood blazers, loose Valentino frocks and bright tanks by Oscar de la Renta. Dekan Clothing, 214 First St. South, Saskatoon, 306-979-0299.

do
The new Scratch Nightclub is creating quite the buzz with weekend line-ups down the street and a packed house filled with pretty young things showing their dance moves to the sounds of local and guest DJs including Calgary’s Smalltown DJs, Saskatoon’s The Gaff and Charly Hustle. Scratch, 215 Second Ave. S, Saskatoon, 306-477-3070.

eat
Famous for its delectable ready-to-go meals for busy Saskatonians, Sous Chef’s new second location downtown serves daily hot lunches like chicken parmigiana and beef brisket. 2-157 Second Ave. North, 306-664-3434, www.souschef.ca

True to its name, the newly opened Lounge Burger boasts more than a dozen signature burgers on its menu.

We’re already hooked on the Portobello ($13) but there’s still the Pacific salmon ($14.50) and an organic beef burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions ($12.50) to keep in mind. As a side, try sweet potato fries or indulgent poutine.

For lighter fare, the miso chicken salad with lychee ginger dressing ($14.50) is lovely and leave room for the dessert burger: a pastry filled with layer of sweet stuff served with fries and a strawberry dipping sauce ($8).

Now if only we could get them to switch from the sports network to The City on all of the individual TVs (there’s one in each booth), our lounging would be perfect.

Lounge Burger, 210 14th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-250-2747, www.loungeburger.com

The sand is tinged with specks of pink coral and the houses are painted lilac, yellow and aquamarine. With its lush green vegetation and crystal blue waters, colour reigns on the island of Bermuda.

stay
The new Tucker’s Point Resort oozes colonial charm. Large, airy rooms are decorated in bold florals, soft stripes and pastel ginghams. Sip Rum Swizzles poolside, play crocket or have your fingers and toes painted pink at the spa. From US$300 a night, 60 Tucker’s Point Dr., Hamilton Parish, Bermuda, 441-298-4000, www.tuckerspoint.com

do
Rent a scooter and explore the island’s glorious beaches; Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach and John Smith’s Bay are the best along South Shore for powder-soft sand and stunning waters. Tobacco Bay near St George’s is good for snorkelling.

eat
The Lobster Pot (6 Bermudiana Rd., 441-292-6898) is a local institution with a nautical décor and some of the best seafood in town, while the elegant Seahorse Grill at Elbow Beach (441-239-9303, www.mandarinoriental.com) is perfect for a romantic dinner à deux. Tip: Bermuda is pure old-world charm and locals love to get dressed up when they go out. Some restaurants have a dress code so pack a pretty frock or two.

shop
Don’t forget to stuff your suitcase with bottles of pink sand, Bermuda rum cake and Outerbridge’s famous Original Sherry Pepper Sauce.

Cozy new eatery Petite is earning big buzz on the street.

Staying true to its moniker, the 30-seat restaurant is a quaint space with bright red walls and wood tables on the garden terrace—ideal for a warm fall evening.

Be prepared to wait for your meal but do go for the food: the charcuterie board ($18) is a delectable spread of fresh and cured meats and condiments (the mustards are mouth-watering on their own) and the Alberta rainbow trout with brown butter risotto and lemon caper vinaigrette ($23) and the beef tenderloin with chanterelles and shallot puree ($28) are both divine.

A little goes a long way.

Petite, 1301 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-452-5350, www.petiterestaurant.ca

We were heartbroken when Kensington’s Heartland Café closed for good recently. So what becomes of the brokenhearted? (Sorry Jimmy Ruffin).

Time heals, but if you’re suffering from withdrawal, a trip to Bridgeland’s Heartland can do the trick. Often forgotten, the equally rustic and charming café is also famous for its ever-changing daily soups (the pumpkin bisque is to die for) and homemade comfort food.

The Mac and Cheese ($9.40) is a classic and the spinach feta frittata is a brekkie ($9.95) must-have. Finish off the perfect lunch with the highly addictive warm crumble ($4.25).

And if you’re up for a drive, stay tuned for a new Okotoks location opening later this month.

Our heart is on the mend.

Heartland Café, 825 First Ave. NE, Calgary, 403-263-4567.

When it comes to noshing, the ever-changing Renfrew/Bridgeland neighbourhood was always on our radar, but the northeast neighbourhood just got a shot of chic with a newly opened wine bar. 

Brought to us by the owners of Muse and Winebar Kensington, AKA Wine Bar (as in “also known as”) is a quaint space (just 35 seats) housed in a century-old building along Edmonton Trail (look up to see the lovely vintage ceiling).

From the well-priced wine list we opted for a glass of the 2007 Garnacha de Fuego from Spain ($8). The intriguing food menu includes a grilled ceasar salad with fried anchovy ($9) to start and a main dish of Alberta lamb, farmer's sausage, skirt steak and fried egg ($22). But it’s the weekend brunch that brings out the masses with organic quinoa waffles ($11) and the green egg sandwich ($9).

Double agents are welcome.

AKA Wine Bar, 709 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, 403-984-7534.

The quaint eatery formerly known as Koi has a fresh look to go with its new moniker, Convergence Café. And true to its name, a modern new look and classic charm meet here.

Koi menu favourites like the Warrior Bowl with chicken apple sausage and greens in a chili maple sauce ($14.49) and the Lotus Bowl with tofu and roasted almonds ($13.49) remain, with some new stellar additions like the Mediterranean chicken sandwich with hummus, tomato jam and spinach ($13.49).

With a focus on community arts and culture, the café hosts open mic nights on Tuesdays (for singer/songwriters) and Thursdays (for classical/jazz/instrumental).

Now go plan a little converging for this weekend.

Convergence Café, 100-1011 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-206-1564, www.convergencecafe.com

We always knew we had taste. But the sleek and modern new Taste restaurant takes it to a whole new level.

Tomato-less bruschetta with cannelini beans, parsley and artichokes ($10) is refreshing while the butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage ($10) is a cool version of delicious comfort food. Share the ceviche with scallops, shrimp, lime and cilantro ($15) or go all out with a trio of either cheese, fish or meat ($20 each) from the tasting board.

Pop in for a glass of wine—the selection changes every month, highlighting six reds from one region, six whites from another.

Who says there's no accounting for good Taste?

Taste, 1210 First St. SW, Calgary, 403-233-7730, www.taste-restaurant.com