From Friday October 23rd, 2009's Airdrie City View:
Umesh Singh is living his dream.
In opening Peppercorns Restaurant, located at #2 - 91 East Lake Crescent NE, he fulfilled the life long goal of owning his own restaurant.
Singh’s 25 years in the industry have been diverse. Born in Fiji, he was trained in Australia with a French and German chef. He later worked in resorts and fine dining restaurants in Australia and Fiji then was kitchen manager for the Cactus Club in Vancouver before winding up in Calgary as executive chef at Greenwood Inn.
Singh’s diverse training gives him the ability to prepare unique gourmet foods with a global flair.
“It’s a potpourri of flavours,” said Singh’s wife and business partner Usha. “It’s something you won’t find anywhere else. It is kind of unique.”
The Singh’s purchased Bella Italia in the summer of 2008, changing the name and menu in October. While many menu favourites remained, the Singh’s put their decidedly unique stamp on the offerings. As a result, Peppercorn’s menu is very versatile, with meals to suit every palette and every budget. The menu offers a varied selection of eats from well known favourites such as spaghetti and meat sauce and chicken cacciatore to in-house specials like bison cannelloni and veal vermouth.
Homemade desserts such as tiramisu and freshly baked cheesecake, and an extensive wine list are sure to please the most discriminating diner.
Whatever the menu choice, customers can be sure their meal will be prepared with fresh, locally sourced food.
Restaurant goers will also experience outstanding service, provided by waiters Paco Osuna and Alan Cranston, who have a combined experience of more than 50 years.
A cozy, intimate atmosphere encourages relaxation for a diverse clientele, including everyone from couples to families.
“It is an intimate atmosphere,” said Usha. “It is a place to come and relax and get away from everything.”
Whatever the occasion, the staff at Peppercorns strives to ensure their customers enjoy a truly great dining experience.