March 2024
Do you have a splurge-worthy occasion coming up? Even if that’s getting out of the house and not cooking dinner on an average Wednesday night — we understand. Le Petit Chef has arrived in Calgary and his quirky, 6-cm self is inviting you to an upscale (but kid-friendly!) dinner at the Dorian.
You don’t know who Le Petit Chef is? Let me introduce you! He is a 6-cm tall gourmand, from France, naturally. He has travelled the world for nearly 10 years, delighting audiences with his unique dinner experience and he arrived at the Dorian Hotel in Calgary for the first time this past February. Oh, did I mention he’s the result of creative work by Skullcandy and he’s brought to you by way of 3-D projection mapping? This tiny chef comes to life through the magic of visually mapping your table.
Le Petit Chef cooking my steak and potatoes — right on my plate.
When you arrive at the Dorian, to the intimate setting of Bistro Novelle, you will be escorted to your seat by the maître d’. You must purchase tickets ahead of time and that’s when you choose your four-course menu. You will enjoy a classic or vegetarian meal and there are kids’ menus for those 12 and under. (Note that the videos throughout the meal correspond with the classic menu.)
Surrounded by the ocean before our fish course
Then, it’s time for the show! The lights dim and through the wonder of technology — and video projection — Le Petit Chef hops onto your table and begins preparing your first course. The themed music complements the virtual story as you’re immersed in a dining adventure.
Caprese Salad di Burrata and Seafood Bouillabaisse
The path to gastronomical delight does not always run as smoothly as Le Petit Chef might like. The whimsical skits that precede each course reveal your chef preparing your salad, barbequing your steak, and fighting the giant squid, of course. Once Le Petit Chef has finished his preparation for each course, the servers place your plate in front of you. Our four courses included Caprese salad, seafood bouillabaisse, steak and fingerling potatoes, and the best crème brûlée I have ever tasted. The food was delicious and the atmosphere felt fancy, even as a 6-cm chef romped around my plate.
AAA Alberta Beef Striploin and Crème Brûlée
Le Petit Chef is a charming and unique spin on date night, but it’s also appropriate and fun for all ages. It’s a lovely, kid-friendly way to add some ‘fine dining’ to your everyday life or to celebrate a special occasion. If you have younger kids, however, consider taking some form of entertainment for them to enjoy between courses as the experience is nearly 2 hours. This immersive dinner show experience is making a permanent home at Bistro Novelle at The Dorian, Alberta’s only location. Currently, Le Petit Chef takes you on his Classic Journey and you can expect other experiences in the future.
Haven’t you ever wanted to watch a diminutive cook scurry around your plate preparing dinner? You can see our experience on Instagram here. This is your chance, so book your tickets for the Le Petit Chef experience soon!
La Petit Chef at The Dorian:
When: Wednesdays to Sundays
Time: Dinner Experience is 6:30 – 8:30 (Guests are asked to arrive at 6 pm to ensure a prompt start)
Where: Bistro Novelle at The Dorian
Address: 525 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-300-6630
Website: www.lepetitchef.com/Calgary
Fabulous date night!
The author would like to thank Le Petit Chef Calgary and the Dorian for hosting this experience.
