Downtown Calgary restaurant Two Penny offers family style dining in a Chinese Deco-inspired space, serving up fare that nods to the Chinese cuisine owner Cody Willis grew up eating in Canada.
Using only the the highest quality products available to create familiar Chinese flavours, diners can devour small plates such as lobster and shrimp wontons; steamed BBQ buns; and port wonton soup. All alongside a variety of vegetables and house specialties—the likes of crispy skin pork belly, oolong tea-smoked half-duck, and salt and pepper squid plentiful in taste and best accompanied by a side of steamed rice.
Taking their cues from 1920s Shanghai and the Chinese take on Art Deco, interior design studio Sarah Ward Interiors selected elaborate patterns and rich textures to complement the worn finishes of the historical building that Two Penny finds itself at home in. Creating an atmosphere of warmth and faded glamour, the classic Deco colour palette of teal and dusty rose is elevated by way of velvets and textured leathers; reminiscent of temple shingles and the Chinese terracotta army.
Wander downstairs to the basement tea house and the modern design transcends to a gritty, hidden enclave lit by traditional Chinese lanterns hanging above the bar; recalling the enigmatic backstreet Chines alleyways.
Modish with a stamp of timeless authenticity, Two Penny Calgary not only serves up some fine looking Chinese dishes, its characterful aesthetics are equally as appetising.
Two Penny Calgary Photography, courtesy Sarah Ward Interiors
