After voluntarily closing for nearly four months, Calgary's iconic River Café is now gearing up to once again serve patrons in its cozy dining room and charming patio this spring. The restaurant is typically closed annually for the month of January, but between the government-imposed shutdown last December as well as pandemic-related uncertainty, the restaurant made the choice to extend its winter break until April 1.

With spring also comes winds of change. As such, the restaurant has welcomed a new executive chef into its fold. Chef Scott Mackenzie is known locally for his years of work at the award-winning Model Milk, so no doubt there will be some excitement surrounding his newfound lead culinary role at River Café.

Though the chef's menus will change regularly throughout the seasons, restaurant signatures like the red lentil hummus and platters of oysters–best enjoyed on the patio, of course–are sure to remain. The restaurant also plans to bring back its ever-popular picnic basket meal kits this summer which can be enjoyed in Prince's Island Park once things are a bit more green and lush.

River Café is now accepting reservations for Thursday, April 1 and onward. Table bookings can be made online.