On Friday, a treacherous fog rolled over the entire city, and an icy cloud and snow storm had we Calgarians believing it was winter. On Saturday, the sun was shining, the air was crisp, and it was as if the clouds were scared of us — not a one to be found. I heard a rumour once that Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada. I can’t remember where I read it, or who I heard it from, but it is days like this that have me believing that to be true! The Core was all abustle on this Saturday afternoon. My mom, dad, and I parked by the iron horse on Stephen Ave and walked the block to 7th Ave. We turned the corner and found ourselves at my favourite weekend breakfast place: The Palomino Smokehouse.

“Breakfast?” you may ask, “but Beth, the Palomino is a barbecue house that serves ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and the like. You must be confused, they don’t have breakfast.” You’re right! They don’t have breakfast. They have the weekend Cowboy Brunch! Which, in my humble, barbecue-loving opinion, is the best brunch in town. We rocked up and walked through the door. It was us, and perhaps only 10 other groups sitting at tables scattered around the bar. We found our seat. It was my parents’ first time to the Cowboy Brunch and they needed a moment to take in the atmosphere. Rock and roll paraphernalia hangs in every empty space on every wall and every pillar. Posters, neon signs, old aluminum beer advertisements, and plates signed by various famous barbecue lovers hang in every corner.

Our server Natalie was so friendly. She remembered me from the other bazillion times I have been for Cowboy Brunch, which made me feel very important. David Bowie sang for us through the speakers as we waited for our food. My plate of pulled pork Eggs Benedict arrived and I felt like a Care Bear with pure joy bursting from my chest; this is what the Palomino breakfast does to me. I wanted to take a photo of the food to share it with and wow the world, but as soon as the plate appeared, I started eating and only remembered the photo as I dove in to lick the plate clean, when it was too late. The server came back to ask if we needed anything else. I couldn’t even dream of fitting another thing in my stomach. We paid our bill and left the Pal— out into more of that glorious sunny sky. Do I sound like a broken record? I’ll never tire of that colour of blue. Thanks for the brunch, Calgary!