About

1413 – 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB.  T2G 0T4

 

PH: 403-265-5739

 

I’m not sure where to begin this message, so here it goes:

First, I would like to say one of the most fulfilling adventures of my life has been the opening  of Village Hearth & Terrace, then Village Cantina & Club Paradiso, as well as having had the opportunity to work with my son, Gerrit Visser, the staff (my Village People) & talented performers of Club Paradiso.  All of the people I have come to know over the last 15 plus years have enriched my life & filled my heart with so many wonderful memories.

Second, I am thrilled to announce that I am retiring in Mexico with my incredible husband (& most patient supporter), John Horsley, our little dog AJ & the infamous parrots, Dick & Lucy.  We have found our happy place in Mexico where we don’t need to wear socks & every day is Saturday!

  

Third, Alex Solano of Salt & Pepper Restaurant has purchased my babies, Village Cantina & Club Paradiso, & I am excited to tell you there is a new passion beginning in Inglewood – I know you will love what Alex has in store for you.

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There are so many things I will miss, but here we go, on to our next adventure – I want to personally thank you for your support over the years – a restaurant is all about the people & I can tell you it’s people like you who made Village Cantina & Club Paradiso special!

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Muchas Gracias para Todo!

Linda

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PS

Club Paradiso will remain as is and continue to be Calgary’s Unique Entertainment Destination.

visit www.clubparadiso.ca for full listings

 

 

 

The Story:

 

After years of working as a legal secretary & single parent, Linda decided it was time for a change! With only experience as a Restaurant Guest with a passion for food, Linda began making Gourmet Pies for wholesale to exclusive Restaurants and Hotels in Calgary. The dream was to open a Café serving those famous Pies, Cappuccino, Soup & Sandwiches. Linda’s son, Gerrit, joined forces, helping with delivery of Pies & even making Pies (aka “Slave Labour”).

 

At last on April 20, 1996 “Village Hearth & Terrace” opened.

 

One very windy night in Inglewood the great carved sign in front of the Café was blown to the street & severely damaged. While Linda was on a motorcycle trip in Mexico contemplating the expense of a new sign, she thought, “if we need a new sign, this would be a good time to change the name!” “Village Cantina” it would be – (since the Fresh Salsa & Quesadillas were already so popular!) Linda had even more fun creating the new Menu! We can serve Tequila!

 

In 1999,  Linda’s husband, John Horsley (with is bag of Magic Tricks) created “An Evening of Magic with John S. Horsley & Friends”, John is dedicated to entertaining & raising money for Charity… John also shares his “Magic” in teaching Calgary’s Ring 66 Junior Magic Club.

 

With a burning desire to be ‘different’, & Linda’s chance meeting with “Carly” in the year 2000, the show “Carly’s Angels” was born & thrives today, booking weeks in advance. This incredible “Vegas Style” show features Calgary’s Best Female Impersonators. They send you home with cheeks hurting from laughter!

 

Constantly improving & renovating (Linda can’t sit still), in 2006 the second floor apartment above Village Cantina Tropical Grill was completely gutted & transformed into “Club Paradiso”, where “A Kiss is Still a Kiss & Paradise is a State of Mind”.

 

Click here to view our Club Paradiso Menu.

 

Club Paradiso is a Premier Entertainment Venue (or just a great “Date” place). The menu features Wood Forno Tapas, Martinis, Fresh Cocktails & Fine Wines. The Club boasts a cool second floor Patio with a Fire Place. Club Paradiso is the perfect choice for Private & Corporate events, complete with State of the Art Sound System, Projection Screen & of course, Custom Catering.

  

In the Caribbean vacation of your dreams, a festive place serving Tropical Drinks & the Fresh Catch of the Day sits just up from the Beach. When it’s time to get out of the sun, you can wander in for a tasty Margarita or Mojito and some Appetizers.

 

Village Cantina Tropical Grill is Calgary’s version of such an establishment. Even when the Canadian winter is raging, this Bar & Grill feels bright & warm. The décor evokes lazy sun-soaked climes. None of the food is deep-fried, so it all tastes fresh & flavourful.

 

Tequila is treated with respect at Village Cantina Tropical Grill – we serve only 100% Blue Agave Tequila – you’ll even find it in some of our dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy our Patio – our summer escape from the hustle & bustle…”We Put the Lime in Your Coconut!”