It's easy to understand why the swanky furnishings, private grill room and monster AAA steaks at Calgary’s Metropolitan Grill regularly draw visiting NHL players and hungry Hockey Canada execs. It’s the exact opposite of any jug o’ beer, peanut-shells-on-the-floor kind of bar, but the undeniably polished Met does let its hair down for hockey’s sake. During the Flames cup run in ’04, the place was “totally insane” according to chef Andrew Gass. “The energy in the room was awesome. Plus, you’re right on 17th Avenue, closest to the action.”

Gass is a hockey fanatic who truly goes beyond the call of duty. In December, he accompanied the Canadian junior team to Sweden as their chef, serving up carb-laden pre-game meals of chicken and pasta, and post-game celebration dinners ranging from prime rib to gourmet burgers. The taste of home might’ve done the trick—the juniors won gold overseas for the first time in almost a decade.

Normally, Gass helps lead the rush as executive chef at the Met’s 8th Avenue location (also a staple stop on the Calgary fine dining circuit). But when the Flames are playing, he trades his whites for red and heads for a leather booth in the Met’s upstairs lounge on “The Red Mile” to cheer them on. 

Dress

“If it’s a home game, everybody’s in red. There’s normally a dress code, but for the Flames it just goes out the window.”

Door

“There’s never a cover charge. If you’re coming for a game, just show up five minutes early and grab a table.”

Décor

“They just finished renovations, and the room is gorgeous; brand new flat-screen and big-screen TVs everywhere. For big games, they’ll rent TVs and put them up everywhere so every table in the house has a good view.” 

Drink

“For me, it’s Met Ale—always. For the ladies, there’s an awesome martini list.”