May she stand forever.... Call me Ishmael. I have been going to Trawlers since I was a little boy (then Boydes) and have ordered the same thing every time: two piece halibut and chips. I could never finish it, so I'd always get dad to finish it off. It is a place where dad would take me on those "special" (boring) Saturdays when we went downtown to run errands or when I played in his office while he worked. Being a kid back then was different, I like to think my generation is the last one that truly knows the meaning of quality time. Trawlers is the place where dad and I would connect and talk about Calvin and Hobbes or why Lego is just so great. Just me and him laughing and learning over a plate of tender white halibut cocooned in a modestly deep fried batter. Crisp and tender. Like the conversations we shared.

Trawlers hasn't changed a bit. It's exactly how I remember it since the early 90s. It's fresh fish is supplied by the fishmonger (Boydes) located inside the restaurant and it is the only place I go to get lobster today. Perhaps I am biased because of the memories, sure I'll grant you that. But as Calgary grows, as new tastes come and go, and as down to earth hole in the walls fall victim to the overhyped mediocrity of Toronto imports (see Rodney's Oyster House), I can only hope that Trawlers stay around so that one day when I have a son, I can selfishly bring him to the same little temples where I learned about life, people, and family.

For those looking for something quiet, unpretentious, and simple, go here and bring your kids. Bring your friends. Leave your phones in the car and just disconnect to reconnect with those unjudgmental few. The decor is not pretty, rather it's preserved. I'd like to think it's just for me, as it's empty most of the time, but it's for you to share. Just like the two piece halibut that I can't finish to this day. I still save a little bit for him.