Calgary restaurant among world's 100 best

Rouge restaurant has been named one of the world's top 100 restaurants the first in time a Calgary establishment has cracked the prestigious list.

Only two Canadian restaurants made the S. Pellegrino World's 100 Best Restaurants, announced Monday in London. Rouge placed 60th, while Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ont., came in the 77th spot.

Paul Rogalski, a chef and co-owner of Rouge, said he hopes the recognition increases business not only for his restaurant which saw a dip in economically hit 2009 but also for Calgary itself.

Rogalski, who was in London for the awards ceremony, started Rouge in 2001 in the historic Cross House in Inglewood with partner Olivier Reynaud. The executive chef is currently Michael Dekker.

Rouge specializes in showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.

Rogalski said the restaurant had no idea it was being critiqued for the list, which is organized by Restaurant Magazine and voted on by 806 critics, journalists and food experts from around the world.

To make judging easier, countries are split into geographical zones and voted on by panellists in that area.

Since 2002, European and American restaurants have dominated the top 100 list.

This year a Danish restaurant, Noma, toppled renowned Spanish restaurant elBulli from its top perch after winning for four consecutive years.