YYC EXP Signature Culinary Dinner

River Café hosts Penny Crown and Teatro for a
YYC EXP Signature Culinary Event

River Café is proud to host a signature evening for the YYC Food & Drink Experience, bringing together three restaurants and three distinct culinary voices for one unforgettable dinner. River Café’s Executive Chef Kristen Livingston welcomes Chef David Leeder of Penny Crown and Chef Camilo Kobek of Teatro. This collaboration is a meeting of paths shaped by a deep respect for ingredients. Each chef brings their own story, influences and techniques to the table, weaving together shared experiences and individual perspectives into a thoughtful five course menu. The result is a dinner that honours where they’ve come from, reflects how they cook today and offers a glimpse into where their food journeys continue to lead - a true celebration of Calgary’s evolving dining community.

Wednesday March 18, 2026
6:00pm Welcome Cocktail & Plated Canapés
6:30pm Five Course Dinner
Optional Wine Pairings or Non-Alcoholic Beverage Pairings

$165.00
(+5% gst and 20% gratuity)

About River Café and Chef Kristen Livingston

River Café is one of Calgary’s most revered restaurants, beloved both for its beautiful location in Prince’s Island Park and for its philosophy of celebrating top-quality regional and seasonal ingredients with a taste of place. Leading the talented kitchen is Executive Chef Kristen Livingston, a passionate advocate for sustainability and a champion of Canadian cuisine. Her coast-to-coast culinary journey has taken her from the shores of Prince Edward Island to the kitchens of St. John’s, deepening her appreciation for Canada’s rich food culture. Sommelier and Cellar Manager Bruce Soley has been a savvy guide to River Cafe’s terroir-driven wine list since 1999. Year after year, River Café continues to win international awards, is currently No.47 on Canada’s 100 Best and was named Canada’s Most Eco-Friendly Restaurant.

About Teatro and Executive Chef Camilo Kobek

Camilo is a seasoned chef with 15 years of experience and a passion shaped by strong training and diverse kitchens. A graduate of Vancouver Community College, he earned his Red Seal at just 22 and developed a style rooted in his West Coast upbringing, layered with Asian and Latin influences. Lemon and garlic are his signature favourites - he even has a lemon tattoo to prove it. After time in Chile, Camilo built much of his career in Vancouver’s Gastown at restaurants such as Wildebeest and Pidgin, later spending two years in Toronto at the Michelin-starred Alobar Yorkville. He is also a River Café alumni! Camilo is inspired by driven young apprentices. He is committed to bringing excellent food and a strong, mentorship-focused team to Teatro.

Pennycrown, from team behind the acclaimed DOPO restaurant, is an upscale New York-style tavern experience with classic dishes. Chef David Leeder channels his worldly culinary experiences into creating modern cuisine. David’s cooking foundation was shaped by his Italian grandmother, a Red Seal Chef, who instilled in him a deep respect for craftsmanship and hospitality. He refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and North America, including Martín Berasategui in Spain, Noma in Copenhagen, and Michelin-starred Frenchie in Paris where he was Head Chef. In 2022, he joined Per Se in New York as Executive Sous Chef, working with Chef Thomas Keller as part of the restaurant’s leadership team. David is dedicated to quality and tradition, ensuring each ingredient on the plate is crafted with finesse, care and an appreciation for the art and respect of food.