Discover Calgary’s holiday hotspots: Fresh & Local Market + Kitchens and Mister Grow It All.

Enjoy festive foods, unique gifts and support local businesses this season. From global flavours and artisan goods at Fresh & Local Market + Kitchens, to Mister Grow It All’s gourmet mushrooms and holiday elixirs, there’s something special for everyone on your list.

Story by Erin Jenkins
Fresh & Local market & kitchens

FRESH & LOCAL MARKET + KITCHENS

The food halls of Europe are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings. Darrell Komick, founder of Fresh & Local Market + Kitchens in Avenida Village, knew he had to bring a similar experience to Calgary. “I wanted to explore how a thriving food culture could be supported here,” he explains.

So, if you’re itching to taste something new, the Fresh & Local Market is home to 40 vendors and culinary kitchens serving signature dishes from more than 20 countries. The holiday season is a perfect time to visit as the market transforms into a festive destination ideal for all types of gatherings. The talented culinary vendors take the seasonal opportunity to serve holiday favourites from across cultures. It’s a great spot for a group lunch or come by in the evening to enjoy live music and a libation from SIPS, offering wine, beer and spirits.

And if you’re tired of the mall, why not shop local this holiday season? Fresh & Local Market has the perfect gifts for the foodies in your life. Check epicurean loved ones off your list with a wide selection of artisan preserves, freshly baked goods, small-batch hot sauces, gluten-free treats and much more. Supporting local businesses isn’t just about giving great gifts — every dollar spent generates $2.80 for our local economy. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Fresh & Local Market + Kitchens | 426, 12445 Lake Fraser Dr. S.E. | 403.475.4155 | freshandlocal.ca | @freshandlocalmarketandkitchens

mister grow it all

MISTER GROW IT ALL

When COVID-19 hit, DJ Fendick, also known as Mister Grow it All, got busy. While he’d been selling his conventional soil-grown fruits and veggies at the Bridgeland Farmers’ Market, the pandemic meant he’d have to change his approach.

So, he did what many of us did in that strange time – he went online. The idea of cultivating reliable, locally-grown food sources resonated during supply-chain disruptions, and he wanted to learn to grow more foods at home. He got himself a grow kit and started his own mushrooms. “I fell in love with mushrooms because they pop up like little aliens or works of art that you can eat, and they’re delicious and nutritious,” he explains.

Now, gourmet mushrooms are the heart of Mister Grow it All. Fendick has even converted his garage into a ventilated, humidity-controlled mushroom paradise.
He grows up to twenty varieties, with seasonal offerings including oyster, lion’s main, chestnut, reishi and cordyceps. “I dabble in a little bit of everything,”
he says. Try sautéeing them in some butter and finishing with a touch of lemon juice.

Years ago, a chance meeting in Peachland, B.C. introduced Fendick to kombucha, and a mentor taught him the craft. He now brews and sells Jun, known as “champagne kombucha,” using green tea and honey for a light flavour. Rich in B vitamins and probiotics, it’s great for gut health.

Fendick also sells a mushroom spice mix, perfect for seasoning or dips. His latest offering, Mush Love Elixirs, uses dried mushrooms blended with cacao
and chai spices making it a great alternative to coffee to boost energy, immunity and circulation.

You’ll find Mister Grow It All at the seasonal Millarville and Bearspaw Farmers’ Markets, or you can order online at mistergrowitall.com, with delivery to the Calgary area every other week. For the holiday season, visit Mister Grow it All is at the Millarvile Christmas Market, where he’ll be offering elixir gift packs, including seasonal flavours like gingerbread and pumpkin spice. How festive!

Mister Grow it All | Millarville Christmas Market | 306097 192nd St. W., Millarville | 403.619.7094 | mistergrowitall.com