Our Favourite Things 2022

DEBBIE LAMBERT, PUBLISHER

LA BOULANGERIE NUT TART
This French bakery café is my ‘go-to’ when I’m craving an authentic French croissant or pastry. With 14 varieties of croissant, my two favourites are the mozzarella sesame and the almond. For pastries, it’s tough to choose between the tarts and eclairs so I usually end up with an assortment of both. My favourite tart is the pecan, walnut, hazelnut, pistachio and almond with French caramel.

ROB RODÉ, DESIGNER

HEARTS CHOICES CORN DOGS
This past year I secretly stocked the freezer with a stash of veggie corn dogs from Hearts Choices (Calgary Farmers’ Market and Café). They have a lot of flavourful vegan meal options at Hearts Choices but those made-locally corndogs always satisfy my midway cravings and reportedly make me grin after every bite.

MITCH KERN, PHOTOGRAPHER

BOOGIE’S BURGERS
There’s no denying the appeal of a good ol’ Boogie’s Burger. If you’re really, really hungry, indulge in Doug’s Don’t Fear the Reaper burger. You’ll never forget it.

JAMES NORMAN, DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

TACOS MEXICO
This little cantina is tastefully crammed into a colourful little hideaway restaurant on Memorial Drive. The food is made with authentic ingredients and is visually appealing and delicious! Aside from an array of appetizers (Mexican-inspired poutine!) and an endless list of main courses, you can also choose from 19 different street-style tacos. Then, wash all of that down with the most amazing margaritas north of the border!

RUSSELL BROOM, JUNO WINNER

MOONLIGHT & ELI
My favourite Calgary restaurant is Moonlight & Eli in Bridgeland, and the Appenzeller/Oyster Mushroom Fondue with a glass of Pol Roger is unbeatable. I also love going there so I can see my wife in action doing what she loves (my wife Mhairi O’Donnell is the owner.)

CAMIE LEARD, EDITOR

TERROIR SYMPOSIUM
This nationally celebrated food-centred event made its debut in Calgary, shining a light on our stellar food scene. With film screenings, demonstrations, panel discussions, special dinners and more, the symposium gave Calgary food people an opportunity to learn, reflect, debate and celebrate all things culinary. It was so successful, rumour has it, it’s coming back next year!

GRACE WANG, COLUMNIST

JELLICIOUS
This home-based business does custom Vietnamese jelly that is the the perfect consistency making the most beautiful flowers and cakes.

BRIGITTE LESSARD DEYELL

MY DONAIR
Abdul and his family have been making donairs at his little shop in Westbrook Mall for 34 years! This is where I had my first donair in 1989. It is my absolute favourite donair in YYC.

DANA PUGH, PHOTOGRAPHER

BREAKFAST
I love that there is always somewhere new for me to try. We have a list of places we want to try and we are always checking them off. We just tried Fuwa Fuwa for Japanese pancakes and it was AMAZING. Especially since we didn’t eat out much during the pandemic, it feels awesome trying someplace new.

PAM ROCKER, LGBTQ2IA + ACTIVIST

MOONSHINE BROWN BUTTER PECAN ICE CREAM FROM MADE BY MARCUS
What else could you hope for on a warm summer night as you hear the Calgary Folk Festival echoing from Prince’s Island and it’s still light out at 11 p.m.? This ice cream is finger-lickin’, banjo pickin’, heels clickin’ good. Made By Marcus knows how to put eccentric flavours together without being too gimmicky, and their vegan selections give my wife some phenomenal choices so she can enjoy our frequent ice cream dates just as much as I do.

WANDA BAKER, DIGITAL EDITOR

SAY CHEESE FROMAGERIE ADVENT CALENDAR
This calendar was so awesome last year, we can’t wait to see what Isaac has up his sleeve for 2022. I can’t tell you how many new favourites my husband and
I found as we took a moment to enjoy something delicious together every day.

ALISON MARTIN, ILLUSTRATOR

CALGARY FARMERS’ MARKET WEST
My favourite thing in 2022 was the opening of the new Calgary Farmers’ Market West location. It’s a gorgeous new space with incredible vendors ready to share their products and knowledge. I especially love stopping by Market Wines to discover new sips at their tasting bar.

CHERYL STARR, DESIGNER

PIE JUNKIE SAUSAGE ROLLS
I discovered these at a party and now keep my own stash for ‘entertaining’ (yeah right.) I’ve never seen anyone bite in and not pause and close their eyes – for just a second. I host an annual gathering of girlfriends where these ridiculously flaky and savoury pastries are expected – nay, demanded.

ANILA LEE YUEN, CEO CALGARY CENTRE FOR NEWCOMERS

MASALA MOGO AT SAFARI GRILL

Safari Grill serves East African food that is a fusion of Indian and African spices. Famous for their short ribs, Safari Grill serves this fried casava dish as a side rather than fries or sweet potato fries. It’s divine!

ANDY SCHULTZ, CHQR 77 RADIO CO-HOST

FUJI RAMEN AND SUSHI
I’ve always loved sushi. But to me, ramen was the stuff that came out of a little plastic package. Thanks to Fuji Ramen and Sushi, I know better now. My favourite is the Red Fuji Tonkotsu – and I always request it ‘V.S.’ for VERY SPICY as I love the heat. This is a bowlful of sheer goodness with so many different flavours… and it’s really filling. My wife and I crave it all the time. It’s family-owned and -operated and the staff is super friendly.

TANYA SCHAAP, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NOBLE PIE PIZZA
The NYC-style pizza here is some of the best in the city and the vibe, all the way down to the back-alley entrance, is quite simply, perfect.

ELLEN KELLY, SALES & COLUMNIST

SHOPS AT AVENUE THIRTY-FOUR
Extending Marda Loop’s shopping district, this charming enclave has grown, quite organically, along 34th Ave. S.W. The well-curated businesses at the Shops at Avenue Thirty-Four are equally charming , including Gardenia Flower Boutique, Little Bow Fibre Company, Swish Salon, and Sunday State, a lovely lifestyle boutique to satisfy any gift-giving urge.

FAREEN JADAVJI-JESSA, CONTENT CREATOR

ALBERTA FOOD TOURS
I really enjoyed playing the Alberta Food Finder Game in Kensington. Created by Alberta Food Tours, it was a fun thing to do with my family while enjoying what’s available at local vendors in the community. As a native Calgarian, there was still lots for me to learn. I want to do this with my friends next time – a great way to spend the day.

MARK NEUFELD, CALGARY CHIEF OF POLICE

ALBERTA BEEF
As Calgarians, we are fortunate to have so many fabulous restaurants. My family and I have enjoyed attending Taste of Calgary where we have been introduced to dishes and restaurants we may not otherwise have known about. But let’s be honest, the beef (produced) in southern Alberta is a staple! This year, we have had excellent meals and memorable evenings at Ruth’s Chris, Modern Steak and the CattleBaron Steakhouse.