Road Trip

A CULINARY TOUR FOR EPICUREAN DAY-TRIPPERS

One of the best ways to enjoy springtime in Alberta is with a road trip.

Green fields, snow-capped Rockies and wide-open skies abound in our beautiful corner of the world. While cheezies and hot rods are great car fare for some, we know Savour readers might be looking for those hidden gems when they’re on the road.

We’ve put together a few of our favourite eateries in Calgary’s surrounding communities. Bon voyage … et appétit!

BRAGG CREEK
THE ITALIAN FARMHOUSE

Imagine a romantic dinner in the forest, set inside a beautifully restored 1960s log cabin. That’s the charm of The Italian Farmhouse in Bragg Creek – a cozy, rustic escape that has become a go-to for date nights.

Manager Tae Gordon describes Italian cuisine as the perfect canvas to showcase Alberta’s bounty. “All our beef is Albertan – we support homegrown! We also use local mushrooms from Bragg Creek and seasonal vegetables to pay homage to our surroundings.”

The menu is a balance of tradition and creativity. The lobster and crab ravioli is a staple, a “forever dish,” as Gordon puts it. Another standout is the carbonara – no cream, just egg and pancetta in perfect harmony. And for those craving something rich and hearty? “Our lasagna is rustic, comforting and the perfect post-hike meal.” No guilt allowed.

Beyond the food, dining at The Italian Farmhouse is about the experience. “Being outside the city, we want this to feel like a destination,” says Gordon. “You’re surrounded by forest, away from the noise.”

For a perfect day in Bragg Creek, start with a peaceful hike at Fullerton Loop or Elbow Falls to soak in the natural beauty. Finish the day by rewarding yourself with a dinner at The Italian Farmhouse.

The Italian Farmhouse | 20 Balsam Ave | 403. 949.2750 | theitalianfarmhouse.ca

COCHRANE
FENCE & POST

What is Canadian food? This question fuels Chef Chris Hartman’s culinary vision at Fence & Post in Cochrane. “Unless you’re Indigenous, we’re all immigrants with different culinary traditions,” he explains. “For me, it’s all about the ingredients.”

Sourcing locally is at the heart of the Fence & Post philosophy – potatoes, carrots and onions from Poplar Bluff Farms, Alberta-grown cucumbers and tomatoes, and, of course, Alberta beef. The commitment to local extends to the drink list, featuring Alberta beers and small, independent wineries. “We source everything ethically, but we keep prices as low as possible – we want people to be able to afford to eat here!”

Everything at Fence & Post is made in-house, from the ketchup and mayonnaise to freshly baked bread and cured bacon. Dinner highlights include the garlic balloon – fresh mozzarella stretched and filled with whipped garlic cream, paired with confit tomatoes and focaccia. Or try the bison – cured, smoked and sous-vided for 48 hours. If you’re really hungry, ask for the seven-course tasting menu.

Hartman’s perfect day in Cochrane? Start at Sunnyside Up for breakfast, explore local shops and art galleries, visit Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, and wrap it up with a seat on the Fence & Post patio. See you there!

Fence & Post | 214 1st St. W | 403.981.7678 | fenceandpost.ca

OKOTOKS
FRENCH 50

What began as a hobby fueled by love for the culinary traditions of France has become a beloved institution in Okotoks. Located in a historic 1910 ranch house on Elma St., French 50 Bakery offers a homegrown taste of the land of wine, cheese and pastries.

Co-owners Brad Labrenz and Marie-Luce Denis are longtime Okotoks residents who are deeply rooted in the community. “We have amazing repeat customers,” says Labrenz, “We love being able to share  dishes like the Mack and Quack – duck confit with Swiss cheese cavatelli. “We wanted to create something comforting and communal,” says Labrenz. “It’s all about sharing.”

The perfect day in Okotoks starts with enjoying the spectacular views of the mountains as you drive in. Stop by the iconic Big Rock, a massive glacial erratic which gives the town its name. Next, peruse Elma Street’s art galleries, boutiques and microbreweries. Finish with a meal at French 50, and don’t forget to stock up on treats for the drive home!

French 50 | 10 Elma St. W | 587.429.5906 | french50bakery.com

OLDS
CACIO E PEPE

Chef Emmanuel David, founder of Cacio e Pepe in Olds, is a renowned figure in Alberta’s culinary scene. Originally from Grenada, he moved to Canada to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. Since then, he’s earned multiple accolades, including three gold medals with Culinary Team Canada.

After a 2020 trip to Grenada, David returned to the start of the COVID pandemic, which he figured meant it was time to finally retire. But on a walk through town,
he spotted a building that sparked an idea. “I opened a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic, which was a bold move,” he reflects. “But starting as takeout-only gave me the perfect opportunity to refine the menu and build the business.”

The menu features classics showcasing Alberta ingredients like AAA beef carpaccio, cured in-house for 50 days, and lamb shank sourced from a local farmer. Local produce like garlic, basil and beets also shine, and the popular weekend brunch includes jams made in-house with staple prairie fruits like rhubarb, Saskatoon berry and chokecherry.

For a perfect day, explore Olds College to learn about Alberta’s rich agricultural heritage, or time your visit for the Oldstice Festival, a celebration of the solstice. Either way, be sure to end your day with a reservation at Cacio e Pepe.

Cacio e Pepe Italian Bistro | 5012 50 Ave. | 587.796.1785 | cacioitalianbistro.ca

Other Picks in Bragg Creek

Taste of Bragg Creek: We’re convinced Bragg Creek is the most delicious community per capita in Canada.

Find out for yourself at Taste of Bragg Creek every April, tasteofbraggcreek.ca

Other picks in Cochrane

Aama Nepalese Cuisine: Check out our cover and “Master Class” on Page 20 for the delicious momo made by Chef G at the family-run Aama. Don’t forget to have an iced tea … one of our favourites! aamanepalesecuisine.ca

Cochrane Coffee Traders: Whether it’s for a hearty breakfast or an afternoon coffee break, visit Cochrane Coffee Traders for an exquisite brew. Your sweet tooth will also love the famous cinnamon buns. coffeetraderscommunity.com

Other Picks in Okotoks

Sweetgrass Deli: For the best breakfast in town, fresh-made sandwiches and frozen take-home soups and Eastern European specialties. sweetgrassdeli.com

Soul Sugar Presents STACKED: For the ultimate sando, hit up STACKED. Oh, and have the dill pickle pasta salad, too. It’s delish! soulsugar.ca

Other picks in South/Central Alberta

PaSu Farm in Mountain View County: With an awe-inspiring view from a rustic and beautiful dining room, you’ll enjoy the fresh, local culinary offerings of this Alberta icon. pasu.com

1906 Bistro Bar in Didsbury: Find a taste of Europe on the Canadian prairies with this local gem. the1906bistrobar.com

Sorso in Airdrie: For the cocktail lovers, Sorso offers exceptional creativity in food and drink. sorso.ca

DELICIOUS BURBS

For those gastronomes who prefer to stay in the city but want to venture outside the core for interesting and inventive cuisine, we recommend the following:

NORTHWEST
Flores & Pine | Bearspaw
Charcut | University District
Calgary Farmers’ Market West | Greenwich
Matador Pizza | Varsity

SOUTHWEST
Modern Steak | Southland
Mercato West | West Springs
Primal Grounds | Glamorgan
Purlieu Bistro | Oakridge

NORTHEAST
Mamak Dang | McCall Lake
T-Pot | Harvest Hills
Guru India Restaurant | Cityscape
Tacos Mexico Memorial | Fonda

SOUTHEAST
Fresh & Local Market + Kitchens | Lake Fraser Dr.
The Lake House | Lake Bonavista
Cornerstone Music Cafe | Deer Run
Starbelly | Seton