Welcome to the inaugural issue of Savour Calgary Magazine!

We are so excited to introduce to you the fresh new face of Calgary’s culinary scene. Over the last few months, I have had the pleasure of being a neophyte in Calgary’s food scene. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of mentors, artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, food lovers and storytellers to show me the ropes. Thanks to your wisdom, passion and generosity, I can confidently say I know a solid one per cent of what there is to know. Our work here has just begun!

This is your magazine. It belongs to the restaurateurs and the connoisseurs, the bakers, growers and in-the-knowers. It tells the stories of entrepreneurs and eaters, the drinkers and the distillers. Calgary’s culinary scene is a bountiful table of delicious stories and we know there’s an appetite for them.

Given this is your magazine, we want to hear what you think. What sorts of stories do you want to hear? Is there a hidden gem in your neighbourhood we absolutely must try? Did we miss the mark on something in our inaugural issue? Tell us about it. My inbox is always open and I always love hitting up one of Calgary’s spectacular coffee shops for a chat.

Speaking of coffee shops, check out BJ Oudman’s story about a few intrepid Calgarians who actually grow their own beans in pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee. It wouldn’t be a holiday issue without a gift guide! Wanda Baker and Tom Firth tackle what to put under the tree this year, while the inimitable Julie Van Rosendaal gives the goods on how to host a rad cookie exchange this year. Find these and other great stories on a stand near you!

I am enlivened by the possibilities we can create together through Savour Calgary. I still have a lot to learn and I’m excited to continue building my knowledge and experience through the wonderful relationships I’ve built with all of you.

Camie Leard, Editor