With so many markets, restaurants and local farmers, Calgary is a culinary adventure waiting to be discovered. I've lived in several major Canadian cities, and though I just moved here a month ago, I find Calgary is far ahead of most of the country when it comes to focus on organic, sustainable, local food with the finest, freshest ingredients available.
I love to meet chefs, farmers and other food purveyors who have a passion for what they do (and I welcome any suggestions you have!). I'll introduce you to these fantastic culinary leaders in our fine city and bring a wealth of knowledge to your table~whether its at a four star dining room or in your cozy little kitchen.
In this blog, I will explore the vast offerings from our city and just beyond. Farmers markets are cropping up everywhere, as well as fresh new places like Casel Marche, where you can find a number of local vendors in one place.
The developers describe Casel Marche as "an extraordinary collection of artisanal shops, cafes and bistros pulsing with the flavours, colours, scents and sounds of Europe. It’s like traveling to Paris or Madrid without leaving the city. A piece of Provence or a touch of Tuscany in the heart of Calgary. A place where the passion for food and wine come alive with all the bustle and connection of European cafe culture. A place where friendships and family are nurtured with food, wine and conversation." Sounds good to me, I can't wait until they open (scheduled for May 2011). I did phone to get this information, but was unable to connect with anyone. I guess they are busy with their opening!
If you're interested in dining out at great local establishments, check out www.restaurantvideoguides.com for some fun videos on our local eateries.
As for today, I'm going to give you a quick run down on a local winery I have been enjoying for the last few years:
Fieldstone Fruit Wines
This fabulous little cottage winery is located in Strathmore, just a few minutes east of the city (ok, about 40...). Run by Elaine and her husband Marv, this genuine and sincere couple create delicious wines made with fruit grown on their land~with the help of famous wine maker, Dominic Rivard. (Visit their website here).
Look for award winning varieties like their Black Currant dessert wine, Wild Black Cherry dessert wine, and my personal favorite, the Raspberry Dessert Wine. They have so many fabulous varieties and a lovely tasting room where you can visit them. As of May 19th, their hours are Thursday to Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. Their wines are also available at the Calgary Farmers Market and Kingsland Farmers Market year round.
They have some fantastic recipes that you will want to try, so check those out before visiting (then you can be well stocked on the other yummies you will want to add in!).
I highly recommend this local winery and give them a perfect 10 across the board. The owners are wonderful and passionate people, a combination that can't go wrong. A trip to their farm is well worth the short drive. Make an afternoon of it and bring a few friends. And, when the season is in full swing, you can spend the day picking fresh strawberries, raspberries and other fruit at their u-pick. It doesn't get fresher than that!
You can watch a video on Fieldstone Fruit Wines here.
