What is Alberta’s food story?
It is time to stop and taste Alberta’s food again like you are tasting it for the first time. That’s not as easy as it sounds because when something has been right in front of you your whole life you don’t see it – let alone taste it – for the truly unique thing that it is. On our food tours we ask our guests what is Alberta’s food? Beef is the first thing they think of. They are surprised to learn that cattle have only been in Alberta for about 160 years. We explain that they are an exotic Scottish import. Before there were fences, Montana cowboys “drove” them here in search of grazing lands. Bison is the animal that was formed with this land. There is archeological evidence that the first bison crossed from Asia over a land bridge 120,000 years…
Canmore Uncorked – an annual celebration of Canmore’s incredible food culture
Canmore Uncorked is a bit like Christmas. There’s 12 days of fabulous festivities. Only instead of all those maids a milking and lords a leaping, there’s set price menus, free tasting experiences, a whiskey, wine and beer festival, progressive dinners, cooking classes, and of course, our own Canmore Food Tours’ behind the scenes food tours (more about those soon). My name is Callandra Caufield and I’m the operations manager at Alberta Food Tours, Inc. I was raised in Canmore and I love this town. Canmore Uncorked started in 2014 and I’ve had the pleasure of participating since inception. Though it’s tempting, I can tell you first hand, it’s impossible to experience everything this festival has to offer. Because most of us have limited time (and waist bands) for the festival, I’m going to share my “must eat” list of Canmore Uncorked…
Romantic dining in Edmonton for every budget
By Liane Faulder, Edmonton Food Tours guide and writer for The Edmonton Journal The definition of a romantic meal varies widely. Some couples can feel dreamily alone in a noisy and crowded space like El Cortez Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar (8230 Gateway Blvd.) and others like a padded banquette in a dark corner at the Red Ox Inn (9420 91 St). One duo might find a grilled cheese eaten while perched on a stool in a trendy sandwich joint like Farrow (8422 109 St.) to be gooey and gorgeous. Another needs champagne in the Confederation Lounge at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (10065 100 St). If you’re of the cheap and cheerful persuasion, look no further than the aptly named Café Amore (10807 106 Ave.) The tables for two are tiny, and it’s easy to have an intimate conversation, especially…
Romantic Calgary date ideas and restaurants for every budget
February is the month we all think of romantic dinners but why squish all that love into one day or one month each year? Whether it is love for yourself, your family or a certain someone, it really is better to share love any and everyday of the year. Nourish a love affair with yourself,…
The best take-out hot chocolate in Edmonton
Story by Liane Faulder – Far from hunkering down to wait out winter, Edmontonians are famous for getting out and discovering ways to brighten and warm the long, dark season. Here’s a list that celebrates keeping active this winter for visitors and locals alike: Patio fare Dining au plein isn’t restricted to the summer in…
Best Bars in Edmonton for a Woman to Enjoy a Drink Alone
Best Bars in Edmonton for a Woman to Enjoy a Drink Alone By Liane Faulder, Alberta Food Tours Inc. Tour Leader and food writer for the Edmonton Journal Sometimes a girl feels like getting out for a glass of wine and a nibble, but the thought of downing a beer and a plate of…
Five coffee bars we love in Edmonton
Five Coffee Bars We Love Written By Liane Faulder, Alberta Food Tours Inc. Tour Leader and food writer for the Edmonton Journal Photos By Karen Anderson, Alberta Food Tours Inc. President Edmonton has a terrific independent coffee culture that’s built up over the last decade. Here is a whiff of the caffeinated landscape in our…
Five dishes we love at Anju restaurant in Calgary
Calgary’s food culture is greatly enhanced by the fact that one in six Albertans are born outside of Canada. Chef Roy Oh, owner and chef at Anju Restaurant, was born in Edmonton but his parents immigrated from Korea. Chef Oh learned to cook from his mother. And from a few years at the school of hard…
Cocktails and car-camping in Alberta with food journalist Lisa Monforton
What fun to wake up today and read a Calgary Herald article by Lisa Kadane featuring one of our talented tour leaders, local food editor and writer, Lisa Monforton. Check out Lisa’s recipe for a Mountain Air Martini and enjoy the article: Car-Camping Cocktails. We live a great life in Calgary and camping and time…
Real fruit popsicles from Better at the Cherry Pit in the Calgary Farmers’ Market
Sensationally summer, that’s how these iconic summer treats taste. These bold and beautiful popsicles sell for $5.00 at Better by the Cherry Pit at The Calgary Farmers’ Market. Sharla Dube, the owner of the Cherry Pit, says these popsicles are jam-packed with real fresh fruit and vegetables. You can’t fake these colours. Only Mother Nature…