So many noteworthy anniversaries to celebrate this year! Second Cup Café started as a kiosk in a Toronto shopping mall selling whole bean coffee in 1975, and in the last 50 years, has spread across the country with, as at the end of last year, 166 locations in 68 cities, over eight provinces and territories!
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And congratulations to One18 Empire who are celebrating 10 years of elevated fare, whiskies, cocktails, and more. 820 Centre Street S, Calgary, open all day, every day! one18empire.com
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And to Starbelly Open Kitchen who are also celebrating 10 years of casual, home-style, globally inspired, comfort food, cocktails and wine. 19489 Seton Crescent SE, Calgary, starbelly.ca
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And also to Bow Valley Ranche who are celebrating their 10th Anniversary with a "Taste of History" Chef's Menu inspired by Alberta's ranching history until May 17. 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary. bvrrestaurant.com
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Do you know of any other Alberta restaurants having big anniversaries this year? Let us know too!
If you loved Cannibale, you’re going to love Calgary’s new Small Bar even more! The barber’s chair has gone, allowing for extended seating, and there’s an extended menu too. The community asked, and partners Shane Perrin and Mike Hope answered, giving them what they wanted - an easy, low key, comfortable, inclusive, and fun neighbourhood bar with superb comfort food. Chef Kevin Turner says to ‘keep it simple but execute well’, and that’s exactly what he does! Order the fries and curry sauce (or with Bushmill’s Peppercorn Gravy!) and you’ll be hooked. Wings, nachos, and everything else here is so good, as are the cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails too. Monday is $4 taco and $10 margarita night (our chorizo and shrimp tacos were excellent!). The heated patio is still here, and open year-round. 813 1 Avenue NE, seven days noon-late, smallbarbridgeland.ca
Edmonton’s Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is open on Sundays! After 40+ years of Saturday markets, plus occasional pop-ups and mid-week activities, and years of discussion, the decision has been made - and now the indoor market is permanently expanding its hours from May 4 to open Saturdays 8-3 pm and Sundays 11-3 pm. osfm.ca
New for Calgary’s Marda Loop! Many breakfast spaces close after lunch, so Lam Pham, of Calgary’s Pure Kitchen downtown and Pure Street Food in First Street Market, has cleverly partnered with Diner Deluxe in Marda Loop, and opened Pure Saigonese Kitchen for evenings in the space. It’s a bright space with floor to ceiling windows and a cozy diner-retro feel for casual family dining, yet with upscale sharing dishes. Pham’s famous noodle soups go wherever he goes, and his AAA tenderloin steak pot au pho is a new classic. Of course his signature Kimchi Fried Rice is here and a super tasty Seafood Fried Rice too, along with new dishes like Roasted Duck Crostini and the savoury, stuffed You Tiao Sticks – and great service. Don’t miss Wednesday AYCE Wing Night for $25! Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm, 2252 33 Avenue SW.
Deville Coffee have opened their third Edmonton location! As well as Macewan University and West Edmonton Mall, you can now get your direct trade coffees, lattes, and espresso drinks, along with your local-baked pastries and sandwiches, in Garneau at 8329 112 Street. And they’ve just opened a new location in Kelowna too, at 138-3477 Lakeshore Road, devillecoffee.ca
Leopold’s Tavern has a new Edmonton location, so now, as well as Strathcona and Orchard (and four Calgary locations and one in Okotoks!), you can get your burgers, poutine, chicken fingers, wings, and deep-fried cheesecake, in Heritage Valley, seven days from 11-late at 2861 119A Street SW.
Are you ready for a proper naughty night out? Then check out Calgary’s new Pimlico Bar in the former Gringo Street space at 524 17 Avenue SW. Simon and Judy House of the Dorset Pub, have brought us a bit of the London underground bar scene with a terrific menu of modern Commonwealth fusion dishes. London-trained, executive chef Smit Rawal’s signature Beef Tartare comes on roasted bone marrow with grainy mustard – and it’s outstanding. As is the fish of the day on bubble and squeak with avocado salsa, and the Duck Wings are a must-have! We really enjoyed the cool, elevated London vibe and tongue-in-cheek humour – and bonus, there are hooks for your handbag under the tables! Sip one of the UK inspired cocktails (we loved the Clock Tower and Seargeant Pepper), while soaking in the cool house music, and you’ll feel proper posh. Seven days noon-late, pimlicobar.ca
Jinya has a third Alberta location as well as Edmonton and Calgary’s Mission restaurants. The new Jinya is at 8818 Macleod Trail South, a modern space where you can indulge in one of their rich, simmered for more than 20-hour, ramen broths. Some have a choice of spice level from 1-10 too. If you order garlic, you get a jar of fresh garlic cloves and a press to squeeze them in yourself! Or come for a few small bites and a beer; we’d recommend some of the sharable small plates – you won’t be able to stop popping the Brussels Sprouts Tempura (so good!). The mini tacos are super crunchy and super cute, crispy wanton shells – super delicious! If you’re allergic, watch out for MSG as it’s in many of the dishes, but you’ll still find plenty to enjoy. Cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails are on point too! Seven days from 11:30 am to close. jinyaramenbar.com
Blind Enthusiasm Brewing’s Greg Zeschuk has opened Relish Bar & Market in their former Biera space in the Ritchie Market, at 9570 76 Avenue, Edmonton. It’s a new concept - a cosy bar setting, where what’s on the shelves is what’s on the menu!
Relish is a place to slow down and relish the moment, with your choice of cheese, charcuterie, and warm sandwiches (such as Grilled Cheese and Relish Reuben), alongside a curated selection of beer, wine, and spirits. And as a market, everything on the menu is also available for purchase to take home. Open Wednesday to Sunday for walk-ins only - no reservations (and no minors). relishbar.ca
Mamie Odette is open! It’s been a long journey for Charlie Ille, and after many months of planning and preparation, his Provençal market is finally here. Inspired by his grandmother (Odette), it’s a tribute to all grandmothers who pass down their love and traditions – and their recipes! Celebrating Provence, Ille is showcasing its artisan producers, and bringing handcrafted jams, honey, biscuits, nougat, syrups, and spreads, with new products arriving all the time. Some products are available at Calgary’s Avitus in Marda Loop, and all are online at mamieodette.com.