With the fast-growing culinary scene in our city, it can be a lot to keep up! These individuals (and one bakery) below make it easier to navigate around #yyc, so your taste buds can enjoy all this city has to offer with ease.
Dan Clapson, @dansgoodside of @EatNorth
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhZA3WzAMSO/?taken-by=dansgoodside
When it comes to food, Dan Clapson is your go to! He is the Globe and Mail’s food critic for the Canadian Prairies and co-founder of Eat North, an online publication “highlighting the best of Canada’s culinary scene.” Got to give a shout out to Diana Ng (@foodsalon) who is the other co-founder along with their tech guy, Dave Wilkinson.
Eat North is the first website to become a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association and was also recently approved as a news source on Google!
Dining with Clapson is the ultimate experience as you get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest restaurants opening not only in #yyc but across Canada. All his photos and videos are drool-worthy and will make you want to reach your hand right through your phone screen to grab a bite.
He was in PyeongChang, Korea for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games and watching the whole adventure was truly entertaining!
Gwendolyn Richards, @gwendolynmr
Living in our fast-paced culture, squeezing in a proper meal is a challenge. Gwendolyn Richards, a Calgary-based food and travel writer and photographer, has always come to the rescue with her delicious recipes as showcased in the Calgary Herald!
She even has her own cookbook called, Pucker, revealing the best citrus recipes from drinks to dinner.
And, I would like to add, Richards has some of the best fashion sense this city has ever seen!
Here is a little more about her from her website, Patent and the Pantry: “I like vintage cocktails — especially a well-made Bourbon Sour — any kind of lemon dessert and I believe a fantastic burger is one of the most perfect foods in the world. An excellent night out is when I can enjoy all three while wearing patent, peep-toe heels. Red, of course.”
Butter Block and Co, @butterblockyyc
This cute bakery located in the Devenish Building on 17th Avenue SW has some of the most scrumptious croissants; the taste is like no other!
Run by a lovely couple, they manage to continually beat their rolling goals as they keep selling out. They rolled 1300 croissants only a few weeks ago!
Although Butter Block focuses on making more savoury treats — I forgot to mention their spicy cheese knot is to die for — they also make sweets like cinnamon buns, cookies and danishes.
You can also find their goodies at Monogram Coffee and more recently The Odyssey Coffeehouse at SAIT.
YYC Food Junkie, @yycfoodjunkie
Although the identity behind this Instagram page is a bit mysterious, one thing is certain: the photos are awesome! The team behind this account is always revealing the newest cafes and restaurants and showcasing the best menu items in Calgary.
If you are feeling stuck on where to go next for your food adventure, be sure to visit their page to get some inspiration!
Jillian Nowak, @jillianraecooks
A self-taught cook, Jillian Nowak makes exquisite-looking dishes easy to prepare. She has some of the most delicious recipes to choose from on her website. Your mouth will start to water once you start scrolling through.
A couple of fun facts about Nowak: she made it to the top 16 of season four of Masterchef Canada and was a top 10 finalist on Food Network Canada as part of the Pillsbury/Betty Crocker Bake It Possible Challenge.
Oh, and she plans to come out with her own cookbook in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled for it!
Lush Vegan Chicks @lushveganchicks
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhiV-ZZngjz/?taken-by=lushveganchicks
With the big news out that Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Drake are vegan, the vegan life is on the rise!
The Lush Vegan Chicks, Kelsey and Denise, provide a lot of valuable information and some of the best vegan dishes to eat. They even shared their vegan Easter dinner on Instagram.
The lush part of their name comes from their enjoyment of wine. I believe the lingo in the culinary scene is “Wine Wednesday.” Yes, please!
Happy Eats YYC @happyeatsyyc
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhscyongsmI/?taken-by=happyeatsyyc
A huge plus is the foodie event coverage that provides insight into the local scene as well as the travel highlights that takes your taste buds on a journey. Happy Eats’ stories cover places like Vegas, Italy, London, Japan, and more. I wonder what adventure they plan to go on next.
Alyshah Kara, @kabakara_fitfoodieyyc
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhk35lYA5F2/?taken-by=kabakara_fitfoodieyyc
Alyshah Kara is showing us the best of two worlds: she’s an avid @barrebelleyyc goer who also enjoys her eats! It’s great to see her try various types of meals all while taking care of her body through exercise.
Her account aesthetic is beautiful and has been known to get quite a few reposts. You might have caught her on @vendomeyyc‘s page wearing her “Babes Who Brunch” sweater or dining in style with her tan coloured hat at one of her favourite brunch spots in @thenashyyc, to name a few. Visiting her profile is a must!
Hungry in Calgary, @hungryincalgary
Let’s begin by highlighting this Instagram handle through the bio on their website: “For years, my dining companions have teased me about my sometimes off-putting love of reading restaurant menus, experimenting in the kitchen, planning my international trips around snacks I want to try as well as zealously recommending places and things to eat for the people I love.”
The page is quite diverse and there is something for everyone! On the blog, the #yycfoodblogger goes into depth about their dining experience at different restaurants and is a great help in navigating the menu for each spot.
Little Foodie YYC, @littlefoodie.yyc
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhlRYBMAmhC/?taken-by=littlefoodie.yyc
For those of us with kiddies, it can be quite an adventure when going out to eat as not all places are kid-friendly. This Instagram takes care of everything by showcasing different spots around Calgary that welcome kids.
They just started on the ‘gram, so be sure to show them some love and follow!
Did we make you hungry? We suggest grabbing one of the 25 best shareable plates in the city.
By Ella Clarens
