From food festivals to new restaurants, here’s what you need to know about the latest food-related openings, news and events in Calgary.
The Big Taste food festival returns from March 2 to 11
Every year, Calgary foodies look forward to the beginning of March for the return of The Big Taste. During the annual food festival, participating restaurants will have special $18 or $28 three-course lunch menus, $28 or $40 three-course dinner menus and $65 five-course gourmet menus. It’s the perfect opportunity to try a range of dishes for a great price. This year, there are more than 90 participating restaurants, including Bar Von Der Fels, Bread & Circus, Charbar, One18 Empire, Posto, Ricardo’s Hideaway and Vin Room. The festival also features a dozen signature events for those who want an extra special foodie experience.
Elwood and the Rabbit opens in Bridgeland
Bridgeland’s Whitehall restaurant may have closed, but the space didn’t stay empty for long. New Vintage Group restaurant Elwood and the Rabbit opened in the de Waal building in January. While Whitehall largely served British-inspired fare, Elwood and the Rabbit focuses on comfort foods with an Alberta twist. The brunch menu features kimchi eggs Benedict and savoury pancakes, while the dinner menu features crispy lamb belly, Alberta pickerel and ribeye.
24 4 St. N.E., 587-349-9008, elwoodandtherabbit.com
Prohibition Freehouse introduces a new menu
Kensington’s Prohibition Freehouse may be known for its meatballs, but that’s not all you can get there. The restaurant introduced a new menu on February 12, and it has exciting new dishes like kimchi pork balls, braised octopus, a chia flan dessert and more. And if you’re heading down to experience the new menu, be sure to do it on one of Prohibition’s live music nights.
1153 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-452-8549, prohobar.com
Wami Loft Cafe opens in Brentwood
If you’re a fan of the Japanese food at Brentwood’s Wami Ootoya, you’ll want to check out the new cafe that has opened above it. Wami Loft Cafe celebrated its grand opening on January 27. Stop by to try the new cafe’s casual fare specifically or pop up there for some dessert after dining at Wami Ootoya. The menu includes milk, fruit and bubble teas, coffee, chicken wings, crepes, takoyaki and more.
130 3820 Brentwood Rd. N.W., 403-289-8981, facebook.com
Winefest returns this weekend
Join fellow wine lovers at Calgary’s annual Winefest this weekend. There will be wines to sample, hors d’oeuvres to eat and door prizes to win at the two-day event. The event has three weekend sessions on February 23 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and February 24 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Try to bring a donation for the Calgary Food Bank as well.
BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way S.W., celebratewinefest.com