After spending seven years in the corporate world, Vinda Tanuhadi resigned in 2013 to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur, creating the city’s only dedicated luxury scarf shop, Beyond Scarf. “I didn’t want to be 65 and think, ‘Why didn’t I try that?’” she says. She launched the store online in 2014 and opened a bricks-and-mortar boutique on 17th Avenue in the fall of 2017. “People sometimes underestimate the power of a good scarf,” Tanuhadi says. Here are 10 more things in Calgary she can’t live without.
Live Music at Murrieta’s Bar & Grill
“They have live blues or jazz music every Friday and Saturday. It’s a really intimate setting, so it’s great for live music. I just enjoy the moment.”
Leather Jackets Designed by Anneke Forbes
“Her designs are great; I love her style. She has a combination of being sophisticated and feminine, but still edgy. Her shop is inside cSpace King Edward, which is very unique to walk through, too.”
MyParking App
“I’m in meetings all the time, so this just saves my life — it’s so convenient. You don’t have to find a machine and then fight with it if it’s not working. I don’t know why more people don’t use it.”
Chili Oil from Seven Spice
“They have both mild and hot chili oil, and the mild one is just heaven. There are all these spices at the bottom that are incredible, and there’s no added MSG. I tell everyone about it.”
Macaroni Gratin from Suzette Bistro
“It’s definitely my guilty pleasure and my comfort food. When the ham, chicken velouté, Gruyère and Parmesan cheese melt together, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and savoury.”
Almond Croissants from Butter Block & Co
“Butter Block is kind of hidden. I found it on Instagram, and when you see the pictures you’re just drooling. I love croissants and I love almonds, so this particular combination is my favourite.”
PTI Graphics
“Whenever I need posters or postcards on short notice, they deliver really quickly. They’re able to capture my idea and make it happen with their design.”
Fish Creek Provincial Park
“I love going for long walks in the Fish Creek area, especially in the fall around Thanksgiving when everything is gold. It’s great to walk through and then stop for a nice dinner at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant.”
Bathisserie Purifying Detox Granita Body Scrub
“I love body scrubs, and these are handcrafted locally. The smell of the Purifying Detox Granita body scrub is incredible — you feel like you’re in a spa when you use it.”
Frenchie Wine Bar
“When you walk inside, you don’t feel like you’re in Calgary — it’s so tucked away and warm and hidden, so it’s good for escaping. Usually, I just tell the bartender to surprise me: ‘any drink,’ I say.”