When it opened
January 2022
Who’s behind it?
Maven Group (Sammie and Brekkie cafés), chef Michelle Hobbs.
Why we love it already
Styled with vintage lamps, repurposed furniture and lots of plants, Maven feels like a warm hug from your green-thumb grandmother. Overseeing what has already become one of Calgary’s top brunch spots, chef Mish Hobbs draws from her own story of an expat life abroad: she was born in Singapore and lived in Japan, Australia, Trinidad, Iran, Norway, the Netherlands, Scotland and Indonesia, while still having strong roots in Alberta (her father is from Edmonton). The range of dishes means everyone can find a favourite with advice from kind and attentive staff, whether that’s the decadent candied-bacon eggs Benedict, sublime Singapore-style pork-ball congee, or comforting German pork schnitzel in a swoon-worthy mustard-dill sauce. Local and seasonal Alberta produce; house-made stocks, condiments and jams; 72-hour house-cured salmon gravlax; and 12-hour braised meats and maple syrup from Quebec all contribute to brunch offerings that are thoughtful and delicious with every bite.
1006 17 Ave. S.W., mavenyyc.ca, @maven_yyc