September is almost here. It’s sad, but true, and with that means back-to-school season and an end to laid-back summer schedules. Since it takes a few weeks to get back into the rhythm of balancing work with school and life at home, sometimes dinner is the last thing you want to think about. Here are four places in Calgary where you can swing by after work and pick up a quality dinner to feed the family at home – no muss, no fuss.
Calgary Co-op’s Fresh to Go
Now available at four locations in Calgary (Crowfoot, West Springs, Macleod Trail and Shawnessy), this grocer’s from-scratch dinner options offer plenty of variety, from simple salads to hearty portions of pasta, pot pies and more. Each day of the week sees a different featured dinner package. Come by on a Monday for a big meatloaf for the family, on a Tuesday for lasagna with fresh side dishes, and so on.
Various location, calgarycoop.com, @calgarycoop
Made Foods
If you find yourself too busy to even pop into a location and pick up dinner, don’t stress because Made Foods delivers. Made Food’s executive chef Andrea Harling gets creative with her menus that can help you out at home with anything from breakfast to dinner and even snacks. Vegetarians should try out the vibrant roasted beet risotto made with red and gold beets, kale pesto and parmesan, and if you’re craving some meat, the apple-stuffed pork loin with apple bacon jam and smashed potatoes should do just fine.
3534 Garrison Gate S.W., 587-483-9853; 556, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 587-475-2039, madefoods.com, @made_foods
The Main Dish
One of the city’s most well-known destinations for meals to-go, The Main Dish in Bridgeland boasts a ton of healthy meal options that are especially perfect for the more sporty of families. Apricot almond quinoa salad, panko- and almond-crusted chicken and turkey yam gnocchi are just a few of the different dishes you can bring home to a hungry crowd.
903 General Ave. N.E., 403-265-3474, tmdish.com, @themaindish
Una Takeaway
Una’s new next-door concept not only offers its signature pizzas to-go, but a whole array of other dishes to take home and enjoy too. There’s braised veal and pork meatballs, roasted broccoli with walnut vinaigrette, chipotle-spiced half chickens with potato pav and plenty more. If you have time, take a peek in the back of the room to find Frenchie, their cozy and slightly secretive new wine bar.
616 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-1183, unatakeaway.com, @unatakeaway