It may be fleeting, so enjoy the sunshine while it’s here. Head out of work a bit early this week and soak up the sun while eating and drinking to your heart’s content with these five sunshine-approved pairings.
Broken City Chicken Strips and Steam Whistle Pilsner
Sometimes it’s the simple things that are savoured best in the sunshine. For all of you chicken finger fans out there, this panko-breaded, cajun spiced variation is one of the best in the city. Couple that with a great rooftop patio, a cold pilsner and you’re good to go. (613 11 Ave. S.W., 403-262-9976, brokencity.ca, @TheBrokenCity)
Cibo Sausage Pizza and Prosecco
Pizza hits the spot any time of the year, but there’s something extra special about enjoying it on a beautiful patio. A light, crisp glass of prosecco is the perfect contrast for a rich pie topped with rapini, onions, sausage and provolone. (1012 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-4755, cibocalgary.com, @cibocalgary)
National 2 Bite Corndogs and Caesar
Cure that Sunday morning headache with some salty goodness. The mini cornsdogs are made up of bacon and swiss smokies, served with sriracha mayo and mustard. The caesar garnish is a meal in itself with shrimp, pickles, celery and cheese. Say goodbye to your hangover and hello to some fun in sun with friends. (550 17 Ave. S.W., 403-299-0226, ntnl.ca, @NTNL17)
Ox and Angela Zucchini and El Mojito
Ox’s bright-tasting salad of shaved zucchini, mint, manchego cheese and almonds in a sweet lemon dressing goes perfectly with a refreshing mojito, which the bartender makes with muddled grapes and Sailor Jerry rum. You know warm weather is here when you’re craving a mojito. (528 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-1432, oxandangela.com, @OxAndAngela)
Vin Room Eggplant Chips and Sangria
A longtime favourite for many a Calgary foodie, these crispy eggplant chips come with a sweet pomegrante sauce and tangy herbed yogurt for dipping. Share these with a few friends on the nicest patio in Mission with a carafe of fruity, boozy Sangria this weekend. (2310 4 St. S.W., 403-457-5522, vinroom.com, @vinroom)