With warmer weather hopefully on the horizon, nothing is more fun to do on a weekend day than stopping by Calgary’s fantastic farmers’ markets for a little stroll around. In honour of the Crossroads Market’s re-opening this week, we offer you a list of seven food stands you can find at markets around the city that you need to make a point of eating at. That’s an order!
2 Greek Gals
This Greek eatery dishes out Greek specialties all day long. The real winner here is the moussaka, a Mediterrean dish similar to Shepard’s Pie, with eggplant, potatoes and ground lamb. (Calgary Farmers’ Market, 403-617-9124, calgaryfarmersmarket.ca)
A Taste of Quebec
If you’re going to do poutine, you better do it right. Luckily, this stand does by keeping it simple with squeaky cheese curds, fresh fries and a rich gravy. It’s a good reminder that sometimes you just don’t need to mess with a classic. (Calgary Farmers’ Market, 403-240-9113, calgaryfarmersmarket.ca)
Big Catch
One of the newer additions to Kingsland Market offers up fresh sushi rolls, seaweed salad, tuna tataki and other popular Japanese dishes. Grab it to go, or sit down for a bite. (Kingsland Farmers’ Market, 403-708-5555, bigcatchcalgary.com)
Old Munich German Sausage
One of Crossroads oldest vendors with 27 years in residence and counting, this sausage stand keeps things meaty with kielbasa, bratwursts and more loaded with all the standard fixings your heart desires. (Crossroads Market, 403-616-5445, crossroadsmarket.ca)
Kaffir Lime
One of the best hidden gems in our city’s food scene, Kaffir boasts Indonesian dishes that are full of spice and flavour. It’s perhaps best described as the love child of Vietnamese and Indian cuisine. Definitely one-of-a-kind. (Kingsland Market, 403-852-7491, kfmcalgary.com)
Orchid Bakery
If you’re in the Calgary Farmers’ Market and your sweet tooth is kicking in, this Persian-style bakery should be your stop. From baklava to Danmarki (Persian danishes) with coconut cream, it’s just the place to stop for a couple of bites. (Calgary Farmers’ Market, 403-457-5757, orchidpastry.com)
Taqueria Mexicana El Mariachi
It can be hard to find quality casual Mexican fare in Calgary, but Taqueria does not disappoint. The made-fresh-daily salsa and guacamole, with a bag of fresh corn tortilla chips, can be a refreshing snack or a meal all in it’s own. (Crossroads Market, 403-280-1676, crossroadsmarket.ca)