Blink Brown Ale and Cheddar Soup
This Stephen Avenue dining destination can hit the spot on a cold evening perfectly with this soup, made with Wild Rose ale, old cheddar. (111 8 Ave SW, 403-263-5330, blinkcalgary.com, @blinkcalgary)
Briggs Kitchen and Bar Bone-in Pork Belly
Pork Belly is no stranger to restaurant menus these days, but this bone-in offering is a cut above the rest. Tenderly cooked with a sweet maple braise, making it the perfect plate for a carnivore to warm up with. (317 10 Ave SW, 587-350-5015, briggskandb.com, @briggskandb)
Catch Oyster Bar Clam Chowder
What’s a rainy day without some chowder? This New England-style bowl of creamy goodness shines at its best when it’s damp and grey skied outside. (100 8 Ave SE, 403-206-0000)
Farm Girls Truffled Butternut Squash Mac ‘n Cheese
We know few things are worth waiting outside for in subpar weather. The exception? An order of this stellar mac ‘n cheese make with squash, crispy-fried onions, pumpkin seeds, bacon and a touch of truffle. Amazing! (mobile, 587-438-3276, farmgirlsfood.com, @farmgirlsfood)
Gaga Pizzeria Calzone
This little gem in the connaught area dishes out some of the pizza in the city. If you’re flying solo, one of their calzones are the perfect thing to enjoy – crispy on the outside, gooey and delicious on the inside – sitting up by the window while watching the rain fall. (1236 12 Ave SW, 403-264-2421, pizzeriagaga.ca)
Laurier Lounge Bouillabaisse
Warm up with a generous mix of scallops, prawns, mussels and sea bass in a lobster bisque with a saffron rouille. It’s as decadent and rich-tasting as it is soothing. (1111 7 St SW, 403-228-3771, laurierlounge.com, @LaurierLounge)
Menyatai Spicy Miso Ramen
Calgary’s newest Japenese spot – located just off Kensington Road, dishes out some quality ramen like this variation loaded with corn, green onion, chilies, a soft boiled egg and more. Finish off with a sprinkle of togarashi and you’ll be good to go. (24 12 St NW, 403-263-3666)
Shef’s Fiery Kitchen Butter Chicken
All of the dishes at this popular farmers’ market food stand are made with love. If Shef’s aromatic butter chicken doesn’t provide you with edible comfort, then there’s no saving you! (510 77 Ave SE, 403-918-7433, shefsfierykitchen.com, @ShefsFiery)