Plant-based dining continues to be a hot commodity in Calgary’s dining scene. From the rise of the Beyond Burger to new restaurants serving up exclusively plant-based fare, there’s no shortage of options if you want to dine animal-free. It’s doubtful that the trend is lost on WinSport executive chef Liana Robberecht, but her reason behind curating the second annual Planted dinner series comes from a desire not just to celebrate vegetarian and vegan food, but to offer chefs a challenge to take it to the next level. As she puts it, “Vegetables are like poetry and jazz — individually amazing, but when combined, they are harmonious and delicious.”
The series features WinSport working with eight partner restaurants on both collaborative and independently organized dining experiences between March 28 and April 25. A portion of funds raised throughout the month-long affair will go towards the initiatives of the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary, a charity that feeds the hungry and empowers them for future success through education. Community Kitchen executive director Sundae Morin says this support couldn’t come at a better time. “There are so many people in our city that are struggling to eat and are living in food insecurity because of the cost of living, the cost of food and the increase of lost jobs,” Morin says.
Planted Kick-Off Event at WinSport | March 28
This is your first chance to take part in Planted’s culinary experience. Chef Robberecht and four of her team members from WinSport will be joined by talent from the Calgary Zoo, Winebar Kensington, Diner Deluxe, Alloy, Rouge, Donna Mac and more for the Planted kick-off event. The night features a collection of small bites (including “cheese” fondue and “charcuterie”) and cocktails prepared by Nicol Fewell from Porter’s Tonic. Tickets are $65 and include all food plus a welcome cocktail.
WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., 403-247-5452, winsport.com
Restaurant Dining Experiences | April 1 to 14
Eight local restaurants have partnered with Planted’s charitable campaign to create their own plant-based dining experiences. Some of the experiences include a six-course April Fool’s Day dinner at Anju on April 1, a four-course dinner at Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant on April 3 and a three-course brunch at Donna Mac on April 14.
Various locations, winsport.com/planted
Farm Zoo Table Closing Event at the Calgary Zoo | April 25
Planted’s finale event is hosted by the Calgary Zoo and its chef James Neilson, who will be joined by chefs from WinSport and some of the other restaurants participating in Planted. Along with vegan and vegetarian food, you can enjoy educational games, live music, a photo booth and other interactive programming. This will your be last chance to help raise funds for Community Kitchen during Planted, and accordingly, a silent auction will be held for them during the event. Tickets are $70 and include all food plus a welcome cocktail. Parking is not included.
Calgary Zoo, 88 St. George’s Dr. N.E., calgaryzoo.com; winsport.com/planted