Labneh from Crazyweed Kitchen in Canmore
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I haven’t ever driven to Canmore for the express purpose of eating the labneh at Crazyweed Kitchen, but I can imagine that I might someday. This long-time menu staple is a definite can’t-miss. The creamy yogurt-based dip is served alongside warm flatbread as you might expect. But what sets this apart from any old dip is the toppings. The dip is drizzled with lemon and zaatar and topped with raisins, walnuts and herbs. And the real scene-stealers here are the chunks of honey-roasted eggplant. They are so sweetly delicious they’re reminiscent of warmed plums. —Käthe Lemon, president
1600 Railway Ave., Canmore, 403-609-2560, crazyweed.ca
Potato Doughnuts from Major Tom
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Pictured here (for some strange reason) in the background, this shareable appetizer from one of the most talked-about restaurants in Calgary is something of a cross between a doughnut, a savoury churro and a cloud from heaven. The potato doughnuts are warm and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and topped with a cold fresh cheese — the temperature difference between the components make the perfect bite, in my opinion. Finished with fresh black pepper and a balsamic vinegar aged until it becomes a thick syrup to cut through the fat and richness, the potato doughnuts are a must-order at Major Tom Bar. —Chris Landry, digital editorial assistant
700 2 St. S.W., majortombar.ca
Apple Pie from Model Milk
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Even though it’s been a jewel in Calgary’s dining crown for a decade, I hadn’t dined at Model Milk until this past spring; a dinner to celebrate the 17th Avenue S.W. restaurant’s 10th anniversary. Through courses of ricotta cavatelli and hot fried chicken served with dill pickle coins and a crisp and crunchy wedge salad, I asked myself why it had taken me so long. But, it wasn’t until the finisher — Model Milk Apple Pie — that I started seriously questioning my judgement. The hefty piece of pie, set beneath a glorious scoop of Made by Marcus vanilla ice cream, sees a generous filling of thinly sliced tart apples enveloped in a cheddar cheese crust, the top of which gets a bit crispy and caramelized after baking. Paired with a glass of sherry, as recommended by our server, it jumped to the top of my list of best bites in 2022. —Dominique Lamberton, managing editor
308 17 Ave. S.W., 403-265-7343, modelmilk.ca
Croissant Swirls from Sucre Patisserie and Cafe
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Pastries are one of my food weaknesses, and while I’m usually fairly good at resisting the urge to eat copious amounts of baked goods, these croissant swirls from Sucre are my new Kryptonite. Available on weekends, these round, filled croissants are as pleasing to the eye as they are delicious. Flavours can vary, but have included strawberry rose, Coffee Crisp and Turtles. The buttery, flaky layers complement the sweetness of the toppings and cream filling, ensuring that each bite is well balanced. It’s truly been a struggle to not return to Sucre every weekend for another one. —Alana Willerton, senior digital editor
1007 8 St. S.W., 587-352-5505, sucrecafe.com
