Picnic season in Calgary certainly has its challenges – mosquitoes, thunderstorms, cold nights. But finding fine nosh for your basket, well, that part is easy. Here are four places to stop when the weather is fine and you want to eat in the great outdoors. Just add bug spray, a blanket and a few pals.
Bridgeland Market
(1104 1 Ave. N.E., 403-269-2381, bridgelandmarket.com, @bridgelandmrkt)
Fresh Kitchen
Chef/owner Paul Morissette understands just what it takes to create a last-minute gourmet dinner. If the picnic is in your own back yard, you may want to buy one of his Friday meals-to-go, and just heat the main course in your kitchen. Or, if your picnic plans are taking you further afield, choose some salads, roast chicken and bread for a feast you won’t soon forget.
(2042 42 Ave. S.W., 403-214-7771, freshkitchen.ca)
Lina’s Italian Market
You’ll find everything you need here to pretend you’re on the way to a beach in Italy. Pick up a circle of focaccia, various cheeses, real Italian prosciutto, melon and a tub of Lina’s signature tomato bruschetta. Find a way to pack some gelato, and don’t forget to add a bottle of San Pellegrino to quench your thirst on a hot day.
(2202 Centre St. N.E., 403-277-9166, linasmarket.com)
Sunnyside Natural Market
This mostly organic market is conveniently located off the Sunnyside LRT stop. Aviv Fried opened his Sidewalk Citizen deli counter a few months ago, and now you can purchase all kinds of delicious dips, salads and bread to go. Add some in-season organic fresh BC fruit, and you’re set for fun in the sun.
(338 10 St. N.W., 403-270-7477, sunnysidemarket.ca)