Wow Bakery
One of four locations in the city, this bakery specializes in Korean cakes and baked goods with inspiration and influences from Japanese and French cuisines and techniques. Some of head chef Kyung Yeon Hwang’s creations include green tea chiffon cake, sweet potato mousse cake, matcha milk loaf and classic French croissants (chef’s favourite) — all beautifully presented using top-quality ingredients.
2002 34 Ave. S.W., 403-640-0273, wowbakery.co
Henry Block
The newest addition to The Shops at Avenue Thirty Four has opened up spaces for even more boutique businesses. Tenants include the brother-sister-run Meadowlark Toy Company; Slow Burn Books, which specializes in romance novels; Supper Studio/Just Baked, an Okotoks-founded maker of meal and dessert kits; and a second Calgary location of the apparel and accessories retailer Adesso Man.
1928 – 1934 34 Ave. S.W., avenuethirtyfour.ca
Gardenia Flower Boutique
Inspired by the French countryside, this flower shop was designed by Rod Leonard and Kale Bandura of Leonard Development Group to be run by Leonard’s mother, a florist. After finishing the Gardenia project, Leonard and Bandura decided to develop the neighbouring home as well, creating a range of character spaces for businesses, now known collectively as The Shops at Avenue Thirty Four.
1930 34 Ave. S.W., 403-475-7658, gardeniaflowerboutique.com
La Hacienda
This Avenue Thirty Four speakeasy is akin to being in the cozy living room of a friend’s home, complete with floral wallpaper, bookshelves, table lamps and vinyl records. In true speakeasy style, a password is required for entry: when you make a reservation, you’ll receive a message back with the password. Upon arrival, speak the password (which changes daily) into the vintage pay phone to get inside.
1928 34 Ave. S.W., 403-702-0468, lahaciendayyc.ca
The Clothing Bar
This female-founded thrift and consignment store occupies a house on 34th Avenue S.W. and is run as a safe space where customers and staff can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism or harassment. The Clothing Bar also partners with several local charity organizations, including Dress for Success, Juno House and Women in Need Society.
1911 34 Ave. S.W., 403-243-9922, clothingbarboutique.ca