Menu Gems We asked our contributors to pick their favourite comfort food dish from any Calgary restaurant, and they are sharing them with us here.
Warm Mushroom Tart, Avec Bistro
Chili Ramen, Shikiji’s
Zuppa de Pesce, Mercato
Breakfast Poutine, Brasserie Kensington.
Few things are as comforting as buttery pastry filled with a creamy mushroom mixture and finished with parmesan. I would have it every day for lunch if calories didn’t exist! Dan Clapson
My favourite dish on a cold winter’s day is the Zuppa de Pesce at Mercato on 4th Street. The broth is warm and inviting, not too heavy or thick, and perfectly seasoned. The big chunks of seafood and fennel stand out in the soup with just the right amount of tomato flavour. Karen Mlller
With winter in full force, this steaming bowl of ramen at Shikiji on Centre Street N hits the spot. Lots of noodles in a warming, flavourful broth. It will fill you up too, as the portion is generous! Fred Malley
Chef/Owner/Beard Model Cam Dobranski’s Breakfast Poutine comes with cheese curds, hollandaise, duck gravy & a fried egg over top a mound of fresh cut fries that have been crisped to soul-restoring perfection in a Brome Lake duck fat deep fryer. Tarquin Melnyk
Mac ‘n Cheese, Taste
It’s the perfect combination of fatty, salty, and filling, paired perfectly with a cocktail. In Canadian winters it’s important to have extra padding to keep warm! Chelsea Klukas
The Grilled Cheese, Diner Deluxe
There are a number of comfort food dishes at Diner Deluxe that I just love (and let’s not even get started on the Chocolate Sourdough French Toast with Grilled Bananas), but “The Grilled Cheese” is heaven. Two slices of Urban Baker’s rosemary sourdough bread surround an ooey gooey blend of Sylvan Star Gouda, aged cheddar and Oka cheese. Andrea Fulmek
Sandwiches, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
Warmed up in the oven, the daily-made sandwiches at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery are hard to resist. With both a vegetarian and meat option, it’s even harder to make the choice of which one to get. Check social media for the day’s offerings. They’re rich, comforting and healthy! Laura Lushington
Spicy Bean Jelly Curd, Szechuan Restaurant
When the snow is blowing and your skin is freezing, raise your internal temperature with #26 on the menu at Szechuan Restaurant on 16th Ave NW - spicy bean jelly curd in hot sauce. Served cold, but that does not deter it from creating fire in your belly! BJ Oudman
Mac ‘n Cheese, Farm
I have a soft spot for mac & cheese, but fortunately my boyfriend’s lactose intolerance keeps me from making and eating it too often. I love to stop by Farm for their mac & cheese though - it combines some of Janice Beaton’s best cheeses, with a bit of a spicy kick. Vincci Tsui