FOOD + DRINK FOR THE CREATIVELY KEEN IN YYC
01
/
CONTRAST ISSUE
/
ISSUE 01
leetia lyons wrote this.
DASH
##
With all the damn deliciousness yyc and area has to offer, we could never turn down an opportunity to eat. Welcome to the bi-monthly magazine that goes past the polished lifestyle aesthetic of food editorial and delivers the rawness of food + drink that you have to search for. We understand that taste isn’t everything. There is so much flavour in the visual side of eating that is just as important as the food itself. So please, indulge.
leetia lyons wrote this.
##
10
SAKE & COGNAC
Making a cheesy foundue to pair with light & refreshing grapefruit bellinis to wow your guests.
24
HIDDEN, UNIQUE, DELICIOUS
Calgary’s hidden gems. unique experiences, delicious food + memorable people
DASH
01 03 08 43 45 46
/
ISSUE 01
EDITORS LETTER Learn about the contrasting brains that birthed this project into the magazine world.
REVIEW YYC is lucky enough to have lots of cool shit around us – why not take advantage of that?
RECIPE Light bubbly champagne paired with Kevin A. Hill’s rich aged white cheddar cheese fondue. A perfect match.
TIPS + TRICKS Eating out can add up, so tune in to these few tips to make the most of your hard earned cash.
SOCIAL Adding a few extra elements into that delicious dish you just ordered will up your food photo game and make your friends extra jealous.
SPOTLIGHT Events in Calgary, a final note and an unforgettable night out contest.
1213 1 ST SW, CALGARY, AB
DASH
/
ISSUE 01
LETTER
Drumroll please... the first issue of DASH mag. Welcome to the brainchild of a plant based foodie-photographer-designer and a booze-loving illustrator-designer. In celebration of our first issue in the theme of contrast, here is an in depth get-to-know of the contrasting brains that birthed this project into the magazine world. 01
Growing up in Calgary, I’ve accumulated a whole lot of memories with my family eating out and exploring resturants in the city. I’m so excited for this first issue, especially with it being the contrast issue, because Calgary has such an abundant variety of places to see and good food to eat. As the city grows, so does it’s options and if you’re looking for some suggestions, you’re in the right place.
Calgary’s food scene keeps sprouting up cool new shit and the city needs a cool new lens to consume all of it. This first issue of DASH will feed not only the foodies of YYC, but also the edgy creatives (you know who you are) who are craving some well designed content, letting the food and drink scene shine through as well as it deserves. Through stunning photography, lush illustration, and a raw voice, we want to show you Calgary in a way you’ve never seen. Hope you’re hungry.
TORI ENGLISH
CHANDRA VERMEULEN
COLE DEGENSTEIN
Spar; feature connection
##
Proxy; feature connection
CONTRIBUTORS
ASHLEY LEONG
Head design consultant
Proxy; concept consultant
FEATURED SPOTS
First & Vine Sorso Lounge Shokunin Izakaya Two Penny Chinese The Tea House Blackfoot Truck Stop Civic Tavern Bolsa Vietnamese
PRODUCTION
Little Rock Printing
STUDIO
WILL McKEOWN
SABRINA DIEHL
COLIN CELINO
KENDRA DAVIDSON
Spork; design consultant
Spar; design consultant
AUArts
Spork; design consultant
Bluebird; design consultant
COURTNEY MCLACHLIN Bluebird; design consultant
/
ISSUE 01
YYC is lucky enough to have lots of cool shit around us – why not take advantage of that?
OUTING
Most of us, I will assume, live within the city-limits of Calgary, and spend most of our time here. This is a call to take the extra 15 minutes to explore the many mini-cities that exist around this city we know and love.
stop no. 1 / dinner
FIRST & VINE
136 1 Ave NE, Airdrie / $16 - $36 entrées
worth-making-the-trip spots to see. Airdrie, originally a railroad siding, has grown into the largest Calgary outskirt within 30 minutes from downtown. Cleverly, I decided to drive up during rush hour - coming from Calgary there are a limited number of goosenecks into Airdrie that inevitably get plugged up right after work hours so try to avoid that if you can. The other than the rush hour traffic jam, drive was surprisingly quick and into the center of the city you can very well see which buildings were original and which (going a few blocks outward) are new developments. First & Vine sits just off of Main St, in, I swear to God, the cutest damn house on that block. The restaurant is fairly new, but the house itself is the oldest in Airdrie that has been brought back to life as a charming little establishment. When you walk in there is an immediate sense of intimacy and history - which sound’s cliche and
03
Apart from longer trips out to Banff and area, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestemere surround us in each direction and each have their own
leetia lyons wrote and shot this.
REVIEW
DASH
REVIEW 04
First & Vine French Onion Cheese Fondue, $16
I’m not a huge fan of heritage as an aesthetic, but it just feels genuinely cute inside. The staff are all local and friendly, completing this comfortable small-town atmosphere. We started with some simple drinks, a just-strong-enough Gin + Tonic for myself and my date ordered an Irn-Bru Soda, titled “Scotland’s other national drink” other than, obviously, whiskey. Most of the dishes are tapas-style, which I enjoy more than traditional-serving-style, so win. We decided on 3 dishes; salad, fondue, and a sandwich. Goddamn. Everything was f**cking delicious. We started with the caesar salad that was served like how fancier restaurants serve their salads with the entire crisp leaf of lettuce slightly charred and dressed. Beautiful. Second course - and we had to - was a cheese fondue with toasts. The fondue itself was creamier than straight up melted cheese, but was just the right texture and flavour on top of the mini toasts to satisfy us, and use any left over fondue with our fries in the next course; a delicious pork belly sandwich. I was kind of opposed to getting a sandwich as a main at this nice dinner place, but I’m so glad I agreed to it. Pork belly is such a fatty and decadent protein, it’s easy to love.
First & Vine Grilled Caesar, $8
Smoked with so much flavour, it was the perfect finale to our meal. We declined the waitress’ offer for the dessert menu and she brought over the bill in this quaint little parsley tin, chatting casually while we paid. She ended up recommending
DASH
/
ISSUE 01
stop no. 2 / drinks
SORSO LOUNGE
800 Yankee Valley Blvd, Airdrie / $12 - $15 cocktails
STILL HUNGRY?
Hit up these spots in other surrounding cities:
Cochrane Coffee Traders 114 2 Ave W, Cochrane $4 - 6 drinks
Mr. Spud Cafe 26 McRae St, Okotoks $15 - $25 entrees
Masala Twist 175 Chestermere Station Way, Chestermere $15 - $17 entrees
05
this lounge on the other side of town if we were looking for anywhere to get drinks afterwards, and we agreed.
hannah burne wrote and shot this.
Light champagne. Cheese fondue. Paired together and you have a sure crowd pleaser. Up your game with this simple cocktail and dish from Calgary’s Kevin A. Hill, head chef at The Living Room.
08
RECIPES
RICH & BUBBLY
In a regular glass, add ingredients. Stir to chill, remove icecubes Pour into a champagne glass and serve
r uo s liq ub e ec Ic g n e a
1 T b s p ra s p 1-2 L b err 4 O z c h a rg e y am p
pa
es
an
ed
rm
S
er
p 1t
il rlic o - 1 tb sp ga n stock
ck e ch i C 1/4
up
1C
l-
p epp
bs
up 1C
ar -
g e d w h i te c h e d d
oi
& alt
h i te w i n e
c
gr at
h
ili
ry w
09
da grate up
C /2 -1
d up
by KEVIN A. HILL The Living Room 514 17 Ave SW
In a small bowl, combine cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and set aside. Combine white wine, chicken stock, garlic and chili oils, truffles, salt and white pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and stir in mixed cheeses. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until dissolved. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the melted cheeses, stirring until the fondue thickens. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Pour the cheese mixture into the fondue pot and stir in truffle oil to taste.
10
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, DELICIOUS FOOD & MEMORABLE PEOPLE
Just off of the main attractions in Inglewood, this old time classic provides their customers with delicious meals, friendly staff and something to look at in every corner.
A simple old building from the outside is filled with vintage keepsakes, bright pink wallpaper and a train that drives around a
track
along the
entire restaurant.
de ma e m ho nges er. y n ar ra alg st mi e din C e rs ld s o the b 3-cou i h f ,t ir ies one o f the p of rs de ma t offe i nish e om an of f h staur ay t o w re ull e f gar y rfect g frid Cal he pe e r t i ld t en his o city, n t e a th pies, in th Wi
Each booth has its own jukebox stereo as well as a large old school jukebox in the middle of the resturant. Suited for a variety of occasions, wether its a first date or late night food with friends.
This double level house is filled with a pool table, fouse ball and regular seating to all be enjoyed through the
experience. No tv’s this setting encourages customers to visit and take up their own company.
To its advantage this hidden gem is a perfect place to enjoy a low key happy hour in downtown Calgary.
An old home hidden along ninth street in downtown Calgary, now consists of a relaxed bar that prides its self on a safe, inclusive place and a good time. With all local beer on tap, Civic Tavern provides the perfect pairing with their made from scratch (down to the sauce) pizza. Future plans for this cozy Calgary bar include community partnerships to further immerise themselves into the city and reach out where they can.
A Calgary favorite, Bolsa has a trusted customer base that will keep coming back. Although hidden among other stores on Macleod trail, Bolsa stands out in other Vietnamese restaurants in the city. The experience will be a memorable one and it won’t go forgotten, a soon to be go-to for late night take out or a simple dinner.
Family owned and operated, everyone at bolsa proudly serves fresh food, with their love and energy going into every dish. Mama will be sure to make you feel at home!
Family owned and operated, everyone at bolsa proudly serves fresh food, with their love and energy going into every dish. Mama will be sure to make you feel at home! Their extensive menu makes sure there are options for everyone including hot pots, vegetarian/vegan options as well as classic soups and bowls. Focused on the best experience for their customers, dietary restrictions are accomodated for, furthering their time they spend on every single dish.
BRIDGELAND 112 4TH ST NE
KILLARNY
3047 26TH AVE SW
SECTION TITLE TIPS
DASH
/
ISSUE 01
BREAD. DOUGH. GRAVY. WHEN GOING OUT,
Shop seasonably! March: artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnips, pineapples, radishes, rutabagas, and turnips. April: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, pineapples, radishes, rhubarb and spring peas. Buy only what you need for the specific meals and foods you KNOW you will eat before the
You don’t have to say no to going out with friends! Eat something at home before you leave and order a small appetizer at the restaurant. Limit yourself to 2 drinks while you are out, and bring exact cash when you go paying with cash you are less likely overspend. Learn to say no every once in a while if you simply cant afford it - your friends have most likely been in that situation as well and will understand.
PACKING LUNCH, Meal prep on Sundays - give yourself enough variety through the week to keep lunches exciting. Or, prepare lunches the night before - if your lunch is ready for you in the morning when you are in a rush, you are less likely to say fuck it and just buy
Buy things you KNOW you will always need in bulk (toilet paper, etc) Look online (amazon) for deals on bulk foods that don’t go bad and compare the price per quantity at the grocery store. Shop at discount grocery stores and visit the bulk aisle whenever you need dry foods. Buy more basics and clothing items that are classic and will age well. Hit up thrift stores for better quality clothing that will last you longer than that $10 shirt at Forever21, for the same price. Older trends are definitely back and thrift stores provide so many interesting styles that whatever it on-trend at fast-fashion retailers.
For overall financial literacy, take time to understand your budget! Get to know where every dollar goes and how much you can keep to save up for your next splurge without feeling guilty about it. You’ll thank yourself!
43
FOR GROCERIES,
IN GENERAL,
leetia lyons wrote this.
It’s hard to say no to a food date out. But it’s not impossible to be money savvy if you love eating good food! Eating out can add up, so tune in to these few tips to make the most of your hard earned cash.
##
leetia lyons wrote this.
SECTION TITLE
/
ISSUE 01
GRAMMABLE FOOD. No shame here, adding a few extra elements into that delicious dish you just ordered will up your food photo game and make your friends extra jealous.
RAD FOODIES to follow in yyc
45
ACTION Bring hands, arms, movement into the photo to create a more dynamic image. This creates a more natural feel.
ACCESSORIES Utilize your own items you have with you to fill space and add more elements to the photo.
ANGLE An overhead view will help create better shape in the overall compostition. It also gives more context to the photo and helps showcase the dish.
hannah burne wrote and shot this.
SOCIAL
DASH
TABLE SETTINGS Add the centre piece, napkins, plants or any other table items to create a natural looking environment.
@bnahmiigirl Try it all. With Priscilla’s beautiful images, she shows a wide variety of places to eat in Calgary.
Adding plants can bring freshness and color into the photo.
@chu.eats
NATURAL LIGHT Shooting food outdoors or next to a window with natural light will evenly light the entire photo and prevent any weird orange or blue tones from ceiling lights.
For something different, Iris shares unique food with honest opinons so you’ll know exactly where to go (and not to go)
@foodbymaria Plant-based, homemade recipes, stunning photography.
SPOTLIGHT hannah burne wrote this.
46
A FEW LAST NOTES We hope you enjoyed this mag as much as we did creating it. With all your new knowledge on the best Calgary has to offer in the food + drink scene, head out and enjoy.
To celebrate our first issue we’re serving an unforgettable night on us. One winner & three friends will win: Dinner at Shokunin Drinks & Comedy at The Tea House VIP clubbing at Subrosa One night stay at Hotel Arts
TO ENTER
Check us out on Instagram @dash.mag to get in on all the deats to be qualified. must be 18+ to enter
Tag Us! Tag us with the hashtag #dashmag with your best photos of an experience, resturants and reviews around calgary for a chance to be featured in our next issue!
www.dashmag.com
Events Upcoming in YYC
MAR 05 A BLIND TASTING $10 www.lakeviewcommunity.org MAR 10 YYC FOOD AND DRINK EXPO $20 Admission www.foodanddrinkexpo.ca APR 12 TASTE OF BRAGG CREEK Free www.tasteofbraggcreek.ca APR 14 PLANTED DINNER SERIES Price Varies www.winsport.ca/planted/index. html APR 21 EASTER BRUNCH AT FORT CALGARY $19-$42 www.fortcalgarybrunch.ca APR 27 YYC FOOD TRUCK FRENZY $5 Admission www.yycfoodtrucks.com