By Giselle Wedemire
Summer is the perfect time to relax, explore the great outdoors and enjoy classic seasonal favourites. But when the mercury rises, who wants to be stuck inside slaving over a hot stove to satisfy your appetite? For those looking for summer-friendly eats that involve no cooking, here are some of our top picks for food and beverage festivals and events happening in Calgary in July. [Photo courtesy of Calgary Stampede]
Shattering the stereotype that yoga is just for devout worshippers of green smoothies, Brewga rewards Calgary's yogis with locally-brewed libations after an hour-long class of guided poses. Yogis in attendance will have the opportunity to check out where the magic happens at the legendary Big Rock Brewery and practice downward facing dog in the unconventional setting of a brewery warehouse. After working up a sweat and clearing their minds, attendees will be able to select and sample up to five Big Rock craft beers. Note: registration fills up quickly, and this event is marketed as a BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) class.
Officially speaking, the Calgary Stampede is not a food festival, but don't tell that to fans of the Stampede midway. An annual pilgrimage for local foodies all over the city, the midway will be back in full swing this year with carnival fare ranging from revamped and revolutionized classics to the truly outrageous. Included in this year's lineup are chili lime popcorn shrimp perogies, Thai-style rolled ice cream, clam chowder poutine and the kaleidoscopic, Instagram-worthy unicorn white hot chocolate. We recommend pacing yourself during the marathon eating that will surely ensue on the midway this year and prepare accordingly for a food coma of insane proportions.
Few things are more Calgarian than a Stampede breakfast, and with Wendy T's wheat-free spin on the classic event, local and visiting celiacs can join in on the fun without worry of cross-contamination. Expect to find a hungry crowd and an impressive spread of your favourite Stampede breakfast fixings made completely wheat-free, courtesy of event sponsors including Spolumbo's, Community Natural Foods and Kinnikinnick Foods.
Adding to the list of inclusive and niche pancake breakfasts behind held this summer is Get Stacked, an entirely plant-based breakfast put on by the organizers of VegFest Calgary. Volunteers and organizers will serve up stacks of dairy and egg-free pancakes alongside a heaping stack of knowledge for those curious about living a meat-free lifestyle. In keeping with the eco-friendly theme of the event, pancake lovers are encouraged to bring their own reusable plates and cups.
Things may get sticky at this class, but don't let that deter you. A family-friendly event perfect for Calgarians who can't get enough of the Farmer's Market, The Jungle Farm's jam-making demo class equips attendees aged 12 years and older with the tools and knowledge necessary to make their own jams at home. Once all is said and done, novice jam makers will get to take home a taste of summer in the form of both a complimentary jar of jam and the recipe covered in the night's session.
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For those who might need a bit of a pick-me-up during the last weekend of Stampede, Rodney's Stampede Caesar Brunch might just do the trick. Admission gains you access to this unconventional Stampede breakfast, as well as three customized Caesars that are sure to defeat – or at least temper – even the worst of hangovers that are sure to be experienced that weekend. Whatever your motivation for attending, an opportunity to indulge in Calgary's signature adult beverage while cooling down in Rodney's modern and chic New England-style clam house is always welcome.
Who needs dairy when you've got cashews, almonds and a DIY spirit? At this crafty one-night cooking demo class, home cooks of all skill levels will learn how to prepare an impressive variety of dairy-free cheeses, spreads and milks. With all that on offer, this class is perfect for those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant, as well as for those who may be on the market for a fun and quirky date idea.
Come with your appetite, as sample drinks and snacks will be provided, and attendees will get to take home recipes and a jar of homemade vegan yogurt.
The wine classes at Mission's Vin Room are the perfect bet for amateur sommeliers who are looking to beat the heat in style. July's class will focus on wines that are perfect for patio weather. During the two-hour private group session, a wine steward will give participants a crash course in wines as they sample a variety of summery wines in combination with charcuterie and cheese.
Whether you're looking to enjoy the summer months with a glass of wine in hand or with Calgary Stampede fare, you're covered in Calgary this July. Enjoy the sun, and get your grub on!
