Of course this list of 7 Places for Holiday Shopping in Calgary is slanted towards food lovers. I’m a local loving foodie and these are the places where I shop. Each of these stores is renowned for the quality of their goods. They sell a different mix of locally-made and the worlds’ best imports but they have one thing in common. They all started in Calgary and they are all independently owned. Good news for those of you living outside of Calgary, these businesses all ship.
In the photo above, I’m at by Ollia Macarons and Tea with my favourite Alberta Food Tours’ elf Nicole. We did 5 Holiday Brunch and Bakery Bus Tours in November. Those tours got me in the spirit of the season. (Pssst: a gift certificate for a food tour experience is always a great idea). And, they reminded me how fabulous our specialty stores are in Calgary.
1. The Cookbook Co Cooks
The Cookbook Co Cooks is celebrating their 40th anniversary. This is a gourmet warehouse filled with hard-to-find and high-quality ingredients. Their cookbook choice is second-to-none. If they let me, I’d move it. Pro tip: check out their fridge and freezer for delicious house made meals and appetizers. They can really help you through the busy entertaining season.
2. Rubaiyat
Visiting Rubaiyat is a holiday tradition for me. This store is resplendent. You can find a beautiful glass ornament. You can also splurge on a one of a kind gift. After 35 years of marriage, I bought my husband some authentic Laguiole steak knives last year. He usually complains when I buy him something but he absolutely loves these.
3. Inspirati fine Linens and Home Essentials
Inspirati owner Wendy Brownie sells more LE JACQUARD FRANÇAIS linens than anyone else in North America. We all have to do dishes. It’s more pleasant to dry them with these beautiful tea towels.
4. Knifewear
Sharp knives make a cook’s life so much easier. Nobody makes kitchen knives like the Japanese blacksmiths represented at Knifewear. I own four and they rock my kitchen world. Pro tip: sign up for their knife skills and knife sharpening workshops.
5. Crave
Crave Cookies and Cupcakes just entered their 20th year in business. And, that means they’ve got really cool merch to celebrate. If there is a lifetime membership to this Cookie Club, sign me up!
6. Edelweiss Village
Real beeswax candles, Queen Wilhelmina Mints, holiday napkins, stocking stuffers galore; there are so many treasures in Edelweiss Village. Pro tip: Their German Quark Cheesecakes are next level delicious. And, they have a great cheese, charcuterie, and bakery counter.
7. The Silk Road Spice Merchant
Three kinds of cinnamon, Christmas peppercorns, Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek), and Kashmiri chili powder are some of the reasons I love The Silk Road Spicy Merchant. They also have an amazing selection of spice-related cookbooks, including three of mine! Pro tip: They now ship anywhere.
Bonus: other Alberta Businesses I love
In Canmore and Cochrane, check out Kitchen Boutique.
In Canmore, I love Stonewaters, Red Gables Deli, and Alberta’s Own Marketplace.
In Edmonton, my go to is Culina to Go . I love the Provisions section of Duchess Bake Shop. And, I find a great supply of local goods at BonTon Bakery and Patisserie, Meuwly’s and Freson Bros.
Thanks for supporting Alberta local. Happy holidays to everyone. Savour it all.
PS – What did I forget? What’s your favourite? I already thought of one!!!! Peasant Cheese, which I wholeheartedly adore. Gah. I should learn from Santa. When he makes a list, he always checks it twice!
NOTE: this is post was not sponsored. It is editorial. Full Disclosure: I own Alberta Food Tours.
