There is something especially meaningful about gathering around food in a beautiful place—sharing stories, discovering flavours, and connecting more deeply to where we live.
On May 24, I’ll be doing just that at the serene Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta, and I would truly love for you to join me.
From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Bunka Centre, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring what it means to eat Alberta first—not just as a philosophy, but as a way of living, supporting, and celebrating this incredible province.
Why Eat Alberta First?
When I wrote Eat Alberta First, it was about more than recipes. It was about people.
It was about the farmers who rise before dawn, the chefs who build menus around the seasons, and the artisans who pour their hearts into every product they create. It’s about understanding that every bite has a story—and that those stories matter.
During our time together, I’ll share some of those stories. The behind-the-scenes moments. The lessons learned over years of building Alberta Food Tours. And why choosing local is one of the most powerful (and delicious) decisions we can make.
A Menu Rooted in Place
Food, of course, is at the heart of it all—and this experience includes a thoughtfully curated menu that reflects Alberta’s diverse culinary identity, prepared in partnership with Antojitos Latin Market and Café.
You’ll enjoy:
- Coltons’ Bannock
- Vegan Borscht
- Saskatoon & Apple Crumble Crisp
It’s a menu that honours tradition, celebrates local ingredients, and tells its own story—one bite at a time.
What to Expect
This afternoon is designed to be relaxed, engaging, and full of connection. Your experience includes:
- A live talk and storytelling session
- A chance to ask questions and connect
- A book signing (copies will be available on-site)
- Garden admission—so you can wander and reflect before or after
If you’ve ever been to Nikka Yuko, you know how special it is. If you haven’t, this is a beautiful reason to go.
A Little About Me
For those who may be newer to this space—welcome.
I founded Alberta Food Tours in 2006 after a 21-year career in nursing, guided by a simple belief: that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people to place.
Since then, we’ve grown into a team delivering culinary experiences across Calgary, Canmore, Banff, and Edmonton, and I’ve had the privilege of sharing Alberta’s food story through books, writing, and this very blog—Savour It All.
But at the heart of it, I’m still someone who loves to cook, explore, and gather people around the table.
Join Me
If this speaks to you—if you care about local food, meaningful travel, or simply spending a lovely afternoon in a beautiful setting—I would be delighted to see you there.
Date: May 24
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden – Bunka Centre
Tickets: $45 per person HERE
Come curious. Come hungry. Come ready to savour it all.
Stay Connected
You can always find me here:
- Instagram: @savouritall | @albertafoodtours | @facesplacesplates | @eatalbertafirst
- Facebook: Alberta Food Tours Inc.
- Email: karen@albertafoodtours.ca
