A Foodie’s Guide to Fish Creek Park

With its rolling landscapes and babbling brooks, Fish Creek Provincial Park is immersed in natural beauty, but the discerning foodie knows to come for a special treat at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and Annie’s Café.

The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant

The legendary Bow Valley Ranche was built in 1896, and was a sophisticated hub for the founding members of Calgary. 12 decades later, it houses one of the city’s premier restaurants. Offering only the finest fare, the menu is built on the tenet of local sourcing, and the artistry of Chef Jenny Kang.

Dinner

The summer menu boasts Wagyu striploin (considered some of the world’s best beef) beer-fed which makes it extraordinarily tender. Supplied by Brant Lake farm, the steak is paired with cippolini, asparagus, and king oyster mushroom, with a duck fat potato fondant and truffle demi-glace. For the perceptive palate preferring a poultry plate, the Rougie Confit Duck Leg is a beautiful dish of swiss chard, Romanesco broccoli, gratin dauphinoise, with double-smoked bacon and cherry duck jus.

Duck Rougie

Photo Courtesy of Salt Food Photography

Bouvry Farm Elk Tartare is the perfect appetizer. Flawlessly prepared with truffle powder and parmesan, it pairs very well with horseradish cream and a cured yolk. Game meat has many health benefits; packed with nutrients and flavour. Brunch A time-honoured family tradition at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, bringing folks around a weekend table. Brilliant for sharing, the Ploughman’s Platter is a long-time staple on the menu, featuring marinated vegetables, cured and dried meats, homemade pâté, chutneys, cheeses, and artisan breads.

Brunch

A time-honoured family tradition at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, bringing folks around a weekend table. Brilliant for sharing, the Ploughman’s Platter is a long-time staple on the menu, featuring marinated vegetables, cured and dried meats, homemade pâté, chutneys, cheeses, and artisan breads.

Annie’s Cafe

Photo Courtesy of Bookstrucker Photography

In addition to classics, like the phenomenal Sparks Farms Eggs Benedict—available in smoked salmon, or mushroom and kale—the menu offers unique dishes like the Birch & Cider Glazed Chicken Waffle BLT, a delicious Belgian waffle with chicken, bacon, crunchy butter leaf and cranberry aioli.

Annie’s Café

This quaint farmhouse was moved to its current spot in 1905 and housed the ranch foremen and their families, including Billy Bannister and his wife, Annie. Today, Annie’s Café serves luscious hard ice cream, along with soups, sandwiches, and pastries, specially crafted at Cravings Market Restaurant.

More than just a source for special cones and picnic snacks, Annie’s Café holds a special place in the hearts of Calgarians. Patrons anxiously await the annual opening in spring, and line up around the corner throughout the summer. Nostalgia and tradition bring guests to enjoy the benches on the shady porch.

By: Kasia Gorski