16 minute read
Market Report
Story and photos by GRACE WANG Market Report
MA PIES
In the depths of winter, nothing is as comforting as warm pie, fresh out of the oven. Ma Pies’ individual pocket pies fit the bill, with a golden, buttery crust and hearty, homemade fillings. Corey Ma’s singular passion for pies led him from an engineering career to pastry school in New Zealand, where he refined his skills before launching Ma Pies in 2019. He offers both savoury and sweet pies, but his most popular offerings are the Chicken Mornay and Paddy’s Pulled Pork pocket pies. Ma came up with his famous Chicken Mornay pie just in time for Pi Day 2020, right as the COVID pandemic shut down farmers’ markets across the city—but that didn’t stop pie-hungry Calgarians from discovering this delightful creation. This fan favourite is filled with peas, carrots and tender chicken breast, then covered in Mornay sauce, a bechamel sauce with added cheese, in this case, provolone. A lunchtime visit to Paddy’s Barbecue & Brewery turned into a new pie when Ma couldn’t get enough of their pulled pork. Now, the local joint supplies the filling for the eponymous Paddy's Pulled Pork pocket pies. These days, Ma is focused on expanding to coffeeshops and cafés in addition to his farmers’ markets stalls, and he is collaborating with local businesses on pie fillings. He says his favourite part about running Ma Pies is “connecting with other local businesses and experimenting in the kitchen,” he says. Whether you’re looking for a homemade pie or just need a quick and convenient weeknight dinner, Ma Pies is not to be missed! Ma Pies| Granary Road Farmer’s Market, and pickup/delivery options online 226066 112th St. W., Foothills County | 587.327.1813 | mapies.ca
MARKET REPORT SPONSORED BY:
THAI MANNA
A trip to Thai Manna at Calgary Farmers’ Market West is much easier than a trip to Thailand if you’re craving authentic curries. While the stall at Calgary’s newest location of the beloved Calgary Farmers’ Market opened this past August, Thai Manna has been around since 2008. Founder Michelle Chick’s travels to Thailand inspired her to dive into Thai cuisine and she began making curries and curry kits for her friends and family, which eventually proved so popular, she started Thai Manna. The thought of making a Thai curry from start to finish can be intimidating for home cooks, so Chick and her team do most of the work by providing curry paste, rice, coconut milk and portions of fish sauce, palm sugar, lime leaves and chilli peppers in their kits. All that’s left to do is add one’s desired meats or vegetables and follow each kit’s simple instructions. The curry pastes are made from scratch and some of the key ingredients in Chick’s popular green curry are green chilli peppers, garlic, lemongrass and galangal, a member of the ginger family frequently used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Initially, Chick’s curry pastes were far spicier, but she found that adding fresh chilli peppers to the kits allowed customers to vary the spice level—something that made her curries popular with kids. In the winter, her Panang curry is a bestseller, with sweet notes of tamarind and rich peanut flavour. Having been a part of farmers’ markets for more than a decade, Chick says, “The best part is handing out samples and seeing people’s faces light up when they taste our curries.” Thai Manna | Calgary Farmers’ Market West and Fresh & Local Farm Store, full list of retail locations online | 25 Greenbriar Dr. N.W. and 12445 Lake Fraser Dr. S.E. | 403.998.7049 | thaimanna.com
RECIPE! MAKE CHICK'S PRAWN FRIED RICE TO GO WITH YOUR CURRY.
Give the Gift of FRESH & LOCAL
All the ingredients you need.
One stop. One shop. Give amazing local preserves, sauces, stollen, baking and charcuterie ingredients as gifts from Fresh & Local. Pre-order your fresh and local Christmas turkey.
Open daily in Avenida Village.
1 block north of the Canyon Meadows LRT
Located next to the Collective Beer Store D441, 12445 Lake Fraser Drive SE
Calgary, AB 403.253.4988
Monday to Saturday 10a-6p; Sundays 11a-5p
By TEAM SAVOUR CALGARY & OUR GUEST CONTRIBUTORS S Savourite ThingsIt’s the time of year when we get to rave about all of the amazing things we encountered throughout 2022. Each member of the Savour Calgary team offers you their Favourite Thing and a few community leaders also offered up their tasty tidbits. Bon appétit!
Debbie Lambert PUBLISHER LA BOULANGERIE BAKERY
This French bakery café is my ‘go-to’ when I’m craving an authentic French croissant or pastry. With 14 varieties of croissant, my two favourites are the mozzarella sesame and the almond. For pastries, it’s tough to choose between the tarts and eclairs so I usually end up with an assortment of both. My favourite tart is the pecan, walnut, hazelnut, pistachio and almond with French caramel which is available as a three-inch or eight-inch.
Camie Leard EDITOR TERROIR SYMPOSIUM
This nationally celebrated food-centred event made its debut in Calgary, shining a light on our stellar food scene. With film screenings, demonstrations, panel discussions, special dinners and more, the symposium gave Calgary food people an opportunity to learn, reflect, debate and celebrate all things culinary. It was so successful, rumour has it, it’s coming back next year!
Tanya Schaap ASSOCIATE EDITOR NOBLE PIE
The NYC-style pizza here is some of the best in the city and the vibe, all the way down to the back-alley entrance, is quite simply, perfect.
Grace Wang COLUMNIST JELLICIOUS
This home-based business does custom Vietnamese jelly that is the the perfect consistency making the most beautiful flowers and cakes.
Wanda Baker DIGITAL EDITOR SAY CHEESE ADVENT CALENDAR
This calendar was so awesome last year, we can’t wait to see what Isaac has up his sleeve for 2022. I can’t tell you how many new favourites my husband and I found as we took a moment to enjoy something delicious together every day.
Rob Rodé DESIGNER HEARTS CHOICES CORN DOGS
This past year I secretly stocked the freezer with a stash of veggie corn dogs from Hearts Choices (Calgary Farmers’ Market and Café). They have a lot of flavourful vegan meal options at Hearts Choices but those made-locally corndogs always satisfy my midway cravings and reportedly make me grin after every bite.
THE SHOPS AT AVENUE THIRTY-FOUR SALES EXECUTIVE AND COLUMNIST Ellen Kelly
Extending Marda Loop’s shopping district, this charming enclave has grown, quite organically, along 34th Ave. S.W. The well-curated businesses at the Shops at Avenue Thirty-Four are equally charming , including Gardenia Flower Boutique, Little Bow Fibre Company, Swish Salon, and Sunday State, a lovely lifestyle boutique to satisfy any gift-giving urge.
My favourite thing in 2022 was the opening of the new Calgary Farmers’ Market West location. It's a gorgeous new space with incredible vendors ready to share their products and knowledge. I especially love stopping by Market Wines to discover new sips at their tasting bar.
ALBERTA FOOD FINDER GAME CONTENT CREATOR Fareen Jadavji Jessa
I really enjoyed playing the Alberta Food Finder Game in Kensington. Created by Alberta Food Tours, it was a fun thing to do with my family while enjoying what's available at local vendors in the community. As a native Calgarian, there was still lots for me to learn. I want to do this with my friends next time – a great way to spend the day.
MY DONAIR SALES EXECUTIVE Brigitte Lessard DeyellAbdul and his family have been making donairs at his little shop in Westbrook Mall for 34 years! This is where I had my first donair in 1989. It is my absolute favourite donair in YYC.
PIE JUNKIE SAUSAGE ROLLS DESIGNER Cheryl Starr
I discovered these at a party and now keep my own stash for ‘entertaining’ (yeah right.) I've never seen anyone bite in and not pause and close their eyes – for just a second. I host an annual gathering of girlfriends where these ridiculously flaky and savoury pastries are expected – nay, demanded.
BREAKFAST AT THE COUP… AND VARIETY PHOTOGRAPHER Dana Pugh
I love that there is always somewhere new for me to try. We have a list of places we want to try and we are always checking them off. We just tried Fuwa Fuwa for Japanese pancakes and it was AMAZING. Especially since we didn't eat out much during the pandemic, it feels awesome trying someplace new.
TACOS MEXICO DISTRIBUTION MANAGER James Norman
This little cantina is tastefully crammed into a colourful little hideaway restaurant on Memorial Drive. The food is made with authentic ingredients and is visually appealing and delicious! Aside from an array of appetizers (Mexican-inspired poutine!) and an endless list of main courses, you can also choose from 19 different street-style tacos. Then, wash all of that down with the most amazing margaritas north of the border!
BOOGIE'S BURGERS PHOTOGRAPHER Mitch Kern
There's no denying the appeal of a good ol' Boogie's Burger. If you're really, really hungry, indulge in Doug's Don't Fear the Reaper burger. You'll never forget it.
AndSavourThese Favourites
Andy Schultz CHQR 770 RADIO, CO-HOST OF MORNINGS WITH SUE & ANDY FUJI RAMEN AND SUSHI
I’ve always loved sushi. But to me, ramen was the stuff that came out of a little plastic package. Thanks to Fuji Ramen and Sushi, I know better now. My favourite is the Red Fuji Tonkotsu – and I always request it ‘V.S.’ for VERY SPICY as I love the heat. This is a bowlful of sheer goodness with so many different flavours… and it’s really filling. My wife and I crave it all the time. It’s family-owned and -operated and the staff is super friendly.
Russel Broom JUNO WINNER MOONLIGHT & ELI
My favorite Calgary restaurant is Moonlight & Eli in Bridgeland, and the Appenzeller/Oyster Mushroom Fondue with a glass of Pol Roger is unbeatable. I also love going there so I can see my wife in action doing what she loves (my wife Mhairi O’Donnell is the owner.)
Anila Lee Yuen CEO CALGARY CENTRE FOR NEWCOMERS MASALA MOGO
Safari Grill serves East African food that is a fusion of Indian and African spices. Famous for their short ribs, Safari Grill serves this fried casava dish as a side rather than fries or sweet potato fries. It’s divine!
bartools.ca Pam Rocker
LGBTQ2IA + ACTIVIST MOONSHINE BROWN BUTTER PECAN ICE CREAM
What else could you hope for on a warm summer night as you hear the Calgary Folk Festival echoing from Prince's Island and it's still light out at 11 p.m.? This ice cream is finger-lickin', banjo pickin', heels clickin' good. Made By Marcus knows how to put eccentric flavours together without being too gimmicky, and their vegan selections give my wife some phenomenal choices so she can enjoy our frequent ice cream dates just as much as I do.
Mark Neufeld CALGARY CHIEF OF POLICE ALBERTA BEEF As Calgarians, we are fortunate to have so many fabulous restaurants. My family and I have enjoyed attending Taste of Calgary where we have been introduced to dishes and restaurants we may not otherwise have known about. But let’s be honest, the beef (produced) in southern Alberta is a staple! This year, we have had excellent meals and memorable evenings at Ruth’s Chris, Modern Steak and the Cattle Baron.
Story & photos by TANYA SCHAAP
Holiday Spices
Gingerbread baking in the oven, mulled wine stewing on the stove, fresh, grated nutmeg garnishing the eggnog. It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas. Is that how the song goes? No? Perhaps it should, because nothing says the holidays quite like the aroma of spice.
ON THE NOSE They say smell is the most powerful trigger of nostalgia. One whiff of the body spray you used in middle school and you’re right back to that first awkward kiss, braces and all. Proust famously coined this phenomenon an “involuntary moment” – when a memory is suddenly awakened by a scent, taste or sound. For some, the holidays are all about the smell of cloves. For others, it’s cinnamon and nutmeg. Of course, the aroma you might associate with the holidays has a lot to do with the country, culture or traditions you grew up in.
A CRASH COURSE
STEVEN WRIGHT, COMEDIAN
RUNAWAY HIT Run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me – I’m the Gingerbread man. You’ll likely recognize this iconic refrain from the famous story, The Gingerbread Man. According to the Smithsonian museum, this piece of folklore is actually part of a larger genre about “goodies gone wild.” The Fleeing Pancake stories, as they are known, all contain the same ingredients: a cheeky little baked good popping out of an oven, a race to escape and an ill-fated end. TOP 10
For many, these are the top 10 spices we associate with the holidays. CINNAMON: derived from the bark of the tree; available in quills or powder
NUTMEG: whole seed of the Myristica tree; available ground or whole CLOVES: aromatic dried flower bud; available ground or whole GINGER: Southeast Asian flowering plant; available fresh, dried, pickled, candied or ground CARDAMOM: derived from seeds native to India and Indonesia; available ground or whole CORIANDER: herb from Apiaceae family; available fresh or ground Allspice: dried, unripened berry; available ground or whole VANILLA: derived from the pods of vanilla orchid plant; available as extract, paste or whole bean
STAR ANISE: star-shaped seed pod with a licorice taste: available ground or whole
ORIGINS
How did this bouquet of spices become synonymous with the holidays? The link between these spices and the holiday season dates all the way back to medieval Europe. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves were expensive and symbolized wealth, luxury and indulgence. For the aristocracy of the time, celebrations around winter solstice and the religious holiday Christmas were a time to pull out all the stops. And what better way than with a grand feast, generously seasoned with some of the most luxurious spices in the world?
You might want to get your hands on these spiced goodies before it’s too late.
HOLIDAY MACARONS AND CARAMEL APPLE CIDER made with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves from OLLIA MACARONS & TEA. 810C 16th Ave. S.W. | byollia.com 403.457.9775
HOLIDAY SPICED SUGAR, a blend of white sugar, pure ground vanilla beans and holiday spices from THE SILK ROAD SPICE MERCHANT. 1419 9th Ave. S.E. | silkroadspices.ca 403.261.1955
GINGERBREAD SCONE made with finely chopped candied ginger, white chocolate and gingerbread spices from COBS BREAD (all locations). 236 Stewart Green S.W. | cobsbread.com 403.217.1553
MINCEMEAT TARTS, a fourth-generation family recipe made with raisins, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove or the savoury French-Canadian tourtière made with holiday spices from PIE JUNKIE. All locations | piejunkie.ca 403.452.3960
MULLING SPICES made with an aromatic blend of cinnamon sticks, clove, anise, ginger and cardamom from THE APOTHECARY IN INGLEWOOD. 921 9th Ave. S.E. | the-apothecary.ca 403.453.0313
Gingerbread Spiced Nuts
Vegan, GF
1 l (4 cups) assorted unsalted nuts (cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts)
45 ml (3 Tbsp) vegetable oil
45 ml (3 Tbsp) maple syrup
7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) sea salt
12.5 ml (2.5 tsp) gingerbread spice mix
Preheat oven to 150 C (300 F.) In a bowl, combine vegetable oil, maple syrup, sea salt and gingerbread spice mix. Add nuts and toss to coat. Spread nuts evenly onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, tossing halfway. Let cool before serving. Makes 1 l (4 cups).
Gingerbread Spice Mix
5 ml (1 tsp) cinnamon
5 ml (1 tsp) allspice, ground
5 ml (1 tsp) ginger, ground
2.5 ml (½ tsp) cloves, ground
2.5 ml (½ tsp) nutmeg, ground ◆ There are two kinds of cinnamon:
Cassia, the more common type and
Ceylon, known as “true” cinnamon
◆IKEA holds the current Guinness Book of World Record record for the largest gingerbread man ever made. It weighed a whopping 6,501 kg (1,436 lbs 3 oz)
◆The warm scent of cinnamon is known to boost memory and improve performance
◆Star-anise pairs well with cinnamon, nutmeg and milk chocolate
Quiz Pop 1 2 3 4 5
Nutmeg is native to which country? Cinnamon is taken from which part of the tree bark? The tradition of baking and decorating a gingerbread house originated in which country? Which fairy tale is said to have started the gingerbread house tradition? In which decade did we start leaving cookies out for Santa?
Send your answers to info@ savourcalgary.ca to enter to win a $100 gift certificate to Spolumbo's. Answers will be printed in the next issue of Savour Calgary.
CHECK OUT THE SCIENCE OF SPICE BY DR. STUART FARRIMOND. DON'T FORGET TO CLICK THE SHOP LOCAL BUTTON TO FIND LOCAL BOOKSTORES!
