Epicurean Calgary

February 2020

February 14-15, 2020

Winefest Edmonton

Edmonton Convention Centre, Hall D, 9797 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

Friday, February 14: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 15:
Afternoon Session: 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Evening Session: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
Early Bird Ticket:
Friday Evening Session - $87 (available until January 10th)
Saturday Afternoon Session - $80 (available until January 10th)
Saturday Evening Session - $87 (available until January 10th)
Regular Ticket: Friday Evening Session - $92
Saturday Afternoon Session - $87
Saturday Evening Session - $92
Corporate/Group Rate: Special ticket discounts are available for Corporate/Group orders of 10 or more tickets.
Swirl, sip and savour at Winefest – one ticket includes an all-inclusive sampling of wines from all over the world and an array of delectable hors d'oeuvres. Note that tickets are valid for one session only.

Winefest Edmonton invites you to indulge among hundreds of wines in all styles and flavours! One ticket includes all-inclusive sampling of wines, hors d'oeuvres and a take-home wine glass. Guests will enjoy a variety of red, white, port, sparkling, and dessert wines from the world's most celebrated wine regions, and a selection of sweet and savoury decadent bites.
Attendees can take advantage of an onsite Sobeys Liquor and Safeway Wine & Spirits store to purchase their favourite finds to enjoy at home. Also included in ticket prices is a Tasting Notebook and complimentary wine glass. With three different tasting sessions, there’s a time and date for everyone! Tickets on sale now, so be sure to visit the website to take advantage of Early Bird Ticket prices and check out the menu.

Winefest Edmonton Menu
Winefest is a playground for the palate, where attendees have the chance to sample a delicious array of wines from all over the world! To complement the delicious sips, the Shaw Conference Centre serves a selection of palate pleasing hors d'oeuvres. In cocktail reception style, servers make their way through the hall to ensure everyone receives a sampling of delicious appetizers. Guests are also able to sample from stationary action stations inside the hall, along with a variety of tantalizing bites available from local businesses!

Rosé? Hooray!
The featured theme of Winefest 2020: Rosé Wines
Everyone's favourite pink drink is getting the spotlight at Winefest this year! This refreshing sip has moved from the poolside, to a year round staple, thanks to its floral and approachable flavour profile, and gorgeous colouring. From sweet to dry to sparkling, there's a rosé for everyone!

Giving Back
Winefest is once again collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Edmonton Food Bank. Winefest will once again make every donation go further by contributing $1 for every pound of food donated. Last year Winefest raised $1,233 and collected 373 pounds of food to help those in need!

Liquor Connect
Wondering where to find all of your favourite wines from Winefest? LiquorConnect.com has you covered! They make finding your preferred beverages a breeze. Go to LiquorConnect.com or download their App to find out where your favourite wines are sold in Alberta!

People's Choice Awards
The People's Choice Awards is Alberta's longest-standing wine competition, where guests vote for their favourite sips and help uncork the most-loved wines at Winefest.

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February 21-22, 2020

Winefest Calgary

BMO Centre, Hall D, Stampede Park

Friday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 22:
Afternoon Session: 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Evening Session: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:
Early Bird Ticket:
Friday Evening Session - $87 (available until January 10th)
Saturday Afternoon Session - $80 (available until January 10th)
Saturday Evening Session - $87 (available until January 10th)
Regular Ticket:
Friday Evening Session - $92
Saturday Afternoon Session - $85
Saturday Evening Session - $92
Corporate/Group Rate: Special ticket discounts are available for Corporate/Group orders of 10 or more tickets. A ticket to Winefest includes wine and food sampling, plus a Tasting Notebook and keepsake wine glass. Note that tickets are valid for one session only.

Winefest Calgary is back to spoil your senses. This all-inclusive event allows the opportunity to 'try before you buy' within a casually refined atmosphere - every sip and sample is included in the ticket price. At Winefest, wine experts are available to share their knowledge as consumers taste their way from booth to booth, providing tasting notes while educating the palate and senses. A decadent selection of hors d'oeuvres is served in a relaxed, yet fun atmosphere. Attendees can take advantage of an onsite Sobeys Liquor and Safeway Wine & Spirits store to purchase their favourite finds to enjoy at home. Also included in the ticket price are a Tasting Notebook and complimentary wine glass. Tickets sell-out quickly; purchase your tickets before January 10 to save with Early Bird rates.

Winefest Calgary Menu
Winefest is a playground for the palate, where attendees have the chance to sample a delicious array of wines from all over the world.To complement the delicious sips, the Stampede Park BMO Centre serves a selection of palate pleasing hors d'oeuvres! In cocktail reception style, servers make their way through the hall to ensure everyone receives a sampling of delicious appetizers. Guests are also able to sample from stationary action stations inside the hall, along with a variety of tantalizing bites available from local businesses!

Rosé? Hooray!
The featured theme of Winefest 2020: Rosé Wines
Everyone's favourite pink drink is getting the spotlight at Winefest this year! This refreshing sip has moved from the poolside, to a year round staple, thanks to its floral and approachable flavour profile, and gorgeous colouring. From sweet to dry to sparkling, there's a rosé for everyone!

Giving Back
Winefest is once again collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Calgary Food Bank. Winefest will once again make every donation go further by contributing $1 for every pound of food donated. Last year Winefest raised $2,329 and collected 265 pounds of food to help those in need! 

Liquor Connect
Wondering where to find all of your favourite wines from Winefest? LiquorConnect.com has you covered! They make finding your preferred beverages a breeze. Go to LiquorConnect.com or download their App to find out where your favourite wines are sold in Alberta!

People's Choice Awards
The People's Choice Awards is Alberta's longest-standing wine competition, where guests vote for their favourite sips and help uncork the most-loved wines at Winefest.

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February 24-29, 2020

Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest

Various locations

2020 Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest Schedule:
Monday, February 24
Singing the Blues Vocal Camp Workshop
Asylum For Art, 2505 14 St. S.W.
7:00 p.m.
Free to register
The annual Singing the Blues Vocal Camp is a two-part workshop for local, amateur singers of all skill levels who want to learn to sing the Blues. Vocal Camp participants will take a master class from professional voice coach & recording artist, Elsie Osborne, with accompanist & recording artist Debra Power. Learn about stage presence, breath control, mic technique, how to interact with musicians and a myriad of other tips. Workshop participants must be ages 18+

Tuesday, February 25
Blues Guitar Workshop
Memorial Park Library, 1221 2nd St. S.W.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
7:00 p.m.
World renowned guitarist/composer/Producer Tim Williams leads this guitar workshop for all ages and all skill levels. Bring your acoustic guitar and learn to play the blues!

Singing the Blues Vocal Camp Performances
Fox on 6th, Ramada Hotel Downtown, 708 - 8th Ave. S.W.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
7:00 p.m.
Part two of the Singing the Blues Vocal Camp sees singers performing before a live audience with the Debra Power Band and a panel of music industry specialists.

Wednesday, February 26
Blues At Noon
The Historic Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, 604 1st St. S.E.
12:10 p.m.-12:50 p.m.
Free event
Starring: Romi Mayes
Bring your lunch and enjoy some world class Blues during the noon hour! CBMA is proud to present Romi Mayes, a multiple award winning guitarist, vocalist, Producer and songwriter. Romi brings her soulful mastery to the stage for this noon hour performance. Presented in partnership with Pro Arts Society

A Walk Through Blues History
King Eddy, 438 9 Ave. S.E.
7:00 p.m.
Free event
Featured guest: Romi Mayes
Hosted by John Rutherford, A Walk Through Blues History explores the history of the Blues, how it informs the music we hear today. Featured guest, Romi Mayes, will talk about the role of women in Blues.

Thursday, February 27
Acoustic Blues Concert Starring: Romi Mayes
King Eddy, 438 9 Ave. S.E.
Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:00 p.m.
Advance Tix: $25, $35 at the door
f you haven't heard of Winnipeg singer-songwriter Romi Mayes yet, it's time you have. One of the hardest working independent musicians touring the globe today, Romi has won three WCMAs for Songwriter of the Year, two WMCAs for Album of The Year, and a JUNO nomination for Album of the Year. Known for her powerful lyrical ability to breathe life into the words she sings, Romi's insightful, sweet and edgy vocals paint pictures of a heart on her sleeve sincerity and a road well-travelled. She tours relentlessly and has shared the stage with the likes of Levon Helm, Ricky Skaggs, Guy Clark, and Blackie and The Rodeo Kings.

Friday, February 28
Guitar Legend Amos Garrett with Julian Kerr
Heritage Park's Gasoline Alley, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.
7:00 p.m.
Advance Tix: $38
Revered as one of the top guitar players in the world, Amos Garrett brings his iconic sound to the stage for a rare duo performance. Detroit native Garrett began working as a professional guitarist north of the border in Toronto. There he played with the Dirty Shames, a folk jug band, before moving on to the country-rock-oriented Great Speckled Bird at the invitation of Ian and Sylvia. Perhaps best known for his inspired and jaw-dropping work on Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis", Amos went on to play on many classic albums for Jesse Winchester, Anne Murray, Stevie Wonder, Emmylou Harris, and Paul Butterfield.
Julian Kerr - Julian is a multi instrumentalist who has played with The Original Caste, Bo Diddley, Ian Tyson, Gaye Delorme and many other giants throughout his career. A veteran studio musician on all keyboards, guitar, and bass, he continues to work as an arranger and producer. His favourite projects now are his collaborations with Amos.

Saturday, February 29
Midwinter Bluesfest Dance Party
Allman Brothers Tribute
The Kerby Centre, 1133 - 11 Ave. S.W.
Doors 7:30 p.m., show 8:30 p.m.
Advance Tix: $25, $35 at the door
Head back to the 1970s to celebrate one of the greatest Blues bands of all time! Under the leadership of Kevin Belzner, this smokin' group pays homage to the iconic Allman Brothers Band, who are famous for their blues-rock sound and chart-topping songs such as Statesboro Blues, Whipping Post and Ramblin' Man. The Allman Brothers were awarded seven gold and four platinum albums, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Rolling Stone ranked them 52nd on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Get your hippy on and bring your dancing shoes! Prizes for the best costume!

Tickets: Free-$38

The Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest, February 24-29, brings a full week of the best in Blues, celebrating some of the finest in Canadian Blues. With a full week of Blues workshops, concerts & dance parties. Warm the winter months with some smokin' hot Blues, featuring some of the finest music to be heard on the planet. Featuring a full week of workshops, public performances, concerts and a dance party will chase the blahs away!
Starring multiple award-winning guitarist and songwriter Romi Mayes, guitar icon Amos Garrett with Julian Kerr, a step back into the 70s with The Allman Tribute, and more!
Also featured are the annual the Singing the Blues Vocal Camp, Blues At Noon, A Walk Through Blues History, the Midwinter Acoustic Blues Concert, Blues Guitar Workshop, and the ever popular Midwinter Bluesfest Dance Parties and much more.

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February 28-March 15, 2020

YYC Food & Drink Experience 2020

Various locations

Enjoy multi-course Prix Fixe menus at over 65 of the city’s most inspired and diverse restaurants.
Three-course lunches ($20/$30 per person)
Three-course dinners ($30/$40 per person)
Gourmet five-course dinners ($65 per person with optional BC VQA pairings)
For a complete list of restaurants, click here.

Special Events:
February 28
YYC EXP Cocktail Kickoff, Presented by Brightside
Hotel Arts Poolside, 119 12 Ave. S.W.
Cost: $85
Time: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Kick it off with cocktails! Savour bites, bubbles and an exclusive cocktail competition with some of YYC’s top bartenders set in style at Hotel Arts’ new year-round pool. YYC EXP Cocktail Kickoff launches the start of 17 delicious days of YYC Food & Drink Experience 2020. Presented by Brightside, a new banking app here to help Albertans save for the things they love (like cocktails, poolside escapes and great local eats).
Enjoy welcome BC VQA bubbly, tasty pairings from Raw Bar and Yellow Door Bistro, and killer vibes of Poolside by Hotel Arts (DJ included). Plus, you’ll sip creative cocktails and vote for your favourite Brightside-inspired bevvie with the winning bartender walking away with $500 in their new Brightside account.

March 1
A West Coast Collaboration at Lulu Bar with Vancouver’s AnnaLena
Lulu Bar, 510 17 Ave. S.W.
Cost: $155
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Vancouver’s Michael Robbins and Calgary’s Joseph Sokoloff and JP Pedhirney are three highly creative culinary talents who love the fresh, innovative spirit of west-coast cuisine. When they meet for this dinner of contemporary flavours at Calgary hotspot Lulu Bar, delicious surprises will be on the table.
They will bring their passion for fresh coastal ingredients together with their inspiration of flavours from Southeast Asia to Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest. Their dynamic dishes will be paired with bright and inventive cocktails as well as exceptional BC VQA wine pairings.

March 4
Winemaker's Dinner with Orofino Vineyards & RGE RD’s Blair Lebsack at Rouge
Rouge, 1240 8th Avenue S.E.
Cost: $220
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Join in March the 4th for an amazing collaborative winemaker’s dinner with guest chef Blair Lebsack from Edmonton’s RGE RD, Orofino Vineyards Winemaker John Weber and South by Southwest Wine Imports. This zero-waste themed multi-course dinner will be carefully paired with some of John’s greatest wines.

March 5
A Gluten-Free Pairing Dinner at MARKET
MARKET, 718 17th Avenue S.W.
Cost: $90
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
MARKET Restaurant is changing the way you view gluten-free dining with a special 5-course dinner on Thursday, March 5th for YYC Food & Drink Experience.
MARKET’s award-winning culinary team will prepare 5 delicious dishes paired perfectly with BC VQA wines. This dinner is not just for those with gluten allergies, and will turn even the most skeptical/picky diner into a GF fan. Every course will be prepared gluten-free and we are happy to partner with local GF bakery Mountain Rhino to complete the dessert course. This dinner is sure to impress any foodie and is an extra bonus for those who have gluten allergies! Limited tickets – book today.

March 6
Cabane à Sucre at Charbar with guest chef JC Poirier
charbar, 618 Confluence Way S.E.
Cost: $155
Time: Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
One of Calgary’s most-beloved restaurants will host celebrated French Canadian chef JC Poirier (of Vancouver’s award-winning St Lawrence) to transport guests on a culinary adventure to Québec as charbar hosts an exclusive ‘Cabane à Sucre’ dinner during YYC EXP 2020!
Together with the culinary team at charbar including Jessica Pelland, Connie DeSousa and John Jackson, they will pay homage to JC’s Québécois heritage and an annual tradition in la belle province, when families flock to maple forests to enjoy rustic, homespun habitant meals at the ‘Sugar Shacks’ where sap is boiled and turned into prized syrup.
Beginning with a welcome Sugar Shack-inspired cocktail, the evening will feature a menu comprising classic Cabane-styled dishes like Split Pea Soup in Puff Pastry, Hunter Pie, and Foie Gras Ice Cream, along with Tire sue la Neige (maple taffy on snow).

March 8
International Women's Day Dinner at Donna Mac
Donna Mac, 1002 9 St. S.W.
Cost: $125
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Celebrate International Women’s Day in style as Donna Mac owner Amy Turner hosts YYC female Chefs Erin Pickering (Empire Provisions), Katelin Bland (Bridgette Bar and Lulu Bar), Lianna Robberecht (Winsport Canada) Leatitia Chrapchynski (North Feasts), Jessica Pelland (charbar) and Becca MacLeod (Pigeonhole) for a feast for a cause. Proceeds will go to supporting the Women Supporting Women in Hospitality Scholarships benefitting female students at SAIT.
Joining the 6 chefs and Amy will be Bartender Mady MacDonald and Sommeliers Karen Kho and Jordan Sudderman. The evening will feature a 6 course dinner with 6 wine pairings and will not disappoint! Book now for this unforgettable collaboration of cuisine and community.

March 9
Pearl & Company: A Pacific Coast-Inspired Ocean Wise Dinner at Bridgette Bar
Bridgette Bar, 105, 550 11th Avenue S.W.
Cost: $155
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Take your taste buds on an epic adventure with this coast-and farm-to-table dinner led by a team of inventive chefs, as Bridgette Bar’s JP Pedhirney, Garrett Martin, Mackenzie Pavka and Sterling Cummings welcome Teatro Group’s Matthew Batey and The Vancouver Club’s Ned Bell for an innovative celebration in the spirit of coastal cuisine.
These highly skilled and inventive chefs have a passion for all the delicious things that grow and swim in the West Coast. This sumptuous Ocean Wise seafood feast will be paired to crisp seafood-friendly BC VQA wines.

March 10
For the Love of Lobster at Flores & Pine
Flores & Pine, 254028 Bearspaw Rd. N.W.
Cost: $130
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
For the love of lobster, Flores & Pine is bringing the best of our coastal provinces to YYC this winter. This dinner will celebrate east coast seafood in the heart of the prairies at Flores & Pine, a new restaurant in Bearspaw serving contemporary rustic Canadian cuisine while offering stunning views of natural surroundings. Join Chef Rory McGouran for this special evening as he prepares a succulent lobster-centric feast, each mouth-watering course paired with bright and lively BC VQA wines.

March 10
Artisan Pizza Making & Craft Beer at Rocky Mountain Flatbread
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., #234 – 4916 130th Avenue S.E.
Cost: $45
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Roll up your sleeves with Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. and prepare to get “floured up” as your pizza making host guides you in rolling out your dough and creating the perfect artisan pizza! Each course will be paired with a 6 oz. local craft beer.

March 11
DaiLo meets Shokunin: BINCHOTAN DINNER # 1
Shokunin, 2016 4 St. S.W.
Cost: $175
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Two celebrated chefs collaborate on an Asian street food-inspired menu exclusively cooked over Japanese charcoal. Nick Liu of Toronto’s award-winning DaiLo (enRoute magazine, Canada’s 100 Best) will bring his a-game to Calgary as he meets Darren MacLean of Shokunin (Canada’s 100 Best) Both chefs have gained critical acclaim for their head-to-head competition for culinary supremacy – Nick Liu as Iron Chef Canada Competitor, and Darren Maclean as contender on Netflix series The Final Table. This dinner will include a variety of BC VQA wine and sake pairings.

March 12
Winemaker’s Dinner with Martin’s Lane Winery at Deane House
Deane House, 806 9 Avenue S.E.
Cost: $185
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Join in at the newly-restored Deane House for an exclusive evening with winemaker Shane Munn of Martin’s Lane in the gorgeously appointed Library. Step into a timeless place, private and welcoming, surrounded by books and art. Chef Chris Barton will create an exquisite 5 course dinner that pulls inspiration from the history of the region to pair with the iconic wines of Martin’s Lane Winery.
Set upon the sun-scorched earth and jagged rocky hillsides of the North Okanagan, Martin’s Lane Winery is the latest property of Okanagan legend, Anthony von Mandl of Mission Hill fame. The winery focuses exclusively on single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Riesling, and the wines have already gained considerable acclaim. Their 2016 Fritzi’s Vineyard Riesling scored 94 points and was named as one of Decanter Wines of the Year in 2019.

March 12
Hillside Wine Dinner at The Guild
The Guild, 200 8 Avenue S.W.
Cost: $99
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Join The Guild’s new executive chef Shawn Jackson at the long table in Sub Rosa lounge as he prepares a multi-course dinner to pair to an exclusive line-up of Hillside wines. Hillside Winery is located on Penticton’s beautiful Naramata Bench, and their portfolio of esteemed wines will provide the perfect pairings for a truly unique and memorable evening. A winery representative will guide you through the pairings and this delicious 5-course meal. Enjoy an evening of fine food, great wine and lively conversation.

March 14
Canadian Cultural Mosaic Dinner with Alex Chen and Darren MacLean at NUPO
NUPO, 631 Confluence Way S.E.
Cost: $350
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Did you know that “AD MARI USQUE AD MARE” is our Canadian national motto? Meaning “Sea to Sea”, it includes all of the great people, landscapes and—most importantly—the ingredients therein!
YYC EXP proudly presents an exploration of our Canadian culinary heritage:
Join two of Canada’s leading chefs on a culinary adventure that seeks to utilize the best of what Canada has to offer. Both chefs share a belief that Canadian cuisine is so much more diverse than what we see first glance. With a mutual understanding that our Canadian cultural mosaic has created a culinary depth across our nation. Chef MacLean and Chef Chen readily acknowledge this wealth and inspiration of our incredible ethnic diversity. Paired with local ingredients, embark on a journey to spark the conversation around our national food identity and move closer to defining an inclusive Canadian cuisine.
The dinner will feature an exclusive pairing of BC VQA wines.
Alex Chen of Vancouver’s BLVD is one of Canada’s most decorated Chefs, competing in Bocus D’or and awarded the highest ever ranking for a Canadian Chef. Most recently he competed in and won Iron Chef Canada. It is not surprising he is Canada’s Chef of the Year for 2019.

March 15
YYC EXP Thriller Finale Dinner at Foreign Concept
Foreign Concept, 1011 1st St. S.W.
Cost: $95
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
What more thrilling way to cap YYC Food & Drink Experience than with a Michael Jackson Tribute Dinner at Foreign Concept!
Chef Duncan Ly will be joined by chefs Matthias Fong and Eric Ung, and master mixologist Christina Mah to prepare a one-of-a-kind tasting menu with BC VQA wines and cocktail pairings inspired by Michael Jackson’s greatest hits.

Join in for YYC Food & Drink Experience 2020 from February 28 to March 15 Calgary’s exciting restaurant and culinary tourism scene.
For 17 days, enjoy offerings from more than 65 of Calgary’s favourite restaurants, featuring multi-course prix fixe value-priced menus, along with optional Wines of British Columbia pairings. Experience one-time-only culinary events including winemaker dinners, pop-up restaurant transformations and multi-chef collaborations featuring award-winning chefs from across the country, BC winemakers and food bloggers, and other delectable culinary events. And that’s not all. The foodie fun continues all year long with even more special events celebrating the best chefs, restaurants, bartenders, wine, craft beer and spirits.

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Click above for tickets, the full schedule, or for more info.

Click above for tickets, the full schedule, or for more info.

Click above for tickets, the full schedule, or for more info.

Click above for tickets, the full schedule, or for more info.