After looking at the weather forecast this weekend, we’re already itching with excitement to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous Calgary sunshine and +20 degree temperatures. Although we can’t post up on a patio due to the current restrictions, we can’t help but notice how perfect this weather is for a picnic. Head down to 17th Ave to grab all of your picnic essentials – from fresh baked goods and jams to express sushi and iced tea – here all all the treats you can find on the Red Mile this month.
Peppino Gourmet Foods
Stop by Peppino Gourmet Foods before your next outdoor excursion to pick up one of their hearty Italian subs, or browse their grocery selection of over 200 fresh or frozen homemade products to take home and prep your own outdoor feast. Find fine imported meat and cheese, homemade pasta sauces and pasta, as well as their selection of classic options such as the Capicola, Hot Italian Meatball and more.
1512 7 St SW, peppinogourmet.com
European Bakery & Deli
Whether you want to pick up some fresh baked bread for sandwiches on the go or you’re looking for some delicious pastries and other yummy baked goods, you will find it at European Bakery & Deli. They have a massive selection of breads ranging from sourdough to pumpernickel. As well, they offer numerous different baked goods like cheese buns, fruit danishes and croissants. The star of this 17th Ave staple is their Bureks, a popular dish from the Balkans which consists of three layers of dough and fillings like ground beef, feta cheese and spinach. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Stop by today!
#160- 515 17th Ave, eurobakerydeli.com
Black Sheep
A stop at Black Sheep is an absolute necessity before any picnic for their decadent croissants, traditional baguettes, and Madeleines – need I say more? Black Sheep’s pantry staples are another ‘don’t miss’, with tons of different made-in-house items such as their jams and spreads available in flavours like raspberry or pear & vanilla, as well as a selection of chocolate, baking essentials and iced teas and lemonades.
815 17 Ave SW #140, black-sheep.ca
Urban Fare
Urban Fare has everything you could ever need for a picnic, whether you’re just enjoying a quick al fresco lunch, planning a big spread or an afternoon under the sun. Create the perfect charcuterie board complete with their expansive selection of cheese, meat, chips, spreads olives and more, and then swing by their bakery to browse through their sweets, pastries, and other options like pita wraps or naan. They also have a large assortment of ready-made meals and sides if you’re looking for something quick.
101-906 16 Ave SW, urbanfare.com
Presotea
After you stock up on picnic snacks and essentials, you’re going to need something to wash it all down with! Get your caffeine fix with Presotea’s specialty coffee or assortment of fresh teas. Or, go with something a little fruitier like their fruit tea slush, available in flavours like honeydew, passionfruit and peach – with the weather we have planned this weekend, anything with slush in it sounds pretty great!
614B 17th Avenue SW, presotea-ab.ca
Alumni
What’s a picnic without a couple delicious sandwiches? It’s hard to go wrong with any of Alumni’s mouth-watering options, but the hot chicken is definitely a highlight. They also have nostalgic lunch-time favourites like their turkey club, tuna salad or meatball sub. Elevate this outdoor set up with a cup of their tomato soup, mac salad or potato chips.
725 17 Ave SW, alumnisandwiches.com
Via Convenience
Picnics don’t always have to consist of elaborate spreads and gourmet eats – sometimes the perfect picnic is just a warm Spring day accompanied by some yummy snacks and good company (6 feet apart, of course). Via Convenience is 17th Ave’s newest convenience store, complete with tons of local products, snacks and more. Pick up treats like soft serve ice cream, locally-made granola, and a variety of different chips, chocolate and candy.
624 17 Ave SW, (403) 437-3488
Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is one of the Beltline’s newest residents, and is just a hop, skip and a jump north of 17th Ave. At this new Japanese-inspired marketplace, you can get tons of goodies on-the-go ranging from express sushi and sides like chicken wings and gyoza to their Japanese gelato and soft-serve ice cream.
1505 15th Ave SW, tokyostreetmarket.com
Yum Bakery
Get all your picnic essentials at this cozy 17th Ave bakery, where they have everything from hamburger buns and pre-sliced bread to home-made jams, scones, croissants and more. You can also treat yourself to the perfect on-the-go treats with their jarred desserts such as triple berry cheesecake, salted caramel Creme Brûlée and key lime pie.
1006 17th Ave SW, yum-bakery.com
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