By Shane Flug
Nestled in the neighbourhoods of South Calgary and Altadore, the Marda Loop business district features many local Calgary staples. In addition to diners and grocers offering tastes from around the globe, it’s also a hub for arts and culture. Here are 10 businesses to check out during your next visit. [Photo credit: Kelly O. Johnsgaard for Voltage Creative Garage]
Voted Best Ice Cream/Gelato two years in a row in the Best of Calgary survey, not even winter stops Calgarians from lining up to get an artisanal cone at Village Ice Cream. From salted caramel to dairy-free seasonal flavours, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Cool off on their outdoor benches this summer with their root beer float.
With more than 700 varieties of cheese from across Canada and abroad, family-run company Springbank Cheese has something for all tastes and diets from Dutch Cantenaar to goat-milk Chevre Brie. For some wine-pairing fun, enter your favourite bottle of red or white in their website’s search bar for suggestions.
Speaking of wine pairings, you can also make your next home wine and cheese get-together hassle-free with Highlander Wine & Spirits’ ready-made Springbank Cheese boxes and suggested pairings. If you’re curious to delve deep into the vino world, join their wine club.
Opening in Marda Loop in 2010, Aurora and Alejandro Orozco’s Tres Marias Food Market is the neighbourhood’s central spot for Taco Tuesday. Dine in or grab to go from their ever-changing menu, or buy their fresh tortillas and salsas in-store and at stockists such as Planet Organic Market or Community Natural Foods.
Supplying local farm-fresh organic foods and health products, you’ll know everything at Blush Lane Organic Market will always be a conscious choice, no matter your list. Browse their BC tree-ripened fruit selections from their Organic Orchard in Kelowna or pick up some certified organic and humane meats and eggs from Sunworks Farm.
_________________________________________________________________
Discover more Calgary neighbourhoods:
_________________________________________________________________
If you’re craving some 2 p.m. eggs but the fast food joints won’t cut it, have the eggs Benedict or the famous Calgary Sandwich at the retro-style Belmont Diner. With bottomless hash browns and coffee served with every meal, you’ll always leave feeling full and ready to start the day.
Although a deli in name, Avenue Deli’s Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and Nathan’s Famous all-beef hot dogs are all made fresh to order restaurant-style, complete with house coleslaw, Old Dutch chips and Kosher Dill pickle. Wash it all down with an old-fashioned milkshake or caffeinate with a ROSSO latte.
A new art incubation space made by the arts community for the arts community, Voltage Creative Garage offers studio space for rent for local artists and photographers. You can support local artists by keeping up with their community events and artist showcases on their Facebook page.
With emphasis on the figurative and the abstract, Isreali-born artist Josette Fraiman’s oil-on-canvas creations explore the connections between the material and spiritual worlds. Check out her and other like-minded artists’ collections at Josette Art Gallery.
Demand only the best for your fur baby? Urban Dog Market’s no-filler dog foods, skin and coat care products and chew toys will keep your furry companion happy and healthy. For the busybody human, also check out their day care for small dogs.
In addition to Marda Loop's many fine businesses, also don’t miss the Marda Gras Street Festival this August and the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival in November. From international foods to global arts and culture, Marda Loop is a bustling Calgary district that’s quite reflective of our city’s growing cosmopolitan makeup.
