The holidays are fast approaching, and regardless of how or when you celebrate, it’s hard to imagine this time of year without the tasty treats that define the season. As Calgary buzzes with festive get-togethers, family gatherings and company celebrations, there’s something to be said about the shift away from longstanding hotspots and downtown’s hottest avenues and towards new, less centralized neighbourhoods that refuse to take a back seat, despite their location in Calgary’s deep south.

As Calgary’s business owners embrace the growing trend of working from home or an office that doesn’t require the soul-draining commutes or outrageous parking prices offered by the downtown core, top restaurants and in-demand amenities are embracing the opportunity to cater to them and their families.

For those in Calgary’s southern quadrants, this means the ability to select from a much more impressive lineup of restaurants capable of attracting the top chef talent and their culinary masterpieces.

This holiday season, we invite you to consider three dishes from the four South Calgary restaurants we will be featuring, each with the ability to draw customers from the far-reaching corners of our ever-expanding city and conveniently located close to your new home for your holiday celebrations.

Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge

Located in Seton, Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge takes ‘made from scratch’ to entirely new and impressively stylish peaks. With a menu inspired by global cuisines and fresh ingredients proudly sourced from local farms, Head Chef Daniel Clements prides himself on creating dishes with a story. The result is a kitchen focused on serving the local community with the very best Alberta has to offer.

While the menu doesn’t change for the holiday season, the atmosphere presented is the perfect fit for upscale holiday dinners thanks to an atmosphere that complements formalwear and spectacular dishes creatively plated to compete with even the best dressed in the group.

We recommend the following:

Starter: Seasonal Soup

Main Course: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant

Regardless of the time of year, the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant is among the most popular and sought-after venues for fine dining, high-profile events and historic tourism.

Located deep in the wooded valley of Fish Creek Provincial Park, this legacy building has a history of hosting the best social gatherings that spans more than 12 decades. Backed by one of Calgary’s top executive chefs, this restaurant offers a unique menu that boasts Canadian themes of Rocky Mountain game meats, local harvest vegetables and, during the warmer months, a full on-site vegetable and herb garden.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to an event at the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, we strongly recommend accepting. Until then, why not create your own social occasion for the chance to try these festive favourites?

We recommend the following:

Brunch: A la Carte

Dinner: Duck a l’Orange

Dessert: Grand Marnier Soufflé

The Bro’Kin Yolk

Holiday mornings represent some of the best-spent times during this season. Opening gifts, lazy days watching movies with visiting family or even sleeping in can bring some joy to those of us who work or raise children during the day. And if you’re looking for something tasty without the effort, we recommend adding a little of The Bro’Kin Yolk to your most anticipated traditions.

Already a local favourite, you’ll want to get there early on the weekend to avoid the wait. But don’t worry, the line moves fast, and you can even get on the list using your phone!

We recommend the following:

Breakfast: Belgian Waffles

Eggs: Baked Veggie Frittata

Lattes: Peppermint and Gingerbread Latte

Pie Junkie

Arguably, the best thing about the holidays is how everyone seems to be on board to collectively gain a few pounds. With all the catered affairs, holiday baking and baggy sweaters that surround us, winter is a time best spent treating yourself. And few places in South Calgary provide tastier options than Pie Junkie…especially when it comes to the classics!

Pie Junkie isn’t just about sweet treats either; they have a ton of savoury rolls, pies and pastries perfect for snacks and lunches and have even won an award for their sausage rolls.

Plus, all their pies come in individual or full sizes, so everyone can get what they want and save the act of sharing for another day!

We recommend the following:

Savoury: Turkey Dinner Pie

Treats: Mincemeat Tarts and Shortbread Cookies

Dessert: Pies

As you can see, there’s plenty of mouth-watering reasons to stay down south over the holidays and plenty of gifts to discover around our fast-growing quadrant.

Hopefully we’ve inspired your minds, teased your taste buds and solidified the case for a happier holiday season right here in South Calgary.