Bon Ton Meat Market - more than meat, but still a classic!

September 10th, 2014

Bon Ton Meat Market
28 Crowfoot Cir NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3(403) 282-3132

http://www.bontonmeatmarket.com/

The weather in Calgary right now is less than desirable.  At this time of year, I am usually making my friends from across Canada jealous with descriptions of our wonderful fall weather.  This week?  Not so much.  In fact, instead of jealously regarding our current forecast (5-10cm of snow and below freezing temps), I’ve been receiving messages of sympathy (and one of two of good natured laughter).  On the bright side, weather like this does provide me with the perfect opportunity to make some dishes that just don’t fit with warm weather and a hot house.  It’s time for some good old fashioned comfort food! 

Our house has been trying to make a really good effort supporting local, sustainable, food sources.  So today while out getting some groceries I stumbled upon the new location of Bon Ton Meat Market.  This market has been around since the 1920's in Calgary but just recently moved to Crowfoot. 

We always liked Bon Ton, but their previous location wasn’t convenient for us to shop there.  As a result, it has been about 2 years since I have been to there, but now they are closer I am sure I will be here weekly!

Walking in my first impression was: WOW!

Clean, open and lots of space! A huge improvement over the old location by Foothills hospital.  As I stood there taking it all in, someone came over immediately to make sure I knew if I needed help they would be right there to help.

They have a huge selection of fresh and frozen meats, cheeses, pies, and desserts.  The frozen section has everything that would you would hope.  I saw Sausage, Chickens, Burgers, CocoBrooks Pizza, Pot Pies, Fruit Pies, and our family favourite Bison! 

The middle section of the market is devoted to fresh cheeses!  Everything from soft to hard, stinky to mild, white to orange.  As well as a great selection of coiled meats great for parties, appetizers or a craving. Fresh spices, BBQ sauce, sauces, dippers, and pastas outline the shelves. So when I say there is something of everyone, there truly is.

I even found a cooler with farm fresh free range eggs!

Onto the meat section!  It's beautifully laid out, and huge selections! I started in the chicken section.  So much to choose from, but ended up selecting the Chicken Cordon Blue (made in shop). The associate even offered me the recipe if I wanted on how to cook properly and to get the desired crispiness without the cheese escaping before it hits your plate. I can tell you that the ground chicken also looked amazing!  We aren't huge pork fans so I didn't get anything from that section, but I did grab a few of the beef ribs.  Beef ribs in a slow cooker with my dads 'Big Daddy Spice' sounds pretty delish on a snowy day!

Most of you who know us, know that T loves pies!  Meat pies, fruit pies, breakfast pies; he’ll pretty much eat anything in pie form!  So when I noticed the in shop traditional pie display, I had to pick T up a couple to try. Although there are 5 or 6 flavours, I stuck with the traditional chicken. They smell great, but I must wait until T gets home from work to see how they taste.

If you are stopping for lunch (based on the mouth-watering sights and smells you might want to), there is a wonderful selection that includes a lot more than just pies.  There are ribs, cabbage rolls, wings, sausage rolls and take out dinners. 

Now if you're thinking 'Sounds great, but now I have to go somewhere else for dessert'.....NO! 

You Don't! They have a huge section of desserts, not only fruit pies in the stand-up freezers, but fresh cakes too!  Beautiful red velvets, cheese cakes, fruit cakes, black forest, carrot cakes and so much more! 

Getting dinner for your family at Bon Ton will most definitely increase your popularity at home, but if you’re looking for more of a ‘OHMYGOODNESSHOWDIDYOUKNOWTHAT’ 'ITSWHATIWANTEDILOOOOOOOVEYOU’ sort of reaction, you need to stop by the section for dogs!!  Fresh smoked marrow filled bones, huge knuckle bones and pigs ears all fresh!  I can’t wait to see the reaction of our Bulldog when I get home with his marrow bone.

I had a blast at Bon Ton today, and I really think you will too! 

Overall of Bon Ton Meat Market

When to eat/go here: Lunch, dinner party ingredients, grocery needs, BBQ needs.

Who to take: Well you don't need to take anyone, but tell everyone you know to go here!

Why go here: The selection is extensive and top quality, it's local (support local), its clean, lots of in house made treats.

Kuzina, a hidden gem out in the open.

Holy!  Has it really been a year since I wrote my last entry?
Trust me, it isn't because I haven't eaten anywhere fantastic.  T and I have been to some pretty fantastic places in Calgary, Phoenix, Anaheim, and Ireland. But it wasn't until last night, that I put my foot down and decided I am going to get back on it.


Delve into the wisdom of the Greeks, and be inspired by it. 


Kuzina A Greek Inspired Kitchen
1137 17th Ave SW Calgary
Reservations accepted but not required
Family friendly
http://www.kuzina.ws/Kuzina/Welcome.html
(403) 245-0060

A very dear friend of mine M, insisted that we do dinner just the two of us, she also suggested greek as she is a few short weeks of jetting off to the amazing country.  I must admit I am a bit jealous, as Greece is still on my top 10 of places I want to go but haven't yet and I have already fallen in love with the cuisine.

We decided on Kuzina, on 17th Ave SW in Calgary.  They are fairly new, and admittedly since I have noticed the location, I kept thinking I totally have to go there.  So finally we went!

Parking was a breeze, at 6:10ish there was lots to choose from and a quick walk.  Coming out after dinner there wasn't much left unless you wanted to walk 5 mins or more.

Walking in, I was worried.  Friday night, 6:15PM and only one other table had patrons.  This can't be a good sign.....however;

As soon as I sat we had water, and wine list at the table.  The wine list was a great selection of wines (red & white), we both selected an Italian Pinot Grigio because I prefer white with my greek food UNLESS I am having a lamb dish.

The menu is extensive, so lots of choices for vegetarians, meat eater or like me pretty much anything. They also have a very large portion of the menu in Gluten Free options.

I really like going for dinner with my friends, they love to share!  Which is awesome, especially when writing a flog, cause its nice to try a variety. So we started with a Trio of 'Dips' and fresh in house made Pita.  The Pita was warm, crispy in a really good way.  The dips we chose were; Tyrokafteri (feta, yogurt and roasted red pepper) Melizanosalata (Aubergine, garlic) and the tried and true Tzatziki. All of them were really tasty but my fave was the Tyrokafteri.

 The next thing we ordered was Saganaki, A cheese that is placed in a hot skillet and then a shot of Metaxa is added then lit on fire!  There is something so comforting about this dish, salty warm cheese with that sweet drizzle of citrus they put on after.  Who doesn't love cheese and flames!!!

We also ordered a plate Lukaniko, a house made pork sausage with fresh greek spices.  It was OK, a bit salty for my palate (I am spoiled with a dad who makes the best sausage on the planet), I found myself using the left over dip to cut the salt. I am not sure I would do two salty dishes like that again together.

After a quick discussion with M, we opted for sharing a main dish.  At this point I think we could have thrown in the towel.  SO FULL! But there is one greek dish that I love to try every time.  Moussaka is one of those dishes that every one with a greek grandparent, or even parent has their special recipe.  I find that each one is different.  Ours came piping hot, and beautiful with a side of greek salad.  I say this with passion while waving my hands; This was the best Moussaka I have ever had!  Cooked perfect, the eggplant wasn't soggy, the potatoes cut to just the right thickness and of course CHEESE!!

This was altogether an amazing meal, the service was amazing, always being tended to without being disruptive.

Would you believe the two of us ate and had a 9oz glass of wine each for under $90?
You MUST try this place soon!  I figure the rest of the city will discover this gem soon enough and you won't be able to just walk in.






Rating Scale:
I'm not a huge fan of scales, especially the one you step on after a night out of eating and drinking.
So I would like to do my When, Who and Why.

Overal of Kuzina
When to eat here: Last min dinner plan, birthday parties, family events, quite romantic night out, even an office gathering.  A great place to start a night out downtown.
Who to take: This place can accommodate small to large groups, so bring just your lover or your entire family. This would also be great for a girls night or just a catch up session.
Why go here: The selection is fantastic, the staff is super, and the price won't break the bank.