Photograph by Jared Sych
Pork Pies from The Pie Hole
These dense pork pies are perfect for picnicking. Traditionally served cold, split crosswise and spread with mustard, you can slice them into wedges to nibble in the grass.
8 Spruce Centre S.W., 403-452-3960, thepiehole.ca, @pieholeyyc
Bread & Bruschetta from Sauce Italian Kitchen
This deli has fixin’s for a full Italian picnic spread, but the freshly baked loaves and tomato bruschetta are not to be missed, and the coffee bar offers a half dozen cannolis for dessert.
3326 17 Ave. S.W., 403-727-7627, sauceitalianmarket.com, @saucecalgary
Confit of Duck Leg from Our Daily Brett
Add French flair to your picnic with this salty confit of duck leg flavoured with grainy mustard, garlic, orange zest, bay leaf and thyme. It comes in a jar perfect for tucking into your cooler to spread on crusty baguettes.
2509 14 St. S.W., 403-457-0422, ourdailybrett.com, @ourdailybrett
Bagels from Montreal Bagels
A bag of warm bagels, fresh from the wood-fired oven, is enough of a picnic on its own. Top them with Winnipeg-style cream cheese and Montreal smoked meat from the display case for DIY bagelwiches. (Note: It’s cash only.)
8408 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-212-4060
Salads, Sandwiches, Brownies & More from Sidewalk Citizen
Sidewalk Citizen in the Simmons Building is perhaps the quintessential picnic stop, with bad-ass sandwiches and interesting cold salads (like egg noodle with snap peas in a tahini and soy dressing), plus the fudgiest brownies. Or try the burekas: buttery puff pastry baked with cheddar and feta, stuffed with a poached egg and housemade green or red harissa.
618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-457-2245; 338 10 St. N.W., 403-460-9065, sidewalkcitizenbakery.com, @sidewalksunny