How did fall fly by so fast? Our extracurriculars are going full swing, and the holiday season is around the corner. We are rushing from one activity to the next while trying to nourish our families the best we can while on the run. By the time the weekend comes, we’re too exhausted to spend hours in the kitchen entertaining our friends and family.
But don’t worry; there’s help not far from your front door, and it’s probably on your way home! Calgary has some wonderful establishments that can provide you with ready-to-heat and ready-to-eat nutritious and delicious meals for those busy nights and last-minute entertaining, which will definitely help get us through the holidays!
Tres Marias
Tres Marias is an authentic, locally-owned Mexican food market and restaurant centrally located in Marda Loop that offers family and individual-sized frozen Mexican meals, party tray packages, and hot food in-store or take to go. They have changing, daily hot taco specials starting at 3pm every day that can also be taken to go. They even offer breakfast from 9am to 11am on weekdays and 10am to 12pm on Saturdays, if you happen to be rushing by. The market carries a wide variety of housemade tortillas, corn chips and salsa. These can also be found in several retail markets in Calgary, including Blush Lane and Community Natural Foods. To make shopping with Tres Marias even more convenient, they offer online shopping for pick-up and delivery. While you’re there, check out their beautiful assortment of Mexican serving dishes. What could make family dinners or last-minute entertaining any easier?
Empire Provisions
This cute local hidden gem in Haysboro offers everything from a variety of homemade frozen meals, fresh salads, stocks, soups and broths, a small grocery mart with specialty food items, and even a small deli containing meats, fresh sandwiches, and more. They also have catering options to help you out with your holiday entertaining. One of their more popular meals is their Panang Curry, and I can admit that this is one of the best coconut curries that I have ever had (I even saved some for breakfast). One of my family’s other favorites is their Korean sausage rolls topped with Empire’s house-made Buffalo Hot Sauce.
Lina’s Italian Market
With five locations in Calgary, there is bound to be a Lina’s near your home. Lina’s offers it all. Their large grocery stores carry a ton of Italian specialty items, as well as ready-to-heat and -eat meals. They also have delis where you can pick up ready-to-eat Italian sandwiches, pizza, and breakfast items, and their bakeries have a beautiful array of Italian desserts. Need entertaining help? Their pre-order catering menu offers a variety of charcuterie boxes, pizzas, paninis, salads, pasta, mains and sides, desserts, and even breakfast. Want to pre-order a week of meals for your family? Lina’s has you covered. I always find it expensive to do a beautiful assortment of charcuterie, as you usually have to purchase most of the items in large quantities. The Roma Charcuterie Box is one of my personal favorites, and at $45, it’s easily enough for four people (although I note that the description states two to three adults). However, you might want to save that decadent Whipped Ricotta Truffle just for yourself!
All of the above establishments offer time-saving ready-to-heat and ready-to-eat delicious meals for both families and individuals on the go (or even if you’re just too tired to cook), as well as catering options for families, small weekend groups, or large holiday entertaining. So don’t fret, there are plenty of local options out there to help get you through this busy time, both deliciously and nutritiously!
Jennifer is a local foodie with a passion for food writing. Find more of her food writing on her Facebook page: For The Love of Food YYC.
See our related articles:
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
