St. Patrick's Day Celebrations: Calgary West Side

Saint Patrick's Day, or Feast of Saint Patrick "the Day of the Festival of Patrick", a religious and cultural celebration held on 17 March. Tradition says that Saint Patrick died on this date and was buried. Over centuries, numerous legends arose around Patrick and he became the patron saint of Ireland.

Fun Winter Activities To Do in Calgary

It's that time of year to get outside and enjoy winter and all the fun activities it has to offer us here in Calgary. Whether you decide to go ice skating, tubing, skiing, snowshoeing or grab a hot chocolate and see the downtown winter light festival. You will want to get outdoors and enjoy winter in all its glory. Here is a list of amazing and fun activities to do in Calgary this winter season.

Ice Skating

Bowness Park, 8900 48th Avenue NW

Bowness Park is located along the Bow River between Stoney Tr. and 85 St. NW. A shallow lagoon runs along the park's southern edge, which has always been the centre piece of the park. The City crews meticulously make a wonderful skating rink from it once the temperature is cold enough. But you also could just come with a picnic lunch and sit next to the gas-fired fire pits and enjoy the ambience....

When we look for people to spotlight here at the Tost Realty Group, we are always excited by those who seem to up the ante for local quality, while challenging and stoking creativity among others along the way. We have seen enough of the “run of the mill” products that may go through typical boom and bust cycles, and are always on the hunt for those that are above average in every single way. Nada Choufi has long shared her passion for food via the blog ...

From the busy streets of Fifth Avenue in New York to the quaint shops of Notting Town in London, scores of individuals walking out of a proper facial treatment file into the streets glowing and full of renewed vigour every day. Having skin that constantly looks and feels great is one physical attribute that we can all admit is high on the list for just about anyone. Fifteen years ago in Vancouver, the Skoah namesake launched a concept that was geared towards facials only, and...

The interval during the day that brings everyone together has been righteously celebrated as of late, and not just a rushed and frantic time to down a beginning meal that is less than satisfactory. We pride ourselves on our nearby mountain landscape and continuously sunny skies here, and when the chill becomes prevalent in the air, strive to meet with friends and loved ones for a warm and rejuvenating meal.

Executive Chef Jordan Walsh long had the dream of becoming a first-rate chef, and working as a line cook during high school, he realized that he had a huge passion for everything culinary-related. He was well-recognized enough that he began a cooking apprenticeship even prior to graduation, and was quickly recognized as talented enough to land a spot...

Having deep roots in the Calgary dining scene and being an individual who worked hard to finally take command of his own kitchen, Darren MacLean doesn't claim to have a very high level of Japanese roots himself dominating his daily mantra. But after he traveled himself to get a firsthand glimpse of the Land of the Rising Sun and its foods, he was able to create this masterful offering in our dining scene. Having an encounter with food possessing a true purpose and story behind it is bound to move you, and leave you thinking about tranquility, simplicity, and the finer qualities of the best in well-prepared food.

Writer: Jon Weirman

“Mad Men” has always been known as one of the most brilliant TV portrayals ever regarding the perils, pride, and rewards of the advertising business, and taking place in the last 1960's gave it a unique flair. After being challenged to come up with a tagline for Jaguar, they put their heads together and lamented in one sweeping and all-encompassing statement that the brand name offers “At last, something beautiful you can truly own”. These fictional advertising experts...

There’s a lot of real estate in Calgary to cover if you’re thinking of taking a Christmas Light tour. From public places to parks to streets and homes that simply go all out, driving around the city looking at the festive lights is a family tradition. 

The custom of decorating with lights goes back centuries to when Christians would light candles as a symbolic gesture recognizing that Jesus Christ, whose birth is celebrated at Christmas time, is the light of the world.   Candles were placed on trees outside the home, then Germans brought trees indoors and finally in the late 1800s, the invention of electric light made illuminating the trees much safer.  Strings of lights began to adorn the windows of buildings and homes and rooftops.  

Going to see the lights can be so much fun and when it’s...

You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy a good bottle of wine, but you should know where to shop for the good stuff – where you’ll get good advice on what to bring to a party or to stock in the cellar of your Calgary home. 

There are a few shops I especially appreciate in our city, and a few that others appreciate as noted in several online reviews.   Here are just a few, and if you have any to add to the list, please let me know in the comments section!

Metrovino Fine Wines

I didn’t save the best for last – I put it first because they are an exceptional shop that does so much more than put bottles out on the shelf.  They have wine tastings...