tasteairdrie with Jenn Aguilar
There is something about summer in Airdrie that feels like an invitation. An invitation to linger a little longer on a patio with friends, to see our little ones with ice cream dripping down their hands, with big smiles or sipping on a delicious drink, quenching the heat of summer and, finally, the sound and smell of the barbecue, sizzling, smoky, and unmistakably summer. These are my 4 S’s of summer: Sips, Sweets, Sizzle and Sunshine.
Let’s start with Sips: The cool, refreshing flavours of Bubble Tea Brewers, right here in Airdrie. If you haven’t yet been introduced to this beloved Asian import, it originated in Taiwan as chilled tea paired with chewy tapioca pearls and has since found a vibrant home in our local food scene.
Today, bubble tea is a flavour experience all its own. Smooth tea meets creamy milk, or bright fruit flavours are balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. Each sip is refreshing, rich and indulgent, followed by the playful chew of soft, slightly sweet tapioca pearls or fruit jellies that are satisfyingly bouncy.
Every sip is a moment to savour: textured, flavourful and made for summer. Whether you’re cooling off after a sunny stroll or catching up with friends, make your way to Bubble Tea Brewers and try their Banoffee series: either Mango, Strawberry or Chocolate. What a perfect way to stay cool in the heat and quench your thirst.
Next stop, Sweets: How can you think of summer sweets without thinking of ice cream? Make your way to La Diperie, inside the Taco Time. La Diperie has a lineup of flavours to please any sweet palate, from ice cream and soft serve to cheesecake, donuts and cookies.
There are selections of traditional ice creams with flavours to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer sweet, rich, crunchy or swirled, you will experience nostalgia and indulgence with every taste. My go-to has to be the Dole Whip, the combination of pineapple freshness and tropical sweetness. The combination of tart, creamy and that airy texture is my personal summer favourite. But their signature menu item is soft-serve dip and toppings; what an experience for the littles in our lives! You take your basic soft serve and can customize it with a variety of dips and toppings. The flavour combinations are unlimited and sure to make this summer sweet a memorable one.
And what is summer without a little Sizzle? Your Local Ranch (see full story on page 58) is the go-to for all your premium, locally sourced, ranch-to-table meats with the quality and flavour that your smoker and barbecue deserve.
From staple favourites like ground beef, smokies and beef patties, to indulgent centrepieces like brisket, premium steaks and the highly revered tomahawk, their selection covers every level of your barbecue experience.
Too tired to grill tonight? Make your way to the Secret Galley and sink your teeth into one of their indulgent, chef-crafted burgers. Every bite delivers bold flavour, juicy perfection and that satisfying can’t-make-this-at-home kind of magic. The Bison Burger, on a charcoal brioche bun, the richness of the bison meets the smoky sweetness of the bacon marmalade, with melted mozzarella, and is finished with their secret house sauce. This creates a bold, balanced bite that’s deeply savoury, slightly sweet and completely unforgettable.
Or perhaps their Crispy Chicken Burger, an entire chicken breast, hand-breaded to a deep golden crust that crackles with every bite, each ridge and flake catching the light with that flawless crisp finish. Then, the chicken breast is topped with their fresh, vibrant slaw nestled into a soft, buttery brioche bun for that irresistible contrast of crunch, juiciness, and brightness.
As for Sunshine? Well, when the sun begins to linger a little longer, and the Airdrie air carries the golden warmth, there is no better place to soak it all in than the patio at Balzac Craft Brewing Company, where craft brews open skies, great conversations and a place of connection.
Among their standout pours, the Prairie Sunset Blonde Ale offers a crisp, tropical escape with hazy and juicy notes of banana, light spice and a touch of honey, making it the quintessential patio companion. For something a little more playful and refreshing, their Cherry Vanilla Cider delivers a beautiful rose-gold hue with lively carbonation, layered with fresh apple, cherry and a smooth hint of vanilla that lingers on the finish.
They have truly cultivated beers that encapsulate their passion and experiences, but, beyond that, they are invested in Airdrie and its community. From tastings of new products to charity events and even Bingo/Game nights, they are about fusing connections. Their patio has been expertly designed to enhance every aspect of your experience, with ambient lighting to set the tone, shaded umbrellas for warm afternoons, heaters to carry on the conversations into the evenings, and lush florals that add beauty and charm. This is a venue for indulgent conversations and laughter while enjoying a delicious, crafted brew.
At the heart of it all, summer in Airdrie is about more than just what’s on the menu; it’s about the moments we create around it. Each of these featured businesses is a reminder of the care and craftsmanship found locally. From shared drinks and sweet treats to backyard barbecues and sun-soaked patios, these experiences come together to define a season full of connection, laughter and lasting memories.
Summer Wines
If your summer cravings lean a little more refined, there’s a whole world of wines waiting to be discovered for a sense of indulgence in a more elevated, sun-soaked way.
Do you like your wine sweet and a little sparkly? Try my personal favourite, Viberti Moscato d’Asti from Northern Italy. Lightly effervescent and beautifully aromatic, it opens with notes of ripe peach, lychee, elderflower and a whisper of orange blossom. It pairs effortlessly with fresh salads, brunch spreads or even salmon, but this sommelier is just as happy enjoying it on its own (in moderation).
Or, perhaps, you’re craving something red, luscious and a little unexpected, but full of character. Look no further than Bastardo from Moldova, an Alberta Winefest winner. Semi-sweet and hand harvested, this wine drinks like a gourmet Black Forest cake in a glass. Giving flavours of ripe dark cherries, hints of cocoa and a velvety, almost creamy finish. With a subtle nod to Port, it carries rich, fruit-forward depth balanced by gentle sweetness. It pairs beautifully with barbecue, complementing those sweet, smoky flavours while holding its own with every savoury bite.
For a wine that truly conveys elegance and sophistication, the 2020 vintage of Dividend from Liquidity is a perfect expression of a blend. From the Okanagan Valley, this winery is as visually captivating as it is refined, with ever-changing art installations. Liquidity delivers both artistry and precision in every bottle. Dividend is a meticulously orchestrated blend, where each varietal is fermented separately in French oak barrels, then artfully blended to achieve seamless harmony of flavours. The result is layered and expressive, with notes of licorice, fennel, cherry and blackberry. This wine is the perfect companion to bison, roast, chilli or any tomato-based pasta dish.
