Foodies rejoice! You are invited to sample the delicious flavours of Bragg Creek at an annual event that is sure to please the palate.
The second annual Taste of Bragg Creek will be held Feb. 28, where local and area restaurants, food service and liquor outlets will serve samples of their food and beverage specialities.
Event founder Charlie Holschuh, former chef owner of the Bavarian Inn, created Taste of Bragg Creek to help promote the hamlet’s culinary scene and raise funds for the Bragg Creek Community Association.
“When I owned the Bavarian Inn, I always wished we had an event like this,” said Holschuh. “It gives each food service and liquor outlet the opportunity to showcase their specialties.”
Admission is free with tasting coupons available at the door or for pre-purchase at the Bragg Creek Community Centre. Tasting coupons cost $1.50 each and vendors will sell food and beverage samples for between one to three tickets.
Bragg Creek’s restaurant scene is unique, said Holschuh adding that there is a wide variety of different types of cuisine available in the hamlet.
“We have different ethnic restaurants such as German Alpine, Italian, and Asian, and all are fairly priced,” said Holschuh. “Many of our restaurants have chefs who have successfully competed in food competitions.
“I feel that our restaurants give people in surrounding areas a reason to escape daily stress and come out for a short drive to Bragg Creek without fighting traffic and parking issues.”
John Czarnojan, chef owner of Creekers Bistro said he had a positive experience participating in last year’s event.
“Taste of Bragg is a great opportunity for local business entrepreneurs in the food industry to exhibit their culinary talents and to show locals and visitors what Bragg Creek has to offer,” he said.
Bragg Creek is considered the gateway to Kananaskis, said Czarnojan, and local businesses benefit from tourists and people who visit the area to enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and cross-county skiing.
“It is a great destination in Kananaskis for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists,” said Czarnojan. “Bragg Creek is all about the food and outdoor fun.”
Czarnojan said the event helps foster community spirit by bringing all the merchants together in one evening to offer a taste of their menus.
“It helps everybody locally because it showcases each individual business,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to make people aware of our restaurant and our style of food.
“The hope is to generate return customers throughout the year.”
Ron Shaw co-owner of Wok On, a new Asian restaurant that opened last November in Bragg Creek, said participating in Taste of Bragg Creek would help him advertise his business.
“We want to get the word out about what we serve,” said Shaw. “I think it will be really good for us.”
The event is not just about great food, it’s also a fundraiser for the Bragg Creek Community Association with part proceeds going towards children’s programs at the Bragg Creek Community Centre.
Bragg Creek Community Centre program coordinator Kelsey Baldwin said funds would be used to upgrade their children’s sports equipment.
“We want to supply the best for the kids,” said Baldwin. “We can boost our kids programming enrolment by offering better quality sports equipment and a wider variety of sports.”
Taste of Bragg Creek will be held at the Bragg Creek Community Centre, 23 White Avenue, Bragg Creek Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tasting coupons cost $1.50 each at the door or are available for purchase in advance at the Bragg Creek Community Centre.
For more information call the Bragg Creek Community Centre at 403-949-4277 or visit braggcreekca.com.
