Hailing from the streets of Brooklyn, Mast Brothers Chocolate is run by two bearded brothers with a passion for chocolate.

Small batches of straight-from-the-bean bars are hand-wrapped in the most eye-catching paper this side of Wonka’s factory. Like all decadent things, these bars are best enjoyed with a bit of savouring (and maybe even a tumbler of scotch).

The next time we're in New York, we'll be catching a tour at the Mast Brothers Brookyn chocolate factory... no golden ticket required. —Kait Kucy

$12 each at The UnCommons, 1325A 9th Ave SE, Calgary, theuncommons.ca, mastbrothers.com

There's no shortage of indie cool in Portland, from the food trucks to the micro distilleries. Finally, a little sip of that has come north.

At the first Stumptown Coffee Counter in the heart of Bridgeland, cold brew is on tap (certain to be a huge drink trend come summer), as well as a selection of hot espresso drinks and bags of beans to take home with you.

Now all we need is a coffee date with a bearded intellectual. —Kait Kucy

Stumptown Coffee Counter, 112 4th Street NE, Calgary, www.stumptowncoffee.com

Nicely settled into their newly appointed space (nearly quadruple the size of their old shop) Bite Groceteria is changing the way Calgary folks think about grocery shopping.

Bright and open with endless shelves full of culinary treasures and a full bakery and deli, this is literally a one-stop shop for the ultimate foodie family. They even have an incredible selection of bulk grains and flours to save on costs.

Don’t be intimidated by their collection of truffle oils – they have plenty of down-home grocery items too. Taco night, anyone? —Kait Kucy

Bite Groceteria, 1023 9 Ave. SE, Calgary, www.bitegroceteria.com

We love a savoury Mexican meal.  The question is, where to find one?

While fast food joints are plentiful and tequila houses are popping up throughout downtown Calgary, Xocolat is doing something a little different. A self-proclaimed posh restaurant, the recently opened spot is creating incredibly unique dishes and proving that Mexican food is more than just tacos. Our must-have share dish is the Trio de Marisco ($19) which features shrimp, scallop and octopus.

Flavourful and fresh, we’ll be hanging out here all summer with a Dos Equis in hand. —Kait Kucy

Xocolat Posh Mexican Cuisine, 816 11th Ave SW, Calgary, 403-264-6555, http://xocolat.ca

The smartie-pants behind the popular Cheezy Bizness food truck, Nicole Fewell has more than amazing sandwiches up her sleeve. B

And what goes better with grilled cheese than a mean cocktail? Porter’s Tonic ($16) is a delicious tonic syrup that adds a little bit of kick to your regular old G&T. With ingredients like agave nectar, lemongrass and cinchona bark you can’t help but feel a little bit healthy as you slurp it down.

Each batch is handcrafted and numbered making it a great gift... for yourself. —Kait Kucy

At Vine Arts, www.vinearts.ca

The ubiquitous beer hall is here to stay, so what makes National on 10th stand out from the rest of the craft beer crowd?

Pins and balls, that's what. Yes, you heard that right – the brand-spanking-new National on 10th's fully functioning bowling alley will be opened later in the summer. Meanwhile, active beer-sippers can get competitive playing foosball and table tennis. If sports aren’t your thing, why not try your hand at getting exclusive access to the prestigious Bourbon Room (tip: no smartphones allowed, this room is purely tasting fine beverages and mellow conversation).

Now where can we find a stylish bowling shirt? —Kait Kucy

The National on 10th, 341 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, www.ntnl.ca

Our never-ending quest for the best benny in town led us straight to Blondes Diner.

Top Chef Canada hopeful, Chris Shaften opened the not-so greasy spoon in March with a menu of ‘fancy diner goodness,' like the Mushroom Eggs Benny with kale and buttermilk dressing salad. Stopping by later in the day? Order up The One and Only Gluten-free Mac & Cheese topped with local Gouda, Edam and cheddar.

It's classic Canadian done right. —Kait Kucy

Blondes Diner, 2005b 4th St. SW, Calgary, 403-474-3867, www.blondesdiner.com

Just East of the Stampede grounds, Crossroads Market has revitalized with over 25 fresh and delicious local vendors. 

Healthy Funky Foods caught our eye with their incredible menu of 100 per cent raw vegan and gluten-free meals, snacks and recipes. We sampled their version of a Nanaimo Bar and left wanting more. They also have great options for a dinner party like the Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms ($16/dozen) which taste deceivingly un-vegan. Yum.

More meat-free goodness can be found at Happy Kitchen Express courtesy of the Queen of Happy Cuisine herself, Saronn Pov who is serving up the most amazing salad rolls you might ever have. Jampacked with 18 veggies, these ultra healthy rolls are dipped in a flavourful citrus sauce for a little extra kick.

Our idea of summer involves a lot of lemonade. Luckily, Pearson’s Berry Farm carries all of our favourite flavours in concentrate just ready to be topped up with water and ice. You can’t go wrong with the Black Currant lemonade – serve with gin and you’ll be in heaven! —Kait Kucy

Crossroads Market, 1235 26th Ave SE, 403-291-5208
www.crossroadsmarket.ca

Nestled right in the design mecca of Calgary, District is an ideal spot for settling down after a day of gallery-hopping and hitting up mid-century modern furniture shops.

With a chef who regularly sources local products to add to the menu on a moment’s notice and dishes that will almost certainly include bacon, this place is certainly the spot for a satiated appetite. First and foremost a brewhouse, District has pick-up Thursdays where you can fill a growler full of their house brew for only $15.

As the saying goes, it's 5 o'clock somewhere. —Kait Kucy

Design District Urban Tavern, 607 11 Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-233-2433 www.calgarytavern.com

Fans of the deliciously whipped yogurt treat are congregating at the newly opened Tutti Frutti in Mount Royal Village.

Changing flavours daily and hosting a seemingly never-ending selection of toppings, you can choose exactly how much you want to indulge in thanks to their weigh-and-pay system. Our favourite for the summer? A combo of soy peanut butter and banana split topped with a sprinkle of coconut flakes. Yum. —Kait Kucy

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, 858 16th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-460-8846, www.tfyogurt.ca