5 Calgary food picks by singer Jann Arden

Not only is she a well-known and respected singer-songwriter, Jann Arden has been part of the Calgary food scene — both as a restaurateur and foodie — for decades.

Those who lived in Calgary a decade or so ago may remember the Arden Diner on 17th Avenue, a small diner Arden owned with her younger brother Patrick. 

She was even called in as a celebrity judge in last season’s Top Chef Canada finale, which was filmed here in Calgary.

"Calgary has a ferocious restaurant scene comparable with cities like Chicago and Los Angeles," she said. 

Since she has such great taste buds, we asked about some of her favourite places to eat in #yyc.

FARM

"Farm is one of my favourites," Arden said. "It’s exceptional, small, intimate, fun … you can never lose with Janice Beaton cheese."

Farm, 1006 17th Ave. S.W., 403-245-2276, farm-restaurant.com

Analog Coffee

"There are so many great independent coffee shops in Calgary. I’m not a fan of chains," said Arden. "Analog is well worth a trip."

She goes for her slow-drip decaf brewed with Fratello beans.

Analog Coffee, 740 17th Ave. S.W., 403-265-2112, fratellocoffee.com, @FratelloAnalog

Stephen Avenue

"There are so many great restaurants on Eighth Avenue," says Arden. "There’s Saltlik, Belvedere, Catch … and CharCut has exceptional cured meats."

CharCut, #101-899 Centre St. S.W., charcut.com, @CharCut

Boyd’s Lobster Shop

"I travel 225 days a year, so when I’m home I love to cook for friends and family," says Arden, who lives on 14 acres in Springbank.

"I like to try new things — right now I’m really into seafood."

Boyd’s is her go-to for fresh mussels and other seafood when she makes dinner at home.

1515D 14th St. SW, 403-245-6300, boydslobstershop.ca

Lina’s Italian Market

Arden loves loading up on freshly-made pizza dough, prosciutto, olives and other Italian deli items at Lina’s, which is popular with the Calgary music crowd.

Lina’s Italian Market, 2202 Centre St. N.E., 403-277-9166, linasmarket.com