Quest for the Best: Here are top cinnamon buns in Calgary, says restaurant critic
The entries were tested by a panel of judges who voted based on a variety of qualities
Cinnamon buns are a perfect winter treat, especially now that the holidays are around the corner, and cozying up on the couch never looked better.
Of course, you can make the ooey, gooey buns in the comfort of your home and can do so with this popular recipe by Julie Van Rosendaal.
However, not all of us are kitchen-savvy and may just want to pop into a cafe and buy a cinnamon bun to go.
If that's you, well you're in luck! The Calgary Eyeopener's restaurants reviewer, Elizabeth Carson, went on a hunt for the perfect cinnamon bun in Calgary.
And while she was on the quest, she was joined by gold-medal winning Olympic wrestler Erica Wiebe — who just so happens to be a huge fan of the yummy treat.
"I'm a little bit of a biased judge because I just love them all," she told the Calgary Eyeopener.
But Wiebe says there was a lot to look for during the judging, particularly the icing, texture, sweetness, gooey quality and overall appearance.
- Be sure to catch some other 'Quest for the Best' food winners.
Over the next month, our restaurant reviewer Elizabeth Carson is going to be scouring <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yyc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yyc</a> for "best ofs". We're looking for the best:<br>- ginger beef<br>- samosas<br>- nachos<br>- cinnamon buns. <br>Let us know your recommendations and she'll get to work! <a href="https://t.co/DDkacdRId4">pic.twitter.com/DDkacdRId4</a>
—@CBCEyeopenerThe team of four went out to all quadrants of the city to check out nine bakeries and eat 12 buns.
Out of the ones they've tested, they crowned a winner as the best cinnamon bun in Calgary.
Cinnamon bun winners!
5. Canela — 4806 1st St. S.W.
Canela offered a vegan option and used faux butter and cream cheese for the cinnamon buns.
Judges say they tasted both the mocha and macha versions and that it had a good "goo" factor.
5. Notre Dame High School — 11900 Country Village Link N.E.
This bun was the best price performer and cost only $1.15.
The judges say it had good crumb and moisture but the icing was a "wee" bit on the salty side.
4. Sidewalk Citizen — 618 Confluence Way S.E. and 338 10th St. N.W.
According to Carson, Sidewalk Citizen's cinnamon bun had great crumb and an excellent gooey top.
However, it lost some points due to being small and not having a lot of flavour toward the bottom.
3. Yum Bakery — 1006 17th Ave. S.W.
The judges tasted two entries at Yum Bakery, one with icing and one without.
They said both were good choices depending on how sweet you like your bun.
Yum Bakery scored high in every category other than the cinnamon intensity. The judges say the bakery needs to "amp" up the cinnamon.
- Listen to Elizabeth Carson's full-interview on the Calgary Eyeopener below!
2. Teatro Restaurant Group — 940 2nd Ave. N.W. and 222 7th St. S.W.
Judges say this beautifully baked bun had just the correct amount of cinnamon.
As well, that the cream cheese icing was just right — not too sweet, and a touch of salt.
1. Lina's Italian Market — 2202 Centre St. N.E.
The judges say this Italian grocery store made the best bun by a landslide.
They said not only is it rich, gooey and buttery, but it has the perfect amount of cinnamon and sugar.
You can also add pecans to the bun to make it extra special, which the judges say helps counteract all the sugar.
Do you have a favourite cinnamon bun that isn't on the list? Tell us where we can try it in the comments below!
With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.