BANFF by Katie Daniel
For me, comfort food means familiar fare that is stick-to-your-ribs good, without a lot of pretension. No pea pods with a little drizzle, if you know what I mean.

Didn’t Mom tell you to start your day with a good breakfast? My favourite is the mountain-sized at Coyote’s. Two eggs, offered in three styles, hearty whole grain JK Bakery (of Canmore) toast, Canadian back bacon or Chorizo sausage from Canmore’s Valbella Gourmet Foods, and roasted potatoes. This is the best morning coffee in Banff, a full-bodied brew custom-roasted by Fratello Coffee Co in Calgary. Chef Lucas Johnson maintains the Coyote tradition of southwestern cuisine, with a Mediterranean twist. The Huevos Rancheros are a spicier alternative.

For lunch, try Muk-a-Muk Bistro, at the base of Mt Norquay. I love Chef Tyler Gordon’s take on classic fish and chips­—crunchy, light beer batter on good-size pieces of west coast halibut, with amazing chunky sweet potato fries, and greens. For an unexpected treat, try the wild sweet potato crab cakes, served with an organic salad. A dash of milk pod (homemade tangy tartar sauce) and lunch is complete. You dine with one of the best restaurant views anywhere.

Chocolate is my all-time favourite afternoon snack. Let’s be honest, any time is appropriate for a sweet tooth fix. I’ve been visiting Welch’s Chocolate Shop (126 Banff Ave), since my first trip to Banff as a girl. If you hanker for a treat you remember from childhood, Welch’s has an international selection. There's tons of candy in this small shop.

After a full day on the slopes, pasta helps re-build your strength. Enjoy Guido’s, a hidden gem. Owner/chef Michael Derondeau makes his own fresh pasta, and it’s a tender treat. My favourites are Giaconda (creamy vegetables and ham over fettuccini) and veal Valdostana (with a melting layer of Fontina cheese, prosciutto and savoury mushroom gravy). Top off dinner with their to-die-for Callebaut chocolate mousse.

JASPER by 'Fat City' Fred MacMillan
Comfort food Jasper style is more than mountain sized, belly-satisfying portions. It’s also about cozy, homey surroundings and the company of good friends.

My suggestion is to start your day at the Soft Rock Café where Yves Marchand’s simple food is accompanied by the babble of locals anticipating a killer day on the slopes. More times than not I order the Mexican skillet, although I also have a weakness for the Soft Rock omelette—peppers, onion, cheddar and ham served with ‘famous’ roasted red potatoes. Both dishes include a hungry man side of Texas toast.

You don’t have to stay at sublime Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to enjoy its special places. Emerald Lounge in the grand lodge's main lobby reminds me of days gone by. Relax in an oversized bentwood wicker chair by a roaring fire under the mounted Buffalo head and soak it all in—the panoramic mountain and lake view through huge windows, the hushed elegance of the waiters, the sheer size of the room. I recommend the bison burger (try not to stare at its kinfolk on the wall) served with fat fries. Jalapeno Havarti cheese and double smoked bacon toppings contribute to the burger’s wonderfully complex taste.

Every day in Jasper should include a trip to the Bears Paw Bakery, in my humble opinion the best treats shop in Western Canada. My mid morning snack is always the white chocolate and raspberry whole-wheat scone, but if it’s afternoon I opt for a humongous slice of carrot cake. Their frothy cappuccino works wonders warding off daytime sleep cravings.

Finish your Jasper comfort food odyssey with a visit to Tonquin Prime Rib Village. Chances are Nick (the Greek) himself will present the star of his salad menu—Greek salad for two. Nick’s 35-year reputation has been built around his signature slow roasted prime rib dinner. Most people request theirs medium rare, but I often ask for an outside cut to be overwhelmed by the flavour.

CANMORE by Jennifer Groundwater
Lose 20 Pounds with the Comfort Food Diet—now there’s a title I’d like to see on the bestseller shelf. While waiting for that happy day, I’ll continue to find simple pleasures at my favourite Canmore eateries.

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the morning. High on my list is the Summit Café’s breakfast bagel that’s topped with a tasty combination of egg, Valbella ham, melted cheddar, fresh tomato, and chipotle mayo. Chef Jen Shean Van Allen recently switched to multi-grain bagels to offer her customers a healthier meal. While the bagel is filling, it’s small enough to enjoy a large mocha guilt-free.

Salad as comfort food? You wouldn’t think so, but Murrieta’s makes it happen. Their Cobb salad is a full meal—fresh butter lettuce, hard-boiled egg, tons of double-smoked bacon, and Roma tomato. The best part is the generous portion of salmon on top, which is so tasty, tender and juicy that it seems too good to be true. And the creamy cider Dijon vinaigrette makes my taste buds go zing! I dare you to save room for dessert.

For days when you need a lot of comfort, stop by The Grizzly Paw for their Big Ol’ Combo, a giant handmade two-patty burger topped with two kinds of cheese, two kinds of bacon, and sautéed mushrooms. It comes with fries, salad and a litre of the Paw’s own freshly brewed beer. You get to keep the mug.

If chocolate is the food of the gods, then Can-more is home to one of its temples—Le Chocolatier. High priest and chief chocolate designer John Spear gives me a taste of heaven with his exquisite handmade truffles. You’ll want more than a morsel, so consider sampling all twenty flavours. Ahhh, now that’s comfort.

Publication Date: 12/2006