Danny and Evgeny show off the fabulously creamy, fruity oatmeal at Margarita’s Dishes in the Calgary Farmers’ Market

In honour of Easter, here’s a short post on a terrific family-run operation at the Calgary Farmers’ Market. With its counter service, Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils in a small food court, Margarita’s Dishes may look like fast food, but everything from the sausages and cottage cheese to the jam and sauerkraut is homemade eastern European cuisine. Mother Margarita is supposed to be retired, but she can often be seen wearing an apron in back of son Danny Korduner, who always makes you feel welcome.

My brother-in-law and sister have been eating breakfast here for years, but it took my good friends and frequent customers Nancy and Dennis Stefani to prompt this post. Here’s their report:

“There are many excellent culinary delights at the Calgary Farmers’ Market, but it is hard to beat a comforting bowl of hot oatmeal from Margarita’s—luxuriously creamy and topped with loads of fresh fruits. They make it to order, so you’ll have several minutes to get your espresso from nearby Fratello Analog Cafe. By the time you return, your oatmeal will be hot and ready.

“Margarita’s makes the best sauerkraut we’ve ever tasted. If you think you don’t like sauerkraut, then you haven’t had Margarita’s. And there’s the incredible blintz with homemade cottage cheese filling – mmmmm!  Also, they make pyrogies, latkes, schnitzel, bratwurst, and cabbage rolls made with Silver Sage beef. They make delicious borscht, too. All these can be taken home for later and some items can be purchased frozen. Enjoy!”

Great capos, pour overs and even cold-brewed coffee at Fratello Analog Cafe in the Calgary Farmers’ Market

Calgary Farmers’ Market and all its vendors
510 77 Avenue SE
Thursday to Sunday 9 am- 5 pm

Hey, I’m heading off on an extended road trip to New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Any suggestions for some great independent, affordable eateries I should check out on my trip?