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| - I remember visiting Annie's when I was a little girl before the buildings had been bought and refurbished into what they are now. After Annie's and it's more sophisticated neigbour, the Ranche Restaurant, opened, it was a favourite summertime hangout with friends.
For anyone living in the neighbourhoods surrounding Fish Creek park in the south end of the city, Annie's has been a popular seasonal destination for years - ice cream being the biggest draw. It usually opens up in May and closes down by mid-September every year, so check their website for updated hours of operation
Annie's has undergone many changes in management over the years, so there is often a new menu and approach taken to the baked goods and lunches served each summer. The food is almost always top notch however, with ingredients and dishes courtesy of the Ranche's kitchen and made from inspiring combinations of local ingredients and exotic flavours. The honey-melon dressing on a simple spinach salad used to be my favourite, and the date squares and pear and mascarpone turnovers can't be missed - if they haven't already sold out.
For a quick breakfast or morning coffee, the muffins and other baked goods are always good value. However, be sure to bring your credit/debit with you if you plan to ride your bike down for a lunchtime meal - the prices can be quite high for a family order, and most leisure riders are not prepared for the extra expense with enough change in their pockets.
Annie's is best visited in the mornings or late afternoons, to avoid the midday rush. With its deep roots in Calgary's homesteading history, and natural (although not entirely native) setting in Fish Creek Park, it's worth a visit by bike, car, or foot for any Calgarian or visitor looking for a bite of the past.
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