The BONAFIDE BOX is our time-honoured tradition and symbolic of how we build and maintain relationships throughout our growing community.
The past year brought us and our clients so many gifts, new friends and adventures…
- We caught U2 in Las Vegas at Sphere and it was one of the most epic live entertainment experiences we’ve ever had. Check out our highlight reel here.
- From Vegas – took the long way home thru Maui to visit friends Janice & Sheldon Simeon and to finally dine at their 2nd restaurant, Tiffany’s. Sheldon is working on his second cookbook – keep an eye out for it – and if you haven’t picked up his first, Cook Real Hawaii – it’s really beautiful and makes for a fantastic Christmas gift. We connected travel writer, Jody Robbins to Sheldon earlier this year for this profile in the Toronto Star!
- Edmonton’s Feed the Soul Dining was back for a 2nd year and added walking food tours of Black-owned restaurants with Linda Hoang.
- Zipped out to Vancouver for a 48 hours to meet with clients and see Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso’s Roy Fkn Kent!!!) during the Just for Laughs festival and had incredible meals at Anh & Chi, Elisa and Bar Haifa.
- SABOR was named in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards again! Christian Mena and Chef Lino Oliveira got the top spot on Edify Edmonton’s Best Tried and True list and you heard it here first – BODEGA Whyte Ave will open in early 2025.
- Developed Feast on Fourth for Calgary’s Fourth Street BIA – the only budget-friendly, walkable food festival where everything is $10…20+ restaurants participated and a now a permanent fixture on 4th Street in April and September every year!
- Did a quick jaunt to Victoria for meetings and dined at Marilena – named Best New Restaurant in Canada’s Best 100 list – and popped into Maiiz Nixtamal to say Hola! to Chef Israel Alvarez-Molina (who worked in Edmonton before heading to the Island!) and crush an order of the most delicious flautas in the country.
- Commemorated Asian Heritage Month by producing a media drop featuring products from Holy Duck Chili Oil, Northern Bars, Caramunchies, PARCH, Sugar Water Bar with artwork designed by Lianne Charlene Creative. Thank you so much to Global Edmonton, Global Calgary and 630 CHED for giving us the opportunity to showcase Asian-owned businesses on your platforms!
- A Cappella Catering‘s CURBSIDE Food Truck launched a new menu with a summer kick-off event for top clients and media. It was so wonderful for fans to meet the team in person.
- We headed east to host media dinners, visit with old friends and a few great restaurants in Toronto (PAI, Mineral, Som Tom Jinda) and Montreal (JunJun, Damas). We were SO close already so a stop in Ottawa was in order to visit Pat and the team La Bottega Nicastro – now home to our old pal Chef Rene Rodriguez from Top Chef Canada Season 4 and had a fab time catching up with CTV Ottawa’s Stefan Keyes whom some of you may remember from his time at Global Calgary many moons ago. BTW – we took VIA RAIL for the first time ever from Toronto to Montreal and LOVED IT (business class was awesome with bottomless vino!)
- Launched EPCOR’s Glass of the Sask campaign with a media event featuring five of the 20 participating restaurants and activations by Justine Ma Design and Armoire Inspiration
- Back for its 5th year – SABOR Fish & Chip Fridays in support of Ronald McDonald House and Santas Anonymous was once again downtown Edmonton’s favourite pop-up…It was so nice to see some of you there!
Another busy year in the books – some great new projects to keep our network growing…BIG things happening in 2025 – we’re really excited.
INSIDE THE BONAFIDE BOX 2024
Vine Arts – Calgary & Edmonton, AB
Spiced Pear Whiskey Smash
Vine Arts continues to be my go-to for all things wine and spirits, and I can hardly believe Vine Arts Edmonton is already a year old. Cheata Nao and her team have settled in beautifully on 124 Street, and I love hearing from friends who came to the opening and are now loyal regulars.
‘Tis the season for gifting something boozy, and we’re excited to see Jesse Willis and the team on Global Edmonton on December 7 to talk wine pairings for holiday dinner staples, batch-made cocktails, and hostess gifts. And if you haven’t already, you must grab one of their Advent Calendars—they’re thoughtful, fun, and packed with surprises.
A few months ago, I got a text: “I found something for THE BOX…It tastes like Christmas.” (I love texts like that!) Ready-to-drink cocktails are perfect for holiday happy hours without the fuss. This limited-release Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour is ideal—just pour over ice, and it’s an instant festive treat and a fabulous hostess gift. Use promo code BONAFIDE for 10% off any purchase—details are on the postcard included.
Jolene’s Tea House – Banff, AB
Holiday Gift Box
@jolenesteahouse / jolenesteahouse.com
It’s been amazing to see Jolene’s Tea House and the “Banff Cocktail Trail” featured internationally on BuzzFeed this year! So many visitors from around the globe have added both experiences to their Rockies itineraries and the cozy log cabin on Bear Street continues to enchant everyone who steps inside. Jolene’s team is gearing up for a VERY busy holiday season…There is truly nothing like Banff in the winter.
To help you get a head start on your Christmas shopping, Jolene has included their newest products: a box set of 15 of their best-selling teas, including Creamy Earl Grey, Wild Blueberry Rooibos, and Alpine Peppermint. It’s the perfect gift for a friend or a nice addition to your own tea collection!
Holy Duck Chili Oil – Vancouver, BC
Spot Prawn Chili Oil
@holyduckchili / holyduckchili.shop
I am bonkers crazy about Chris Fung and Louise Pang’s Holy Duck Chili Oil and when they accepted the invitation to be part of the Asian Heritage Month media gifting we put together this year – I was pumped. I’ve been SUCH a huge fan over the last couple years making the OG version a staple in my pantry but also gifting it to chef and fellow foodies as it’s just so damn delicious and unlike anything out in the market. The duo is truly committed to collaboration – in fact, we did a case study on their in-store collab with MUJI for a presentation we did for Prince Edward Island food entrepreneurs. They continue to push the envelope with brand activations and tastings at community events, food mash ups with Chinatown BBQ and Beaucoup Bakery (they did an incredible Holy Peking Duck Croissant together) and most recently a tea towel collab with Tokyo-Hong Kong lifestyle design label Momozaza JP. From branding to marketing – Chris and Louise just nail it…EVERYTIME. Check out the piece CBC did on the power couple here.
I’m completely obsessed with this Spot Prawn Chili Oil…If I’m too lazy to cook – I make pasta (whatever I have lying around), get it to al dente then add some pasta water and sauté with a couple spoonfulls of this topped with a fried egg and a couple dashes of Maggi sauce. (PS – this is also a KILLER hangover cure!) I can’t wait for you to try it…It’s great on everything especially dumplings, rice, Pho, wontons, steamed or roasted veggies…*drool*
7 Summit Snacks – Edmonton, AB
Endurance Bars
@7summitssnacks/ sevensummitssnacks.com
One of the year’s most unforgettable moments? Booking a spontaneous trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics—with just six days’ notice! I know, it was totally wild, but everything aligned, and it was the perfect chance to reconnect with friends at SponsorshipX, a global gathering of sports marketing and sponsorship pros. Paris is magical any day (and this was my first time!), but Paris during the Olympics? Unbelievable.
The three-day conference featured powerhouse speakers from brands like VISA, Lululemon, McDonald’s, Marriott Bonvoy, and Coca-Cola, sharing insights on the trends shaping the future of sponsorship. While our work focuses on supporting small, independent businesses, hearing these global strategies was incredibly inspiring and validating.
The Olympic spirit was electric throughout Paris, and one highlight was a phenomenal dinner with my friend Val on the Ducasse Sur Seine—a multi-course feast on a spectacular boat with 36 chefs, a full kitchen below deck, a 100-bottle wine cellar, impeccable service, and breathtaking views along the Seine. As if the night couldn’t get any better, we found ourselves steps away from the Marathon Pour Tous—the first-ever Olympic marathon for civilians! Watching everyday runners complete the iconic Olympic route was beyond inspiring. Some were hitting the 6-hour mark as we cheered them on near Pont de l’Alma, where Princess Diana spent her final moments.
I couldn’t resist cheering, yelling “CANADAAA!” when we saw a maple leaf, and “YOU GO GIRL!” to anyone pushing their limits. Between clapping, “WOOOs!” and “YEAHs!” I felt like I’d found my Olympic calling. The memory of cheering on those runners in the streets of Paris is one I’ll cherish forever.
Not long after returning, I caught up with Edmonton’s own Kristyn Carriere of 7 Summit Snacks. She’s a chocolate scientist, recipe developer, and avid runner who, alongside her triathlete sister Leanne, developed a line of endurance chocolates. Leanne sought a tasty, energizing option without compromising on flavor, which led to the creation of these innovative chocolate bars. Packed with superfoods like honey, wild blueberries, and tart golden berries, and fortified with electrolytes, they’re a delicious alternative to carb gels and protein bars.
With the holidays approaching, 7 Summit Snacks are an ideal stocking stuffer for the sporty, outdoorsy types in your life or anyone needing an indulgent energy boost. Pick them up at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, Amaranth Foods, and sporting retailers across Canada!
A Cappella Catering – Edmonton, AB
Holiday Take & Bake Dinner
@acappellacatering / acappellacatering.com
Todd Rutter and Kim Mahoney continue to grow and evolve each year, and this year we had the pleasure of supporting the launch of their 2024 CURBSIDE Food Truck menu with a client appreciation and media event to kick off the summer. It was fantastic to see their entire team—usually hard at work cooking for thousands of weddings and events each year—have the chance to connect with customers at a classic block party outside A Cappella HQ. Reflecting on the challenges they faced during the pandemic and seeing where they are today is a true testament to their hard work and resilience.
When we started working with A Cappella in 2019, we began using the phrase “Give the gift of time…” year-round, but it’s especially relevant during the holiday season when time-saving options are invaluable for those planning events or entertaining at home. I love how many of you have started ordering “Everything but the Bird” instead of trying to get all the sides done at the same time like I try to do. My family has ordered holiday dinners since I started working with A Cappella in 2019 and we love it… Click here for holiday menus!
Once again, the team at A Cappella would like to treat each of you to a Holiday Take & Bake dinner for the family—complete with turkey and all the fixings—to help ease the holiday stress and add some cheer to your December!
Halifax Honey Co. – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Stingin’ Hot Honey, Stingin’ Hot Seasoning & Key Chain
@thehalifaxhoneycompany/ halifaxhoneycompany.com
I’m always so flattered to hear that Canadian brands recognize the incredible opportunity of being featured in the BONAFIDE Box, and this year was no exception. When childhood friends Jake and Jesse reached out about contributing this year, sent over samples and then a feature on the Mary Berg Show – it was a no-brainer! Their passion for food and all things sweet and spicy is infectious. After sampling what they sent over, it was SO tough to choose which sweet ‘n spicy product to include.
Their Original Stingin’ Hot Honey, crafted with Nova Scotia wildflower nectar and infused with pickled chilis, is their signature OG product—it has a perfect, zippy kick! Then there’s the Stingin’ Hot Seasoning, a blend of dehydrated honey, chilis, and garlic that I’ve been loving on avocado toast, dry rubbing with a few other herbs and spices on pork shoulder before slow roasting and tossed with roasted potatoes or hash browns. Jesse and Jake have also included a mini bottle of their hottest honey for you to try, and just like me – she spiiiiicy!!!
Banff Christmas Market – Banff, AB
Train Whistle
@banffchristmasmarket / banffchristmasmarket.com
Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like the Banff Christmas Market, now even more enchanting at its new home—the historic Banff train station! Inspired by traditional Old-World markets of the 1400s, the Banff Christmas Market brings the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays to life in the heart of the Rockies.
With delightful artisanal treasures from local makers and a cozy ambiance filled with festive music, this market celebrates everything special about the Bow Valley. By day, it’s a family-friendly haven featuring live music, Bavarian-style pretzels, and mulled wine; by night, it transforms into a warm gathering place where adults can relax with a festive cocktail (or two!). Whether you’re there for holiday treats, handmade gifts, or simply to soak up the season’s magic, the Banff Christmas Market is here to make your holidays even merrier.
Proudly owned and operated by local Banff women, the market was founded in 2014, beginning as a single weekend event with 25 vendors. Today, it spans four weekends and has become one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season.
Jolene Brewster and Hayley Mulhern, the wonderful women at the helm, are spreading extra holiday cheer with a nostalgic wooden train whistle in honour of this year’s new location.
Buff Experts – Edmonton, AB
Jojoba & Apricot Emmolient Body Oil
BONAFIDE’s work with Feed The Soul YEG has introduced us to so many wonderful Canadian Black-owned brands and entrepreneurs. One standout is Sina Zere, who moved to Edmonton from Toronto and saw a big opportunity to create a line of body care and wellness products. She not only launched Buff Experts but also opened Buff Wax Spot—Edmonton’s original wax bar. Sina has cultivated a fun, dynamic, and inclusive culture, and she runs a tight ship. With spotless treatment rooms, excellent service, and a relaxed vibe, Buff Wax Spot is proudly BIPOC-owned and 100% women-staffed.
Albertans know all too well the challenge of dry winters and let me tell you – no one cares more about moisturizing their skin than Black women. TRUST ME (Sina gave me permission to say that here because it’s the truth) Rochelle Ignacio gifted me her favorite Buff Experts product, and it quickly became one of mine too. Sina sent over her luxurious body oil to share with all of you—apply it after a quick towel dry out of the shower (a little extra on your elbows) and I promise you’ll feel like a million bucks!
Lee’s Donuts – Vancouver, BC
Gift Card – One Dozen Donuts
@leesdonuts.ca / leesdonuts.ca
One of the highlights of this year was being part of several events and projects in Vancouver. In Alberta, I rarely cross paths with fellow Filipino entrepreneurs, but that changed dramatically when I met Celine Bacani—what an absolute force! Celine and her husband Allan have deep roots in Vancouver’s culinary scene, with Allan’s family as pillars of the Granville Island community, owning the much-loved Armando’s Finest Quality Meats. The couple started out working the meat counter, and in 2018—true to overachieving Filipino form—they purchased the iconic Lee’s Donuts from its original owners, who opened it on Granville Island in 1979. To say they’ve grown the brand is an understatement. In 2019, a visit from Seth Rogen and David Chang on the Netflix show Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner catapulted Lee’s Donuts to new heights, and today they’ve expanded to six locations!
The newest location is at Vancouver Airport, which means I can get my favorite Honey Dip donut fix before boarding a flight home. And now, you can get your fix the next time you’re at YVR—Celine and Allan have included a gift card for a dozen donuts. Redeem it at any location for a sweet box on us!
Caramunchies – Edmonton, AB
Caramunchitos
I am in absolute awe of my dear friend Alysia Lok and how her farmers’ market stall selling deli tubs of this insanely addictive treat has transformed into a beautifully packaged, premium snack over the years. This isn’t the first time Caramunchies has been featured in the BONAFIDE Box, but they’re just too delicious not to include—especially this mash-up of her buttery caramel-coated cornflakes and cheesy Doritos! I still tell her to ditch the zip seal and save a few bucks on packaging, because for most of us, this is a single serving. 🙂
Caramunchies are available for mail order (use promo code BONAFIDE for a free bag with any online purchase!) or can be found at Italian Centre Shop, boutiques, cafés, and Christmas markets. I’m thrilled one of our introductions led to Vancouver’s Union Market being the first spot in BC to carry them (thank you, Joie!). Enjoy your bag of Caramunchitos—don’t even think about sharing…Trust me!
Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Co. – Vancouver, BC
Mojito
@ednascocktails / ednascocktails.com
Friends, you won’t believe it—I finally made it to Cookscamp! This two-day event is an annual gathering of Canadian hospitality pros in Pemberton, BC, hosted by the Chef’s Table Society of BC, and it’s been on my radar for years thanks to my dear friend and fellow PR expert, Shawna Gardham. When she mentioned that this year’s dinner would be a traditional Filipino feast prepared by local Filipino chefs—and invited me to host a Q&A with Toronto-based Chef Ron McKinlay, Executive Chef of the legendary CANOE Restaurant—how could I say no?
The traditional Kamayan feast (no plates or cutlery, just hands!) for 250 guests was a showstopper led by Chef Antonio Martin, and the camaraderie among everyone there was truly inspiring. I was particularly moved by the open discussions about mental health and addiction, ongoing challenges within the industry. It was clear just how essential it is for people to ask for help when they need it—there’s no shortage of support in this close-knit community.
My curiosity about being mindful of guests’ beverage preferences led to a wonderful conversation with Nick Devine, the Vancouver-based founder of Edna’s Cocktails and a proud Cookscamp sponsor. With non-alcoholic beverage options on the rise, Edna’s is growing at an incredible pace and is now even available in Target stores across the U.S. Made with clean, natural ingredients and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, Edna’s uses bitters and shrubs (drinking vinegar) to recreate that “bite” typically found in alcoholic drinks. Their Mojito is a bestseller (find them at Vine Arts!) and it’s always great to have quality non-alcoholic options at events. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Gigi Importing- Brampton, ON
Bruschetta Rustica and Linea Oro Pasta
@gigi_importing/ gigiimporting.com
Every autumn, the Calgary Dinner Club (aka the CDC) gathers to enjoy an incredible meal, indulge in fabulous wine, and reminisce about all the memorable meals we’ve had throughout the year. Dinner goes on until the restaurant closes, and we get kicked out. The CDC crew consists of Flavio from Gigi, Gino from Italian Centre, and me—and it’s hands down one of my favorite dining nights of the year.
Flavio and his sister Mena keep us updated on their latest products and best sellers all year long. In fact, when Mena gave us her top picks for the BONAFIDE Box this year, it was tough to choose! Gigi’s products are wildly popular at all Italian Centre Shop locations, and we love hearing how the treasures they’ve shared with you over the years have become pantry favourites.
It’s no secret I love my meat, but these two veggie-forward products are seriously tasty and perfect for last-minute entertaining. The Rustic Veggie Spread pairs beautifully with crostini and a soft cheese like triple-cream Brie or Cambozola, while the Veggie Pasta (made with real beets, basil, tomato, and spinach) is so pretty and can jazz up a pasta dish. Pro tip: Don’t overcook this pasta—it only takes 6 minutes to reach al dente perfection!
Italian Centre Shop – Edmonton & Calgary, AB
Dried Porchini Mushrooms & Shopper Tote
@italiancentreshop / @italianctryyc / italiancentre.ca
It’s been another banner year for the team at Italian Centre Shop! Named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte Canada, they also celebrated the 65th anniversary of their flagship location in Little Italy and announced a second Calgary location set to open in 2026.
BONAFIDE had the pleasure of supporting the team with a whirlwind weekend in Edmonton and Calgary, accompanying Toronto-based cookbook author, TV personality, and Canadian Ambassador to Parmigiano-Reggiano, David Rocco. The events included book signings, meet & greets, and a delightful dinner at SABOR with some of the shop’s dearest media supporters and friends.
Two of the Italian Centre’s most anticipated events are just around the corner. The 2nd Annual Festival of Cheese will be held at the Sherwood Park location on November 13, and the Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar goes on sale on November 7 online and November 12 in stores.
Ryan and Sara from the shop’s marketing team have also shared a couple of foodie-approved stocking stuffers for you: dried porcini mushrooms and a shopper tote.
Jungle Betty – Calgary, AB
Jungle Manicure or Pedicure
@junglebetty / junglebetty.com
When I think of fierce women entrepreneurs, my friend Amie Dawe instantly comes to mind. As the founder of Golden Peach Wax Bar, she’s already made waves, and this year, she launched Jungle Betty, a chic nail bar in the heart of downtown Calgary. Her incredible team specializes in European-style manicures that are incredibly precise, more hygienic than traditional manicures, and have amazing staying power (just ask travel writer Jody Robbins—she’s hooked!). Amie’s dedication to making women of all ages, shapes, and sizes feel beautiful is exactly what busy, professional women need, and I’m thrilled to help spread the word.
Not too long ago – BONAFIDE hosted a strategy session for Amie at Jungle Betty, in collaboration with Angie Beers from Greenlight Creative. We focused on identifying her target audience, refining key messaging, and exploring the best advertising strategies to reach them. It was so rewarding to hear that our work made it easier for her to hire a social media agency to produce effective content.
Amie invites each of you to experience Jungle Betty for a little self-care. She’s included a gift certificate for a Jungle Manicure or Pedicure—whether for you to enjoy or to treat a friend.
Indáy x Kasama Chocolate – Vancouver, BC
Langka + Caramel Bar
Our network expanded tremendously this year with the addition of BC-based Filipino culinary talents. We were thrilled to receive a call from award-winning cookbook author and Canadian Culinary Championship judge Joie Alvaro Kent. Alongside Celine Bacani, co-owner of Vancouver’s iconic Lee’s Donuts, Joie conceived Indáy, a series of events designed to inspire people to explore Filipino cuisine beyond the classics like pansit, adobo, and lumpia.
In a celebration of Filipino-Canadian heritage, a group of rising young chefs from BC and Alberta collaborated on special dinners in Vancouver and Calgary. Indáy’s debut lineup included: Rupert Garcia, chef de cuisine at Hawthorn Dining Room at the Fairmont Palliser and 2024 Canadian Culinary Championship Silver Medalist; JP Dublado, Bronze Medalist at the same championship; Alden Ong, executive chef of Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant Farmer’s Apprentice and Grapes & Soda; and Ralph Cravalho of Gary’s on 12th.
We proudly helped spread the word in Alberta with a press release and attended the Calgary event, hosting our friends Cari and Gary Park from Mountain View Printing & Graphics, who generously sponsored the beautiful menus, gift tags, and postcards for both Vancouver and Calgary. It was a joy to experience the chefs’ inventive takes on flavors we might prepare at home, transforming them into something truly magical. It was an unforgettable evening that filled us with pride.
Team Indáy also collaborated with Granville Island-based KASAMA Chocolate, a multi-award winner at the International Chocolate Awards, to create the Indáy x Kasama Langka and Caramel bar. This bar, capturing the tender warmth of a mother’s embrace, combines the subtle sweetness of jackfruit chips with house-made caramel chips, wrapped in 55% milk chocolate crafted from premium Philippine cacao beans sourced from South Cotabato, Mindanao. It’s a nostalgic taste of home, and we’re delighted to share this beautiful chocolate bar featuring Joie’s mother with you on behalf of Team Indáy.
Lazy Bake – Calgary, AB
Brownie Mix
I often get asked how we choose items for the BONAFIDE Box each year, and honestly, I’m always on the lookout—constantly sampling products and getting recommendations from others. This time, Lazy Bake popped up on my Instagram feed, so I ordered their cookie and brownie mixes to try. A few weeks later, I made a batch of brownies (all I needed was butter and two eggs), and they were incredible. So good, in fact, I brought the pan over to my neighbors—otherwise, I would have devoured the whole thing myself.
I had the pleasure of meeting Katie Duffin, the wonderful creator behind Lazy Bake, and discovered she’s another inspiring pandemic success story. She’s crafted mixes for cookies, bread, and brownies (including gluten-free options!), and they’ve become pantry staples for me in case of a last minute house guests “emergency.”
This brownie mix is a lifesaver. Add a sprinkle of Maldon Salt as soon as it comes out of the oven, and it’ll make the chocolate flavour truly pop!
Northern Bars – Vancouver, BC
4 pcs. Espresso Nanaimo Bars
@northernbarsca / northernbars.ca
In case you missed it, I recently met someone who graced the walls of my teenage bedroom—a guy who captured my 14-year-old heart with his dreamy blue eyes, sideburns, and that iconic 90210 zip code. Yes, Jason Priestley (aka Brandon Walsh)! And to call this encounter “fruitful” is a serious understatement.
I had the pleasure of attending a wine dinner at ALLOY featuring wines from Oak & Priest Wine Co., the boutique winery founded by Jason and his best friend, Calgary-based film producer Chad Oakes. I gifted them each a box of Northern Bars and they loved it. A couple of weeks later, I was stunned to get a call from Chad ordering 200 boxes to gift to the cast and crew of One Mile, a film he’s producing in Nanaimo, BC, starring Ryan Phillippe! How cool is that? I also connected Jason and Chad with Christian Mena and Lino Oliviera of Edmonton’s SABOR Restaurant, which will soon have Oak & Priest on their wine list and YES – we will host a wine dinner Jason will be at so you, too can fan girl the way I did some time in the new year.
It’s amazing what a quintessentially Canadian gift can do as a gesture of appreciation or a door-opener to new partnerships. Working with Northern Bars, we’ve delighted so many people with these beautifully packaged bonbon-style bars, inching maple syrup closer to sharing the top spot on the “must-bring-home-from-Canada” list.
Michelle and Sam from Northern Bars are about to welcome their first baby any minute now, but that hasn’t stopped them from crafting new flavours for the holiday season. YOU are among the very first to try their NEW Espresso Nanaimo Bars—enjoy!
Sea Change Brewing Co./Shiddy’s – Edmonton, AB
Man Crush Mandarin Ale + MARG
seachangebeer.com / getshiddy.com
I’m such a fan of everything Sea Change Brewing Co. does – for a million reasons. From their boundless creativity and passion for beer to Pete Nguyen and the team’s deep-rooted commitment to community, they bring attention to detail and authenticity to everything they do. They’re not your typical “beer bros”—they’re inclusive, collaborating with BIPOC partners like Graham’s Jerk House and Mai Mai, and supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including organizations like The Fruit Loop Society of Alberta. They even share their dedicated fanbase to promote brand-aligned products made by friends and neighbors.
This year was huge for them. Not only did they make waves during Edmonton’s thrilling playoff run with the Limited Edition Joey Moss Man Crush Mandarin Ale, but they also opened Shiddy’s Rumpus Room on Edmonton’s south side where they serve up Flat Boy Burgers and a range of vodka sodas on tap, canned, and even in slushie form. Every Sea Change location has its own vibe, making them my go-to spots for showing off Edmonton to out-of-town guests.
Sea Change has been incredibly supportive of BONAFIDE and our clients over the years, and I’m thrilled to have a can of Man Crush and Shiddy’s MARG for you to try—my summer go-to at the Rumpus Room, where I love adding a MARG slush as an “iceberg” to my pint of Man Crush. Everything really does taste better when it’s made by good people with big hearts.
Vin Room – Calgary, AB
On The Fly Rapid Refuel Box + Prosecco
2024 was an incredible year filled with both business and leisure travel, allowing me to indulge in pre-flight mimosa flights and freshly crafted meals before boarding at Vin Room YYC. Phoebe Fung brought us on board to help refresh the brand for their grab-and-go meal line, now known as Vin Room ON THE FLY. We had the pleasure of collaborating with designer Andrea Merkl to create new signage, collateral, and labels for a variety of hearty, healthy dishes made fresh daily.
Vin Room Mission has been a cornerstone on 4th Street for over 15 years, and it’s always a treat to partner with Phoebe’s team on events like the Pancake Showdown and Feast on 4th.
If you spot me with a dapper, super-chill Pomeranian, that’s Dom! He sent over a Dom-sized bottle of bubbles for you to celebrate the New Year, and his mom included a gift certificate for a Rapid Re-fuel Box of your choice for the next time you’re flying out of Calgary to an amazing destination. Cheers!
On a personal note…
2024 didn’t start as smoothly as I’d hoped…We lost my cousin, Elizabeth (to me, she was “Lilibet”) to cancer just four weeks into the new year. She’s my oldest cousin (I’m the youngest!) and she loved me very very much. I found myself in the same role I hold at work—planning, supporting everyone and trying to keep shit together. Still, I couldn’t shake the question: Am I doing this life thing right?
That moment led to some meaningful changes. I adjusted my business model, shifting more toward project-based work than retainer work. I also stopped working weekends (well, mostly!) and prioritized self-care. Sleep and recharge time moved up on my list, and I started saying yes to things that genuinely fill my cup—and no to things that don’t. Through it all, I’ve kept sprinkling that BONAFIDE brand of fairy dust on people, places, and things that make my heart happy, hoping it all makes a difference. I always say it, but it bears repeating: I’m the luckiest gal I know.
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for BONAFIDE and our loyal clients. We are truly grateful for the friendship and support you continue to give us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts…
xo, JPC