We can’t believe it…It’s the 10th and final BONAFIDE BOX!
Our time-honoured tradition has been so highly anticipated over the years and has resulted in countless smiles, sheer joy and glee every November when we carefully curate and prepare to send 50 out to our biggest supporters, story amplifiers and partners each year. It’s always been a chance for us to look back on the past 12 months and share products and brands with incredible stories connected to our work.
It was a busy year for us – we had a blast!
- Phil & Sebastian offered Calgarians a chance to experience a $100 cup of coffee. Yes, you read that right – Finca Sophia Washed Geisha is one of the most exclusive and highly awarded coffees in the world and they secured 1kg from the prestigious Best of Panama auction. We connected the team to local ceramist Quin Cheung who was commisioned to design limited edition cups for the exclusive tastings. Check out the feature in Calgary Herald!
- We took a wee little jaunt across the pond to London (England – not Ontario!) and had an incredible time exploring the National Portrait Gallery, a tour of the city on one of their iconic double decker buses and dined at Michelin starred BRAT, TRINITY and LITA. Of course, we did a pit stop to legendary Borough Market but not before visiting our pal Chef Ryan O’Flynn who over the pandemic opened Detroit Pizza London, opened a 2nd location a couple years later – then this year, launched Paulie’s – a New York Pizza joint. This kid from Millwoods is crushing it – and it was so great to see him.
- We produced a Asian Heritage Month media drop featuring products from Jacek Chocolates x Fu’s Repair Shop, Mini Kitchen, Yelo’d Ice Cream, Cluck ‘n Cleaver, Holy Duck Chili Oil, and Christina Ma from Klein/Harris with artwork designed by Lianne Charlene Creative.
- For International Women’s Month – we created a media drop for Calgary women entrepreneurs featuring florals from Peaseblossoms and Jolene’s Tea House. It was a lovely surprise for recipients and our way of celebrating fierce leaders in our community.
- Yet another BODEGA Tapas Bar opened on Whyte Ave. and after a few years of looking for the perfect location for an expansion to Calgary – we found the perfect spot for the guys on 4th Street…Christian and Lino opened their 8th BODEGA Tapas Bar location days before Lilac Festival – and just in time for Stampede. It was their first rodeo and holy smokes, did they have fun…The team took home the Golden Spatula Award for Best Pancake at Fourth Street’s Pancake Showdown.
- Italian Centre Shop Calgary turned TEN this summer! Congrats to the entire team…It was such a pleasure launching one of my favourite Alberta-made brands in my ‘hood and working as an extension of their marketing team for nearly a decade!
- It was another tasty adventure dining across the country…Some highlights – Vancouver’s Bravo Bar (Alloy alum Jonah Joffre is Chef/Owner), Bar Tartare and June on Cambie…In Toronto, squeezed in a bite at iconic Canoe, BB’s, Alma and in Montreal an old favourite, Tuck Shop.
- Speaking of Fourth Street – Feast on Fourth, the only budget-friendly, walkable food festival came back with a Spring and a Fall edition and the restaurant offerings are insane value for dollar. It’s truly becoming a Calgary fave!
- SABOR was named in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards again and got the top spot on Modern Luxuria’s Awards of Excellence.
- We got outdoorsy again and reunited with BC culinary friends at CooksCamp 2025!
INSIDE THE BONAFIDE BOX 2025
Anne of Green Gables Chocolates – Charlottetown, PEI
Cow Chip Chocolate Bar & PEI Popcorn Mix
@anneschocolates / annechocolates.com
If you know anything about me and my favourite Canadian culinary events, you’ll know the PEI Shellfish Festival tops the list every single fall. I NEVER turn down a chance to visit Charlottetown and over the years, I’ve been lucky to build friendships with some incredibly talented folks who make very delicious things. There’s just something special about the collaborative spirit on Canada’s Food Island.
And while PEI is famous for its world-class shellfish and seafood, here’s a fun fact: it’s also known for its cattle and potatoes. That means exceptional milk, butter, and yes – potato chips. Leave it to the Anne of Green Gables Chocolates team to combine them into two dangerously addictive treats that are pure Island magic.
While Chicago is known for its cheesy cheddar and caramel popcorn mix and today you’re getting a taste of PEI’s Mix made with the most buttery caramel and salty potato chips! Kym from Anne of Green Gables Chocolate also wanted me to make sure everyone got a Cow Chip Chocolate Bar to enjoy over the holiday season. Both can be mail ordered via their website here.
Debbie Wong Designs x Shuckwagon Social – Calgary, AB
Custom digital portrait illustration, appetizer board, pin and sticker
@debbiewongdesign / debbiewongdesign.com
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting countless restaurant openings and helping our clients build legacy events—but the launch of SABOR Restaurant Group’s newest concept, ATRIUM at SABOR, called for something extra special.
After experiencing their first Stampede Week in Calgary, Christian and Lino were so inspired by that cowboy spirit that we decided to bring a little of it north to Edmonton to kick off Canadian Finals Rodeo week—BONAFIDE style. And just like that, the Shuckwagon Social was born!
We teamed up with our incredible network of friends—including Sarah Valencia of Our Jonrah Events to throw a bash unlike any other for Edmonton’s movers and shakers.
Guests enjoyed craft beer from Polyrhythm Brewing, ice cream from Yelo’d, PEI oysters from Raspberry Point and Atlantic Aqua Farms, brisket from A Cappella Catering expertly carved by the crew at Knifewear. Effin’ Seafoods served up epic caviar bumps, Vine Arts hosted a Canadian whisky tasting, while our friends at Union Financial (the new owners of the historic Union Bank Inn!) made sure everyone was party-ready with their very own Smithbilt cowboy hat. It was a banger!
To top it all off, $1,200 was raised for the YWCA Edmonton’s Rose Campaign thanks to the incredible Calgary-based illustrator Debbie Wong, whose work I’ve admired for years—it was such a joy to finally collaborate with her on a project that was both fun and interactive.
Debbie’s fashion illustrations were such a huge hit at BONAFIDE’s Shuckwagon Social – she has so generously included a certificate for a digital headshot portrait for each of you and I’ve included some SWAG from the inaugural event. There’s a pretty good chance we’ll be hosting the Calgary edition the Monday before Stampede starts at Bodega on 4th in 2026 so if you’re in Calgary – save the date.
Drunken Pho – Edmonton, AB
The OG Vietnamese Chili Oil
If you’re in Alberta and a fan of chili oil or chili crunch, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Steven Nguyen’s reels…His signature black gloves first launched Drunken Pho, where he crushed some of Edmonton’s most iconic dishes from behind the steering wheel of his car. These days, he’s showing fans how to elevate their home cooking one spoonful of Vietnamese Chili Oil at a time.
A friend texted to ask if I was familiar with Drunken Pho earlier this year and I replied with a photo of my half-empty jar (I was already on my second in just over two months!). I’ve tried a lot of chili oils in my day, but none with this kind of flavour profile.
I’m obsessed – whether it’s spooned over dim sum on lazy Sundays, drizzled on steamed vegetables, or stirred generously into every bowl of pho.
This is the newest addition to my ever-growing condiment collection…It is so dang delicious – “The OG” is here for you to try and I can’t wait to hear all the delicious ways y0u’re going to be using it. Be warned – you’ll be placing an order for Christmas – this is a killer stocking stuffer!
A Cappella Catering – Edmonton, AB
Holiday Take & Bake Dinner
@acappellacatering / acappellacatering.com
A Cappella Catering just keeps growing—stronger, better, and busier every year! Last summer we celebrated CURBSIDE Food Truck and this year? The launch of BARSIDE Mobile Cocktail Bar – founder Todd Rutter’s year-long passion project after tracking down and restoring a vintage Airstream trailer. This beauty had its maiden voyage just in time for YWCA Edmonton’s Annual Rose Garden party and what a stunning event it was! We were so proud to help facilitate such a meaningful gathering in support of such an important cause.
Meanwhile, the hardworking kitchen team led by Chef Biren also launched a NEW seasonal favourite – Thanksgiving Poutine is a must-have for any holiday celebration! It’s fun, festive, and ridiculously easy to serve…Check out Kira Paran’s Friendsgiving spread! Entertaining just doesn’t get easier, amirite? Click here for holiday menus!
Kim, Todd and the team at A Cappella are once again treating 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!
Duinkerken Foods – Charlottetown, PEI
Gingerbread Cake & Cookie Mix
@duinkerkenfoodsinc / duinkerkenfoods.com
When word got out that we were curating the final BONAFIDE Box, our network came out in full force introducing us to some of their favourite Canadian brands. One that truly stood out was Duinkerken Foods.
Founded by Brenda Van Duinkerken, a baker from Charlottetown who lives with celiac disease, Duinkerken has created a line of completely allergen-free baking mixes that make it easy for everyone to enjoy homemade treats.
Over the years, we’ve watched our clients and friends become increasingly mindful and accommodating of those with celiac disease – whether it’s the Italian Centre Shop expanding its gluten-free section, SABOR and BODEGA Tapas Bar proudly offering a 90% gluten-free menu, or food and lifestyle blogger Little Miss Andrea adapting recipes to host friends with dietary needs. A fabulous host is always prepared to make everyone feel welcome, and Duinkerken’s mixes are a must-have in the pantry—perfect for creating baked treats everyone can enjoy, during the holidays and all year ‘round.
Jillan at Duinkerken Foods sent over an assortment of their allergen-free baking mixes which I’ve shared with gluten-aware friends but I kept the Gingerbread Cake to try for myself and let me tell you – I shared it with my neighbours and no one could tell it was gluten-free. I think this is a great pantry item and a way to be a host with the most.
EPCOR – Edmonton, AB
Glass of the Sask Waterbottle
Our third year supporting EPCOR’s Glass of the Sask and its restaurant program came with an exciting new element in 2025 — content creation with our friend and filmmaker, Kevin Kossowan! Together, we produced five 60-second vignettes featuring High Dough, Super Amigos Mexican Street Food, Polyrhythm Brewing, JUU KU, and Little Wolf—each sharing how clean tap water plays a vital role in their business.
The EPCOR team continues to knock it out of the park. This year’s program introduced a Glass of the Sask carafe gift-with-purchase campaign, with each of the five restaurants creating a signature dish for summer. The first 75 customers to order the feature each week received their very own Glass of the Sask carafe to take home! The result? Lineups, sellouts, and plenty of happy bellies—plus, new patrons discovering some incredible local spots.
EPCOR also partnered with the Edmonton Riverhawks to showcase local artists, including our talented friends Justine Ma and Pete Nguyen, who designed stunning murals for the water-filling stations at RE/MAX Field. We were thrilled when Margaret, Tim, and the EPCOR team shared custom water bottles featuring their artwork for inclusion in this year’s BONAFIDE Box.
And for the record — while opening BODEGA in Calgary over the summer, Chef Lino couldn’t stop talking about the difference between Edmonton’s tap water and Calgary’s. Ask him about it next time you see him — he’s a passionate fan of A Glass of the Sask!
Luna Rosa Botanicals – Sturgeon County, AB
Ritual | Energy Cleansing Mist
@lunarosabotanicals / lunarosabotanicals.com
Our dear friend Leanne Mistal at Sturgeon County is always shining a light on the incredible businesses that call the area home and we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with her team on a number of projects over the years.
When she introduced us to Luna Rosa Botanical products, we instantly fell in love with their vibe and couldn’t wait to try some of her favourites. Founded by herbalists Melanie Azevedo and Chantelle Aitchison, Luna Rosa crafts a line of handmade, non-toxic herbal remedies made from flowers and herbs grown and harvested right on their flower farm.
Focused on supporting women’s wellness through every stage of life – from motherhood to menopause – their products are as thoughtful as they are effective. We’re especially loving the Hippie Dippie Herbal Healing Balm (we may have just used some on a papercut while assembling BONAFIDE Boxes, lol) and the ROOTED Hairloss Treatment (because, let’s be real — peri-menopause is a trip, y’all). Made with love right here in Alberta.
Tis the season for stress so the ladies thought a spritz of juju magic could do all of us some good. RITUAL Energy Cleansing Mist is made with sacred palo santo + grounding sage to cleanse negative energy from your space, aura + mind. Use this instead of smudging with smoke to cleanse a room or during meditation on those days that feel a little extra ick.
Milk Jar Candle Co. – Calgary, AB
Golden Hour Candle
We’ve been longtime fans of Milk Jar Candle Co. (you know how much we love shopping local!) so when we were sourcing gifts for Fourth Street’s Pancake Showdown media kits, the Blueberry Pancake candle immediately stood out as the perfect sensory treat. And it was a hit, helping us kick off Stampede season in style!
We’re always proud to support brands that give back to the community, and Milk Jar’s commitment to donating $1 from every product sold to initiatives that promote inclusive employment and welcoming workspaces around the world is truly inspiring.
It was also such a pleasure to share Milk Jar candles with 30 Tourism Calgary Ambassadors during their 4th Street dine-around in October – their “Hawaii” candle, with notes of lilac, rose water lily, and plumeria, served as the perfect fragrant reminder of Lilac Festival every June.
One of Milk Jar’s NEW seasonal scents is Golden Hour – Cashmere, Cedarwood and Musk…There’s something so warm and cozy about it and on a cool, winter night it will set the tone for hosting guests. Just add some jazz and vino!
Vin Room – Calgary, AB
Little Dom Vivant Cabernet Sauvignon
There’s no dog lover in this town who doesn’t know Dom – Calgary’s Pomeranian sommelier. As the beloved companion to Calgary-based restaurateur, community leader, and friend to all dogs – Vin Room founder, Phoebe Fung. Her little sidekick wears many hats…He’s a volunteer at the Calgary International Airport, a quiet comfort at seniors homes, and a familiar face within the larger Calgary dog community. When Phoebe came to us with her vision to develop a brand of wine to honour Dom, raise funds for Pet Access League Society (PALS), a non-profit providing pet therapy at over 60 facilities in Calgary and her desire to engage a local artist – Little Dom Vivant was born.
David and Maya from Bear & Unicorn Creative Co. were Phoebe’s design partners and together they created a fun and playful brand to align with Dom’s uncanny ability to spread joy and a sense of ease wherever he goes. There’s no doubt wherever this wine flows, good times will be had.
Little Dom Vivant is all about living well and fully, and in keeping with Dom’s spirit: gentle, joyful, and deeply present. This wine is about pouring it forward — about recognizing that when your cup runneth over, you have the opportunity to share the abundance with others.
You’re among the very first people who are getting a taste of Little Dom Vivant (it goes on sale by the bottle at all Vin Room locations on November 20!) and this 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from Languedoc, France is packed with cranberry, pomegranate, and raspberry flavours which remain throughout the lengthy finish. The silky and soft tannins are well integrated, and the alcohol level of the wine has been kept at bay leading to a Cabernet Sauvignon with elegance and finesse. Dom is featured on the bottle while the Chardonnay honours two of his four-legged besties Taco and the late Gracie Lou Boo, Carmen Cheng’s (aka: FoodKarma) beloved pup and Dom’s co-cover pup for the 2023 PALS Calendar.
Monster Sauce – Calgary, AB
Shorty’s Garlic Hot Honey
@monstersauceco / monstersauce.ca
We were first introduced to Monster Sauce through the Calgary food scene (no surprise there!) and fell in love with co-founder Kelly Mandeville’s style and vibe. With her partner Peter, this powerhouse duo turned their shared love of bold flavours and hospitality into one of Alberta’s most crave-worthy condiment brands.
Kelly’s background in film, marketing and hospitality shines through in every part of the brand from the playful packaging to the flavour-forward storytelling that has people across Canada reaching for their jars of Monster Crunch Chili Crisp and Shorty’s Hot Honey. What started as a small-batch kitchen experiment back in 2018 has evolved into an award-winning local favourite… Their Monster Crunch even took home Best Condiment & Sauce at the 2024 Alberta Food & Beverage Awards!
Handcrafted in Calgary, Monster Sauce products are packed with intention, creativity and a good dose of fun and one of our favourite pantry staples is Shorty’s Garlic Hot Honey. The sweet and savoury notes make it perfect in marinades and glazes for meats and chicken wings but on avocado toast – it’s killer.
Tourism Calgary x Cabin Brewery – Calgary, AB
Quench Hop Water
@cabinbrewing / cabinbrewing.ca
Ok – I know you’re wondering “What on earth is hop water?” Inspired by Calgary’s wide-open optimism and brewed with pure Rocky Mountain water and premium hops – this zero-proof, zero-sugar, zero-calorie beverage is anything but basic. Crisp, clean, gluten-free, and bursting with citrusy hop flavour, the makers over at CABIN Brewery say it’s like drinking liquid optimism and we totally agree. This is a really nice option for non-alcohol beverages for entertaining over the holidays.
One of my favourite things about being in PR is hosting visitors in Calgary and showing off the great work our clients and friends do and traveling around the world sharing all the adventures and treasures that can be found right here in Calgary. From the culinary scene like restaurants, breweries and coffee culture to Instagram-worthy public art and summer festivals. Calgary’s got a vibe – and for 17 years and counting – I’m so proud to call it home.
Jill and Haydon Dewes from CABIN wanted to send a little taste of the Blue Sky City (Tourism Calgary’s new tagline!) your way. Bring the postcard into CABIN over the holidays and pick up a 4pk for just $4.
Cows Creamery – Charlottetown, PEI
Moo Crisps
@cows_creamery / cowscreamery.ca
We’ve always had a soft spot for COWS Creamery — the iconic Canadian brand known for its award-winning cheeses, rich butter, and of course, those cheeky ice cream cones that have become a Canadian favourite. When we were sent a box of Moo Crisps, we knew we were in for a treat. Made with 100% COWS Creamery cheddar, oven-baked Moo Crisps are light, crunchy, and absolutely packed with flavour. It’s cheese in its most snackable form!
What we love most is how the COWS team continues to innovate while staying true to their roots in craftsmanship and community. From the creamery’s humble beginnings in Charlottetown to being recognized across Canada for quality and creativity, it’s so fun to see the many ways they’re finding their way to our kitchens and pantry.
Moo Chips are great on charcuterie boards for some cheesy crunch and even blitzed in a food processor and added to breadcrumbs to coat chicken cutlets. They make a great substitute for tortilla chips (super Keto-friendly and high protein!) and I bet they’d be great as croutons for tomato or French onion soup! Mary Beth from COWS Creamery was delighted to send some our way to share with you!
Gigi Importing- Brampton, ON
Molecola Italian Cola, SGAMBARO Pasta & Crema Novi Hazelnut Spread
@gigi_importing / gigiimporting.com
While you’re reading this, there’s a very good chance I’m frantically packing for a quick jaunt to Italy. That’s right — I’m off to Rome, and my good friend Flavio from Gigi Importing has armed me with a list of must-eat spots in one of the most incredible cities in the world.
I’m boarding the plane with a pretty solid itinerary of places to go, things to do, and (of course) delicious things to eat — thanks to my work with Italian Centre Shop and our friends, Edmonton-based Chef Daniel Costa and Brooklyn-based Chef Silvia Barban. Keep an eye on BONAFIDE’s Instagram Stories next week and come along for the adventure!
Once again, Flavio and Mena have curated some of their newest Italian products to share with you this year — and trust me, they’re bellissimi. Molecola is one of the hottest Italian soda brands right now and it was named after the Mole Antonelliana, a famous building in Torino that also inspired the shape of the bottle. Crema Novi Hazelnut Spread is what I would call…Nutella for adults and it’s 45% hazelnuts!!! II dare you not to eat it straight from the jar… but if you can resist, pair it with some really good bread and French butter. Finally, SGAMBARO Pasta is made of 100% Italian wheat and it’s got such a great taste and texture. You’re going to love it and if you want more – find it at all Italian Centre Shop locations!
Good Bake – Calgary, AB
Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites
@goodbakeofficial/ goodbake.co
We first discovered Good Bake when we were looking for brands to feature in our Asian Heritage Month media drop and loved their mission to make indulgent treats that everyone can enjoy. Founded by sisters Claudia and Kezia Pasaribu, Good Bake was born out of their shared love of baking and their desire to create snacks that are both delicious and inclusive.
Drawing inspiration from their Indonesian heritage and busy lives as moms and entrepreneurs, the sisters launched Good Bake under their company Thousand Market. Between raising families, working full-time, and studying, Claudia and Kezia perfected their signature Crunchy Brownie Bites – rich, chocolatey, and perfectly crispy – all while being gluten-free, nut-free, and crafted in small batches right here in Calgary.
Kezia’s experience in the food industry (with her husband’s culinary background) helped fine-tune the recipe, while Claudia’s creative and business instincts brought the brand to life. Together, they’ve built something thoughtful, and rooted in family – snacks made with care for every kind of eater and for all ages.
I brought a couple bags to snack on at Cooks Camp this year and a few of the chefs I was sharing with said these would be great paired with wine and cheese. Try it with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Merlot…Claudia and Kezia are so excited to be included in the BONAFIDE Box this year!
On a personal note…
2026 will be BONAFIDE’s 10th year and while we’re closing the chapter on our annual BONAFIDE BOX, we’ll be finding new ways to connect our clients to the public, media and consumers. The power of human connection seems more important today than ever and we could really feel it when the opportunities to bring people together came up throughout the year.
The past few weeks have been sad in Edmonton’s media community…We lost a gem of a friend recently. I met John Sexsmith when I was 14 years old and volunteering answering request line phones at K-97 Radio. He was the cool sports guy on the Morning Show and I swear I’d never seen the guy in anything by khaki shorts, a golf shirt and runners. He was always very kind and hardworking…I remember him hunkered down on his computer in the newsroom when most people were goofing around.
I later reconnected with John when I was working in community relations for McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada and on the board at Sport Central together. That’s when our friendship really began (I was a grown-up by then!) and over the years, we continued to cheer each other on. John battled cancer for 14 years. Though we didn’t see each other often, Facebook and text messages kept us connected. A couple years ago when his wife Jo-Ann saw I was in Charlottetown for a conference – I got a text – John and their son Joel were there too!
While my heart’s been a bit heavy as of late, I am really looking forward to BONAFIDE’s 10th year and the new adventures it will bring. I am so grateful to all of you for your continued support of me and my clients…We feel the love every single day.
xo, JPC