9 epic food events to check out during Beakerhead 2017

Beakerhead 2017 is going down in Calgary from September 13 to 17, and there are some seriously delicious events to get involved in during this annual celebration of installations, artworks, engineering, and creativity in general.

We only have a few more weeks before we hit the Beakerbar and get our stretchy pants on for Malted Milkshake Madness – here are 9 must-hit events during Beakerhead 2017.

Field of Dreams Tour

Take a trolley to three restaurants in a three-hour tour. At each stop, you will meet the chefs behind some of the exquisite creations in Engineered Eats while sampling drinks and dishes. Every year, Engineered Eats Challenges restaurants to experiment with an ingredient – this year that ingredient is barley. Engineered treats, gratuity and busy trolley included, and the price of drinks will be additional.

When: September 8, 9, and 13 from 7 to 10 pm
Where: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Calgary, 711 4 Street SE
Cost: $75; buy via Eventbrite

Engineered Eats

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Explore creative foods and beverages at 25 participating bars and restaurants citywide, including Anju, The Coup, Deane House, and more. This year, introduce your tastebuds to a whole new take on a staple Canadian grain: Barley.

When: September 9 to 17
Where: Multiple venues in Calgary
Cost: Prices vary

Beakerbar

Beakerbar is a place to hang out with friends all throughout Beakerhead. Pull up a chair to toast the spirit of invention at the Inventors’ Market – where cold brews and chemical cocktails are yours for the tasting while you drum up your own “next big idea.” Soak in the sun and enjoy this spot almost daily throughout the fest.

When: September 13 to 17; Wednesday to Friday from 4 to 9:30 pm, Saturday from noon to 11 pm, Sunday from 12 to 5 pm
Where: Fort Calgary, 750 9 Avenue SE
Cost: Free admission. Beer tickets for purchase.

Butcher This Anatomy Class

Compare and contrast the language of butchery and anatomy in this hands-on comparative meat experience. Translate knife skills to dissection technique in this butchery workshop, guided by seasoned anatomy expert Warren Fitch and Chef Connie DeSousa and Chef John Jackson, co-owners of Charbar and Charcut.

When: September 13 from 6 to 8 pm
Where: The Cookbook Co. Cooks, 722 11 Avenue SW
Cost: $125; buy via Eventbrite

Malted Milkshake Madness

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Learn the science behind turning starchy barley grains into sweet malted barley, and the secrets behind making a world-class gelato. Combine this knowledge and your flavours and topping creativity to make your own, signature malted milkshake.

When: September 13 from 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Burger 320, 126 10 Street NW
Cost: $25; buy via Eventbrite

Scientific Sommelier

Uncork your inner grape geek with a guided exploration of the elements responsible for the taste and body of your favourite wines. This is no ordinary wine tasting. Guided by Bricks Wine Company’s own Wine Director, ready your mind and palate for this experience from vine to glass.

When: September 13 from 7 to 9 pm
Where: Bricks Wine Company, 101, 902 9 Avenue SE
Cost: $45; buy via Eventbrite

Good Chemistry: The Science of Beer

Combine two of your favourite things: beer and knowledge, and hang out at the Beakerbar with craft brewing experts to find out the art and science behind making one of the most popular drinks in the world. A dozen local breweries including Trolley Five and Mill Street will tap their kegs and spill some wisdom.

When: September 14 from 6 to 8 pm
Where: Beakerbar, (Fort Calgary beside Serpent Mother), 750 9 Avenue SE
Cost: Free admission. Beer tickets for purchase.

Cooking In The Arctic

Travel to Iqaluit from the warmth of the dining table among new-found friends. Join the Arctic Institute of North America for a culinary adventure to Canada’s northernmost territory: Nunavut. Explore traditional and contemporary culinary culture and environment in the North while creating a remarkable meal of venison stew and cloudberry bannock.

When: September 15 and 16 from 5 to 7:30 pm
Where: ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen, 909 – 11 Avenue SW
Cost: $110; buy via Eventbrite

Coffee in Parts per Million

A delicious cup of coffee comes all boils down to water. Taste and learn how small changes in water chemistry can have a major impact on a flavourful cup of joe. Chemist Stephen McNeil and Phil & Sebastian co-founder Phil Robertson guide you through a series of variable shifting taste tests and why coffees brewed with different waters taste the way they do.

When: September 17 from 1 to 3 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, Simmons Building Roasting Room, 618 Confluence Way SE
Cost: $60; buy via Eventbrite

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