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This is the first issue of Randomly Validating, a free newsletter about living, laughing, loving and money-ing in Calgary. We sent you this because you participated in a Random Act by ATB, probably to receive some cute dog pics (all of which were very cute, by the way, but yours were the cutest.)

We’ll be sending you issues on a regular basis. If you’re curious about your city, your neighbours and life in the sprawl, welcome. We’re happy to be in your inbox. 

If you want to learn more about Random Acts by ATB or Randomly Validating, click the button below.

Photo by Sarah Comber Photography

A little friend gives a Random Acts cube a curious sniff at Sue Higgins Park.

Stay in the loop. Win at trivia. Wow at parties.

By Catrina Bowles

Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or a holiday feast, arm yourself with these tips and sound like a pro with your local butcher.

Words by Kristy Archibald     
Illustrations by Amber Solberg

With rising grocery prices, it pays to be more mindful about your grocery shopping. Brandon Bell, butcher and owner of Brant Lake Premium Meat Shop, concurs. In fact, he’s noticed growing customer interest in how their food is raised.

All this is to say that it’s worth hitting your local butcher over a big store chain these days. “When customers get that connection with the hands that actually raised the product, it just makes them feel so much more at ease about what they're eating,” says Bell. 

But make no mistake, it’s a totally different vibe than your standard grocery store. In these shops, nothing is pre-packaged, and everything is raw. Shane Eustace, operations manager at Urban Butcher, understands that this can make people nervous.

“Some people think they need the right knowledge or experience, but really it’s the complete opposite,” says Eustace. “We’ll gladly help you figure out exactly what you should get.”

Have no fear! We’ve put together a handy checklist for your next trip to the butcher.  

☐ Consider serving sizes

Eustace says a good rule of thumb is about half a pound (250 grams) of raw meat per person.

Generally, he suggests halving that for kids and seniors, and doubling it for teenagers.

☐ Know what you’re cooking

“For many cuts of meat, the method is more important than the specific cut the recipe calls for,” says Eustace.

“Some are better suited for the slow cooker or a crock pot…while others are best on the barbecue or roasted in the oven.”

☐ Mind your budget 

Something that costs $10 at the grocery store might cost $12 or $15 at a spot like Urban Butcher, but the taste and quality will be noticeably different (hint: better).  

“So many of our customers come in and get a ribeye steak—a bestseller—and they’ll come back and say it was the best steak they’ve ever had,” says Eustace. 

Bell says pricing can seem intimidating at his shop because they specialize in Wagyu Cross, a higher-quality beef. But he reassures that there’s something for every budget.

“If you tell me you only want to spend $100 and you’re feeding four people, I can help you find the perfect product.” 

☐ Ask for tips 

If cooking certain cuts has you feeling unsure, both Eustace and Bell say their staff are also skilled cooks who can offer guidance.

“If customers are nervous about cooking an expensive steak, we have beginner methods that are easier for them, such as the reverse sear method that only requires an oven and a baking sheet,” says Bell.

Step outside your comfort zone

By Stephanie Bauer

At home: Try a “mystery recipe night” by choosing an ingredient you’ve never cooked with and creating a dish that’s completely new to you. Case in point: Jackfruit is delicious and makes a perfect meat substitute in Hannah Sunderani’s vegan BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches. For a great deal on ingredients, explore your local T&T Supermarket. 

In Your Community: Step outside and explore Calgary’s public art scene on the Beltline Art Walk, with public tours available in November from Wednesday to Sunday (weather permitting). Snap a photo of a hidden detail, quirky sculpture, or unusual mural you’ve never noticed before, like Drew Young’s “Barbed Oasis.”

Photo by Sarah Comber Photography

Nala reaches for a treat at Sue Higgins Park during the Random Acts pet portrait event in October.

It’s getting a little cold for portraits in the dog park, but we’ve got something up our sleeve for winter. Here’s a hint: it involves attaching sharp blades to your shoes (which sounds completely ridiculous when you write it out like that.) 

Keep an eye out for the Random Acts team in Calgary this month—you never know where we’ll lace up next.

What is this, anyway?

Thanks for reading the very first issue of Randomly Validating, a new email…thing, part of Random Acts by ATB. This issue, and every one to come, is written by real people who explore Calgary to find stories and events happening in your community. 

Want to learn more about Random Acts? Have some friends who need a little Random Validation? Click that button right there.

P.S. Random Acts is by ATB, but there’s no catch. We won’t suddenly flood your inbox with promos, though we may occasionally send you things we think you’ll like.