Chef Britt Bell was born and raised in Calgary. She had worked in all types of kitchens—from high-end restaurants and hotels, to franchises, independent bakeries, a mountaintop backcountry lodge, and eventually at a brewery with ’88 Brewing. Her career had been a fun and rewarding journey through a wide variety of kitchen environments, shaped by learning from many amazing and inspiring Chefs who continued to mentor and motivate her. She loved the connections forged through kitchen work. Whether it was with Farmers, Vinters, or a well-known and respected Chef, she believed those relationships were some of the most meaningful and lasting.

What made you want to become a chef?

“When I first started working in kitchens at a young age, it was the fast-paced, collaborative energy that pulled me in. The thrill, the passion, the pressure. The rush when the food is flying out of the kitchen and things are running like clockwork, and we all jump to help those who are floundering without thinking twice.“

Why do you use Alberta ingredients in your kitchen?

“I really like to support local farmers and producers, they put so much hard work into creating great ingredients. These ingredients taste great and can bring menu items to another level.“

What is your favourite Alberta ingredient to use?

“I really enjoy using local tomatoes. There is such a wide variety of ways to serve them and the flavour and smell of on the vine ripe tomatoes is something I will never get tired of.“

What dish should guests be sure to try on your menu?

“We have a taproom salad on our menu that is constantly rotating but is always featuring different varieties of local products that we like to showcase from different vegetables to grains.“

What is a favourite kitchen/cooking memory?

“The Harvest Dinner held at River Café every Fall. We hosted a dinner to honor the farmers and producers that we worked with. They would donate some Meats or Fruits/Vegetables, Grains, and Wine and we just would cook this massive meal for them and it was just always such a fun event. “