We moved to Calgary in 2006 for Dave’s dream job, but in 2009, we moved to Cochrane because we needed a bigger house when it became evident that Dave’s parents couldn’t live alone. A year later, they moved to nursing homes. So we sold the big house we didn’t need for our little family of four and moved closer to the kids’ schools. Then, Dave lost his dream job and found another dream job, this time, for the actual Town of Cochrane. To show his employers that he was committed, we moved back to Cochrane once again. It’s a quaint little town in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, with a very western feel. We like it, but I don’t like the traffic from the top of the big hill to our house at 5pm in the afternoon. When are we gonna twin the highway, hm? Those are the 15 minutes of every day that I DON’T like Cochrane.

For the size of this little town, we have A LOT of amazing restaurants and stores. I’d hate to see any of them go under as a result of this pandemic. So this particular blog post will be constantly updated with a review of stores and restaurants that I personally have an experience with during this crazy time. Many of them are still open, they are just doing business a bit differently. I’ll tell you what they’re doing and how, so you can still support them if you are looking for a service like theirs.

Mehtab East Indian Cuisine

Early on in the Lockdown, our amazing Mayor Jeff Genung did a video spotlight on Mehtab. They were giving away free food to anyone who had lost their job or to anyone who couldn’t afford it, no questions asked. We thought that was so nice of them, so we ordered food from them on our next takeout night. Their food is yummy, and they have an awesome lunch buffet you should try when the lockdown and pandemic is over.

PZA Parlour

Their pizza’s are unique and amazing. They were offering free delivery because they knew no one could eat in. Try the Super Fun Ghi or the PEI Wedding Pizza, they’re my faves. Dave loves the Smoky Mango way and the Johnny G.

Sakura Sushi & Grill

Their sushi is so fresh and yummy. Dave and I love their spicy pork bulgogi and the kids love their dragon sushi. They offer contactless delivery too. When in restaurant dining is available again, go check out their restaurant. The ambience and decor is incredible. Hundreds (thousands?) of paper cranes hang from their ceiling.

Brio Boutique

Toni at Brio is freaking awesome. Kira and I shopped there before the lockdown and she is so kind and complimentary. I was looking at a dress online (Dave wanted me to pick something for Mother’s Day and my birthday) and I was wondering how I would try it on before I bought it. I contacted Toni by email. She sent Brio Boy (that is seriously what she called him!) over to my house with the dress, which he dropped off for me to TRY. TRY! I hadn’t even bought it yet. If I liked it, she instructed me to head over to her website and buy it. If I didn’t, she said to let her know and Brio Boy would head over and pick it up. Is that awesome and trusting or what?! Girls, I definitely suggest you check out her site and pick something out for Mother’s Day or your birthday or whatever. I hope I’ll be able to wear it this year but even if it’s next year, I’m still excited to wear it.

LANNIE RAE GOURMET

This chick makes the best pancakes and waffle mixes you can imagine. We discovered her years ago at a Cochrane Christmas market, so we supported her long before the pandemic and lockdown. Imagine my surprise and excitement when I found out she was a Cochrane gal, and even better, she allowed pick up of her yummy mixes right from her home! Even more appreciated now during the pandemic. I highly recommend you peruse all the yummy flavours. Our personal favourite is Cherry Amaretto, which we eat with maple syrup, whipped cream, and of course, sweet cherries. We’ve tried almost all of her flavours but Cherry Amaretto is our fave. All her mixes can be used for pancakes or waffles.

pURE ANADA

My daughter and I love Pure Anada’s makeup. Their goal is to create a natural, safer alternative to traditional, mainstream cosmetics.  Their lipsticks and eyeshadows, which we have a few of, are so lovely and pigmented. Kira loves their lip balms too. The ladies are super nice and helpful. If you order from them during this lockdown, they will deliver right to your door.

I will update this article as we try more Cochrane favourites!