Cooking at the Top of the CN Tower
Working at the 360 Revolving Restaurant at the CN Tower was nothing short of magical. The experience felt larger than life—perched high above To...
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gems Chronicles
Stories & inspirations
My Time at Centro Ristorante in Toronto
Working at Centro Ristorante in Toronto was more than just a job—it quietly shaped the chef I would become. The seed was ...
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A love affair with pasta; My first job in a kitchen.
When I was in high school in Toronto, I joined a three-month co-op program that gave students hands-on experiences in real-world workplaces. I c...
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The Journey That Led to Gems Café & Bistro
Before there was Gems Café & Bistro, there was Gems of Alberta, and before that, it all began with Gems of Edmonton in...
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A Heartfelt Thank You
In August 2024, we were honored to be chosen as the Best Café in Barrhead, Woodlands, Westlock, and Athab...
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Why Farm-to-Table Matters
At Gems Café & Bistro, we often describe our menus as “farm-to-table.” But what does that actually mean—and why does it matter, especially h...
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The Art of the Spread
I still remember watching my grandmother making spreads like a true artisan. She didn’t just make spreads—she orc...
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The Soul of French Cuisine: The Sauce
My first real step into French cuisine began at the 360 Revolving Restaurant, at the CN Tower in Toronto, when I to...
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Ever Had Meat That Melts in Your Mouth? What Makes It So Tender?
Ever had a bite of stew where the meat practically dissolved in your mouth, rich with flavor and impossibly tender? What creates that magical te...
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Beef Bourguignon: A Timeless French Classic on Our Menu at Gems
Beef Bourguignon, or Bœuf Bourguignon, isn’t just a dish—we think it's a culinary masterpiece and a symbol of French cuisine. For us at Gems, it...
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Heat in Food: A Five Elements Perspective
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of heat extends beyond temperature—it’s an energetic quality that affects how food interacts with o...
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Tomato Scares and Fat Truths
In the 1500s, wealthy European nobles may have accidentally poisoned themselves by eating tomatoes off fancy pewter...
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Partner Spotlight: Peregrine Meadow Farm
At Gems Café & Bistro, we’re intentional about the farms we partner with — because the quality of our food begi...
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Partner Spotlight: Sunnie Valley Farms
At Gems Café & Bistro, we believe that every dish tells a story — and some of our favorite stories begin right ...
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Birch Creek Farms
We can't say enough good things about Adrian and Jacqueline Hamoen, the dedicated co-owners of Birch Creek Farms. We've had the pleasure of work...
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Turning Coffee Into Your New Favorite Hobby
Most people think hobbies involve exotic stamps, vintage cars, or learning how to yodel—but have you considered the...
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Coffee Origins - Papua New Guinea
Even among specialty coffee enthusiasts, Papua New Guinea coffee is very much under the radar. It's definitely not as widely recognized as Afric...
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Italian Espresso
Espresso is the backbone of Italian coffee culture. It shapes not only how Italians consume coffee but also how most of the worl...
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ACE Coffee Roasters
For us, Ace Coffee Roasters holds a special place in our hearts. Our journey into specialty coffee began just steps...
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Sacred Acre Coffee Roasters
Gems has carried coffee from Sacred Acre Coffee Roasters for almost four years! Although their line up hasn't chang...
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Dialing In the Perfect Espresso
Our customers at Gems come from all walks of life, and their tastes are as diverse as the coffees we feature. Some love bolder, more intense fla...
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Rogue Wave Coffee Roasters
Rogue Wave Coffee Roasters, is one of Canada's best specialty coffee roasters. Since it was founded in 2014 by friends David Laville and David W...
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Hario: The Legacy of a Japanese Icon
Hario’s journey began in 1921 in Tokyo, Japan, as a company dedicated to crafting heatproof glass for scientific use. Its ...
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Coffee Origins: Ethiopia
Maybe you already knew that one of the world’s most important food crops — coffee — is a nati...
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Community Spotlight: Don Bruce – Rolfing & Therapeutic Massage in Fort Assiniboine
At Gems Café & Bistro, Fort Assiniboine isn’t just where we do business—it’s home. It’s a place built on ...
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The Fort Assiniboine Bridge
Built in 1956, the Fort Assiniboine Bridge is more than a crossing over...
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The Story of How Fort Assiniboine Got Its Name
Have you ever wondered how Fort Assiniboine got its name? It’s a story that takes us back to 1823, during the fur trade er...
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Explore the Klondyke Trail: A Journey Through Alberta's History
The Klondyke Trail is not only a trail, it is a gateway to the rich heritage of Alberta. It is...
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Discover the Nearby Sand Hills
When you visit Fort Assiniboine, one of the most unique natural attractions nearby is the stunning Read Story
Guest Reviews
heartfelt words
Good Food, No Disappointments
if you appreciate good food you will not be disappointed. The menu is imaginative and always lives up to its promise
Jack L.
I recently visited this café, and it was an absolute delight!
The warm and friendly staff made me feel right at home from the moment I walked in. The food was incredibly delicious, with each dish bursting with flavor.
Michael S.
Amazing Food, Live Music, and Exceptional Drinks
What a hidden gem! Food is amazing and staff is so nice. Stopped in on a Friday night and was amazed by the singer they had in to entertain us while we ate. We had this wonderful tasty duck with yummy risotto. We had their meat platter which was a taste of everything wonderful! Left so full we could barely move. On top of the amazing food...they have every fancy coffee and tea drink you can imagine. The chai latte was fantastic. Too many wonderful things to mention. Highly recommend trying this place out
Sherri P.
A Worthwhile Destination
Hidden GEM, not your typical small town restaurant. Well worth the drive from Barrhead.
Pratt B
The Perfect Destination
Amazing little shop. Really worth the drive to a hidden "Gem". Great food, Great coffee but the Owners have really hit the nail on the head with the setting, feel and atmosphere. A perfect place to go for a Sunday drive.
M Kasha
A Hidden Gem
This is a hidden gem! Amazing food, and service with nothing but smiles 😁 Chef is super passionate and introduces himself to everyone If you go here, trust me! You will not be disappointed 😊 See you all soon, we are definitely coming back!
Chantal S
Tasteful & Unforgettable
Absolutely stunning and tasteful. The food is fantastic. Super quality. Very reasonable. Good atmosphere. A much needed space for the area. Keep up the good work.
Aaron J.
Worth the Journey, Every Time
Gem’s Cafe is truly one of a kind, although Fort Assiniboine is well out of our way, once we got there it was most definitely well worth the trip! When you walk in you’re greeted with a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, the staff are kind and helpful, creating a great and calming ambience, great for gatherings among friends and even just taking a bit of time to yourself to relax and have a pleasant meal. A big round of applause to Adrian and his crew. We will see you again soon!
Melanie K.
A Warm Welcome and a Wonderful Experience
This cozy cafe is definitely a gem, and very much a welcome and welcoming new business in Fort Assiniboine. Our first visit to a Friday night supper was a wonderful experience. The meat & seafood platters for sharing were delicious and what you would expect to find only a bigger center. The service and atmosphere were outstanding. Owners Adrian & Christina clearly take pride in making the customer's experience memorable. We recommend Gems Cafe to everyone! And a nice place to meet some great people.
Sheryl & Fred B.
A Great Evening
We visited Gems Cafe in Fort Assiniboine tonight and had an outstanding dining experience, featuring a mouthwatering seafood platter, exceptional service, and a cozy ambiance. We will definitely return!
Gaille D.
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