This year, in Calgary, the AMS hosted a mushroom-themed foodie event called ‘The Spore Social’. It was open to members and the general public who were interested in discovering fungi and the taste of some featured choice mushrooms.

Tapas Menu

Olives and Island Nuts to Start

King Oyster Mushroom “Scallops” 3 Ways (GF, DF, vegan)
1. Chimichurri Marinated
2. Korean Gochujang Marinated
3. Salt Pepper with Olive Oil

Cajun Enoki Mushroom Tempura served with Chipotle Aioli Drizzle
(vegan & DF without drizzle)

Shiitake Mushroom Ricotta Crostini
(Shiitake Mushrooms Sautéed in Thyme Garlic Butter served on a Whipped Ricotta Crostini)

Other mushroom Dishes
Artichoke dip stuffed mini portabella (GF)
Caprese Stuffed Portabella (GF)

Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: The Artist Lounge
1840 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1H3

Event cost was $50.

The event also featured:

  • A presentation by Sean Campbell on fungus, cuisine and culture.
  • Mushroom-based tapas including King Oysters, Enoki, Shiitake a cocktail of choice. 
  • A merchandise table with sales of books, posters, t-shirts, hats, toques, ‘blind boxes’, stickers, and more.
  • Display of a variety of specimens from a local fungarium collection presented by the ‘Wild Mushroom Alliance’ including a display of laboratory glassware from Simon Metke.
  • A viewing of 3 historical art pieces (not for sale) by Helene M.E. Schalkwijk-Barendsen, author of ‘Mushrooms of Western Canada’ and an original founder of the Alberta Mycological Society. See links below for more information on the artist.

Edmonton Journal Article
Spore Print Article – 2010