Farm, to fire, to table

Community Flatbread Co.

The familiar, comforting scent of woodsmoke greets you as you enter the front doors of Community Flatbread Co. A new addition to the Cochrane dining scene in 2019, this family-friendly spot created by a small team of “diverse and passionate people” feels cozy and welcoming. Rustic wood tables sit beneath a large pergola draped with glowing cafe lights. A big chalkboard menu over the open display kitchen lists specials with seasonal ingredients, and in the corner sits the heart of restaurant; a custom-built clay oven with a large pile of aged birch wood stacked neatly beside it.

Rustic and welcoming dining experience

The clay oven took six weeks to build, and co-owner and chef Ralf Wollman spent another six weeks tweaking recipes to cook ‘just right’ in the one of a kind oven. Cooking over fire is a central concept here, Ralf is passionate about getting back to the roots of food. Their ethos “From farm, to fire, to table. Handcrafted and homegrown,” speaks volumes about what you will find at Community Flatbread Co. Recipes made from scratch, high-quality ingredients, and lots of fresh herbs. “When prepared correctly, the fewer ingredients you have, the better,” says Ralf.

Adventurous ingredients

The ultimate must-try comfort food on the menu is ‘Ma’s Chicken Noodle’ soup. The chicken bone broth is made in house, and it’s teeming with fresh vegetables, herbs, and free-range Alberta chicken. If pasta is your fancy, you can expect it to be hand-cut and fresh. Of course, no visit would be complete without a flatbread from the wood fire oven. Flatbreads are cooked at about 750 Degrees, creating a thin, crispy crust perfect for more traditional ingredients like house-made tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, or more adventurous ingredients like in the “Dingo’s Baby” with mint and rosemary braised lamb, plum chutney, roasted artichokes, cured tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.

True to its name

Why “Community” Flatbread? It’s part of the ethos as well – to not just serve the community but to be part of it through supporting local suppliers and community initiatives. The ownership team hand-picked Cochrane to be near local distilleries, breweries, ranches, farms, and food artisans. You’ll find Cochrane’s Rockyview beer on the menu and Valbella’s fine meats. As Alberta’s growing season arrives, expect to see some local produce on the menu (Chef Ralf has a list of farmers he’s eager to partner with). True to its name, Community Flatbread Co. is excited to offer fundraising opportunities to support local schools, sports teams, and charitable organizations, as well as being a participant in community events.

For Cochranites and travelers alike, Community Flatbread Co. is the perfect destination for a delicious family feast, a weekend lunch before you hit the trails, or an evening out with friends. (and keep an eye out for the patio coming in the spring of 2020!)

Guest Journalist – Callandra Caufield