University District Neighbour Profile: Chef Mauro Martina, Founder of OEB Breakfast Co.

University District’s Noteworthy in the Northwest series focuses on dynamic and compelling individuals and organizations from around Calgary’s Northwest, offering insights across a range of topics and each contributing to describing the spirit, opportunities, and legacy of the Northwest.

We sat down with Chef Mauro Martina, founder and CEO of OEB Breakfast Co. and long time Northwest Calgary resident, to speak about raising a family in this corner of the city and the addition of OEB to NW Calgary’s food scene, which is expected to open its door later this year.

Let’s explore your background – how did you end up where you are as a local restaurateur, which includes multiple OEB Breakfast Co. dining destinations across the city including the future University District location?

Growing up in Italy, I was drawn to the culinary world at an early age, finding inspiration in my nona’s passion for cooking, rich ingredients and bold, fresh flavours.  After training in Italy and Germany, I embarked on a worldwide culinary adventure, which led me to several Michelin Star restaurants and eventually dropping anchor in Calgary.

At a young age I had the honour of working alongside some of the best chefs in the industry. But, it was my love for great flavours and desire to elevate breakfast dishes into the most exciting culinary experience of the day that led to the creation of OEB.

Gone are the days where diners of breakfast joints are seen as a greasy spoon. OEB has created a special and uplifting breakfast experience where patrons can explore and indulge in the finest ingredients. There are few places out there that serve sturgeon caviar, scallops and truffles!

OEB Breakfast Co. isn’t the only food purveyor to open its doors to the public this year. Click here to see which other beloved foodie brands are set to raise the bar with their culinary splendour and service as part of University District’s retail line up. 

As a long-time Northwest resident, what drew you to this part of the city, inspired you to raise a family and now open a future restaurant here?

Since moving to Calgary, the Northwest has always been a beacon of excitement. 

With its dynamic, vibrant atmosphere, diverse population and unmistakable charm, to its inner-city vibe without the hustle and bustle of downtown life, family-friendly feel and flourishing culinary scene, what’s not to love?

After moving from Kensington to the trendy community of Parkdale in 2008, I became engrossed by the Northwest. As a father and family man, I wanted my children to grow up in a community that was reflective of its surroundings. 

From its array of parks and amenities to the welcome mix of residents living in this corner of the city, I’m proud to call the Northwest home and wanted to be part of it the best way I knew how – a new breakfast hot spot inspired by locally and sustainably-sourced ingredients!

Known for its farm-to-table breakfast eats and interior concepts that provide diners with an experience like no other, what design elements can people expect to see with the future U/D location? 

Characterised as minimalist, experimental, innovative and quirky, OEB’s design is known for pushing the boundaries while creating interiors that are as functional as they are creative.

When we designed our award-winning downtown location we looked at using wood to showcase unique designs that embodied practical whimsy. With large egg and waffle shaped booths that diners could actually sit in – the first of its kind anywhere – we brought fully functional eccentric art concepts into real life.

Our 10th year anniversary store in University District will be nothing short of a showstopper! With its open kitchen, grand bar, industrial chic design concept and of course that OEB flair, our U/D location will revel in the opulence of steel sculptures covering thirty per cent of our ceiling and seating area. We are shaping steel to do magical things!  Of course, patrons can immerse themselves in not only good food and conversation, but in a vibe that makes the humdrum everyday world feel far, far away. 

Chef Mauro Martina is elevating standard breakfast faire with local ingredients and unbridled creativity. Learn the skinny about OEB’s chef-driven concept, along with Mauro’s tips and recipe recommendation for a heartier morning meal to start your day off right. Take a look here! 

NW Calgary’s culinary scene is gaining a highly anticipated newcomer this year – OEB Breakfast Co.! As local foodies wait in anticipation, can you share a teaser or two on what diners can expect? 

Visitors can expect some grand opening specials, as well as several new dishes as part of our fall menu. While patrons can still indulge in the classic favourites and delicious products OEB is known for, these inventive creations will be the highlight of your day!

In the process of perfecting these dishes (yes, we are still testing so no specifics yet!) our focus remains on local ingredients and crafting a dining experience that is more than just about eating great food. We’re trying to create a direct connection with everything we bring in. From butchers and egg farms to bakeries, OEB is very unique in its offerings, and knowing where your food comes from and who grew it, is essential to our approach.

Stay tuned because there’s plenty more to this OEB story!