This is an awfully late reply... But there are places in Calgary you can get both the filter and Trung Nguyen coffee much cheaper than TnT. One is called Hong Kong Supermarket (formerly Super 88) and another called Lucky's supermarket. Both cater mainly to Vietnamese (seeing as how I am Vietnamese...).

I would have to say that Saigon Y2K is a bit overpriced for Vietnamese though, there are better cheaper options depending on what you like (I'm picky regarding vietnamese as I am vietnamese). Generally all vietnamese restaurants are kid friendly though.

Have you ever tried Cora's (Chez Cora) for breakfast or lunch? They have great healthy alternatives, but there tends to be long lines to get in (no reservations), so make sure your kids have something to occupy them.

Bakers Creek Bistro just outside of Lake Louise (if you head in that direction) is great for local seasonal Canadian food with about average pricing. They do tend to be booked on holidays and whatnot, so make reservations if you decide to go.

I don't know why ginger beef is so popular here (I'm from Calgary), but everyone from out of town is always amazed with our ginger beef. And yet, it's not really chinese food.

Sorry just thought of some more...

Bolero on Macleaod Trail for churasco, and Smugglers Inn just adjacent is great for a steakhouse but you need a decent appetite for both.

This is Calgary afterall so I would recommend you stick to our staple, that being beef. For things like Sushi, you can definitely get better elsewhere so I won't bother recommending anything.

Banh Mi Thi Thi is a good option for quick cheap vietnamese subs in Chinatown.

I personally find Taste of Calgary to be a bit overpriced, but it's not bad as a sampler if you've never been to the restaurants participating.

Bookers Crab Shack is actually really great for New Orleans style fare, but they're closed for contruction right now, so your only chance to try it may be at the Taste of Calgary.

Hate to say it, but Calgary is not very centralized, we're very spread out and it is hard to get around without a vehicle. If you opt for transit, have patience. Otherwise wear comfortable shoes...

Peter's Drive In is a Calgarian staple for burgers and milkshakes, but it is cash only with just a hand-full of picnic tables to sit at (16th Ave and about Edmonton Trail), but don't expect anything spectacular. If you want some interesting takes on hotdogs, try Tubby Dog on 17th Ave. There's a decent "diner" in Inglewood called Kanes Harley Davidson I think, but its been a few years since I've been there and parking is lacking. Sorry I haven't been to Deluxe or Galaxie so I can't comment.

If you can afford it, Teatro is great, good food, good service on the corner of 7 Ave and 1 St SE, they do Italian. There's also Capo in Inglewood doing contemporary italian. Vero Bistro Moderne is ok too for fusion in Kensington facing 10 St right next to Fiaso Gelato (not bad for gelato). Bistro 2210 is great on 14 St and 22 Ave SW, actually there's a handful of good ones here.

For dessert, there's Amato Gelato as well on Kensington Rd and about 20thish Street. The owner is the son of Mario from Vancouver's Mario's gelato. There's Nectar desserts in Inglewood as well, a little over priced... But Calgary doesn't have too many dessert options.

If you like teas Steeps on 17th Ave has great selection, Higher Ground in Kensington is also not bad, and Bubblemania has a handful of options including bubbleteas (just be prepared to wait if you go on Fri. or Sat. nights and if you opt for their bubbletea, they tend to be on the sweet side).

If you can drive to the Currie Barracks farmers market in the SW, there's Phil and Sebastian Coffee that makes great coffees, lattes, etc. The Ladybug bakery makes great baked goods and crepes, but these places are limited to the Farmers Market hours Fri, Sat and Sun until about 4 I think.