Gary and Sharon Grady’s neighbourhood tavern in Dundurn, Sask., features a distinctive flair. The Gradys took over the tavern, called Big Mur’s, from Gary’s dad, Murray, in 1994, and have transformed a collection of abandoned vehicles, motorcycles and sleds into conversation pieces. The tavern’s atmosphere is more than an antique car or a racing theme. […] Read more
Stories by Adele Buettner
Visit to Brandon restaurant helps diners fill up the senses
For those looking for a little break this winter, consider visiting Lady of the Lake in Brandon. Walking through the front doors of this locally owned gift store, café and pub, 10,000 sq. feet of shopping and eating space are on display. On one side of the building is the quaint café and pub, featuring […] Read more
Edmonton restaurant owners began with farm dinners
The next time in Edmonton, I look forward to an evening of dining at RGE RD. Husband and wife team Blair Lebsack and Caitlin Fulton opened their 60-seat, farm-to-table restaurant in 2013, adding a tip-to-tail butchery in 2020. By the time I completed my research and interview with Lebsack, I was ready to pack my […] Read more
Waskesiu, Restaurant Pietro — fuel for the body and soul
I am always looking for unique, locally owned restaurants to experience and share with readers. Whether white tablecloth, ethnic or fast-casual, Western Canada has thousands of delicious and unique options to experience. My family, foodie friends and colleagues know I often plan road trips and holidays with a list of unique dining adventures to try. […] Read more
Craft brewery a sudsy feature of west coast community
A year-round destination on the west coast of Vancouver Island, brimming with rugged beauty and its own craft brewery, is just one way to describe Ucluelet. This small town of about 2,000 is a 30-minute drive from the community of Tofino. The word Ucluelet is an anglicized version of the name of the local Yuułu?ił?ath […] Read more
Young chef turns Saskatchewan farm into destination restaurant
Surrounded by lakes, golf courses and the beauty of Mother Nature, Nipawin is a charming town in northeastern Saskatchewan and the perfect place to unwind and explore. It’s also home to the globally inspired cuisine at the Mabel Hill Farm Kitchen and Market Place. A love of food took Michael Brownlee, owner and executive chef […] Read more
Executive chef realizes his dream at Okanagan Valley inn
“Sometimes you just need a clawfoot tub in your life.” That observation on the home page of the charming Naramata Inn grabbed my attention and prompted some research on the area. I subsequently spent a couple of inspiring hours interviewing executive chef and co-owner Ned Bell. Naramata is a tiny village on the southeastern shore […] Read more
Restaurant uses local ingredients in typical Asian dishes
Beautifully framed by both foothills and grassland, Calgary is one of my favourite prairie cities. Not only does the landscape captivate me, the ever-expanding food scene has long been recognized as having some of the top restaurants in Canada. And, not much happens in Calgary’s culinary world without hearing the respected name of Chef Duncan […] Read more
High-end dining finds a home on small-town main street
My monthly column showcases prairie culinary destinations worth visiting, once it is safe to do so. While every destination is unique, each one serves flavourful food using the best ingredients available and shares the spirit of supporting local. If you have suggestions of unique, delicious food spots or butcheries and an interest in supporting local, […] Read more
Winnipeg-area restaurant offers charm and sustenance
As previous well-intended New Year’s declarations were often short-lived, this year I am creating a bucket list with taste buds in mind. I have spent nearly 30 years working in the agriculture and food industries with farmers, ranchers, chefs, culinary educators, dietitians, recipe developers and restaurateurs. Therefore, my bucket list consists of prairie culinary destinations […] Read more
