CITY LIFE STYLE
S A S K AT O O N
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020
@flowzineSask VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3
FREE
WINTER WONDERS
CHRISTMAS GIFTING & MORE TO MAKE SPIRITS SOAR THESE HOLIDAYS! READ ON INSIDE...
Saskatoon teens join up to have a totally tubular experience at Optimist Hill.
INVESTMENT IN TOURISM MAKES WINTER FUN 7 50 YEARS: NOT BAD FOR A “RED SAUCE JOINT” 24 BISON TO RE-MAKE THEIR MARK ON THE AREA 30
Extensive listings for dining, shopping & more at.flowmagazine.ca
food+drink music+events fashion/health local attractions maps
contents
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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020
GIVE & BE YOUR BEST Gift or snacking ideas this season? We got ‘em! Mountain Fir Pop-up Christmas Cards Joyne Marketplace (249 2nd Ave. S; joyne.ca)
Zane Wilcox Ceramic Teapot Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery Gift Shop (813 Broadway Ave.; saskcraftcouncil.org)
Housemade Preserves (beets, carrot, etc.) Living Sky Café (235 3rd Ave. S; livingskycafe.com)
(Photo by Tannis Miller)
NEWS FROM ON HIGH
BETTER THAN EZRA?
ON TURNING 50
ABSINTHE MAKES THE...
Ottawa sends money out West to make more of what we already got
Not this Winterruption gig at Amigos, says Tyson McShane
Taverna’s Tasos Kangles doesn’t mind seeing red day after day
One local entrepreneur has a fondness for foraging and wormwood
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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music+events
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secret Saskatoon
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sports/fitness fashion healthy&beauty
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In the October/November 2019 issue of flow magazine, we got some facts wrong with regard to the Perogie Fundraisers at Trinity Orthodox Church. The price per person should have read $17 and the format noted as all you can eat. We regret these errors. Cover photo by Stuart Kasdorf Shot on location at Optimist Hill in Diefenbaker Park.
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editor’s notes
On Seeing the Bigger Picture Before I get into Winterruption 2020, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we can do to make these holidays shine for someone special. After another crazy few weeks in production, I’ve run myself ragged trying to cram in enough events, gift items and things to consider over the holidays, even if it’s just for you to know where to eat after going out with friends and family (see p. 26). Putting the magazine only gets harder with each new issue—not the motivation, but the physical and mental effort to do it. For people who have a far harder job than I, or who are suffering at this time when we’re supposed to be making merry, I hear you. We live on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional homeland of the Métis, a place where traditionally you had to plan for the winter and share in order to survive. We don’t suffer the same kinds of privations as our ancestors did, but we still face many challenges in our daily lives—some of us more than others. Those of us who can do more, should. I would like to note three worthy campaigns this holiday season: Nutrien Wonderhub’s “Invest in Memories” campaign, Optimist Hill’s ongoing fundraising, and “The Red Collection” by SheNative. Wonderhub: until Dec. 31, 2019, all cash donations will be matched up to $10,000 by an anonymous donor, with the Wonderhub board providing an additional $10,000 (wonderhub.ca). The raised funds will go to support the museum’s programming efforts on-site and beyond. It’s a way to give kids—all kids in our community—a chance to dream big and have fun. Optimist Hill: if you own a business, or even if you don’t but want to honour someone special in your life, sponsor a tube (optimisthill.ca); let the
people of Saskatoon know that you or your business like to have fun and enjoy the outdoors in winter. SheNative: by purchasing a piece from their collection of quality leather handbags and purses, you can help honour the memory of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada, as 15 percent of the profits from sales will go to a charity that either provides support services for Indigenous women fleeing domestic violence, or programming intended to empower Indigenous women and girls (shenative.com/collections/ the-red-collection). We can and must do better to help the most vulnerable in our community. As for Winterruption, this is the story of the little festival that just grew, and grew, and has continued to grow (read more on p. 7). And it’s more than just great concerts and performances such as The Strumbellas, The Wailers, Ezra Furman, Whitehorse and Choir!Choir!Choir! Winterruption (winterruption.ca) means free, outdoor activities for kids and families at the coldest time of the year. It’s a great excuse to leave the house and enjoy simple things like listening to stories and sharing good cheer! For more on the entire festival, visit their website or peruse our events pages (pp 12–13). Have a safe and Merry Christmas everyone, and a very prosperous New Year!
FreshWest Media Ltd. 422 Adelaide St. E Saskatoon, SK S7J0J1 flowmagazine.ca @flowmagyxe info@freshwestmedia.com Published 6 times per year by FreshWest Media Ltd. Readership: 25,000 (estimated) in Saskatoon and area. Copyright (2020) by FreshWest Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of the publisher. Publisher & Editor Paul Miazga Senior Art Director Zhanybek Nurgozhayev Map Designer Danna Contreras-Chapa Ad Designers Crystal Klassen, Paul Miazga, Tania Morozova, Zhanybek Nurgozhayev Proofreader Olga Bondarenko Contributors Scott Davidson, Cathy Engel, Tyson McShane, Paul Miazga, Tannis Miller, Lisa Patrick, Kevin Sorokowski Lead Photographer Amy Thorp Contributing Photographers Sergio Boccardo, CBC Saskatoon, CP, Cathy Engel, Ashlyn George, Ryan Grainger, Stuart Kasdorf, Paul Miazga, Tannis Miller, Dorion Ricard, Carey Shaw Printing Centralweb Distribution FreshWest Media Ltd., Canada Post Corp. Publications mail agreement #8195125 Subscriptions Available for $25 per year (+GST & PST). Please email info@freshwestmedia.com.
FRESHWEST MEDIA LTD. President and Publisher Paul Miazga
Paul Miazga Publisher and Editor paul@freshwestmedia.com
Project Consultants Michael Miazga (Nimble Storage), Clara Péron (Value for Good), Terry Rock (Platform Calgary), Jed Sunden (KP Media)
Advertising Inquiries Paul Miazga 306-261-0883 paul@freshwestmedia.com FreshWest Media Ltd. is proud to support Tourism Saskatoon, DTNYXE and other local business & tourism promotion agencies.
Stuart Kasdorf
Kevin Sorokowski
Scott Davidson
One of the city’s most recognized and respected photographers, Stuart has tutored other well-known local artists and still finds time to support projects as part of his commitment to the common good, namely the Optimist Hill campaign. Does this man love the snow or what?
When not volunteering his time or otherwise busy with novel writing, Kevin likes to wax philosophically on the meaning of being a dog lover in a dog eat dog world. One of his preferred writing topics is food, making him both a wordsmith and a connoisseur.
Martial arts and ultra-marathons don’t usually mix, at least in one person, but don’t tell that that to Scott, who only realizes the pain of trying to accomplish both at the 60km mark of any given race. In his spare time, he makes cool-looking prints of film stars and pop culture objects.
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the city
Funding for Fun Stuff “Through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), (the federal) government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and the economic potential of our vibrant communities.” – The Hon. Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
Text by Kevin Sorokowski Courtesy photo The Federal Government of Canada announced funding on Sept. 9 of more than $11 million to support more than 60 tourism initiatives across the western provinces. With more than $2 million of that earmarked for Saskatchewan, a big chunk of that coming to Saskatoon specifically, excitement is brewing at the Tourism Saskatoon offices. Stephanie Clovechok, VP of Tourism Saskatoon, worked hard to get this funding for the province, which covers a range of inbound visitor experiences: Indigenous history, arts and events, music and the local food scene. “We’re looking to build on our strengths in the existing Visitor Economy. It’s time Saskatoon and Saskatchewan began to realize just how well set-up we are for things like Culinary Tourism,” Clovechok says. “People look to The 100km Diet to eat better and live better. Here in Saskatoon, with our vast array of amazing food options, we do feed the world from here, coming from as close as 20km outside the city limits. The potential upside to explore Culinary Tourism and build pride-of-place for Saskatonians is huge and appears to be nearly limitless.” The three pillars that Destination Canada wants to build the Visitor Economy upon are: driving visitations to lesser known destinations; developing tourism for off-peak or “shoulder” seasons such as fall and winter; and, leveraging the key experiences of Indigenous Peoples as “event tourism” that will draw those looking to better understand this integral part of Canadian formative history and culture. In Clovechok’s words, “Saskatoon is uniquely poised for all three pillars of these initiatives. It’s a smaller centre that many people know little about, (but) we’re surrounded by a large diversity
of First Nations that can all bring their traditions forward and highlight events that shaped their experiences, and we have an abundance of offpeak events to stimulate interest already that can be showcased and expanded. “This is the first time the Federal Government has released funding that can be used to develop programs and events from the ground up, as opposed to simply marketing things that are already in place, so we have a lot of directions we should be able to take this in order to create entirely new Destination Canada experiences.” For existing events that have developed over the last few years, like the now multi-city Winteruption (jointly founded by the Regina Folk Festival and the Broadway Theatre to serve Regina and Saskatoon, and now expanded to Edmonton and Swift Current), the CEF investment means that they are able to secure more established artists for the event, removing any doubt of that event’s continued success. This provides added peace-of-mind for Broadway Theatre Executive Director Kirby Wirchenko. “It gives us confidence to go after bigger bands and performers knowing that there is money there to meet the demands that cold weather touring subjects them to in late January in Saskatchewan,” Wirchenko says. They’ve started noticing us out here in the West. We have much to offer, and maybe now with the right supports and initiatives, we can show them how Saskatoon shines throughout the year under the living skies. For more information on all initiatives covered under the Canadian Experiences Fund, visit canada.ca/ en/western-economic-diversification/news/2019/09/ investments-to-create-jobs-boost-tourism-andhelp-entrepreneurs-across-western-canada0.html.
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December events Dec04
CPR Holiday Train 8:30pm; cpr.ca/holiday-train Come greet the festively decorated train, then listen to stars Scott Helman and Madeline Merlo perform free for attendees. Dress warmly! Rail overpass at 7th Avenue North and 33rd Street East
Dec04 –Jan05
ELF—the Musical Evenings 8pm, Sun/Wed matinees 2pm, Thu/Sat matinees 4pm; tickets from $32
Dec13–21 A Christmas Carol*
Dinner at 5:30pm w/ show to follow; Sun matinee brunch at noon; tickets $42; minifridgetheatre.com In a festive mood, the ladies of the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society mount another assault on the classics* with their stage version of the Charles Dickens tale. They giddily portray various characters from the story (and a few which aren’t) and engineer some cheeky audience participation while bravely contending with an intrusive sound system. Directed by Elizabeth Reynolds. German Cultural Centre (160 Cartwright St.)
Buddy the Elf as a child mistakenly crawled into Santa’s sack of toys and was whisked off to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human and has poor toy-making abilities, he eventually faces the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy takes a journey to New York to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. E; persephonetheatre.org)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Boney M 15 Sat 7:30pm (sold out), Sun 2pm; tickets from $48 16 Featuring original lead singer Liz Mitchell, this Afro-Caribbean, disco-era band 17 needs no introduction thanks to numerous chart toppers such as “Rasputin”, 18 “Sunny”, “Rivers of Babylon” and the holiday favourite “Hooray! Hooray! It’s a 19 Holi-Holiday”. The Saturday show is sold out, so take in the matinee for a taste of the magic! Presented by the Broadway Theatre (broadwaytheatre.ca). 20 TCU Place (35 22nd St. E) 21 22 23 24 Aaron Goodvin 25 9pm; tickets $45 26 Northern Alberta’s homegrown country star is known 27 for his singles “You Are” and 28 “Lonely Drum”. Opening will 29 be all-girl band Nice Horse. 30 Dakota Dunes Casino (20 min. S on Hwy 219; 31
Dec14–15
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dakotadunescasino.com)
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Hilltop Hoods
8pm; tickets $25/VIP $40 Hip-hop from Australia in Adelaide’s Hilltop Hoods, who count “The Nosebleed Section” and “The Cosby Sweater” among their hits. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; coorseventcentre.com)
Christmas with the SSO
7:30pm; tickets from $53 A holiday celebration with Elly Thorn (vocals), Dean McNiell (trumpet), the U of S Greystone Singers and the University Chorus. Details at saskatoonsymphony.org. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E.; tcutickets.ca)
The Tenors 8pm; tickets from $36/VIP $249.50 The trio of Canadians Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters and Clifton Murray continue to wow crowds with their smooth vocals and extensive repertoire. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E)
Luff Actually 8pm evenings, Sun matinee 2pm; tickets $23.50 GTNT presents this 6th instalment of the Rez Christmas Story series by playwright and director Curtis Peeteetuce. Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. E)
Bombargo Boxing Day Bash 9pm; tickets $25/VIP $50 After hitting all the post-Christmas sales, party it up with Saskatoon’s favourite good-time guys as they rock out and groove to wind up 2019! Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; coorseventcentre.com)
music&events Under the Radar:
Setting Sights on Winterruption Dec19
Text by Tyson McShane
Close Talker
Jan23
appears to have become a standard response to Furman’s live sets, particularly in the UK ever since they received a raving five-star review in Ezra Furman the Guardian for their sophomore album Day of the Dog. Since then he’s released three critically 10pm; tickets $29.50; winterruption.ca The last time I saw Ezra Furman was in September acclaimed albums culminating with his just released 2016. They headlined the Garden Stage at England’s album, Twelve Nudes. The new album takes Furman’s classic rock ‘n roll songwriting and injects End of the Road Festival, playing to more than 5,000 people packed into a clearing in a Victorian it with a gloriously angsty dose of high energy punk garden. They put on an amped up, glam’y, classicist swagger. These new songs will be sure to inspire a rock ‘n roll set that had the crowd boiling over with wonderfully sweaty rock ‘n roll show at Amigo’s. Amigos Cantina (806 Dufferin Ave.; excitement. In fact I’ve rarely seen an audience amigoscantina.com) so completely enraptured with a performer. This
8pm; tickets $30.50; broadwaytheatre.ca Over the summer of 2019, ahead of the release of their new album, How Do We Stay Here?, Saskatoon’s Closer Talker debuted it live through a cross-Canada tour that saw them performing North America’s first 3D/360 degree silent headphone concert series. Each audience member wore headphones and experienced real-time, 3D mixing of the music, giving them the experience of being in the middle of the band, hearing instruments and voices surrounding them. The tour was a great success with nearly every show selling out. Now with the new album out and receiving critical S. Savenok) praise across North America and(Ilya Europe, the band is back touring more conventional venues, wrapping up this December at the Broadway. It may not be the same as this summer’s headphone shows, but I’m certain the band will have a few tricks up their sleeves to make it a special night, and it will be an excellent way to finish off a remarkable year for one of Saskatchewan’s finest bands. Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.) Tyson McShane has toured across Canada, the US, UK and Europe, and released four albums with his band, Slow Down Molasses. A co-curator of MoSoFest over 2012–2016, he presented some of the most exciting new music from across North America, next to Saskatoon’s finest bands. @TysonMcShane @SlowdownMolasse
Showing Some Respect to City Standouts The Barney Kutz Pocket Park on 21st Street East saw three larger-thanlife figures celebrated on Oct. 18 for leaving “a lasting, colourful legacy” on life in the downtown core. Downtown BID Executive Director Brent Penner introduced retail veterans Elwood Flynn and the late Joan Flynn, plus longtime Sheraton Cavalier bell captain Dan Cardinal, whose names were added to the Legends Downtown wall, which looks to honour all those who have helped to make the city centre an open and inviting place. To nominate someone for their contributions to life in downtown Saskatoon, visit dtnyxe.ca/legends-downtown.
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Dec14
Sask. Rush vs. New England 7:30pm; tickets from $32; saskrush.com It’s National Lacrosse League time again, meaning the Saskatchewan Rush will be looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing loss to Colorado last season in the Western Division semifinal. As ever, the Green & Black will be vying for top spot with a league title very much in the cards. Check out their next home game, Jan. 18 vs. Colorado. SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.)
Christmas Gourmet Gift Baskets Fresh Flower Bouquets Stocking Stuffers Sask. & Gourmet Foods For every occasion & corporate event
103A 3rd Ave. N (lower level) 306-664-3618
Order online at creativecompliments.com
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January events
Jan11 (Photo by Carey Shaw)
LUGO Love 8pm; tickets $40; remaimodern.org For an unprecedented 10th year, the Remai Modern’s signature mid-winter party brings together a diverse live music program and thematic offerings from some of the city’s most beloved food and beverage providers. It’s a chance to experience the gallery in a totally new way while enjoying treats, one-of-a-kind performances and installations, and an aural experience unlike any other. Proceeds go to support programming throughout the year. Remai Modern (102 Spadina Cres. E)
Jan16
The Strumbellas 9pm; tickets $41.50 Presented by Winterruption 2020 (winterruption.ca) One of Canada’s leading alt-rock/folk bands has achieved popular and critical success from coast to coast to coast, winning multiple JUNO Awards, topping the U.S. Alt singles chart with “Spirits”, while their latest singles, “Salvation” and “I’ll Wait”, continue to get regular airplay. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S)
Jan18
Tommy Banks: A Musical Tribute 7:30pm; tickets $35.50 The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra jumps headlong into 2020 with a tribute to Canadian jazz legend, and friend of the SJO, the late Tommy Banks. The concert will pay homage to Banks’ contributions to the worlds of music and jazz in Canada and showcase some favourites from his catalogue and past concerts that included the legend himself. The concert will also feature Tommy’s granddaughter, acclaimed vocalist Mallory Chipman, and his long-time musical collaborator, MacEwan University Music Professor Ray Baril. Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.; broadwaytheatre.ca)
Jan22
We Will Rock You: The Musical 7:30pm; tickets $69.50/ VIP from $189.50 The music of Queen and storyline by playwright Ben Elton: it’s a jukebox musical based on the songs of the British rock band and focussed around Elton’s story, which tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Presented by Winterruption 2020 (winterruption.ca). TCU Place (35 22nd St. E)
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A Tribute to Everett Larson
2pm; tickets $23/members $18 Feting this late local music instructor will be some past students John Arcand and James Steele on fiddle, and Ken Pizurny and Ray Penner on accordion. The Bassment (202 4th Ave. N; thebassment.ca)
Banff Mountain Film Festival
7pm; $20 in advance/$25 at the door All the best of Banff brought to the big screen, with dozens of short films on climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking, adventure, culture and more. Film tour details at accsask.ca. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E; tcutickets.ca)
The Wailers
9pm; tickets $41.50; winterruption.ca Bob Marley’s original backing band is keeping roots, rock and reggae alive nearly 40 years after his death. Presented by Winterruption 2020. Louis’ Pub (1 Campus Dr., U of S campus)
Harlem Globetrotters
7pm; tickets from $31 This talented cast of basketball clowns bring their A game with lots of on- and off-court hijinks as ever. SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.; sasktelcentre.com)
Jim Gaffigan
8pm; tickets $25/VIP $45 This Canadian pop duo of Jay Levine (“Simon”) and James Bryan had hits in the 90s with “Sucks to be You” and “Strange Disease”. O’Brians Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; obrianseventcentre.ca)
Winterruption 2020 events represented in red
LIVE MUSIC Amigos Cantina (806 Dufferin Ave.; amigoscantina. com) Shows at 10pm, cover $10 except as noted. Dec. 7: Wasted Heretics album release party w/ Singularity, Lutheran Dec. 13: Alex Bent + The Emptiness w/ guests Dec. 14: Flippin’ Tapes w/ The Confusionaires, Ultimate Power Duo et al Dec. 20: A Holly, Jolly, Hometown Christmas feat. Dan Julien & Friends (10:30pm; ticket prices TBA) Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve feat. Ellen Froese & the Hot Toddies w/ Ride Til Dawn, Fancy Diamonds (tickets $15 in advance/$18 at the door) Jan. 22: Winterruption 2020 presents Weaves w/ Nites Out ($21.50) Jan. 25: Winterruption 2020 presents Partner w/ The Department Heads ($18.50)
The Bassment (202 4th Ave. N; thebassment.ca) Dec. 1: A Classic Christmas feat. Wingerter & Janovsky (2pm; tickets $27/members $22) Dec. 2: Lisa Brokop (8pm; $40/$30) Dec. 5–6: The Barrelmen (Thu 8pm, Fri 9pm; $25/$20) Dec. 7: Jazz Singer YuleFest (8pm; $29/$24) Dec. 11: Jeffery Straker: A Very Prairie Christmas (8pm; $35/$25) Dec. 13: Gillian Snider & the Whiskey Jerks (9pm; $23/$18) Dec. 14: George Evans (8pm; $35/$25) Dec. 15: Christmas with Solstice (2pm; $38/$28) Dec. 20: Nigel Mack Big Blues Attack (9pm; $29/$24) Dec. 21: Karrnnel and Friends (8pm; $27/$22) Dec. 26: Boxing Day Square Dance (7:30pm; $20/$15) Dec. 27: Vesti & the Vexations (9pm; $29/$24) Dec. 28: Silas Friesen Sextet w/ King & Salkeld Quintet feat. vocalist Annika Tupper (8pm; $25/$20) Dec. 31: New Year’s in New Orleans feat. Dr. Don & the Black Mambas w/ Zyde-Gogo, The Crawdaddios (9pm; $80/$70) Jan. 3: The Karpinka Brothers (9pm; $23/$18) Jan. 4: Neil Currie: My Life—The Music of Billy Joel (8pm; $28/$23) Jan. 10: The Garrys (9pm; $23/$18) Jan. 11: The PianoMen: Fong, Griffith, Salkeld and
Stephanson (8pm; $29/$24) Jan. 12: Les Quatre Mains: Dianne Gryba & Bonnie Nicholson (2pm; $25/$20) Jan. 16: Canadian Fiddle Revue (8pm; $29/$24) Jan. 17: B.C. Read Big Band (9pm; $29/$24) Jan. 18: Farrugia & Frahm Quartet (8pm; $35/$25) Jan. 24: The Local Group (9pm; $25/$20) Jan. 25: Martin Janovsky Orchestra (8pm; $35/$25) Jan. 31: The Trudel Family (9pm; $27/$22) Black Cat Tavern (801 Broadway Ave.; on Facebook) Shows at 9pm, cover $10 except as noted. Jan. 23: Winterruption 2020 presents Blessed w/ Slow Down Molasses (10pm; tickets $18.50) Jan. 24: Winterruption 2020 presents Revenge w/ Goathammer (10pm; $29.50) Jan. 25: Winterruption 2020 presents WAKE (10pm; $18.50) Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.; broadwaytheatre.ca) Shows at 8pm except as noted. Dec. 6: The Rocket Man & The Piano Man (7:30pm; tickets $57) Dec. 9: Coco Love Alcorn (7:30pm; $25.50) Dec. 16: Kacy & Clayton (7:30pm; $30.50) Dec. 21: The SJO presents Make a Joyful Noise Meets A Charlie Brown Christmas (7:30pm; $35.50) Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve feat. Rosie and the Riveters w/ Megan Nash (7pm; $60 in advance/$70 at the door) Jan. 23: Winterruption 2020 presents Choir! Choir! Choir! ($30.50) Capitol Music Club (244 1st Ave. N; capitolclubyxe. ca) Shows at 9pm, cover $10 except as noted. Dec. 10: Open Stage feat. Cory King Dec. 17: Open Stage feat. Sammy Lee Dec. 26: Mat the Alien and The Gaff (10pm; cover $15) Jan. 7: Open Stage feat. Carly Perkin Jan. 22: Winterruption 2020 presents Girlfriend Material w/ Surf Dads (9pm; tickets $18.50) Jan. 24: Jon Bryant w/ guests (9pm; $17.50) Convocation Hall (107 Administration Pl.; U of S campus) Dec. 1: The SSO presents Meagan&Amy (2pm; tickets $32.50) Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; coorseventcentre.com) Shows at 9pm except as noted. Dec. 6: Banga Off XI (8pm; free entry) Dec. 7: Battle of the Bands (8pm; free entry)
Dec. 20: SkiiTour (tickets $15/VIP $35) Dec. 21: One Bad Son ($30/VIP $50) Jan. 17: Black Tiger Sex Machine ($30/VIP $45) Jan. 19: Half Moon Run ($37.75) Jan. 23: Winterruption 2020 presents GZA (10pm; $42.50) Dakota Dunes Casino (at Whitecap, SK; 20 min S on Hwy 219; dakotadunescasino.com) Jan. 11: Ukrainian Malanka (9pm; tickets $45) Knox United Church (838 Spadina Cres. E) Dec. 13–14: The SSO presents Handel’s Messiah (Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm; tickets Fri $52, Sat $45) Dec. 29: Saskatoon Opera presents “Home for the Holidays” (7:30pm; entrance by donation) Louis’ Pub (1 Campus Dr., U of S campus; ussu.ca/louis) Jan. 24: Winterruption 2020 presents Coleman Hell w/ Alex Bent + The Emptiness (9pm; tickets $36.50) Quance Theatre (Education Bldg., 28 Campus Dr.) Dec. 5: USask Concert Band presents “Celebrating Musical Diversity” (7:30pm; entry by donation) SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.; sasktelcentre.com) Jan. 16: Champions of Magic (7:30pm; tickets from $49) TCU Place (35 22nd St E.; tcutickets.ca) Dec. 5: Waylon, Willie, Cash: Outlaws and Highwaymen (7pm; tickets $55) Jan. 23: Winterruption 2020 presents National Geographic Live feat. photographer Steve Winter (7:30pm; from $35) Jan. 25: The SSO presents “The Little Mermaid” 7:30pm; tickets from $65)
COMEDY
Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.)
Dec. 20: Saskatoon Soaps improv comedy troupe: “The Rise of Soapswalker” (9:30pm; tickets $15) Jan. 17: Saskatoon Soaps (9:30pm; $15) Jan. 22: Winterruption 2020 presents Ali Hassan & Steve Patterson (8pm; tickets $44.50) Capitol Music Club (244 1st Ave. N) Dec. 4: Kelly Taylor Xmas Comedy Special (8pm; tickets $30) Jan. 23: Winterruption 2020 presents Brian Posehn w/ Off the Top Rope (9pm; $32.50) German Cultural Centre (160 Cartwright St.; saskgerman.com) Dec. 31: NYE Comedy Show feat. Matthew Murray w/ Derek Yee, Ben Bauce (7pm; tickets $47.25)
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galleries/film/theatre
Pop Art Writ Large Through Mar. 22: The Sonnabend Collection
Developed owing to the vision of influential art dealer Ileana Sonnabend (1914–2007), her husband Michael Sonnabend (1900–2001), and their adopted son Antonio Homem, the Collection is among the most significant private holdings of modern and contemporary art in the world. Through their Paris and New York galleries, the Sonnabends established an international reputation, fostering creative exchanges and new audiences for American artists in Europe and vice versa. Often, they championed artists early in their careers, as is the case with respect to Andy Warhol. They anticipated and influenced developments in art including Pop, Minimalism, Conceptualism, Nouveau Réalisme, Arte Povera, Neo-Expressionism, Neo-Geo, Photo Conceptualism and more. The Sonnabend Collection at the Remai features more than 100 works by 67 artists, spanning seven decades of artistic production. This is the Collection’s first exposure in Canada, and its most comprehensive presentation to date in North America.
Above left: Nine Jackies by Andy Warhol (1964; silkscreen on canvas); above: Brillo Box (Soap Pads) by Andy Warhol (1964; synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on wood); at left: Hot dog by Roy Liechtenstein (1964; enamel on plate).
GALLERIES
Remai Modern (102 Spadina Cres. E; remaimodern.
org) Open Tue/Fri 10am–10pm, Wed–Thu/Sat–Sun 10am–5pm; admission $12/children under 6 free. Through Jan. 4: Condensation, A Cove Story by Michael Snow (10.5 min., 2009). Video installation showing a Maritime landscape through a series of images. Through Jan. 5: Display Tactics. Works by major figures in Canadian art, focusing on the 1960s through the 1980s, and drawing on the gallery’s permanent collection. It includes work by Joyce Weiland, General Idea, Bob Boyer, Michael Snow and others. Through Jan. 7: Dana Claxton: Rattle. This Indigenous artist works in film, video, photography, single and multi-channel video installation and performance art. She is known for her exploration of Lakota perspectives in relation to contemporary life. Rattle (2003) comprises a four-channel video installation with audio of Peyote songs performed using synthesizers.
granaries and prairie architecture.
SCC Gallery (813 Broadway Ave.; saskcraftcoun-
cil.org) Open Mon–Sat 10am–5pm. Through Jan. 4: Stone Notes by Robert Assié. Stone carvings and sculpture using field stone. Wanuskewin Heritage Park (Penner Road, 5 min N off Wanuskewin Road; wanuskewin.com) Through Dec. 31: Whiskey Scrip by Heather Shillinglaw. Mixed media installations that focus on storytelling, nature, and the traditional use of plants and flowers.
FILMS
Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.) Shows at
7pm or 9pm; tickets $10. Dec. 2–4, 15–18: Varda by Agnès (Fra., documentary, 115 min.) 7pm/9pm Dec. 7: Run Wolf, Run (Can., thriller, 85 min.) 8pm Dec. 26–30: The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmão (USA, drama, 2h19m) 7pm/9pm Remai Modern (102 Spadina Cres. E; remaimodArt Placement (238 3rd Ave. S; artplacement.com) ern.org) All films free with paid admission. Open Mon–Sat 10am–5:30pm. Dec. 7: Hey There, It’s Yogi Bear (USA, animation, Dec. 7–Jan. 16: Strands by Lorenzo Dupuis. Recent 89 min.) 1pm works in egg tempera on panel, with surfaces of Dec. 21: Mary Poppins (USA, fantasy, 2h19m) 1pm Ongoing: Screen Tests by Andy Warhol (USA, overlapping and interlacing hatch marks that suggest screen tests, continuous loop) threads and woven textiles. The Gallery (at Frances Morrison Library, 311 23rd St. Roxy Theatre (320 20th St. W; theroxytheatre.ca) From Dec. 13: The Two Popes (USA, comedy, 125 min.) E; saskatoonlibrary.ca) Open Mon–Sat 10am–9pm. Jan. 15: Dosed (USA, documentary, 82 min.) 7pm; Through Dec. 24: Prairie Perspectives by Paige Mortensen. Watercolour and batik explorations of old tickets from $8
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THEATRE
The Refinery (609 Dufferin Ave.; livefive.ca)
Dec. 13–23: Frost the Snowperson by James O’Shea (various times; tickets $12 for kids/$17 for adults). Songs, laughter and heaps of fun await at this Wide Open Children’s Theatre holiday show. For ticket and show information, see wideopen.ca. Jan. 12–19: The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe (8pm, Sun 2pm; tickets $26). A girls' soccer team warms up, and from the safety of their stretch circle, nine girls question and navigate the world around them. Nominated for a 2017 Pulitzer Prize, this play captures the raw beauty of adolescence as these bright, vulnerable, goofy young women learn to manoeuvre the game, their lives and a growing understanding of a complicated world.
Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. E; perse-
phonetheatre.org) From Jan. 29: Reasonable Doubt by Joel Bernbaum, Lancelot Knight and Yvette Nolan (8pm evenings, 2pm Sun/Wed matinees; tickets from $30). The need for us to speak our truth becomes undeniable in the aftermath of Colten Boushie’s tragic death. This documentary play with live music, created from hundreds of interviews with people in our community and woven with transcripts from the Gerald Stanley trial, offers an opening for honest dialogue and a step toward shared healing.
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gifting is good
Bambu silver earrings by Nicole Hoffman Remai Modern Gift Shop (102 Spadina Cres. E; remaimodern.org)
Summer Daze tank Social Made Local (socialmadelocal.ca)
Pokoloko alpaca wool blanket The Better Good (714 Broadway Ave.; thebettergood.com)
Elate Cosmetics (vegan) Green Tree Beauty (at Alchemy, 615 2nd Ave. N; greentreebeauty.com)
Designers Guild washbag Anthology Home Collection (126 20th St. W; anthologyhomecollection.ca) The Better Good (714 Broadway Ave.)
Jim Gerlinsky wrought iron candlestick holder Joan’s Beeswax Candles Handmade House (710 Broadway Ave.; handmadehousesesk.com)
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(Photo by Ashlyn George)
Solmate upcycled socks
Make the Christmas season sparkle with a visit to our many fine businesses!
123 Pizza . A1 Accounting Group LLP . Airland Mattress & Bedding Co . Ambros’ Shoe Repair . Back to Coffee Beans Best Taste Chinese Restaurant . Better Off Duds . BioMorphs Tattoo . China Inn . Christie’s Mayfair Bakery . Dairy Queen Brazier Dinner Rush . Expressions Salon & Spa . The Flag Shop . Family Jewels Thrift Shop . Funk Furniture Repairs & Antique Restoration Glitch Gifts and Novelty . Greek House Restaurant . Hecate’s Magickal Marketplace . Kicks ‘N’ Fits . Manchesters Bar & Grill Mayfair Convenience Store . Mayfair Hardware Ltd. . Mylynh’s Sewing . Nu Era Health Centre . Penn’s Antiques Picknic’s Catering & Fine Foods Ltd. . Pokey’s Pinball Café . Powerland Computers . Serendipity Flowers & Stuff . Spa Academy Spring Roll Restaurant . Super Donair . Tim Horton’s . The HobNobber . Vintage Mall YXE . and many more!
33rd.ca
@33rdStBID
gifting is good
The Whole Buffalo Soap Co. handmade soap Wanuskewin Gift Shop (810 Broadway Ave.; wanuskewin.com)
Saskatchewan Rush men’s Crosse hoodie Prairie Proud (510 33rd St. W.; prairieproud.ca)
Original Buddha Board Remai Modern Gift Shop (102 Spadina Cres.; remaimodern.org)
Saskatchewan Rattlers 2019 CEBL CHAMPS Hat Saskatchewan Rattlers (2-183 2nd Ave. S; therattlers.ca)
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Leica V-LUX 35-400mm Digital Camera James Frost Luxury Outfitters (105-123 Ave. B S; jamesfrost.com)
Skagen Falster Smartwatch Foursight (lower level, Midtown Plaza; foursightsupplyco.com)
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw SuRe Innovations (1701 Saskatchewan Ave.; sureinnovations.com)
þþ No-fee ATM service at any credit union across Canada þþ Safe and secure online banking 24/7 þþ All deposits 100% guaranteed, no matter the size
We at New Community Credit Union wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Join us as we celebrate 80 years serving the community!
NewCommunityCU.com 321 20th St. W 306-653-1300 Open Mo/Tu/We 9:30-4:30 Th/Fr 9:30-5:30
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gifting is good
Retro snowmobile Christmas tree ornament Wanuskewin Gift Shop (810 Broadway Ave.; wanuskewin.com)
Children’s books, incl. Felix Meets Freddy by Brenda Mintzler Nutrien Wonderhub Gift Shop (950 Spadina Cres.; wonderhub.ca)
Jacqueline Berting glass Christmas tree ornament Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery (813 Broadway Ave.; saskcraftcouncil.org)
Rotisserie Chicken candy canes Glitch Gifts and Novelties (642 Broadway Ave.; glitchgifts.ca)
Colour Me washable colouring cushions Joyne Marketplace (249 2nd Ave. S; joyne.ca)
Stoneground Paints, handmade in Regina Soul Paper (118 20th St. W; soulpaper.ca)
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When was the last time you visited?
Come in & rediscover the YMCA!
25-22nd St. E.
306.652.7515 ymcasaskatoon.org
flow
magazine
Reach the right people for the right reasons.
Social media has its place; so does print. In a world of competing distractions, your place is alongside content that matters:
Print is the only media in which ads are considered part of the experience.
info@freshwestmedia.ca
306.261.0883 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020
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gifting for good
Cooking Class Gift Certificates The Local Kitchen (115-123 Ave. B S; thelocalkitchenyxe.com)
The Fixie Bumblebee Pizza Cutter Remai Modern Gift Shop (102 Spadina Cres. E; remaimodern.org)
Now Designs Curling Rock mug McQuarrie’s Tea & Coffee Merchants (708 Broadway Ave.; mcquarries.ca)
A Great British Christmas Luxury Tea & Biscuits Tin Churchill’s British Imports (5-3130 8th St. E; on Facebook)
Back Forty Brewery Blueberry Wheat Beer Silver’s Local Market (183 2nd Ave. S; on Facebook)
Prairie Bee Meadery Traditional Bee Mead Prairie Sun Brewery (650 Broadway Ave.; prairiebeemeadery.ca)
Boomerang Latté Elixir, The Wandering Lotus Light Pops Yay! Thai (152 2nd Ave. S; yaythai.com), Karma Conscious Café (157 2nd Ave. N; thekarmacafe.ca)
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Christmas Fayre!
Celebrations, Roses & Heroes, Selection Boxes Shortbread, Plum Puddings, Mince Pies & Fruit Cake
NEW
to 5 Open Mon – Sat 10 Sundays 11 to 3 until Christmas Take a trip down memory lane: Chocolates, Tea Caddies, Tinned Biscuits Thorntons, M&S Delights Unique Gift Ideas
#5 3130 8th St E (behind Moxie’s) Updates on our
Visit Churchill’s British Café at 1702 Idylwyld Dr. N Check out our Cafe for updates
page
306.384.2748
page: Churchill’s British Imports Saskatoon
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food+drink
A “Red-Sauce Joint” Continues to Sizzle at 50 Taverna’s Tasos Kangles, who turned 50 in 2019 just like his restaurant, talks about the influence of his late father, the essence of good Italian food, and finding one’s place in Saskatoon’s fickle food&beverage scene Interview and main photo by Paul Miazga ran Delphi for 10 years after my father died, but then I got bored, so I sold the business. I was also halfway through a Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the U of S then. I got my creative touch back with painting and photography, but it’s hard to make it as an artist, so I moved to Greece and got involved in the family’s olive oil business near Kastri on the Peloponnesus. Things didn’t quite work out there because of all the corruption, so I left for Italy because the Greek government wanted to put me in the army. I knew I’d come back to Canada, so I went to live in Italy for a time, and then Spain where I did market research for UNESCO in Barcelona until the global financial crisis. flow: How did you get involved with Taverna? What made you choose an Italian restaurant? TK: I bought Taverna in 2009 from a couple of
flow: How did you get into the food industry? What influence did your dad, Chris Kangles, who was so well-known in the city’s restaurant and bar industry, have on you? TK: I learned a lot from my father; his were definitely big shoes to fill. Initially, I didn’t plan to run a restaurant. Around 15, I started working at Delphi (my father’s restaurant) and ended up there with him for 10 years. After high school, I got a Commerce degree from the U of S and was going to do a Master’s Degree in International Business—I had been accepted into a program in Europe—but then my father got cancer, so I deferred and took over running the place after he died. I trained with numerous chefs (at Delphi) in the late-1980s. Cooking was different back then, but it instilled in me some basic skills. I enjoy the creativity part of it and have always appreciated good food. My father, who had worked in Banff, Chicago and elsewhere, was famous as the bartender at John’s Prime Rib. His big thing was cocktails from scratch: he’d make his own grenadine, clamato juice; squeeze fresh limes, lemons, oranges—it’s what they did in the 1970’s. He taught me how to bartend when I turned 19. “This is how you make a Negroni”, and he also showed me how to do a classic Martini, an Old Fashioned and others. But at the time, I was like, “Dad, no one drinks these now.” Anyway, I feel well-rounded in the industry. I
Wally and Roberto had run Taverna for 40 years and wanted someone to keep the place Italian. [... .] I went in and said to them, “Sell me your ‘script.’ I’m a producer and director; I can do the Taverna ‘Italian’ show.” guys who used to know my father, Walter Salmaso and Roberto Pagnin. They had run the place for 40 years and wanted someone to keep the place Italian. I knew the business end, bartending and the kitchen, so my friend Tony Santoro set up the meeting. I went in and said to Wally and Roberto, “Sell me your ‘script.’ I’m a producer and director; I can do this Taverna ‘Italian’ show. But you have to sell me the building and everything otherwise it’s too risky.” In the end, they turned down a higher offer to another group that wanted to turn the place into a brew pub and gave me a chance. I had some money, and though the banks were hesitant I got the financing and took over on May 1, 2009. At first it was rough because of the new wave of restaurants in the city: The Rook & Raven, The Hollows, Congress, Bon Temps, Ayden, Una,…. All of the downtown was revamping; there was good competition, chefs were in demand, and we were trying to fit in again. I thought, “What’s our competitive advantage?” We have a great location, a great reputation, we get lots of business
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from the hotels, and over time developments such as River Landing and the Remai helped us stay in the middle of everything. But we’ve been through eight chefs in ten years, so we’re still constantly working on the food to make sure it stays authentic Italian but still flirting with Italian American classics; we have to focus on the desires and tastes of the people here. It took us a while to get to this point where our customers really appreciate what we do. Now I am the chef at Taverna. Italian is simple, seasonal and comfortable. You have to love cooking in its most elemental state to do it right. We do everything from scratch: the sauces, gelato, bread, everything. To fill 210 seats, the food has to be approachable, not oversauced or too specialized. As some of my customers from Philadelphia, New York and Chicago would say, “This is a classic ‘red sauce’ joint.” flow: Tell us more about Oprah’s visit in 2014. You’ve had some other famous people in here, but what was it like serving her? TK: Oprah showed up just as we were about to close on a Sunday night. She was going to buy Continues on p. 29
Above left: Tasos Kangles in the kitchen at Taverna. Above: A collection of images posted on Taverna’s Facebook page from April 15, 2014, when TV star Oprah Winfrey visited while in Saskatoon as part of a multi-city speaking tour. Her tweet reads, “Having our best meal @Taverna in Saskatoon”.
Key: $ - meals under $15; $$ - $15–30; $$$ - over $30
CAFÉS & DINERS City Perks 801 7th Ave. N; cityperks.ca. Tastefully lit,
great coffee and a fine weekend brunch. Open Mon– Fri 7am–10pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm. $ Collective Coffee 220B 20th St. W; collectivecoffee.com. It’s where to get coffee (plus breakfast and lunch to go) in Riversdale. Open Mon– Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm. $ d’Lish by Tish Café 702A 14th St. E; on Facebook. A sublime hideaway off Broadway with cozy nooks and deliciously fresh soups and other hearty foods. Open daily 8am–10pm. $ Drift Sidewalk Café 339 Ave. A S; driftcafe.ca. This creperie is airy, sunny and always buzzing with energy. Open Mon–Tue 8am–8pm, Wed–Thu 8am–10pm, Fri–Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 10am–3pm. $$ Earth Bound Bakery+Kitchen 220-1820 8th St. E; earthboundbakery.ca. A mostly organic bakery also serving sammys, soups, ‘za and desserts. Open Tue– Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 9am–3pm. $$ HomeQuarter Coffeehouse 110-405 Ave. B S; homequartercoffeehouse.com. Small sweets and other edible treats, plus hot bevvies. Open Mon–Tue, Sat 7am–5pm, Wed–Fri 7am–9pm, Sun 9am–5pm. $ Little Bird Patisserie & Café 258 Ave. B S; thelittlebird.ca. Croissants, macrons and other French pastries, plus High Tea that is the toast of the city. Daily lunch options too. Open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm. $$ Park Café 512 20th St. W; parkcafe.ca. This classic diner in Riversdale serves up daily specials, dessert and bottomless coffee. Open daily 8am–4pm. $
FINE DINING
Bar Gusto 707 Broadway Ave.; bargustoyxe.com. Executive Chef Alex Stephenson serves Tuscaninfluenced sharables. Open Wed–Sat 5–10pm. $$$ Little Grouse on the Prairie 167 3rd Ave. S; littlegrouse.com. Antipasti, squid ink taglierini, game meats and wine pairings highlight their price fixe menu. Open Tue–Sat 5:30–11pm. $$$ SHIFT 102 Spadina Cres. E, in the Remai Modern; shiftrestaurant.com. This classy space does its very own take on modern Canadian flavours. Open Tue– Thu 10am–10pm; Fri–Sat 10am–10pm. $$$
VEGETARIAN güd eats inc. 2917 Early Dr.; gudeatsinc.com. You
won’t miss the meat at this hip, new, all-vegan fast food joint. Open Mon–Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun 11:30am–8:30pm. $$ Karma Conscious Café & Eatery 2-157 2nd Ave. N; thekarmacafe.ca. Coffees and teas, plus lunches fusing Mediterranean, Indian and other tastes. Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm. $$ Thrive Juice Bar 137 20th St. W; thrivejuiceco.com. Fresh organic cold-pressed juices, super-food smoothies, lunches and coffee. Open Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm. $
SEAFOOD
Gibson’s Fish and Chips 1025 Louise Ave.; gibsonsfishandchips.com. English-style eats from this familyrun business. Open Mon–Sat 11am–11:30pm. $$ Joey’s 101-2100 8th St. E, 3 Worobetz Pl.; joeys.ca. Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun noon–8pm. $$
JAPANESE, KOREAN
Japa Bowl 821 Broadway Ave.; japabowl.
com. Home-cooked Japanese and Korean noodle bowls are their thing. Open Mon–Fri 11am–2pm, 4:30–9pm, Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–8pm. $ Jeju Korean BBQ 1527 Idylwyld Dr. N; on Facebook. The barbecue is as authentic as it comes, while the kimchee and other appys are worth the visit alone. Open daily 11am–10pm. $ October 3010 Arlington Ave.; octoberasiancuisine.com. Hand-rolled maki sushi and nigiri, plus ramen, salads and sashimi. Open Wed–Mon 11am–3pm, 5–9pm. $$ Samurai 601 Spadina Cres. E (in the Delta Bessborough Hotel). True Japanese teppan yaki— grilling on stainless steel with all the fire and flair. Open daily 5–10pm. $$$ Seoul 334 20th St. W; seoulsaskatoon.com. Use the iPad menus to order kimchee, bibimbap or table-top barbecued meats. Quick service and free appetizers. Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm. $$ Sticks & Stones 226 2nd Ave. S; sticksandstonesyxe.com. Ramen, gyoza, steamed buns, sushi rolls and cocktails. Limited seating, so get cozy. Open Sun, Tue–Thu 4:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 4:30–11pm. $$$ Sushi Haru 737 Broadway Ave.; on Facebook. Technically on 10th Street, this spot rates highly with regulars. Open Mon–Tue 4:30–9pm, Wed–Fri 11:30am– 9pm, Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun noon–8pm. $$ Sushi Raku 239 Idylwyld Dr. S; on Facebook. The best sushi in the city? It’s fresh, and it goes well with their friendly service and fair prices. Open Mon–Sat 11:30am–3pm, 4:30pm–10pm. $$
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food+drink 50 Words:
When Hunger Strikes after Dark Text by Kevin Sorokowski and Paul Miazga All images courtesy
Tackling late-night eats when your “late nights” tend to be anything after 9pm does reveal its challenges early on. For example, does sampling a pickle after that time qualify the writer for the flow dental plan? More on this never. We went out and found food at 10 places that cook until at least midnight; most go way past that and here are 50 words about each to tell you so. Late night? Early morning? They blend over a plate of Country Fried Steak and Eggs at the far north Denny’s (310 Circle Dr. W; 3850 Idylwyld Dr. N). This “Denny”—is he available to talk? Did he decide a steak wrapped in chicken dust and dipped in frying oil is right? Could not be more righter. Yes, please. Una Pizza+Wine (707 Broadway Ave.) has become a Broadway mainstay. Reliably delicious is how they have managed this in only a couple of years. Their house-made ricotta, served glazed in local honey and truffle oil, is also a strong reason why. Pair this with the sublime Carnivore pizza, you’ll be back too.
Speaking of Broadway vets, the Yard & Flagon (718 Broadway Ave.) has been kicking it there since way back. Long a known hotspot for thirst-quenching, they also make food. H S! Good food! Had the bacon-wrapped chicken breast, stuffed with gouda and chorizo, plus jalapeño-accented mashed. See you there next Tuesday. For anyone needing to get home from the bar before the hunger pangs hit, the multiple locations of Leopold’s Tavern (616 10th St. E; 120 Tweed Lane; 211 Evergreen Sq.) help ease the pain. Rustic eats? Yes, please, to Fried Pickles, Pork Rinds, Pickled Eggs and a Bucket O’ Bacon! Following any hazy, booze-fuelled get together, Mediterranean-influenced Aria Food+Spirits (210 Slimmon Road) takes a decidedly different approach to fuelling the after party: charcuterie and cheese boards, falafels, Moroccan “Cigars”, Beet Hummus and other dishes to share. It’s enough to make us wish we were seaside rather than landlocked. O’Shea’s Irish Pub (222 2nd Ave. S) fed me fish n’ chips. They were very good fish n’ chips. There were so many chips as a bed for the fishes that it made me feel something as I spilled vinegar and lemon juice. All the fishes were eaten. Chips remained in the basket; that’s how many. So, in Brooklyn, the inspiration for Thirteen Pies (243 2nd Ave. S), you can get just about any kind of food any time of day, seven days a week. Here? We’ll settle for one of the pies this joint offers, downed with a signature Tikiinspired cocktail before last call. You can get all the Rogan Josh, Chana Masala, Dal Makhani and more to coat your innards down-
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town at Tandoori Palace (101 3rd Ave. N), which remains a fan favourite for serving up spicy Indian eats well past the witching hour. The French Canadians know something about hunger after dark. Smoke’s Poutinerie (307 21st St. E), the local go-to spot for that hearty Quebecois staple, covers their market niche like so many cheese curds and gravy atop golden fried spuds. And talk about other toppings! There’s no space to even begin.
Tackling late-night eats when your “late nights” tend to be anything after 9pm does reveal its challenges. For example, does sampling a pickle after that time qualify one for the flow dental plan? Wouldn’t be much of a “Late Night Eats” review without at least one home-delivered something or other. We picked Red Swan Pizza to fill this quota. The chicken that comes on their Tandoori Chicken may not have actually come out of a tandoor, but it certainly tasted just so.
Key: $ - meals under $15; $$ - $15–30; $$$ - over $30
LOCAL/GASTRO
Aria Food+Spirits 210 Slimmon Road; aria-
foodandspirits.com. Mediterranean-influenced menu, plus classic gastro-pub fare in a spacious setting. Open Mon–Tue 11am–2am, Wed–Sun 9am–2am. $$ Ayden Kitchen & Bar 265 3rd Ave. S; aydenkitchenandbar.com. Putting the city on the map foodwise. Open Mon–Thu 5:30–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–9:30pm. $$$ Hearth 2404 Melrose Ave.; hearth.restaurant. A neighbourhood eatery serving pickerel, polenta, lentils, brunch and the like. Open Wed–Sat 5–10pm, Sun 11am–2pm. $$$ The Hollows 334 Ave. C S; thehollows.ca. An eclectic Riversdale eatery using locally sourced ingredients in every delightful dish. Open Wed–Sat 5:30–10pm, Sat–Sun 11am–2pm. $$$ Leyda’s 112 20th St. W; leydas.ca. Gluten- and nutfree, organic whole foods, and a Spanish accent on health-positive dishes. Mid-week dining specials too. Open Tue–Sat 11am–10pm. $$ Odla 801 Broadway Ave.; odla.ca. A true farm-totable restaurant that features locally farmed meats and produce. Open Sun–Mon, Wed–Thu 11am– 10pm, Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm. $$
TAP ROOMS
9 Mile Legacy Brewing 229 20th St. W; 9milel-
egacy.com. A rustic space with a rortating selection of beers, plus regular live events. Open Tue–Thu 3–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun noon–6pm. $$ High Key Brewery 1905 Quebec Ave.; hkbrew. ca. A wide open space serving their own and others’ craft brews. Open Wed–Fri 3–9pm, Sat noon–8pm, Sun noon–6pm. $$ Shelter Brewing 255 2nd Ave. S; shelterbrewing. ca. Unwind in style here: a massive cantilevered bar, seven rotating beers on tap and great Mexican eats. Open Tue–Thu 4–11pm, Fri–Sat 3–11pm. $$
EUROPEAN
Baba’s Homestyle Perogies 720B 51st St. E.; babasperogies.com. Perogies by the plate-full, not to mention sausage, cabbage rolls, borsch, etc. Open Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm. $ Churchill’s British Café 1702 Idylwyld Dr. N; on Facebook. The only place around serving Scottish bridies, proper English pork pies, and chips with curry sauce. Open Wed–Sun 9am–4pm. $ Gasthaus Restaurant 160 Cartwright St.; saskgerman. com. Great schnitzel, sausages, struedel and German beers, plus it’s home to Mini Fridge Dinner Theatre. Open Tue–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–2pm. $$ St. Tropez Bistro 238 2nd Ave. S; sainttropezbistro. ca. Family-run with a focus on French cuisine with regional influences, plus house-grown herbs and edible flowers. Open Wed–Sun 4–11pm. $$$
ITALIAN
Chianti Café 102 Idylwyld Dr. N; chianticafe.ca. The
pasta feasts bring in the sports teams; the real menu draw frugal gourmands. Open daily 11am–10pm. $$ Primal 423 20th St. W; primalpasta.ca. Local chefs Christie Peters and Kyle Michaels serve fresh pasta and local meat in this tidy space. Open daily 5–10pm. $$$ Taverna 219 21st St. E; on Facebook. A downtown staple for Italian dining since the 70s, the new makeover has created a more open atmosphere. Open Mon–Fri 11am–10pm, Sat–Sun 5–10pm. $$$
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Dare to Awaken the Artist Within If Saskatoon has entered its own belle époque, then let this be its drink and method of imbibing! Text by Cathy Engel Photo by Ted Engel The Belle Époque’s most storied creative lubricant, absinthe, is not only now permitted in Saskatchewan, Fish Creek Distillery near Alvena produces it! It’s been a journey to get it from production to market, having to convince authorities that the thujone content will not drive the hardworking populace of Saskatchewan to excesses of creativity. One authority that was pleased with this project was Environment Canada, since owner Markian Holinaty himself has been foraging for wormwood (Artemisia absinthum), an invasive species that pushes out native species (and also an allelopathic herb which kills plants in its own vicinity and taints hay with such bitterness that cattle will refuse it). Markian has about a oneweek window for wild harvesting the wormwood, when the volatile oils in the leaf glands have reached their optimum development and are perfect for steeping.
With the holiday cocktail season upon us, why not craft a classic Green Fairy in the French style or the more dramatic Czech style?
La Fée Verte
1 oz. (50ml) The Green Fairy Absinthe (Fish Creek Distillery) 1 sugar cube 3 oz. (150ml) chilled water Select a favourite glass that won’t dwarf your cocktail and add the Absinthe. Place an absinthe spoon over your glass and place a sugar cube on the grill portion (The Green Fairy is sold with a complimentary louche spoon). Gently and carefully drip chilled water over the sugar cube until it has dissolved. Once dissolved, gently stir cocktail to help dissolve sugar.
There is about a one-week window for wild harvesting the wormwood, when the volatile oils in the leaf glands have reached their optimum development and are perfect for steeping. Why did European settlers bring the plant? It has many medicinal uses; the name alone implies its effectiveness for dealing with internal parasites. It also proves effective for soothing muscle cramps and menstrual pain as well as being an aphrodisiac. The natural bitterness helps it to serve as a hops substitute for beer production, and some settlers used it in their own domestic production of absinthe or vermouth. Mark creates his absinthe using a fruit- and honey-based distillate, which provides a silky texture and light sweetness, but the pale emerald colour and pleasant herbal bitterness comes from the wormwood and his secret blend of herbs and spices. With the Remai Modern’s Picasso collection fully settled into its swanky, riparian digs, it seems that The Green Hour has arrived in Saskatchewan. Absinthe, credited with inspiring Symbolism, Surrealism, Modernism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and Cubism, just seems to fit right in to Saskatoon as the city evolves. We are entering our own Belle Epoque. Fish Creek Distillery The Green Fairy Absinthe ($70; available at Prairie Sun Brewery; prairiesun.ca)
Bohemian method* (Czech style) *involves fire hazard Note: Proceed with caution and clear a nonflammable work area before starting. Have a pitcher of water ready in case of accidents. Proceed as with the recipe above except: Lightly dip the sugar cube with absinthe after pouring liqueur into glass. Place cube on louche
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spoon then place spoon on glass. Set sugar cube on fire and enjoy the flame for 10-20 seconds. Extinguish flame by placing a non-flammable lid or coaster atop until extinguished, then add chilled water. Stir and enjoy slightly warm.
Taverna, from p. 24 the place out but I told her not to worry since we were closed at 9pm. She was super nice the entire time. She asked to have a tasting menu for 12 people: pastas, seafood, beef, veal, chicken and lots of Grey Goose vodka martinis. To be honest, I didn’t even know she was in town or why she was here, but we pulled it off. At the end, she wanted to talk to me. I was so scared, but it was like talking to my mom—I could tell her anything. She was very philosophical and she made me feel so at ease the whole time. She thanked me profusely for the food and instagrammed “Having our best meal @Taverna in Saskatoon.” She got more than 30,000 likes. Our business went up immediately by 25 percent. flow: A couple of years ago you undertook some major renovations to the building and kitchen. What was the reasoning behind that? TK: This building was built in 1907 and used to be one of Saskatoon’s first grocery stores, among other things. It had been through some turbulent times, and it needed a new façade. We totally re-did the washrooms and kitchen—tore out everything—in order to attract quality chefs, and we needed to change the façade to expand our seating and get people excited about us again. Inside, we didn’t really change much else because we didn’t want to scare off our regular customers either. In the end, we made it more
One of Taverna’s classic dishes, a potato gnocchi with meat sauce. (Courtesy photo)
like something in a big city with a front patio and more visibility. flow: In addition to the building turning 50, you also celebrated this milestone this year. What was that like? What does that number mean to you? TK: Tricia [Tasos’ wife] totally tricked me. She invited all of my friends to the restaurant and I thought it would just be family since I was working that day. It turned into a pretty great
Saskatoon’s BEST DIM SUM Restaurant
party! To be 50 years old in this city means a lot; I think Gibson’s (Fish and Chips) is the only other restaurant that’s at the same age. Taverna is thriving at 50—last year was our busiest year ever—and it’s not because of me: it’s about recognizing what this place is about. My managers Oleksandr, Steven and Mandy do a great job bringing things together. Taverna is bigger than me, and I feel I owe it to the city and our patrons to keep it that way.
new restaurant openings
3140 Preston Ave. S
(behind Sobeys Liquor) Mon, Wed-Fri 11am to 10pm Sat 10am to 10pm Sun 10am to 9pm YipHong’sDimSumRestaurant
1. Prairie Sun Brewery A gorgeous new space featuring a large bar with more than 40 craft beers on tap, an extensive food menu and a small grocery. (650 Broadway Ave.; prairiesun.ca) 2. Shakeel’s South Asian eats served up in a classic buffet style for either lunch or supper. (7-105 21st St. E.; shakeels.ca)
3. Second Cup The Canadian coffee chain marks its return to the city at this very central spot. (128 21st St. E; secondcup.com) 4. Baked In Saskatoon Get your fill here of pies, cookies, breads, custom photo cakes and more. (411 Herold Ct.; bakedinsaskatoon.ca)
5. A’s Food Xpress Lots of Filipino faves, from Siomai dumplings to Sizzling Sisig and beyond. (1114 22nd St. W; asfoodxpress.com)
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secret Saskatoon
Thundering Back to Wanuskewin Recent conservation efforts across Canada and the US have looked to reintroduce the once abundant Plains bison to their ancestral lands. Saskatoon’s Wanuskewin Heritage Park is central to one of these efforts Text by Scott Davidson Main photo by Sergio Boccardo
For thousands of years, Plains bison by the millions roamed the Great Plains of the West. Through overhunting and human expansion, however, their numbers dwindled to near extinction, and those remaining have been forced from most of their native range. The combined history of the bison and First Nations peoples such as the Plains Cree goes back thousands of years in the Saskatoon area and there is perhaps no place more steeped in history than Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon’s north end. Archaeological evidence found at Wanuskewin, including bison kill sites, pottery fragments and teepee rings, dates back at least 6,000 years. Words taken from the park website underscore the importance of this sacred animal to Indigenous people: “The bison were integral to survival. They were a source of food, clothing and shelter. They were a spiritual connection to the land. They were life.” In 2016, the park began studying how to reintroduce bison to the area. The campaign
to bring a herd back to Wanuskewin—dubbed “Thundering Ahead” (thunderingahead.ca)—has so far surpassed its $40 million funding goal and is currently seeking a bison manager to look after the herd. The park says it is looking for someone who can balance modern conservation techniques with traditional medicine and respect for the bison. The return of these massive animals (adult males can weigh up to 1 metric tonne and stand nearly 2 metres tall at the shoulder) is expected sometime in early 2020. They represent not only a reconnection to the past but a chance at continued financial success for the park, which has recently undergone massive renovations in order to enhance its bid to obtain UNESCO World Heritage Site status in what would be a first for Saskatchewan. Originally, the park had been planning on buying a herd of bison from Montana, but long delays at the border sank that idea. Now, it looks like the Wanuskewin herd will be sourced from
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Facts about the Plains bison
(Bison bison bison) Besides using the meat, fat and organs for food, Indigenous peoples have traditionally created a wide variety of tools and items from bison. These include arrow points, awls, beads, berry pounders, hide scrapers, hoes, needles from bones, spoons from the horns, bow strings and thread from the sinew, waterproof containers from the bladder, paint brushes from the tail and bones with intact marrow, and cooking oil from tallow. Skulls are also used ceremonially as altars. Rawhide is used for parfleches, shield covers and moccasin soles. Hides with the fur are used for blankets, wraps and warm clothing. Tanned hides, the finest of which are tanned with the animal's brains and then smoked, are used in clothing, moccasins, tipi covers, calendars and artwork. (Source: Wikipedia)
either Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan or Banff National Park in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Both parks have reintroduced bison to their ancestral territory within these respective park boundaries in recent years. Of special local interest, Wanuskewin is also home to a “bison rubbing stone”. These stones, found across the historic range of the bison, including here (pictured), have been polished smooth by thousands, if not millions of bison rubbing against them as the animals looked to shed their heavy winter coats each spring. The rubbing stone at Wanuskewin, which can be accessed by trail during the summer months, reveals the long history of this noble creature on the prairies.
(Courtesy photo)
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