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S A S K AT O O N
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CITY LIFE STYLE
NOVEMBER 2012 - No. 4 (1)
SPA SENSE
RELAX, RESTORE, RECHARGE
GET IN GAME
MEAT AS NATURE INTENDED
HOT FOR YOGA
NOT JUST THE SWEATY STUFF
BACK TO NATURE
THREE WAYS TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS 2012 NOVEMBER
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music+theatre
sports/fitness
fashion/design
cars
movies
kids’ stuff
food+drink
travel
Get more out of Saskatoon.
Get into the
flow
Saskatoon’s definitive city guide User-friendly feature sections
Restaurant and business listings
Unique local perspectives and so much more
For advertising enquiries: (306) 261-0883
info@freshwestmedia.com
NOVEMBER: SOME THOUGHTS ON ‘NOTHING’
Someone remarked to me the other day that November is an “in between” month. “Nothing’s really going on,” he said. If he were referring to Saskatoon, I’d have to take issue with that. Taking a look at our events calendar this month (pp. 8–9), you’d be hardpressed to imagine a fuller schedule of big concerts (Neil Young, Leonard Cohen) and huge concerts (the Red Hot Chili Peppers). To help guide readers through the fantastic events going on, we’ve introduced our new “Plug In!” marker symbolizing really special events. You’ll see the “Plug In!” sign on events that would register on the Richter scale: the SSO’s tribute to Queen at TCU Place on Nov. 17, or the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert Nov. 24 at Credit Union Centre.
When we think of November, what naturally comes to mind is that it is a solemn month in which we honour war veterans. But this year, it is also one of celebrations as the CFL and football fans across Canada take in the historic spectacle of the 100th Grey Cup. Aside from its long and storied history, one of the best things about the Grey Cup—the trophy awarded to the champions of the CFL—is that the winning players can drink out of it; no NFL player can say that of the Guy Lombardi trophy awarded to the winners of the Super Bowl! Whatever the associations we have with this time of year, it’s definitely colder and darker than the last few months have been. What birds are left are migrating south, bears are looking for hibernation dens and other animals are packing on fat to survive the northern winter. We’re moving towards the end of hunting season, and game meat is popping up on menus across the city and beyond. Duck, rabbit and bison might sound like exotic fare, but they represent a direct link to nature: this is what sustained First Nations people for millennia and unsurprisingly, it’s healthy and tasty to eat. Fortunately, Saskatoon is a place that rewards people who dress for the elements from the feet up. Life goes on in and around our fair city no matter the time of year: sparrows, chickadees, jack rabbits, raccoons and much larger animals can be seen around town at this time of year, so get some warm boots on and do some exploring. Even people who think nothing goes on here in November would have a hard time ignoring a moose that wound up in the backyard. It’s all a part of this city’s flow.
FreshWest Media Ltd. 106-220 20th Street West Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7M0W9 (306) 261-0883 info@freshwestmedia.com Advertising Inquiries (306) 261-0883 sales@freshwestmedia.com
Published 12 times per year by FreshWest Media Ltd. Circulation: 10,000 copies in Saskatoon and area Copyright (2012) by FreshWest Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of the publisher. Editor Paul Miazga Art Director Zhanybek Nurgozhayev Production Designer Danna Contreras Ad Designers Zhanybek Nurgozhayev, Danna Contreras Copy Editor Tanya Andrusieczko Contributors Bre McAdam, Sarah Bayley, Ryan Grainger, Nathan Holowaty, Ashley Wills and The Food Guy Photographers Danna Contreras Chapa, Ryan Grainger, Paul Miazga Publisher Paul Miazga Accounting Paige McNamee Printing Houghton Boston Distribution FreshWest Media Ltd. FreshWest Media Ltd. is a proud member of Tourism Saskatoon.
FRESHWEST MEDIA LTD. President and Chairman Paul Miazga Director, Creative Olga Bondarenko
Cover photo of a Wanuskewin Heritage Park “Tipi Sleepover” by Ryan Grainger (www.slyphotography.ca)
Paul Miazga Editor and Publisher paul@freshwestmedia.com
Project Consultants Käthe Lemon (Redpoint Media), Michael Miazga (Open Storage Solutions), Terry Rock (CADA), Bob Sexton (Outdoor Canada), Vasyl Yablonsky (Axel Partners)
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f events calendar
NOVEMBER 1.
One Vision— The Music IN ! PLUG of Queen Join Conductor Mathieu Pouliot, the SSO and a large supporting ensemble for a twist on the iconic ballads and rock anthems of Freddie Mercury and Queen.
Thu
01-Sun04
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (LIVE)
This awe-inspiring kids’ show arrives to charm the city. Various showtimes; tickets from $39.50. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328) www.ticketmaster.ca
Fri
16-Sat17
PLUG
Fri
ALICE COOPER
Catch the king of shock rock on his “Raise the Dead” world tour. Show starts at 8pm; all tickets $64.50. TCU Place (35 22nd St. East, 975-7761) tcutickets.ca
IN !
Sat
2.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Catch Anthony Kiedis, Flea and the rest of RHCP as they blow into town for a one-off gig as part of their marathon I’m With You studio sessions, plus many of their beloved hits: “Give It Away,” “Under the Bridge” and “Californication.”
3.
The 100th Grey Cup Championship Watch history being made as Toronto hosts the centenary of the CFL’s gridiron classic to determine the winner of Lord Earl Grey’s coveted trophy.
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08
17
ONE VISION — THE MUSIC OF QUEEN
Show starts at 7:30pm; tickets from $35. TCU Place (35 22nd St. East, 975-7761) tcutickets.ca
PBR CANADA NATIONAL FINALS
Starts Wed
Professional Bull Riders Canada has chosen Saskatoon to host its national finals: a whole lot of adrenaline-junkie cowboys and bucking steers, with just 8 seconds needed to determine a champion. Presented by Dakota Dunes Casino. Starts at 7:30pm both nights; tickets $15. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328) www.ticketmaster.ca
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
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IN PLUG
!
Sat
24
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Enjoy the timeless music and Opening act: Rebirth Brass lyrics of Rodgers and Hammerstein Band. Show starts at 8pm; tickas Persephone brings to life the ets from $48.50. Credit Union Centre (3515 lives of the von Trapp family and Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328) its melodious governess. Various www.ticketmaster.ca showtimes; tickets from $23. Persephone Theatre (100 Spadina Cres. West, 384-7727) www.persephonetheatre.org
Wed
PITCH PARTY V
14
Wed
17
Sun
Thu
15
JUST FOR LAUGHS COMEDY TOUR ‘12
NEIL YOUNG &
The Wilson Centre at the U of S CRAZY HORSE hosts its annual chance to pitch Canada’s folk rock demi-god ideas to entrepreneur and centre arrives with Los Lobos and namesake Brett Wilson. Doors The Sadies. Showtime 7:30pm; open at 5:30pm; tickets from $30. tickets from $56.25. Prairieland Park (503 Ruth St. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328) West, 931-7149) www.ticketmaster.ca www.saskatoonex.com
Sat
14
It’s a night of non-stop comedy as Canuck comics John Heffron, Jim Breuer and others perform. TCU Place (35 22nd St. East, 975-7761) tcutickets.ca
18
Tue
20
AN EVENING WITH LEONARD COHEN
Experience the Montreal-born poet, singer and songwriter as he uses music to muse on his “memories and final reckonings.” Show begins at 8pm; tickets from $57. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328) www.ticketmaster.ca
ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION MISTLETOE CHARITY BALL
MOSCOW BALLET’S ‘GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER’
IN PLUG
!
Sun
25
Fri
30-Sun02
This annual fundraiser is one The Moscow Ballet, which celof the marquee events of the ebrates its 20th anniversary of pre-Christmas season. Cocktails touring North America, will bring at 6:30pm, dinner 7:30pm with the delightful Tchaikovsky ballet dance to follow; tickets $400, to the stage in Saskatoon. Pertable of 8 $3,200. For more formance begins at 2pm; tickets information, contact Colleen from $45. McKay at 655-5835. TCU Place (35 22nd St. East, Sheraton Cavalier Hotel (612 975-7761) Spadina Cres. East) tcutickets.ca www.stpaulshospital.org
100 th GREY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
CFL East Division winner vs. CFL West Division winner. Pre-game show on TSN/RDS begins at 4pm MST; kick-off set for 5pm.
SUNDOG ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FAIRE
Local craft and gift ideas galore: this is the showcase event for the province’s best. Fri 5–10pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 11am–5pm; tickets $8, two-day pass $12. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328) www.sundoghandcraftfair.com 2012 NOVEMBER f low
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contents
music+events
10
features Three Ways to Get Away Take in the great outdoors any which way you like (it’s all good)
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music+events
Red Hot Chili Peppers
music+ events Alexis Normand
It’s the biggest concert in decades (and on a Saturday!), plus Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, jazz singers, classical music and more
15
Music meets live art to help celebrate the Year of the Fransaskois
17
movies Skyfall
Daniel Craig stars and Sam Mendes directs in the newest 007 flick
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food+drink
22
Got Game? (Meat, that is)
Rabbit, duck, bison or elk: It’s food the way Mother Nature intended
kids’ stuff
30
Pooh Corner The story-telling tradition continues to captivate
31
sports/fitness Hot for Yoga Sweat away your stress and discover the new you
City maps: pp. 32-33 2012 NOVEMBER
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shopping
Natural Beauty Local Wood and Glass Artisans Create a Welcoming Dinner Table Photos by Paul Miazga
Han
Ebenisterie de Beauce Wooden moosehead wine topper The Trading Post 226 2nd Ave. South, 653-1769
Northwest Laser Designs
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The Trading Post
Wooden cheese knife set
$
226 2nd Ave. South, 653-1769
27
$
Bonnie Doone Glass Blue blown glass wine decanter The Trading Post 226 2nd Ave. South, 653-1769
$
55
“Witty Woods� by Northwest Laser Designs Wooden oven squirrel (for moving oven racks) The Trading Post 226 2nd Ave. South, 653-1769
15
$
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Al Bakke Ash wood serving bowl
ndmade House Handcraft Store 813 Broadway Ave., 653-3616
150
$
Curtis MacNeill Slumped glass serving plate fired in a kiln
Handmade House Handcraft Store 813 Broadway Ave., 653-3616
$
75
“Witty Woods” by Northwest Laser Designs Antler-shaped pasta or salad tossers The Trading Post 226 2nd Ave. South, 653-1769
$
22
Rodney Peterson Birch wood pepper mill and salt shaker Handmade House Handcraft Store 813 Broadway Ave., 653-3616
110/$90
$
2012 NOVEMBER
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feature
Back to Nature: Three Ways It Always Feels Good to Reconnect with the Great Outdoors
Wanuskewin Heritage Park just north of the city offers a fun-filled program called the “Tipi Sleepover”: a chance to spend a night close to home yet under the stars in a tipi learning the ways, history and traditions of the Northern Plains Cree, whose continuous use of this spot goes back at least 6,000 years. Help raise a traditional tipi (each of which sleeps 12), sample traditional First Nations foods and explore this riverside park in the company of experienced guides. It’s a great team-building outing and a unique way to learn about Cree culture. The one-night Tipi Sleepover costs $35 per person (min. 12 people or $420 total fee). Note that dogs or alcohol are not permitted. For more information, contact Shelby Scott: shelby.scott@ wanuskewin.com; 931-6767.
Photo courtesy of Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Wanuskewin Tipi Sleepover www.wanuskewin.com Located just a short distance from Prince Albert National Park and set amid 12 hectares of boreal forest, Flora Bora offers guests an intimate forest getaway in a traditional buy cozy Mongolian yurt. Each uniquely decorated yurt is fully furnished with bathroom, kitchenette, a private deck and nature trails outside the front door. This four-season hideaway is a unique base from which to go snow shoeing, nature watching, skating, ice-fishing or cross-country skiing at nearby Waskesiu. A two-night weekend stay at Flora Bora during fall/winter 2012 is $164 per person based on double occupancy. Flora Bora Forest Lodging 1-877-763-5672, florabora.ca Quite rightly billed as “Luxury on Nature’s Doorstep,” the four-star Elk Ridge Resort sits just a few kilometres from gorgeous Prince Albert National Park (www.pc.gc.ca/princealbert). The main lodge features high vaulted ceilings, a massive stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Best of all, Elk Ridge offers a wealth of things to do outdoors (explore 400 kilometres of groomed trails, play ice hockey, skate or go tobboganning) and indoors (full-service spa treatments, exquisite dining, shopping and entertainment). The Valentine’s Every Day getaway package is $549/per couple per two-night weekend ($279/ couple per night midweek). Elk Ridge Resort 1-800-510-1824, www.elkridgeresort.com
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Photo courtesy of Elk Ridge Resort
Prince Albert National Park is Saskatchewan’s all-season national park in the boreal forest. Waskesiu as it’s also known is a great place to view wildlife and catch the aurora borealis or northern lights. The park township includes hotel-
style and cabin accommodations (winter camping options are also available), a visitor centre (306663-4522) and various dining options from simple to sumptuous. 1-888-773-8888 www.pc.gc.ca/princealbert
Text by Paul Miazga Photos by (except as noted) Ryan Grainger
For Hunting, Fishing and Outdoors Enthusiasts, Gearing Up is a Must
Clockwise from left: the interior at Elk Ridge Re-
Hunting, fishing and outdoor leisure enthusiasts all know how vital it is to get into gear. And during a Tipi Sleepover at Wanuskewin Heritage whether for sport or as a practical pursuit during Park; a cozy furnished yurt at Flora Bora Forest hunting season, it never hurts to hone your bowLodgings; a red fox seen in mid-winter. or shotgun-handling skills. The Saskatoon Gun Club (382-5315) proThe Golden Dragon (334 Ave.motes C South) in the 1960s.and competitive trap, skeet recreational and sporting clays shotgun shooting in Saskatoon. The club sells annual memberships but also allows non-members to shoot for a fee. The club opens for shooting on Sundays, weather permitting—check the website for updates. www.saskatoongunclub.com sort; university students around the campfire
Re-born as The Hollows in 2011.
Photo courtesy of Flora Bora Forest Lodging
Above: the Saskatoon Gun Club east of the city offers skeet, trap and other types of sport shooting (weather permitting); at left: a grizzly bear is one of dozens of Google images
animals displayed at giant outfitting retailer Cabela’s.
The mammoth Cabela’s store in University Heights features “Conservation Mountain” with a waterfall, a 2-lane archery range (for those intent on purchasing a bow) and more than 170 taxidermy mounts showcasing game animals from across North America. Cabela’s boasts a massive selection of hunting, trapping and fishing gear, outdoor and survival clothing for all seasons, camping and travel necessities, home and cottage wares and even dog-sledding equipment. www.cabelas.ca
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local essentials Saskatoon brings a wealth of local attractions given its unique position along long-established migration routes (evidence of human settlement just north of the city dates back at least 6,000 years), the variety of local flora and fauna (including 25 species of butterflies), a variety of urban park spaces, not to mention great places to golf, take the kids out and, naturally, for picking Saskatoons the local berry from which the city takes its name.
ATTRACTIONS
Beaver Creek Conservation Area The BCCA
showcases the Meewasin Valley in microcosm and contains one of the few uncultivated short-grass prairie sites in the province. Visitors can enjoy the site’s four nature trails and visit the Interpretive Centre, where staff help facilitate public programming. BCCA is a four-season destination, ideal for a hike close to nature. 13 km south on Hwy 219, 374-2474/665-6888 www.meewasin.com/education/beaver_creek
Bessborough Hotel and Gardens
Saskatoon’s “Castle on the River,” the iconic Delta Bessborough Hotel is arguably the city’s most photographed landmark, intentionally designed by Montreal architects Archibald and Schofield in the late 1920s to resemble a Bavarian castle. Built by the Canadian National Railway and completed in 1932, the “Bess” (pronounced “Bez”) plays host in its garden space to shows of the annual Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival in June as well as various public and private events. 601 Spadina Cres. East, 244-5521
Cosmopolitan Park The lookout of this park below
Saskatchewan Crescent East is one of the best bird-watching sites in the city. During spring and fall migration, songbirds fill the area, while nesting birds shelter in the dense canopy of Saskatoon berry bushes, willows, dogwood and chokecherries. Watch for beavers and muskrat along the riverbank in the evening. Signage at the lookout shows how the city’s downtown developed from a mess of settlers’ tents to today’s skyline.
Diefenbaker Centre The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada, the Diefenbaker Centre on the University of Saskatchewan campus features cultural, educational, and historical collections that represent the life and times of Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, John G. Diefenbaker. He and his second wife, Olive, are buried on the grounds nearby. Free admission. Open Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm 101 Diefenbaker Place (U of S campus), 966-8384 www.usask.ca/diefenbaker
Diefenbaker Park Diefenbaker Park is a beloved spot
for enjoying nature as well as for picnicking, barbequeing or viewing the Canada Day fireworks. Also located within the park is the city’s first cemetery, the Nutana Pioneer Cemetery, the final resting place of many early city residents.
Forestry Farm Park and Saskatoon Zoo Open-year round, the Forestry Farm Park (formerly Sutherland Forest Nursery Station) is a designated National Historic Site. The Saskatoon Zoo welcomes more visitors per capita each year than any other zoo in Canada. The zoo is home to indigenous plants and animals, plus exotic animals from similar climates. Tours of the historic former Superintendent’s Residence and the grounds can be made through the Friends of the Forestry Farm House (249-1315). 1903 Forestry Farm Park Dr. (off Attridge Dr.), 975-3382 www.saskatoon.ca/go/zoo
Friendship Park This park has a few tables for picnicking and features a lifesize bronze of Métis hero Gabriel Dumont on his horse. The park surrounds the Meewasin Valley Centre at the bottom of the Broadway and Traffic Bridges. Listen for local DJs playing music there on Sundays.
Gabriel Dumont Park Gabriel Dumont Park is named
for one of the Métis leaders of the North-West Resistance of 1885. The park includes a natural prairie ecoscape and is a typical urban park featuring a children’s play village and picnic tables, plus washroom facilities. Parking is accessible via Saskatchewan Crescent West.
Kinsmen Park and Children’s Play Village
Located at Spadina Crescent and 25th Street, Kinsmen Park is a popular children’s amusement destination with its train ride and merry-go-round. The park features a playground and large paddling pool, picnic tables and barbeque pits.
Kiwanis Memorial Park and Vimy Memorial Bandshell
Kiwanis Memorial Park, located along Spadina Crescent, is a tribute to Saskatoon’s war veterans. The Vimy Memorial
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bandshell, south of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, honours WWI veterans. A large water fountain, just to the north of the hotel, honours those who fought in WWII. The park features picnic tables, barbecue pits and statues to such noteworthy Canadians as Terry Fox and Ray Hnatyshyn.
Knox United Church
This church is a designated municipal heritage building whose congregation was established as part of the Saskatoon Presbyterian Field Mission in 1885 following the North-West Rebellion. Architects Brown and Vallance of Montreal designed it in the Collegiate Gothic style; it was finished in 1914. The two-storey, dark red brick building boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and acoustics that make it a regular venue for chamber music performances, plus other social and cultural events. 838 Spadina Cres. East, 244-0159
Marr Residence Located on the
city’s east side, the Marr Residence is the oldest house in Saskatoon on its original foundation. Built in 1884 by Alexander (Sandy) Marr, the home was used as a field hospital during the 1885 North-West Resistance. The Marr is a heritage site and supposedly haunted. It is open for special events on long weekends during the summer. 326 11th St. East, 652-1201
Meewasin Park Located in the
city’s north-west, Meewasin Park features a playground, barbeque pits, picnic tables, a shelter with washroom facilities open year-round and a canoe launch. Parking is accessible from Spadina Crescent.
Meewasin Valley Trail and Visitor Centre The Meewasin
Valley Centre (MVC) near the river in downtown Saskatoon offers many public programs and services focusing on the city’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s a great place to learn about local history, the South Saskatchewan River, and the future of the Meewasin Valley. It also has fun, interactive displays, an art gallery, a gift shop and information on the Meewasin Valley and other city attractions. Open (fall/winter) Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun noon–5pm 402 3rd Ave. South, 665-6888 www.meewasin.com
“When you wish upon a star...”
The little observatory at the University of Saskatchewan provides the public with free weekly stargazing opportunities. Open Saturdays in November from 7:30–9:30pm. U of S Observatory 108 Wiggins Road (U of S campus), 966-6393 (Dept. of Physics) http://physics.usask.ca/observatory
Mendel Art Gallery and Civic Conservatory Overlooking the South Saskatchewan River, the Mendel Art Gallery is Saskatoon’s premier destination for contemporary and classic art, with exhibitions changing every three months.The Gallery’s permanent collection includes more than 5,800 works by local, regional and national artists. In addition to exhibitions and public programs, visitors can enjoy the Gallery Shop, the Civic Conservatory and Muséo Coffee. Admission is free, though donations are kindly accepted. Open daily 9am–9pm 950 Spadina Cres. East, 975-7610 www.mendel.ca
The Mendel Riverbank and Island Sanctuary
The Mendel Riverbank and Island Sanctuary offers a quiet place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the South Saskatchewan River. During summer, beavers, ducks, geese and pelicans can often be seen from the lookout point and ferry dock. In July and August, the site features the annual Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan theatre event. Shearwater Tours operates its cruises from this spot.
River Landing This uniquely Saskatoon focal point
uniquely combines meeting space, an outdoor amphitheatre and children’s water play area. The river outlooks offer great,
up-close views of the water. In summertime, delicious prairiethemed food and treats are available at the pavilion.
Rotary Park Rotary Park, with its flat space, picnic tables
and washroom facilities, is well known for its public tennis courts and groups practicing tai chi or yoga in the early morning. Tthe Peace Prayer Pole—part of a 160-country network supported by the UN—was custom-designed by artist Doug Bentham and inscribed with the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in Cree, English, French and Japanese.
St. John’s Anglican Cathedral Saskatoon’s first
Anglican parish (1902) incorporates brick, Tyndall stone and terra cotta in an unornamented neo-Gothic style; its foundation is made of fieldstone (including granite, gabbro, diorite, gneiss, schist and dolomite). Completed in 1917, its chief distinguishing characteristic is a rood screen at the chancel steps. The rood screen, pulpit, lectern and high altar are made of Carrara ware (Doulton white terra cotta, which resembles Italian Carrera marble). The cornerstone was laid in 1912 by then Governor General of Canada, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught. 816 Spadina Cres. East
St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Cathedral The
cornerstone of St. Paul’s, which can be found along Spadina
Crescent near the Delta Bessborough Hotel, was laid by former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1910. Originally built as parish church, St. Paul’s only became a full cathedral in 1934 when the diocese of Saskatoon was established. The stained glass there was added in 1945 to commemorate those who lost their lives in WWII and in 1976 for those that lost their lives to a fire. 720 Spadina Cres. East, 652-0033
Saskatoon Natural Grasslands Located on
Konihowski Road near the Forestry Farm Park, the SNG is a unique urban park that shelters nearly 200 species of plants and a variety of native birds and animals. The site is also home to more than 25 kinds of butterflies.
The University of Saskatchewan The U of S, with
its many greystone buildings, takes time to explore properly. Originally located at Broadway Avenue and 12th Street, the Little Stone Schoolhouse was built in 1887 to house Victoria School. Among its more impressive sites are the neo-Gothic Thorvaldson Building, the College Building with its classic Elizabethan shape in Collegiate Gothic style and Nobel Plaza (east end of the Bowl), so named for the two people from the university to win this prestigious prize. www.usask.ca/visit/destinations.php
Ukrainian Museum of Canada The UMC is dedicated
to the Ukrainian settlers who contributed in large measure to the development of the prairies. Craftwork on display includes embroidered fabrics, wood carvings, traditional religious items (such as decorated Easter eggs) and ceramics. Open Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm 910 Spadina Cres. East, 244-3800 www.umc.sk.ca
U of S Observatory The observatory facilities
(telescopes, other scientific equipment) at the U of S are available for use by both both students and visitors alike, with the facility staffed year-round on Saturday nights for public viewing of the skies. Phone 966-6393 to book a guided tour. Free admission. Open Sat (in November) 7:30–9:30pm http://physics.usask.ca/observatory
Victoria Park Victoria Park features a playground, picnic
tables and the popular Lions Skateboard Park. It is also home to the Riversdale Pool (public swimming), the Riverside Badminton and Tennis Club and the Riversdale Lawn Bowling Club. The Boathouse was built for the 1989 Jeux du Canada Games and now houses canoeing, kayaking and rowing clubs. Accessible from Avenue H South.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park The Northern Plains Cree
have used the site called Wanuskewin (Wah-nus-KAY-win; “living in harmony”) for thousands of years, gathering to share teachings and ceremonies, and to hunt the great bison of the Northern Plains. Trails wind over more than 6 km of parkland at the site, which includes a centuries-old camping area and rich in archaeological findings. The interpretive centre has galleries, a theatre, a restaurant serving First Nations cuisine and a gift shop. Adults $8.50, students 13-30 $6.50, children 5–12 $4.00, free for kids under 5. Open daily 9am–4:30pm, 11am–4:30pm on holidays 5km north of Saskatoon on Wanuskewin Road, 931-6767 www.wanuskewin.com
The Weir The Weir, built as a make-work project during
the Great Depression, is a classic fishing site for the American White Pelican. Every spring, a few of this once-endangered species return to the Weir and stay on until early September. Climb the stairs to the top of the CPR bridge for a spectacular birds-eye view.
slot machines, Texas Hold’Em poker, Blackjack, Roulette and other games of chance. Check their online schedule for free regular shuttle service from pick-up points city-wide (includes various city malls, the Delta Bessborough Hotel). They also have two restaurants and weekly live concerts. Be sure to catch the Irish Rovers on Oct. 11, or witness the unveiling of the 2013 Firefighters Calendar for charity on Oct. 13. 204 Dakota Dunes Way (20 min. south on Hwy 219 to Outlook), 667-6400 www.dakotadunescasino.com
COMEDY
Dez Reed’s Comedy Club The city’s longest continually running comedy act is the hard work of an all-local group of comedians led by nationally recognized Dez Reed, former Seinfeld writer Keith Barany and others. Thursday and Friday nights beginning at 8:30pm; shows start at 9:15pm. Joe’s Sports Bar and Grill (345 2nd Ave. North), 244-1403 www.lafftraxcomedytheatre.com
The Laugh Shop The doors in the Cedar Room
downstairs open every Friday for comedy at 8:30pm, with shows featuring national and international stand-ups from 9:30-11:30 pm. Tickets are only $15 but reservations are recommended. In reality, the club is a banquet room at the Park Town Hotel but it’s always worth a laugh. Park Town Hotel (924 Spadina Cres. East), 244-5564 www.parktownhotel.com/laugh_shop.php
CURLING
CN Curling Club In October the club, which CN employees opened in December 1939, hosts its annual CN Senior Men’s / Open Bonspiel. League times and fees are listed online. 1602 Chappell Dr., 382-3088 www.cncurlingclub.com
Granite Curling Club The venerable Granite has the only curling sheets downtown (it can be found just south of the Great Western Brewing Company), making it a convenient place to play for many right after work. Leagues for all levels, with adult learn-to-curl league Wednesdays from 8:15–10pm. 480 1st Ave. North, 653-2811 www.saskatoongranitecurlingclub.ca
Fudds Fun Centre The Fudds Fun Centre includes a
game zone, batting cages and mini-golf, plus an ever-popular Fuddrucker’s hamburger restaurant. 2910 8th St. East, 934-2637 (93-GAMES) www.fudds.ca
The Fun Factory This indoor family fun centre offers
various kinds of excitement, with a two-storey soft play unit. toddler space, party rooms, laser tag, lunch bar and games to name a few attractions. 1633C Quebec Ave., 955-3778 www.thefunfactory.ca
Wilson’s Entertainment Park Wilson’s Entertainment
Park is an all-around family fun centre located just east of the city. It features a driving range, the Velocity Raceway karting course, concessions and more. RR 6, corner of Hwy 5 and McOrmand Road, 955-9582 (driving range), 955-9593 (karting) www.wilsonsentertainmentpark.ca
PAINTBALL
Merrill Dunes Adventure Outdoor paintballing and
laser tag are the draw at Merrill Dunes Adventure, which also features two separate fields, a mechanical bull for those looking to really ratchet up the adrenaline, plus sales of smoke bombs and fireworks to make any event just that much more hectic. 13km south on Valley Road, 382-2728 http://goodspaces.homestead.com/newhome.html
SWIMMING POOLS
Saskatoon Leisure Services The City of Saskatoon
operates three indoor pools (Harry Bailey Acquatic Centre, Lakeview Civic Centre and Lawson Civic Centre), plus indoor gyms and saunas. For public swim times or a full list of city leisure services, visit the website of the city’s Leisure Services Department. Single admission for adults is $8.30. Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre (1110 Idylwyld Dr. North, 975-3321) Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Dr., 975-2944) Lawson Civic Centre (225 Primrose Dr., 975-7873) www.saskatoon.ca
YMCA The venerable “Y” has long been a facility that
Club makes it easy to get into this quintessentially prairie pastime, with leagues for all levels of skill, open times and even glow curling. Check out their adult learn to curl instructional league on Sundays at 1pm. 2002 Arlington Ave., 374-2422 www.nutanacurlingclub.com
attracts a crowd serious about fitness but who also feel like belonging to a very community-focused organization. The Saskatoon YMCA has a 25m pool, updated cardio equipment, a sizable gym and classes for all kinds of fitness. They also have daycare services and an in-house cafe. 25 22nd St. East, 652-7515 www.ymcasaskatoon.org
Sutherland Curling Club The SCC Ladies Bonspiel, an
TENNIS/BADMINTON
Nutana Curling Club The eight sheet Nutana Curling
annual event in October, enables the club to raise money in support of breast cancer awareness. Various leagues, and ice time can be booked. 141 Jessop Ave., 374-8400 www.sutherlandcurlingclub.com
FAMILY FUN
Children’s Discovery Museum Set to move to the
Mendel Art Gallery site in 2014, the CDM is all about giving children the chance to learn through play. Exhibits and programming help foster creativity, curiosity and an enduring love of learning. Find it next to the mini-golf. Market Mall (2325 Preston Ave. South), 683-2555 www.museumforkids.sk.ca
Riverside Badminton & Tennis Club The city’s only private club boasts immaculate indoor badminton courts, change rooms with showers, plus a pro shop. 645 Spadina Cres. West (Victoria Park), 242-5584 www.saskatoonriverside.com
Saskatoon Leisure Services
The City of Saskatoon operates indoor tennis courts at the Saskatoon Field House near the U of S and in the Tennis Dome near Lakewood Civic Centre. For a full list of city leisure services, visit the city’s Leisure Services Department online. Saskatoon Field House (2020 College Dr., 975-3354) Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Dr., 975-2944) www.saskatoon.ca
Western Development Museum Transport yourself
back in time with a visit to the WDM’s 1910 Boomtown. More than 30 buildings—including a general store, blacksmith shop and old time jail—recreate the hustle and bustle of a typical Saskatchewan town in the early 20th century. Three other branches exist province-wide. Open Tue–Sun 9am–5pm 2610 Lorne Ave., 931-1910 www.wdm.ca
BOWLING
Hunter’s Bowling Centres The city’s two bowling
centres both provide a mix of 5- and 10-pin bowling, with organized leagues for all ages, options for glow bowling, and licensed lounges for thirsty crowds. Eastview Bowl: 2929 Louise St., 373-4333; Fairhaven Bowl: 3401 22nd St. West, 382-2822 www.huntersbowling.com
Serving Saskatoon for Over 80 Years 709 43rd Street East. Saskatoon, SK Ph: (306) 664-3458 www.houghtonboston.com customers@houghtonboston.com
CASINOS
Dakota Dunes The only casino serving Saskatoon features
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music+events Nov.. 14, 7:30pm: Neil Young & Crazy Horse with special guests Los Lobos and The Sadies (tickets from $56.25; www.ticketmaster.ca) The legendary Canadian singer-songwriter has recently added to the lustre of his star with the recent appearance of a documentary about his life. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328)
Top 5 Live Events
Nov. 25, 5pm, live from Toronto (TSN) It doesn’t get much better for gridiron football fans in Canada than this: two team, one game to decide who takes home the Grey Cup. Aside from the obvious, what makes this year’s championship so special is that comes at a time when league attendance figures continue to climb, and active discussions are underway in Regina to build a new home for our very own Saskatchewan Roughriders. Expect the CFL to pull out all the stops in making this the most memorable Grey Cup (at least in terms of the pre-game and half-time show) the country has ever seen.
Nov. 17, 9pm: Eliana Cuevas
(tickets $30; www.thebassment.ca) Singing in Spanish, Portuguese and English, Venezuelan-born Cuevas is Canada’s premier singer of Latin American music, having sung with many pop, Latin jazz, salsa and flamenco ensembles. the bassment (202 4th Ave. North, 683-2277)
Nov. 18, 2pm: “The Nutcracker”
(tickets from $45; https://tcutickets.ca) The North American touring troupe The Moscow Ballet presents its richly decorated and highly rewarding interpretation of the Tchaikovsky classic. TCU Place (35 22nd St. East, 975-7761)
Nov. 23, 8pm: Alpha Yaya Diallo
(tickets $39 in advance, $45 day of; saskjazz.ca) Diallo’s acoustic and electric guitar creates groovy melodies and compelling grooves. His band features African rhythms and lively percussion. Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.)
SPORTS BARS BP’s Lounge
4 locations citywide; www.bostonpizza.com The Hose & Hydrant 612 11th St. East, 477-3473
Nov. 24, 8pm: Red Hot Chili Peppers
(tickets from $48.50; www.ticketmaster.ca) RHCP are on a massive world tour, and if haven’t already bought a ticket yet, it might be too late. Check in the local papers or on kijiji.ca for scalpers. Credit Union Centre (3515 Thatcher Ave., 1-800-970-7328)
LIVE THEATRE
Persephone Theatre
Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. East, 384-7727)
www.persephonetheatre.org
The Light in the Piazza by Adam Guettel Nov. 1–3 (8pm), Nov. 4 (2pm), Nov. 6 (8pm), Nov. 7 (2pm), Nov. 8–10, Nov. 11 (2pm); tickets $26. Ciara, a 26-year-old American who had suffered a head injury as a child that left her emotionally and intellectually stalled, visits Italy with her mother, Margaret. Young Fabrizio falls in love with Ciara, and Margaret, who has spent her life worrying about and protecting her daughter, must come to terms with young love in blossom.
Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company
The Production Centre (914 20th St. West, 933-2262) www.sntc.ca How the Chief Stole Christmas by Curtis Peeteetuce (in Cree with English surtitles) Nov. 29–30 (8pm), Dec. 1–8 (2pm); tickets $21. In this popular remount, the characters Sihkos, Zula and Clare return to find the interim chief, Kevin Cedar, determined to cut spending in the community at any cost; he says it’s to rescue their beleaguered finances, but Sihkos suspects Kevin is up to something. Why else would he be hiding from everyone in Kiwetinokh? It’s the first full-length play entirely in Cree by the SNTC’s artistic director.
Greystone Theatre
John Mitchell Building (U of S campus), 966-5188 http://artsandscience.usask.ca/drama/ Henry IV Pt. 1 by William Shakespeare (directed by Pamela Haig Bartley) Nov. 21–Dec. 1 (8pm); tickets $20; students $10. Widely considered one of Shakespeare’s most accessible plays, Henry IV Part 1 presents some of the bard’s most recognizable characters, including King Henry, Prince Hal, Hotspur and his Lady, Bardolph, Glendower, Pistol, Nym and Sir John Falstaff.
The Refinery Arts & Spirit Centre 609 Dufferin Ave., 653-5191 www.stjamesrefinery.org
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The 100th Grey Cup
Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill 345 2nd Ave. North, 653-3647 Winston’s English Pub 243 21st St. East, 374-7468
The December Man (L’Homme de décembre) by Colleen Murphy (directed by Brian Cochrane) Nov. 15–18, Nov. 22–25 and Nov. 29–Dec. 1 (all shows 8pm); tickets $21, students/seniors $18.50. Winner of the Governor General Award for Drama in 2007, this searing play set in the aftermath of the écolePolytechnique tragedy in Quebec explores the long private shadow that public violence casts. Featuring award-winning actors Kent Allen, Sharon Bakker and Aaron Hursh. Produced by LiveFive.
BALLET
TCU Place
35 22nd St. East, 975-7761 https://tcutickets.ca The Moscow Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Nov. 18 (2pm); tickets from $45. For 20 years, the Moscow Ballet has been the largest Russian ballet tour in the US and Canada, combining high-calibre ballet and superb production values with larger-than-life puppets, nine hand-painted backdrops and gorgeous costumes.
LIVE MUSIC (CLASSICAL/CHORAL) Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
a large supporting cast, plus a massed choir of high school students from Saskatoon. SSO’s principal percussionist, Mathieu Pouliot, will conduct this tour de force. “Hear, See, Think” Nov. 23 (7:30pm; tickets tba) In yet another departure from the regular classical genre, the SSO challenges audiences to reconsider how we interpret music or art. Featuring Kazuo Fukushima—Mei (solo flute), Robert Aitken—Icicle (solo flute), Jacob TV—Garden of Love (oboe and multimedia), Sid Robinovich—Prairie Sketches (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, string quintet), Ryan Purchase—Five Poems by Liza Mclellan and one not (horn and narrator). At Paved Arts (424 20th St. West).
Saskatoon Chamber Singers
www.saskatoonchambersingers.ca The Parting Glass—Music and Words of Remembrance Nov. 11 (2pm, 7:30pm); tickets $20). Nov. 11, 2012, marks the fifteenth consecutive year that the Saskatoon Chamber Singers have presented a concert of music and readings on Remembrance Day. At Knox United Church (838 Spadina Cres. East).
TCU Place (35 22nd St. East, 975-7761—box office) http://saskatoonsymphony.org Gyro Masters Series—Inspired by the Bard (Maestro Victor Sawa, conductor) Nov. 3 (7:30pm); tickets from $18. Inspired by the Bard presents “Shakespearean” compositions by three great composers: Beethoven (Coriolan Overture), Berlioz (Le Roi Lear/King Lear, Op. 4) and Mendelssohn (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). In addition, the SSO presents a cast of characters for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, including Canadian actress Maureen Thomas who performs during Mendelssohn’s masterpiece. With the internationally renowned Saskatoon Children’s Choir and soloists Véronique Eberhart (soprano) and Cassandra Warner (mezzo-soprano).
Amati Quartet
One Vision—The Music of Queen (Mathieu Pouliot, conductor) Nov. 17 (7:30pm); tickets from $41.50. The Jeans ‘n Classics rock ensemble bring to the city their impressive tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen. From “We Will Rock You” to “Somebody to Love” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” One Vision features the vocals of Michael Shotton,
The Woods Ale House (148 2nd Ave. North) www.ritornello.ca Musicians for El Sistema Nov. 26 (8pm); tickets $10. Casual evenings of chamber music return as Ritornello hosts an inner-city music initiative with Jim Legge, Scott McKnight, Sara
amatiquartet.usask.ca Amati Quartet with Henri Loiselle (bass-baritone) Nov. 24 (2pm, 7:30pm); tickets $30. Loiselle, known to many as Saskatchewan’s “Singing Farmer,” evokes a range of emotions with his powerful voice, interaction with audiences and relaxed stage presence. The program will include Mozart (“Ave Verum”), H.T. Burleigh (“Going Home,” “Deep River”), “Nearer My God to Thee” and others. Tickets available from Persephone Theatre (384-7727; www. persephonetheatre.org). At Third Avenue United Church (304 3rd Ave. North).
Ritornello on Tap
theatre
Mirador: An Accent on Music and Unpredictable Live Art Text by Nathan Holowaty In anticipation of her first full length album, jazz-folk songstress Alexis Normand is bringing her bilingual Mirador tour through ten Saskatchewan communities this fall. It’s being done to celebrate 2012, the Year of the Fransaskois in the province, but not only. “Mirador is about discovering spaces, reconnecting to them and understanding how these locations influenced my identity,” says Normand. Mirador is Normand’s collaboration with visual artist Zoé Fortier: overlapping Normand’s vocals is Fortier’s visual artwork, “all done in real time.” Expect to see projections of video and traditional methods of animation being manipulated with cut-outs and filters. The unpredictability of live art adds nuance to the performance and enhances the flavour of the music. Alexis Normand began creating music shortly after learning how to play the guitar in her early teenage years. Originally from Saskatoon, this singer-songwriter made her return to the city after studying music and education in Ontario and Quebec. The return home is a theme reflected in Normand’s recent project with Fortier. As Normand explains, the song, “Le Ruisseau” (“The Stream”) and the accompanying painting Te vela “are about a child who grew up near the river with a curiosity and desire to follow the river away from home. When
Spigott, Stephanie Unverricht and Jacqueline Woods.
LIVE MUSIC (JAZZ) the bassment
202 4th Ave. North (Vecima Networks Building), 683-2277 www.thebassment.ca Nov. 1 (8pm; tickets $20): CFCR Roots Series—Ana Egge with Peter Elkas Saskatchewan-born folk troubadour Ana Egge has gained notoriety for her decidedly alt-country tunes. Opening for and then accompanying Egge on guitar will be Peter Elkas. Nov. 2 (9pm; tickets $22): CFCR Roots Series—Colin Linden Grammy-nominated and two-time Juno Award winner Colin Linden is the King of Canadian Roots, having worked with Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams among others. Nov. 3 (9pm; tickets $16): The Three Trombones: Anderson/ Neufeld/Ulmer Sarah Anderson has sung on the bassment stage many times. Regina’s Colin Neufeld plays with the RSO and Skavenjah. Ross Ulmer is a Mayor’s Art Award winner in Lloydminster. Nov. 7 (8pm; tickets $25): CFCR Roots Series—James Keeleghan Trio Juno Award–winning Canadian folk singer-songwriter James Keelaghan is known for his lilting baritone voice, driving rhythm guitar, and keen sense of scene and narrative. Nov. 8 (8pm; tickets $16): CFCR Roots Series—Rose Cousins Supported by a thriving Halifax music scene and welcomed by an equally vibrant Boston community, Rose Cousins offers up music from her latest album,“We Have Made A Spark.” Nov. 9 (9pm; tickets $20): Dingwall Guitars Rock & Blues Series—The Vexations with Undercover Pirates Vesti and The Vexations play steady and grooving R’n’B and soul hits. Cam McConnell and Vesti join with The Pursuit of Happiness alumni Johnny Sinclair and Lesley Stanwyck to open. Nov. 10 (9pm; tickets $20): Yamaha Piano Centre Piano Series— Chris Donnelly and Myriad with Ben Schenstead (guitar) Myriad plays mostly original music: think modern jazz meets classical, pop and Oscar Peterson. Myriad is Chris Donnelly on piano, Dan Fortin on bass and Ernesto Cervini on drums. Nov. 16 (9pm; tickets $20): Braid Flooring Guitar Series—Bob Evans
Photo of Alexis Normand and Zoé Fortier courtesy Susan Busse PR
he finally left, he realized how wonderful home was and discovered his longing for return.” Another of Normand’s songs, “Cet horizon,” has been made the official theme song to celebrate Saskatchewan’s Year of the Fransaskois. Accompanied by a full band, Mirador rolls through Saskatoon for two dates in early November at the La Troupe de Jour Production Centre with local Shawn Jobin opening the show. An art gallery opening
with Zoé Fortier’s visual art will commence immediately afterwards at the Den at the Two Twenty (220 20th Street West) from 9:30pm until close. The opening is $5, or free with a ticket stub from the concert.
The talented Evans has a repertoire that includes originals, Beatles covers, blues, ragtime and plenty besides. Nov. 17 (9pm; tickets $30): Concorde Group Jazz Diva Series— Eliana Cuevas Nov. 22 (8pm; tickets $16): Dingwall Guitars Rock & Blues Series—Tyler Yarema and His Rhythm Nov. 23 (9pm; tickets $16): Straight From The Fridge with Ellen Kolenick Straight From The Fridge and vocalist Ellen Kolenick play an accessible mix of jazz, Latin and pop standards. The band is ellknown for playing intelligent, melodic and quirky arrangements of cover tunes. Nov. 24 (9pm; tickets $22): The Wooden Sky Led by singer-songwriter Gavin Gardiner, country/folk/indie/ rock collective The Wooden Sky has grown over the years to become a popular live act in their native Toronto. Nov. 29 (8pm; tickets $16): CFCR Roots Series—Meaghan Smith Christmas Show The show will feature tunes from Smith’s second release, It Snowed, an eclectic Christmas collection featuring original tracks and holiday standards. Nov. 30 (9pm; tickets $16): CFCR Roots Series—Saskatoon Songwriter Fest Seven up-and-coming songwriters hit the bassment stage.
Nov. 30: Propaghandi with The Rebel Spell and Rehashed
LIVE MUSIC (ROCK/FOLK/COUNTRY/OTHER) Amigo’s Cantina
806 Dufferin Ave., 652-4912 www.amigoscantina.ca All shows 10pm and tickets $12 unless otherwise noted. Nov. 2: The Creepshow with Hellbound Hellcats and Fundamentals Nov. 3: A.C. Newman with The Mynabirds Nov. 4: A Tribe Called Red Nov. 8: Dehli 2 Dublin with The Bass Invaders This Canadian world music group from Vancouver, sometimes known as D2D, play a fusion of Bhangra and Celtic music. Nov. 9: Julie Doiron with guests Nov. 16: Shit Harper Did Nov. 17: Putrescence with guests
Mirador tour with Alexis Normand and Zoé Fortier Nov. 2–3 (8pm; tickets $20/students $15) La Troupe du Jour (914 20th St. West, 565-8916)
Broadway Theatre
715 Broadway Ave., 652-6556 (office) www.broadwaytheatre.ca Nov. 4 (7:30pm; tickets $36): The Lost Fingers Nov. 20 (7:30pm; tickets $38): Blackie and the Rodeo Kings Nov. 22 (8pm; tickets $43): John McDermott Nov. 23 (8pm; tickets $39 in advance, $45 day of): Alpha Yaya Diallo. Presented by Elwood Flynn, Ultimo Euromoda & CFCR FM. If you like stellar African artists Salif Keita or Youssou N’Dour, don’t miss Diallo! Visit saskjazz.com or call 1-800-638-1211. Nov. 27 (7:30pm; free entry with membership purchase—$20): Big Shiny Tunes fundraiser Local bands cover the latest Much Music hits in support of the community-owned Broadway Theatre events centre. Nov. 30 (8pm; tickets $38): Little Miss Higgins with guests This guitar-playing, pocket-sized powerhouse plays music featuring old-time country blues, jazz and a hint of folk.
Odeon Events Centre
241 2nd Ave. South, 651-1000 www.theodeon.ca Nov. 3 (6pm; tickets $34.75): Dan Mangan with Rural Alberta Advantage Nov. 16 (6:30pm; tickets $35): GWAR with DevilDriver, Cancer Bats and Legacy of Disorder
LIVE COMEDY TCU Place
35 22nd St. East, 975-7761 (box office) https://tcutickets.ca Nov. 2 (8pm; tickets $47.50): Rodney Carrington
The Laugh Shop
Park Town Hotel (924 Spadina Cres. East, 244-5564) www.parktownhotel.com/laugh_shop.php All shows 9pm in the Oak Room. Tickets $15. Nov. 2–3: Matt Billon w/ Ben Valentine; emcee Drew Behm
Nov. 9–10: David Dempsey w/ Brett McCrindle; emcee Ben Proulx
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galleries/museums ART GALLERIES
Mendel Art Gallery The city’s beloved gallery by the river,
the Mendel often features several exhibits simultaneously, including in its downstairs space. With its tranquil conservatory and cafe, it’s great for spending time admiring the latest exhibits. Now showing (through Jan. 6, 2013): Beneath a Petroliferous Moon is a survey of artistic responses to the petroleum industry by 11 artists from around the world. The exhibition brings visibility to various aspects of this global commodity, including its social significance, modern history and the awe-inspiring impact of the industry’s infrastructure and detritus. The title of the exhibition is taken from a 1940 poem by Pablo Neruda, “Standard Oil Co.” Bill Burns: Bird Radio and the Eames Chair Lounge is a continuation of Bill Burns’ curious work about animals, safety and civil society. Visitors can activate a chandelier of jerryrigged birdcalls that transmits the simulated sound of birds beyond the gallery walls via radio signals. The exhibit focuses on mimicry and the authority given to schematic diagrams. The names of things contemplates the complex relationship between the human experience and the natural world. The exhibition features Zachari Logan’s sensuous, large-scale drawings; compelling collaborative works by Terry Billings, incorporating wasp nest paper and plumage; and Stacia Verigin’s highly imaginative sculptures. Open daily 9am–9pm. Free admission. 950 Spadina Cres. East, 975-7610 www.mendel.ca
aka gallery Contemporary art in the city’s up-and-coming
Riversdale neighbourhood. Nov. 2–Dec. 1: Fiona Annis: The After-Image (SwanSongs) The expression “swan song” derives from a Greek myth that swans are mute, but burst into song before death. This legend has come to mean a person’s last eloquent words or a final farewell appearance. In the context of her current cycle of work, Annis explores the swan songs of various historical, or otherwise atypical artists and intellectuals who produced remarkable final works closely connected with their deaths. Her photographic encounters with landscapes and architectural sites connect to particular swan songs selected for their poetic and personal resonance. Open Tue–Fri noon–6pm, Sat noon–4pm 424 20th St. West, 652-0044 www.akagallery.org
Frances Morrison Library Gallery The second-floor
gallery in the main branch of the Saskatoon Public Library features local and international artists as well as an annual showcase of materials from the city’s extensive photo archives. Through Nov. 15: Allyson Glenn: The Body, Inside Out is an exploration of human anatomy and sketches by art students at the U of S based on actual visits to the gross anatomy lab, live model sessions and self-directed investigations From Nov. 21: Troy Gronsdahl: Making Way is a text-based project based on an excerpt from the manifesto “Refus Global.” It includes letterpress prints and ephemera related to the printing process. Open Mon–Thu 10am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 1–5:30pm 311 23rd St. East, 975-7558 www.saskatoonlibrary.ca/node/609
Rouge Gallery One of the city’s top commercial galleries and one of its most eye-catching. Showing Nov. 10–24: Jennifer Mack: Inner World. A passionate, patient study and painter of horses, Mack has exhibited at Spruce Meadows and other showcase equine events. Open Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat noon–5pm Suite 200 245 3rd Ave. South, 955-8882 www.rougegallery.ca
The Stall Gallery Collectively the mobile Stall Gallery has
a large body of collected works; view the work of brash, locally inspired artists at mini-shows hosted throughout the city. Stall Gallery features some of Saskatoon’s and the province’s most talented avant-garde artists. Call 653-0800 for more details. Now showing: Crystal Rassi, Kathy Bradshaw and Kelly Grace (oil on canvas) at The Two Twenty (220 20th St. West) Kelly Grace and Cate Francis (oil on canvas) at City Perks (801 7th Ave. North) www.thestallgallery.com
U of S Art Galleries The University of Saskatchewan
features several unique galleries, all of which are worth discovering: the Kenderdine Gallery, home of the university’s permanent collection; student and special exhibitions at the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery; the Diefenbaker Centre and its archives; and the Museum of Antiquities, with its ever-expanding collection of ancient busts, bronzes, coins and more. Open Mon–Fri 9am–4pm (Kenderdine Gallery, Museum of Antiquities); Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm (Diefenbaker, Snelgrove). U of S Campus www.usask.ca/activities/museums.php
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‘Lest We Forget’ Veterans, their family members and others donated this museum’s large collection of uniforms, wartime memorabilia and even dioramas of significant events in Canadian military history. The museum also honours Canadians who have served as international peacekeepers. Open Mon–Tue 1–4pm, Thu–Fri 4–6pm. Entrance by donation. Royal Canadian Legion Museum 3021 Louise St., 374-6303 www.nutanalegion.ca/museum.shtml Affinity Gallery Showcase home of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, the gallery offers SCC members inexpensive space in which to display their work, all of which can be purchased. Open daily 1–5pm 813 Broadway Ave., 653-3616 www.saskcraftcouncil.org
Art Placement Combo art supply shop, framing shop and
gallery, look for the red door of Art Placement in the alley between 3rd and 4th Avenues downtown. Through Nov. 8: Clint Hunker: Last Summer. Saskatoon-based Hunker uses a loose technique to apply oil on small and mid-sized canvases in portraying wind-swept prairie scenes near the small town of Aberdeen northeast of the city. Open Tue–Sat 10:30am–5:30pm 228 3rd Ave. South, 664-3385 www.artplacement.com/gallery/index.php
Darrel Bell Gallery An upper-level loft studio downtown,
the gallery gives the feeling of an urban gallery rivalling spaces in Winnipeg, Toronto or Montreal. Regular showcases of some of the best local artists and craftspeople. Note: the gallery is in the process of moving; opening hours may vary. Open Thu–Sat noon–5pm #317 220 3rd Ave. South, 955-5701 www.darrellbellgallery.com/pages/artists.php
void gallery A new commercial art gallery below 8th Street
Books. Now showing: t j atkings. Previous showings include Painting On the Edge (Federation Gallery, Vancouver). Open Thu–Fri 6–9pm, Sat–Sun 11am–5pm and by appointment 2-1006 8th St. East, 242-VOID (8643) www.voidgallery.ca
MUSEUMS
Diefenbaker Centre The only combined Prime Ministerial
archives, museum and research centre in Canada, the Diefenbaker Centre on the University of Saskatchewan campus features cultural, educational, and historical collections that represent the life and times of Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, John G. Diefenbaker. Free admission.
Open Mon–Fri 9am–4:30pm 101 Diefenbaker Place (U of S campus), 966-8384 www.usask.ca/diefenbaker
Museum of Natural Sciences Check out the life-sized
replica dinosaur skeletons at the Museum of Natural Sciences, a combined effort of the biology and geology departments of the U of S. This museum outlines evolution throughout geological time, with displays of living plants, animals and fossils. Free admission. 112-114 Science Place (Biology bldg., U of S campus), 966-4399 http://artsandscience.usask.ca/museumofnaturalsciences
Royal Canadian Legion Museum The Legion provides
for the safe and secure storage and display of military memorabilia, most of it donated by veterans, family members of veterans, collectors and Legion members. The museum also honours the Canadian men and women who have participated in military conflicts and peacekeeping roles throughout Canada`s history. Entrance by donation. Open Mon–Tue 1–4pm, Thu–Fri 4–6pm 3021 Louise St., 374-6303 www.nutanalegion.ca/museum.shtml
Ukrainian Museum of Canada The UMC is dedicated to
the Ukrainian settlers who contributed in large measure to the development of the prairies. Craftwork on display includes embroidered fabrics, wood carvings, traditional religious items (such as decorated Easter eggs) and ceramics. Open Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm 910 Spadina Cres. East, 244-3800 www.umc.sk.ca
Western Development Museum Transport yourself back in time with a visit to the WDM’s 1910 Boomtown. More than 30 buildings—including a general store, blacksmith shop and old time jail—recreate the hustle and bustle of a typical Saskatchewan town in the early 1900s. Check the website for information on showcase art events. Open Tue–Sun 9am–5pm 2610 Lorne Ave., 931-1910 www.wdm.ca
movies Google images
007 Returns: Skyfall Veteran action filmmaker Sam Mendes directs a star-studded cast in this latest 007 film inspired by the novels of Albert R. Broccoli. James Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. With MI6 under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. Fans of Spanish actor Javier Bardem should enjoy his appearance in Skyfall. Director: Sam Mendes Starring: Daniel Craig, Helen McCrory and Javier Bardem UK/USA, 2012 Premier: In theatres Nov. 9 Running time: 143 min. Venues: Galaxy Cinema, Centre Cinema
you’ve been trumped (documentary)
Stories We Tell (documentary)
A Late Quartet (Drama)
VENUES/THEATRES
Centre Cinemas Film distribution giant Cineplex Odeon
Rainbow Cinemas The Rainbow screens second-run
Galaxy Cinemas Saskatoon’s largest Cineplex Odeon
OTHER
Director: Anthony Baxter Starring: Michael Forbes and Donald Trump Running time: 95 min. Shows: Through Nov. 6 Venue: Broadway Theatre In this real-life David vs. Goliath story, a group of proud Scots take on billionaire Donald Trump as he buys up one of Scotland’s last wilderness areas to build a golf resort. Broadway Theatre The Broadway is an art, film and
performance theatre and Canada’s only community-owned, non-profit reperatory cinema. This municipal heritage property shows many foreign and limited release films, but also hosts many public and private events. Wheelchair accessible. 715 Broadway Ave., 384-3456 (movie line), 652-6556 (office)
MLT Roxy Theatre The always charming Roxy shows
alternative films and limited releases. Lean back as the lights dim and check out the twinkling ceiling lights. Wheelchair accessible and access for the hearing impaired. 320 20th St. East, 955-8642 www.rainbowcinemas.ca
Director: Sarrah Polley Starring: Pixie Bigelow, Dierdre Bowen and Geoffrey Bowes Running time: 108 min. Premier: Visit the theatre website for details. Venue: Broadway Theatre A genre-twisting film that playfully excavates layers of myth and memory to find the elusive truth at the core of a family of storytellers. has one of its two local theatres on the city’s east side in the Centre Mall across from Rainbow Cinemas. Its seven screens show first-run movies but at lower prices (from $4.50 to $9) than Galaxy downtown. Wheelchair accessible. Centre Mall (3510 8th St. East), 244-7330 www.cineplex.com theatre is Galaxy. Set in the south downtown, Galaxy has 12 screens showing first-release films and big performances such as opera and classical music concerts. Wheelchair accessible. Party rooms for private events. 347 2nd Ave. South, 664 5060 www.cineplex.com
Director: Yaron Zilberman Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken and Katherine Keener Running time: 105 min. Premier: In theatres Nov. 23 Venue: MLT Roxy Theatre Members of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and wanton lust. movies for cheap. Prices from $2 on Tuesdays, with $3.50 matinees and $4 for evening showings. Wheelchair accessible and access for the hearing impaired. Birthday packages for kids available. Centre Mall (3510 8th St. East), 955-8642 www.rainbowcinemas.ca
Kramer IMAX Theatre The province’s only IMAX
theatre offers this unique dive-right-in film experience. The Kramer IMAX Theatre is part of the larger and very impressive Saskatchewan Science Centre. 2903 Powerhouse Dr. (Regina, SK), 1-800-667-6300 www.sasksciencecentre.com/here/IMAX.html
2012 NOVEMBER
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fashion/design
Make Tracks! While making your way in life, be sure to leave your mark $
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Text by Ashley Wills Photos by Ryan Grainger and Paul Miazga
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A winter trek—and life in general—is much more fun when you can leave your mark. When the weather dips below freezing, don’t limit yourself to indoor activities—lace up or slip on your favourite boots and go exploring. As ever, and in fur (whether faux or real), comfortable footwear is both practical and fanciful. This year’s big trend is in the fuzzy stuff, whether as a cozy lining, a plush accent or in the case of a traditional muckluck in many ways, including as a detail. And just because the sidewalks are icy, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a high heel. Just opt for a chunkier version with a grippy sole for when it’s chilly. Men have options too when it comes to boot height. A lace up shoe, with a thick sole and warm lining, can do the trick. Or pull up the wooly socks and try a leather slip-on that rises past the ankle. Winter weather is a reality in Saskatchewan—you might as well look good getting used to it. $
Gobi-olive suede art tall boot with platform (Traxx)
$
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Dark brown El Natura “Lista” leather low (Pedestrian Shoe Fitting Centre)
Broadway Shoe Repair 638 Broadway Ave., 652-4399 On facebook: broadwayshoerepair
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Purple winterized BOGS rubber boot (Broadway Shoe Repair)
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Orange El Natura “Lista” leather mid (Pedestrian Shoe Fitting Centre)
Durand’s 255 2nd Ave. South, 933-3336 www.durandsfootwear.ca
29
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Tan+beige Fly London mid boot with fur accent (Durand’s)
$
350
Fluevog wine “Guilia” short boot (Durand’s)
Pedestrian Shoe Fitting Centre 722 Broadway Ave., 244-0957 www.brainsport.ca
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Manitobah ‘Metis’ suede muckluck with fur and Vibram sole (Broadway Shoe Repair)
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Caribou leather with wool Sorel lace-up boot (Traxx)
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9 24 Curry-biscotti “Cate the Great” Sorel slip-on boot (Traxx)
Traxx 2105 8th St. East (Grosvenor Park Shopping Centre), 1-866-956-2272 www.traxxfootwear.com
638 Broadway Avenue 306.652.4399 broadwayshoerepair@saskatel.net 2012 NOVEMBER
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fashion/design
Take a Deep Breath and Say ‘Spaaa!’ Envelop Yourself in One of Saskatoon and Area’s Finest Feel-good Centres Text by Bre McAdam Riverstone has a massage “menu” that reads like a smorgasbord of relaxation. This downtown studio’s specialty includes Swedish, deep tissue and prenatal massages all performed by registered massage therapists. Riverstone also has an array of energy healing services such as Reiki, the Japanese healing art that uses “palm healing” to transfer energy. Round out your visit with a facial and body wrap for a complete spa experience. Custom “relaxation parties” allow friends or co-workers to experience any of the above services as a group. Riverstone Massage Therapy and Esthetics Studio 241 5th Ave. North, 955-4311 www.riverstonemassagetherapy.com
Vichy Shower Treatment photo courtesy of Damara Day Spa
A relatively recent addition to Saskatoon’s spa scene is Damara Day Spa and Esthetics in the Bessborough, making it the city’s first hotel spa. Escape the daily grind with services that include water therapies, such as whirlpool baths infused with your choice of luscious-smelling mineral salts only available in Saskatoon at Damara. Bliss-seekers can also choose from a long list of body-care options such as back cleanses, reflexology and leg treatments. Body scrubs or wraps can be paired with a Vichy Shower Treatment, where jets of water are aimed at the spine and legs to stimulate circulation. If you are craving a specific treatment, Damara likely has it. Damara Day Spa and Esthetics 601 Spadina Cres. East (in the Delta Bessbourough Hotel), 649-2511 www.damaradayspa.com Another hotel spa experience that many say is worth the drive is at Manitou Beach. About an hour southeast of Saskatoon, the Manitou Springs Mineral Spa is the heart of this resort village just north of Watrous. Guest books overflow with visitors who come from around the world to experience the spa’s heated mineral pool, believed to relieve muscle pain, heal skin and provide an overall “zen” experience due to its high content of dissolved salts and minerals. Traditional spa services are also offered, and all massages come with a free swim in the pool. Manitou Springs Mineral Spa Manitou Beach, SK, (306) 946-2233 www.manitousprings.ca
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Pool photo courtesy of Manitou Springs Mineral Spa
Edgewater Spa and Spa Ahava not only share the same owners; they’re just down the street from each other. Located in the trendy Broadway district, both locations offer nail shellac treatments in which the nails are painted with a longer-lasting, quick-drying polish as part of a manicure or as a stand-alone application. These spas are also known for their decadent packages, where facials, manicures and massages are combined into one visit—some up to seven hours long! All services (except for registered massage therapy) can be doubled for those who want to bring along someone special. Edgewater Spa 101-611 University Dr., 978-4111 www.edgewaterspa.ca Spa Ahava 720 Broadway Ave., 978-8111 www.spaahava.com
A spa staple in Saskatoon since 1956, Paramount Day Spa specializes in skin care. Microdermabrasion treatments help repair damaged skin while skin PhotoRejuvenation works to quell rosacea and age spots. Paramount carries “Swiss line,” a highly regarded anti-aging skin care product that’s been around for 20 years. Ever heard of Raindrop Therapy? This unique treatment involves applying organic oils to the body like drops of rain, with the drops then gently spread over the skin for a detoxifying and therapeutic result. Start (or cap) everything off with an indulgent milk or whipped chocolate bath. It’s just how you should feel when you’re relaxed enough to say “Ahh!” Paramount Day Spa 249 2nd Ave. South, 242-5655 www.paramountdayspa.com
APPAREL – MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
APPAREL – WOMEN’S
on Broadway that have separate entrances but share a semidivided space. Lots of funky hip-hop wear, with a great selection of cool sneakers, hoodies and t-shirts. 725 Broadway Ave., 242-0366 www.clothescafe.ca
shoes, handbags and more. Their list of brands includes Guess, Michael Kors, Franco Mirabelli, BCBG, Arturo Chiang and others. 5-105 21 St. East, 373-6966 www.denas.ca
The Clothes Café/Frank and Lucy Two conjoined shops
Deception Clothing Found just north of the downtown, this
Dena’s Upper-end women’s everyday apparel, plus lots of
Era Style Loft Julie and Lauren bring a 5th Avenue Manhattan
tidy space sells funky, hip urban wear. Lots of ballcaps for guys. 410 2nd Ave. North, 955-4855 www.facebook.com/DeceptionUrbanBoutique
feel to women’s shopping in Saskatoon. Lots of silk, plus stunning designs and ideas you won’t find anywhere else. 234 21st St. East, 652-2770 http://erastyleloft.com
F2 Fashions/Jock For twenty years, F2 has been selling
La Vie Lente Fashion Boutique Reed and Yin’s elegant
pricey but cool clothing for women, with t-shirts, jeans and shorts for a young clientele on the other side in Jock. Midtown Plaza (upper level, near Sears), 934-8205
Guys and Dawls Great merchandise combines with
personalized service here. Good variety of all sorts of colourful and youthful clothing and accessories. Lots of possibilities here. 212 1st Ave. South, 249-1911 www.guysanddawls.com
Luna & Hill Check out this bright, airy casual clothing space
for women and men, which includes a central table filled with cool accessories, candles and greeting cards, plus an upstairs art loft showcasing local contemporary art courtesy of void gallery. 208 3rd Ave. South, 244-5862 http://lunaandhill.com
Manhattan Casuals Make your way through the racks of
Diesel, G Star Raw, Lacoste, True Religion, Joe’s, and more. It’s all here thanks to the store’s excellent selection. 124 21st St. East, 664-6686
Mint Fashion Company Lots of space to browse and
consider splurging on Michael Kors, Made for Loving, Colcci and several others. Near equal selection of men’s and women’s. 731 Broadway Ave., 477-1233 www.mintfashionco.com
Outter Limits They sell casual outdoor gear from Icebreaker,
North Face, Merrel and others, with a huge selection of boots and five-fingers by Vibram, Teva and inov-8. The best place in the city if going for the sporty casual look. Useful website too. 630 Broadway Ave., 374-1663 http://outterlimits.com
Tonic Roxanne’s original Broadway shop sells mostly girls’ stuff, but on 2nd Avenue downtown she has lots for guys too (hats, ties, shirts and jeans). For girls, always lots of party dresses and colourful ready-to-wear items. Two locations: 122 2nd Ave. North, 975-1529; 102-802 Broadway Ave., 652-2252 http://tonic-life.com
Ultimo Euromoda The shop has some everyday pieces
but mostly you’re going to find clothing for a night out. Their selections offer the latest in European ready-to-wear apparel for both men and women. 204 3rd Ave. South, 664-6640
APPAREL – MEN’S
Anthonys Fashion for Men Locally owned and operated, this store caters to fashion-conscious men of all ages. Broad selection of brands in contemporary clothing from formal to casual and more. Serious focus on service, quality and value. 600 234 1st Ave. South, 665-0181
Caswell’s Well-known in Saskatoon for carrying classic and
stylish men’s dressy casual and more formal wear, Caswell’s carries Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and other established brands. Scotia Centre, 242-8804
Elwood Flynn One of the city’s top men’s clothiers, Elwood Flynn offers signature clothing from respected names such as Warren K. Cook, Paul & Shark, Allen Edmonds, Hugo Boss, Arnold Brant and others. 200 3rd Ave. South, 242-4881
Goodfellas Warm, personable service for suits, dressy casual and formal wear, plus some nice ties and other accessories. 206 22nd St. East, 683-8663
Lino Boutique This new shop near the 23rd Street bus mall offers formal and dressy casual wear from emerging European designers, but with a fresh approach to service. 154 2nd Ave. North, 652-5466
Squire Shop Attention to detail, lots of space and great
choices for smart, made-to-measure suits and other formal wear. 142 2nd Ave. North, 244-8063 http://mansizemenswear.com/index.php?id=5
little shop feels as if transplanted from London. True to form they have exclusive lines from UK brands Miss Patina, Max C, Love Milly and others. Lots of silk and handmade jewellery too. 155 2nd Ave. South, 652-0516 www.facebook.com/La.Vie.Lente
long tall sally The British name for tall women’s fashions with lots of the company’s trademark casual and formal wear. Scotia Centre, 934-1600 www.longtallsally.com
Sandbox in the City Packed full of women’s clothing and accessories, it’s hard to know where to begin in a store with so many options. Expect unique pieces from yummie, Spanx, Desigual, Esprit and others. 1002B Broadway Ave., 955-6600 http://sandboxinthecity.com/pages/media.html
SHOES
Broadway Shoe Repair Run by the same family for three
generations, Broadway does Birkenstocks and various other super comfy names in footwear. And of course they repair shoes. 638 Broadway Ave., 652-4399 www.facebook.com/broadwayshoerepair
Durand’s A city standout when it comes to women’s shoes,
Durand’s carries a wide array of shoes and boots to suit any occasion, with great accessories sourced from across Canada. 255 2nd Ave. South, 933-3336 www.durandsfootwear.ca
Foster’s Shoes Shoes that fit right is the focus at Foster’s,
which specializes in orthotics and stocks brands such as Clarks, Mephisto, New Balance, Noot and Romica. 818 Broadway Ave., 653-1155 www.fosters-shoes.com/saskatoon
Swank Shoe Lounge This bright, trendy and well-laid out shop in the King George Building stocks sleek casual and dressy stuff from Michael Kors, TOMS, The Frye Company and Adidas. 1-157 2nd Ave. North, 979-5775 www.facebook.com/swankshoelounge Traxx An impressive selection in sizes up to 15 in Sketchers,
CAT, Sorel, Tsubo and others. Consummate attention to service and consideration for proper care of shoes. 2105 8th St. East, 1-866-956-2272 www.traxxfootwear.com
SPECIALTY/ACCESSORIES
Clan, Celts and Clover As the name suggests, this shop
specializes in Irish, Scottish and Welsh gifts, jewellery, clothing (including national team tops) and even foodstuffs. 1-1005 Broadway Ave., 1-877-382-4443 http://clansceltsandclover.com
Hats & That This Broadway standout features sensational and sophisticated hats for men and women. Browse the selection of jewellery, gloves, wallets and scarves from Canadian designers. 636 Broadway Ave.,933-1898 http://hatsandthat.ca
Ten Thousand Villages This store offers unique fair
trade products from around the world. Find decorative handcrafted pieces in vibrant colours of everything from hammocks and vases to quirky handbags and bookends. Supporting small entrepreneurs across the Third World, TTV represents “Commerce with a conscience.” Two locations: 143 2nd Ave. North, 242-2991; 600 45th St. West, 665-7525 www.tenthousandvillages.ca
The Trading Post Owner Bruce Garmin has a passion for
local artists and Canadian artisans. His shop features Native handcrafted moccasins, mukluks and soapstone carvings, Pandora jewellery from Denmark, Aboriginal art (Clarence Bird sculptures, Cowichan sweaters), homewares and much more. 226 2nd Ave. South, 653-1769 http://saskatoontradingpost.com
Dena’s 5-105 21st St E Saskatoon, Sask S7K 0B3 306-373-6966
2012 NOVEMBER
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food+drink
Feeling Game for some Rabbit, Elk, Duck or Bison? Text by Paul Miazga Photos by Ryan Grainger and Paul Miazga
Prince Albert might be the “Gateway to the North” in Saskatchewan, but Saskatoon is where it’s at when it comes to tucking into delicious game. Local wetlands and forests support a wide variety of wildlife, providing diners with delicious duck, goose, venison, elk and wild boar, while sustainably farmed bison and rabbit also make welcome appearances on the menu of many restaurants. In many respects, this is food the way nature intended: honest, delicious and good for you. We highlight a few local standouts serving game.
Broadway’s busiest pub serves up gamechanging burgers two ways: there’s their bison burger and their even-more-exoticsounding elk burger. Placed in a toasted kaiser bun with loads of fresh toppings, either patty requires two hands and a big appetite, and either way you go, wash it down with one of more than a dozen beers they have on tap. The Yard and Flagon 718 Broadway Ave., 653-8883 As befits the eatery of Saskatoon’s premier First Nations tourist attraction, traditional items are on the menu but in ways that might surprise most. Aside from fried bannock and muskeg tea, they have bison stew, a bison burger and pulled-pork style bison sliders: three little servings of rich, savoury goodness. Wanuskewin Restaurant RR #4, Penner Rd (2km from Wanuskewin Dr.), 931-6767 It’s not traditional Spanish tapas by any standard, but the duck fat gravy used on the sinfully flavour-laden poutine at Duck Duck Goose gets even more decadent when topped with shredded duck confit. It’s Old France meets Spain on the Canadian Prairies. Globalization has never tasted so good. Duck Duck Goose 616 10th St. East, 649-3825
Facing page, at top: the braised leg of rabbit at Weczeria Food & Wine; above: the interior of Il Salici at The Willows; opposite at top: a charcuterie platter of smoked deer sausage, smoked duck sausage and bison salami and accompanying sides at Flint Saloon; opposite at centre: the poutine with duck confit at Duck Duck Goose; opposite at bottom: the elk burger with pumpkin soup at The Yard and Flagon.
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Locally sourced bison salami, smoked duck breast and deer salami are just three of the assorted meats available for Flint Saloon’s charcuterie platter: your choice of three meats or cheeses plus three tapasstyle sides. Just enough for sharing over cocktails at the end of the workday but without spoiling one’s appetite for supper. Flint Saloon 259 2nd Ave. South, 651-2255
Savour nature’s bounty this fall with quintessentially local food The fall brings winds of change to spacious yet atmospheric Italian eatery Il Salici at The Willows in Stonebridge. Expect some unique offerings from the kitchen beginning this November, and as always plenty of relaxing downtime when the piano man plays on Friday and Saturday nights. Il Salici The Willows Golf and Country Club 382 Cartwright St., 956-1100 The Quebec duck breast stands out proudly on the menu of this visually appealing French hotspot. Head Chef Lee Helman brings fresh ingredients, attention to detail and passion to his preparation, cooking and plating. The results speak to the restaurant’s own billing: “Progressive French cuisine, respectful of tradition.” Truffles Bistro 230 21st St. East, 373-7779 Ever experimenting is Weczeria chef and owner Dan Walker; ever rewarding are his ever-evolving creations. It’s fusion cuisine on Broadway featuring locally sourced meats, vegetables and more. It’s a gruelling decisionmaking process when you’re offered choices such as homemade rabbit paté, roasted wild boar with pastrami and a poached egg, braised leg of rabbit and pan-seared wild boar with a mesquite/chipotle pepper sauce. Whatever you decide, ask the staff for suggestions with wine pairings. Weczeria Food & Wine 820 Broadway Ave., 933-9600 The most exclusive dining destination in northern Saskatchewan features virtually everything you’d expect from a four-star resort set in the heart of the boreal forest. Enjoy rabbit paté from the starters menu or Guinness-braised bison short ribs, Brome Lake duck breast or Ontario-farmed wild boar chop (with MacIntosh apple compote) from among the mains—and all with an accompanying wine suggestion. Relax afterwards by the fire or go for a walk under the northern lights. Copper Ridge Dining Room Elk Ridge Resort (Waskesiu Lake), 1-800-510-1824 For a more DIY approach to eating game, several times a year, Pineview Farms offers locally and sustainably grown whole frozen ducks and rabbits. Check out the Pineview Farms website for recipes and pick up a rabbit from Souleio, Dad’s, Coop, Prairie Meats, Steep Hill Coop, or Herbs and Health. Check the website to find out when duck and rabbit are available. www.pineviewfarms.com
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food+drink Saskatoon’s diverse dining scene in many ways reflects the rich ethnic diversity of the city, and for its size, it has a great variety of ethnic eateries: Brazilian, Ethiopian, German, Jamaican, Korean, Ethiopian, Pakistani and lots more. Now that’s something to sink your teeth into! With so many establishments from which to choose, we nevertheless hope this guide will serve as the solution to that always tricky question: What’s for dinner?
PRICE GUIDE
Average price for an entree with soup or salad, excluding drinks or gratuity: $$$ $$ $
more than $30 per person from $15 to $30 pp under $20 pp
AFGHAN
Afghan Kabob & Donair The only Afghan restaurant in
the city is also one of its newest lunch and evening dining spots. Try the baked mantoo, the layered eggplant or various delightful combo platters, though the donair kabobs are what most people come for. Imran and his staff are big soccer fans, so expect to see big European matches on the flat screen TVs. They also offer hookah (Egyptian water pipe) nightly beginning at 7pm. $ Open Mon–Sat 11am–10pm 3-100 2nd Ave. South, 477-2255
AY CARAMBA! LA BAMBA!
ARTISANAL/LOCAL
Prairie Ink Prairie Ink shares space with the McNally Robinson Bookstore near Circle and 8th, so it tends to draw an arty crowd that comes to browse books and do lunch in one go. This spot serves signature breakfasts, lunches and dinners using lots of local produce and combining local with international flavours. Regular live music adds to the charm of this bistro-style setting. Reservations recommended. $$ Open Mon–Thu 9am–10pm, Fri–Sat 9am–11pm, Sun 10am–6pm 3130 8th St. East, 955-3579 www.prairieinkrestaurant.ca
Saskatoon Farmers’ Market The city’s trailblazing
year-round market has various food concessions that are all worth a look. The Riverbend Plantation Market Café offers fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and more. Their breakfasts and desserts are also yummy. The Garlic Guru offers an array of soups, salads and snack items all prepared fresh using local market ingredients. Get your fill of healthy foods for cheap. $ Open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 8am–2pm, Sun 10am–3pm 110 Sonnenschein Way, 975-2010 (Riverbend), 370-0033 (GG) www.riverbendplantation.com; www.garlicguru.ca
ASIAN
Ding Dong For downtown diners looking to grab quick and
authentic Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese food, a trip to Ding Dong beats venturing into the nearby mall and waiting in line. Grab some coconut curry beef and a small soup, find a spot in that little alcove next to the RBC building and then tuck in. $ Open Mon–Sat 11am–8pm 105 21st St. East, 664-2232
Noodle King & Ice Cream Queen Embrace the unlikely combination of a Pan-Asian noodle shop and ice cream parlour, and come here for their hand-pulled noodles (Japanese udon, Vietnamese rice vermicelli, etc.) and their extensive sushi and dim sum menus, or choose from their list of 40 gelato flavours. Spacious, clean and friendly. $ Open daily 11am–9pm 803 2nd Ave. North, 979-4233 www.noodleking.ca
For Mexicans, Dia de los Muertos [Nov. 1, the Day of the Dead] comes only once a year, but any day of the week is a good one to try Mexican food at La Bamba! Open Sun-Thu 4-8pm, Fri-Sat 11:45am-8:30pm 3-1025 Boychuck Dr., 242-2622 www.labambarestaurant.ca Red Pepper Emphasizing Vietnamese, Thai and Singaporean food, Red Pepper brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to its stretch of the downtown dining scene. The special south Vietnamese soup garners rave reviews, as does their tofu satay and their shrimp and pork balls. $ Open Mon-Sat 11am–8pm 145 3rd Ave. South, 477-1977
Saskatoon Asian Serving up a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese,
Thai and more, Saskatoon Asian covers all the bases, with quick turnover at lunchtime guaranteeing happy diners and massive repeat business. The upstairs dining space brims with sunlight throughout the year, though it’s the pho with beef and the noodle dishes that make Saskatoon Asian popular. $$ Open Mon-Sat 11am–2:30pm (lunch), 4:30–9pm (supper) 136 2nd Ave. South, 665-5959
hip cocktail lounge Flint by night, is one of the city’s premier breakfast spots by day, offering poached eggs with asparagus, stuffed French toast, maple pecan bacon and other sumptuous breakfast treats. A big boost for the city’s breakfast scene. $$ Open Wed–Sun 8am–2pm 259 2nd Ave. South, 651-2255
Grainfield’s A local staple of sorts, especially for their
pancake stacks, greasy spoon—style breakfast eggs and bottomless coffee served during breakfast all day long. Stick to the staples and enjoy. $ Open daily noon–11pm Two locations: 2105 8th St. East, 933-1986; 3124 Millar Ave., 955-4040
BURGERS
Fuddrucker’s Possibly the best burger joint in town,
BRAZILIAN
Saboroso For a classic take on Brazilian steakhouses, look
no further. Offering all types and cuts of juicy beef, chicken and more served from a long skewer, Saboroso has just what meat lovers want and lots of it (including grilled pineapple to cleanse your palate!). A deep wine makes for easy and tasty pairings with just about anything on the menu. Reservations recommended. $$$ Open Mon–Thu from 4:30pm, Fri–Sat from 4pm, Sun 10:30am–2pm 340-2600 8th St. East, 249-4454 www.saboroso.ca
Fuddrucker’s is a Texas-based franchise that has won over hearts and minds with their freshly made all-beef burgers and signature fresh topping station. Their bison burger and blue cheese burger also deserve attention, as do their wedge fries and delicious cookies. The Fudd’s Fun Centre includes mini-golf, batting cages and the Ruckers game zone. $ Open Mon–Thu 7am–11pm, Fri–Sat 7am–midnight, Sun and holidays 8am–11pm 2910 8th St. East, 934-2637 (93-GAMES) www.fudds.ca
Jerry’s Food Emporium Owner Jerry Kristian, the man
BREAKFAST
Poached Breakfast Bistro Poached, which becomes the
Grill
behind Jerry’s, has become rather well-known for the many good things that he does at his restaurant: all-day breakfasts, myriad flavours of Italian gelato and, more than anything, artisanal burgers. Of those, it’s hard to beat the Hawaiian (with pineapple, hickory ham and teriyaki sauce) or the Double Smoke (with double-smoked cheddar, back bacon, sauteed onions and horseradish mayo). Downtown, Strongfield’s Coffee also serves Jerry’s gelato, so sip some joe and indulge yourself on the side. $ Open Mon–Fri 6:30am–11pm, Sat 7am–11pm, Sun 8am–11pm 1115 Grosvenor Ave., 373-6555 www.jerrys.ca/home.shtml
BURMESE
Golden Pagoda As Burma continues to open up towards
...jambalaya, a-crawfish pie and-a shrimp gumbo... Cause tonight I’m gonna see my machez a-mio... Mon-Sat 11am to 10pm 239 Idylwyld Dr. South (306) 382 1795
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mardigrasgrillrestaurant
the West, more and more people are trying—and liking—the wonderful combinations of flavours found in this spicy and aromatic cuisine. Try their tiny but tasty version of samosas before digging into some tempura squash sticks, pickled green tea salad or one of their signature curries. $$ Open Mon–Fri 11am–2pm (lunch), Mon–Sat 5–9pm (supper) 411 2nd Ave. North, 668-9114 www.goldenpagoda.ca
CAJUN/CREOLE
Mardi Gras Grill Self-taught chef Robert Tingey knows the
Louisiana bayou well, sourcing many of his ingredients from there, though using lots of local produce as well to produce meat-laden Po’ Boys at lunch and shrimp gumbo, blackened catfish and other favourites at supper. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–10pm 239 Idylwyld Dr. South, 382-1795
CHINESE
Genesis From the stellar crab Rangoon to the really succulent
lemon chicken and the chock-full-of-veggies fried rice, Genesis makes top-notch food that’s relatively easy on the pocketbook. One of the best Chinese restaurants in town for years, they naturally do great Dim Sum that, along with all their other food, lives up to the hype. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm 901 22nd St. West, 244-5516
Jasmine Order the spring rolls, the impressive hot and sour
soup, the Jasmine Special combo or just about anything on the menu to get a full taste of tiny Jasmine, tucked away in the city’s northern industrial area. Cheap and friendly, with lots of glutenfree options. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–8pm 510 Circle Dr. East, 244-9956
Saskatoon Station Place The Station Place has the most unique dining room in the city given that it has seating in two converted railroad passenger wagons. The site itself is also famous for once being the old CPR railway station. The Station Place offers North American staples fit for any dining car. $$$ Open Mon–Sat 10:30am–10:30pm, Sun 9:30am–8:30pm 221 Idylwyld Dr., 244-7777 http://saskatoonstationplace.com
CONTEMPORARY/FUSION
Earl’s This iconic restaurant set in the old McGavin’s Bread
Building north of the downtowni is actually a chain restaurant that has become a household name in Western Canada for its surprisingly eclectic and inspired menu. Be sure to try out Saskatoon Brewery, the adjacent draught beer pub next door. $$ Open daily from 11:30am 610 2nd Ave. North, 664-4060 www.earls.ca
The Hollows This locally owned and operated restaurant in
the historical old Golden Dragon building serves contemporary dishes with a stress on fish, vegetables, fresh ingredients and seasonal products. Brunches here are top-notch thanks to their emphasis on sustainably raised, pastured meat, poultry and eggs from small farmers. $$ Open Wed–Fri 11:30am–2pm (lunch) and 5:30–10pm (supper), Sat 11am–2pm and 5:30–10pm, Sun 11am–3pm 334 Ave. C South, 652-1505 http://thehollows.ca
Weczeria Food and Wine Weczeria (“Evening meal”) owes its stellar reputation to Daniel and Nicole’s emphasis on fresh local and seasonal produce; therefore, their menu changes as often as the seasons. Dishes with wild game abound (wild boar, elk, bison, rabbit), as do classic French desserts and good beers. It’s fun getting recommendations from their deep wine list. $$$ Open Mon–Sat 11:30am–2pm (lunch), from 5pm (supper) 820 Broadway Ave., 933-9600 www.weczeriarestaurant.ca
Jin Jin Cuisine Dumpling The Chinese lettering on the sign out front translates as “To feed the snake,” which here implies dumplings, pan-fried buns and other tasty things prepared “whole,” though the scallion pancakes are also a treat. The old couple that runs it will often circle items on the English-Mandarin menu for diners to try. $ Open Mon–Thu 9:30am–10:30pm, Fri–Sun 9:30am–11:30pm 416 20th St. West, 244-1891
Mandarin One of the city’s tried-and-true places for Dim Sum, Mandarin does the staples well. Never mind the décor: this place is a showstopper on the weekends with lineups out the door. Don’t expect too many smiles, but be sure to get your fill of Peking Duck on weekends—unbeatable. $$ Open Thu-Tue 11am–8pm 245 20th St. West, 244-1818
8am - 2pm MONDAY - SUNDAY
4pm - 2am MONDAY- SUNDAY
259 2nd Avenue South, Saskatoon
Szechuan Kitchen Serving up quick and delicious portions of Szechuan and Cantonese fare, this place offers the likes of Koo Loo Pork, Beef and Tomato Chow Mein and Lemon Chicken. The place to go for Asian on Broadway for a decade. $$ Open Sun–Thu 11am–9:30pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10:30pm 835E Broadway Ave., 664-8668
Taste Legend Never mind the typo on the sign; just come
in and try some of the city’s most authentic old-world Chinese cuisine. Noodles are made fresh, and the style tends towards northern Chinese and Szechuan fare, meaning simpler, honest dishes with more garlic, spice and (therefore) taste. $ Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm 423 20th St. West, 665-3388
Yip Hong’s Dim Sum Many regard Yip Hong’s as having the best Dim Sum in the city, and the long lineups outside certainly attest to its popularity. Get there before 10am on weekends or be prepared to wait. This Cantonese restaurant does eggplant and chicken dishes well, but it’s the steamed dumplings and proper Dim Sum options people rave about. $$ Open Mon-Fri 11am–10pm; Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm 1501 8th St. East, 956-3375
CONTINENTAL
The Great North American Grill The hotel restaurant at
the Hilton Garden Inn downtown cooks up a healthy buffet lunch, with Fridays being particularly noteworthy. From the set menu, order the pan-seared duck breast or organic chicken supplied by Pineview Farms. $$ Open Mon–Sat 8am–midnight, Sun 9:30am–2pm 3016 Arlington Ave., 242-7699 http://haywoodsgrill.ca
The Hub at Holiday Inn Ideally located across from
concert and convention centre TCU Place, this restaurant in the new Holiday Inn offers a range of classic sandwiches, salads, grilled fare and some surprises too. They also boast the earliest brunch anywhere downtown save the 24-hour places. $$ Open Mon–Sat 6:30–10:30am (brunch), 10:30am–11pm (lunch and supper), Sun 7–11am (brunch), 11am–11pm (lunch and supper) 101 Pacifica Ave., 986-5000 www.facebook.com/Holiday-Inn-Saskatoon
Rock Creek Tap and Grill A Regina-based restaurant that
covers all the bases, Rock Creek Tap and Grill offers steaks, pizzas, Tex-Mex favourites and a Sunday brunch. Off the beaten path for most, this stylish eatery also has live sports on the flat screens, plus free Wi-Fi. $$$ Open Mon–Wed 11am–11pm, Thurs 11am–midnight, Fri–Sat 11am–1:30am, Sun 10am–11pm 102-1820 McOrmond Dr., 979-7337 www.rockcreekgrill.com
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food+drink 5 best visual dining experiences 1. Samurai (601 Spadina Cres. East)
Watching the knives fly around or see steam jet from an onion volcano never becomes tiresome.
2. Earl’s (610 2nd Ave. North) An open
kitchen concept, funky interior design and lively wait staff are all part of the attraction at Earl’s.
3. Carver’s Steakhouse (612 Spadina Cres. East) Try not to let your jaw drop at seeing the table-side Caesar salad preparation or the city’s most exclusive wine list.
4. Sushiro (737B 10th St. East) Enjoy
sushi in this small but inviting space, where cool presentations make it almost a shame to dig in, but not really.
5. Prairie Harvest (2917 Early Dr.) Watch chef and owner Mike behind the counter conjuring up farm-fresh creations.
5 best wines for game meat 1. Duck: Pinot Noir Bourgogne, Pierre André (France; $22.05, SLGA) Velvet in character,
with lots of soft, raspberry fruit. This wine also has a distinctive “farmyard” aroma that adds complexity.
2. Deer: Vega DOC Douro (Portugal; $15.57, Willow Park, Regina) A self-assured and delicious red from Ribera del Duero–black fruit and spice flavours with smooth tannins.
3. Wild boar: “The Boxer,” Mollydooker (Australia; $47.06, Willow Park, Regina) Strong flavours demand complex and bold wines, like a deep and spicy Shiraz. This dark and fruity wine is a natural for roasted or BBQ’ed wild boar.
4. Elk: La Vendimia, Rioja (Spain; $25.97, Willow Park) A perfect opportunity for a dusty,
leathery wine with luscious fruit. Elk is an exciting meat, however it is cooked; this wine pairs very well.
5. Bison: Amaronedella Valpolicello, Bolla (Italy; $40.97, SLGA) This lean meat calls for a
big red. Aromas of raisin, plum and nuts followed by flavours of cherry, blueberry and vanilla.
5 best cafés for escaping from everyone at the office 1. Caffé Sola (38 23rd St. East) The food is reason enough to come here, and you can always say you were checking the Joos Yoga schedule upstairs.
2. Museo Espresso (950 Spadina Cres. East) It’s hard not to feel totally cut off from the world in this quiet spot at the Mendel.
3. The Underground Café (430 20th St. West) People get lost flipping through the
Prairie Harvest This spot deep in the city’s east side proudly
sources its meat, veggies and beers (among other goods) from local producers. Their menu includes such creative food ideas as a Turducken (turkey, duck and chicken) burger, a lasagne of pork belly and beef short ribs, perogies with potato, corn, Edamer cheese and basil, plus a vegan chocolate cherry cake. $$ Open Tue–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm 2917 Early Dr., 242-2928 www.prairieharvestcafe.com
Souleio It’s hard to imagine a greater expression of
Saskatoon’s emerging local food culture than Souleio (“sun”), which bills itself as “a way of life” and a “state of mind.” Whatever you call it, bright and spacious Souleio offfers city’s top lunch spots. They also do private dining by reservation. $$ Open Mon–Fri 6am–6pm, Sat 8am–6pm. 265 3rd Ave. South, 979-8102 http://souleio.net
DINERS
Broadway Café This 1950s American-style diner serves up
hearty and inexpensive portions of everything from pancakes to nachos in addition to the thickest milk shakes in town. Courteous, personable service and vintage décor make the Broadway Café a place worth revisiting. $ Open Mon–Wed 9am–8pm, Thu–Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 8am–8pm 814 Broadway Ave., 652-8244
Park Café Park Café takes pride in providing locally sourced,
certified organic Angus in all its burgers and beef dishes. Classic western Reubens, beef dips and burgers highlight the menu at this retro diner. Regularly acknowledged as having the city’s best poutine and best all-day breakfast. $ Open daily 8am–4pm 512 20th St. West, 652-6781 http://parkcafe.ca
ETHIOPIAN
Saba’s African Cuisine More cultural experience than
restaurant, Saba’s does perfectly authentic East African food, so lovers of injera and eating with your hands take note. The warmth and charm of this place make it a good alternative for something out of the ordinary! Be sure to check out their authentic coffee ceremony on Sundays. $$ Open Tue–Sun 4:30–10:30pm 901 22nd St. West, 933-4447
FINE DINING
12 Grill Book the 12 Grill limousine service (from $60 per
couple, round-trip) and begin an evening out in style. At the restaurant, start with some cocktails, order Champagne Oysters and follow up with the Seafood Manicotti or Angus steak. A lovely setting and fresh country air. Reservations preferred. $$$ Open Mon–Sat 10:30am–2pm (lunch), Wed–Sat from 5pm, Sun 10am–2pm Greenbryre Golf Course (0.5km south of Boychuk Drive off Hwy 16), 373-7600 ext. 3 www.twelvegrill.com
Bliss Fine Food Bliss offers fine dining without being
pretentious. Appetizers and salads always have a touch of something unique (watermelon with feta, chicken brochettes with a spicy banana ketchup), as do their entrees (short-rib “Wellington” and lamb shank “mojito”). Excellent food combined with a nice cocktail list make this special for any occasion. $$$ Open Tue–Sat 11am–2pm (lunch) and from 5pm (supper) 1002 Broadway Ave., 477-2077 www.blissfinefood.com
Calories Calories has earned its reputation as a place to see
and be seen in Saskatoon. The ever-changing menu features locally produced foods, meaning locavores can indulge guilt-free. Check out their extensive wine list and dessert menu (their cheesecakes are especially good). All-inclusive lunch specials for around $13 make this a Broadway standout. $$$ Open Mon–Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am–5pm 721 Broadway Ave., 665-7991 www.caloriesrestaurants.com
The Ivy Dining and Lounge A cool location in Saskatoon’s
as a hideout for world-class authors in the past.
old warehouse district adds to the inviting atmosphere at the Ivy. The steaks stand out on a menu deep in grilled meats (lamb, duck, pork), fresh and inventive salads, plus fish from Canada’s three oceans. The adjacent lounge is popular after work. $$$ Open Mon–Fri 11am–2pm (lunch), 4–11pm (supper); Sat 4pm– midnight; Sun 5–9pm 301 Ontario Ave., 384-4444 www.ivydiningandlounge.com
5. City Perks (801 7th Ave. North) Located
Rembrandt’s Rembrandt’s is a true masterpiece in the
extensive vinyl collection at this combo café and music shop in Riversdale.
4. Tastebuds (1624 Lorne Ave.) It’s worked just a stone’s throw from City Hospital, the only people not yet escaping here are the patients.
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downtown owing to its exquisite Edwardian decor, attentive service and sumptuous food from Red Seal chef Evan Niekamp. Rub shoulders with some of Saskatoon’s biggest power brokers
while trying to decide between the honey-balsamic whipped goat cheese with naan or the butter-sauteed pickerel cheeks. $$$ Open Mon–Thu 7am–11pm, Fri 7am–midnight, Sat 8am– midnight, Sun 10am–2pm 243 21 St. East, 244 8555 www.rembrandts.ca
Tusq Meat is the thing on the menu, with all mains and virtually all starters featuring at least one kind. The open-kitchen design creates a vibrant dining atmosphere, and the chef’s tasting menu (your choice of 3 to 7 items) is worth exploring. Book the semiprivate View Wine Room for exclusive groups or occasions. $$$ Open Mon–Fri 11am–11pm, Sat–Sun 5–11pm 416 21st St. East, 244-8877 www.tusq.ca
FRENCH
St. Tropez Bistro Simple, refined and attentive to details,
St. Tropez Bistro presents French fusion of a sort, with regional ideas influencing myriad dishes, from Saskatoon Berry Salmon to Tortiere (French Canadian meat pie using local beef) and many featuring herbs grown on the restaurant’s roof-top garden. Diners paying cash will be rewarded with a $5 gift certificate for every $50 spent. An 18% gratuity applies for 6+ diners. $$$ Open Wed–Sun 4–11pm 238 2nd Ave. South, 652-1250 www.sainttropezbistro.ca
Truffles Bistro Truffles combines its Parisian charm with
superb food and impeccable service to create one of Saskatoon’s most beloved restaurants. “Progressive French cuisine; respectful of tradition” is the place’s moniker, and the food definitely does not disappoint. Their three-course Table d’hôte ranks among the best fine-dining meals available in the city today. Brunch here is also a must. $$$ Open Mon–Fri 11:30am–3pm (lunch); Mon–Sat 5pm (dinner); Sat 10am–2:30pm, Sun 10:30am–2pm (brunch) 230 21st St. East, 373-7779 www.trufflesbistro.ca
GREEK/MEDITERRANEAN
Aroma For a chain hotel restaurant, Aroma does a good job of pleasing many palates, with wood oven-fired pizzas (half-priced on Wednesdays), steaks and truly iconic Mediterranean-inspired dishes (smoked white cheddar fondue, arancini balls, beet and fig salad). Popular with the breakfast and lunch crowds, as well as among vegans. Lots of gluten-free options. $$ Open daily 6:30am–2pm and 4:30–10pm 405 20th St. East (Radisson Hotel), 667-2358
The Olive Tree Resturant & Black Top Diner It’s
worth the drive out near the old Petroffka Bridge to get amazing Greek food (Chef Georgia hails from Crete) in a 50s diner setting. They even sell their very own olive oil. $$ Open Wed–Mon noon–9pm Waldheim, SK (60km north on Hwy 12), (306) 945-5551 www.olivetreerestaurant.ca
The Real Greek The quirky interior won’t make you think
of the sweeping vistas greeting tourists on Santorini, but the Spanikopita and Moussaka make it worth a visit. Their large and varied menu is prepared from long-secret family recipes and includes souvlaki (obviously) as well as Yianni’s meze (appetizer) platter for two. Be sure to try their kefthedes (meatballs). $$ Open Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri 11am–10pm; Sat 4–10pm 119 3rd Ave. South, 244-4777 www.realgreeksaskatoon.com
INDIAN/PAKISTANI
India Palace Choose your spice levels (mild, medium, hot)
for Indian classics at India Palace, an unpretentious place in an 8th Street strip mall. The restaurant has its own tandoor oven, so the naan always comes crisp and fresh. Nice vegetarian dishes as well as lamb offerings such as the Rogan Josh. $$ Open Tue–Fri 11:30am–2pm, Fri–Sat 5–9pm #5 1501 8th St. East, 244-6777 http://indiapalacesk.com
Mogul Divaan The location is a bit out of the way but the
food makes it worth the trip out, with vegetarian options galore. Be bold and ask your server for a recommendation; be bolder by allowing them to determine the spice level. Great curries too. $$
Open Tue–Sat 11:30am–3pm (lunch), 4:30–10pm (supper), Sun 1–10pm
2115 22nd St. West, 343-5005 www.moguldivaan.com
Passage to India Start with the impressive butter chicken
and don’t look back. The mother-in-law curry and palak paneer (spinach with curd cheese) is definitely worth a try, and the prices and friendly service make this place worth a try. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–2:30pm (lunch), 4:30–8:30pm (supper) 440 2nd Ave. North, 477-7164
Spicy Bite A modest little place on 8th Street serving up
Pakistani standards such as paneer tikka masala, karahi chicken, aloo gobi and lamb biryani during their tasty daily lunch buffet. $ Open Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm 4-3401 8th St. East 373-4747 www.myspicybite.com
Taj Mahal From its orginal location on Broadway Avenue to
its current location downtown, the Taj Mahal has consistently garnered high praise for providing delicious food in a richly decorated setting. This small, family-run eatery is always topnotch. For supper consider a Vegetarian Thali (a multi-part meal for two), a classic tandoori option or their murgh (chicken). $$$ Open Mon-Sun 11:30am–1:30pm (lunch), 5–10pm (supper) 5-157 2nd Ave. North, 978-2227 www.tajmahalsaskatoon.ca
ITALIAN
Chianti’s This Alberta-based chain restaurant has held the fort
at the city’s busiest intersection by serving solid takes on a range of appetizers, salads, soups, lots of pasta dishes and meatier mains. Cheap, cheerful and they also cater to large groups. $ Open Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm 102 Idylwyld Dr. North, 665-8466 http://chianticafe.ca/saskatoon-index.htm
Wood-fired pizza oven Vegetarian lunches Nightly drink specials
Il Salici Ristorante The city’s most authentic Italian
restaurant, Il Salici at the Willow’s Golf Course raises the bar in Saskatoon for Italian fare. This delightful and spacious lounge offers a variety of delicious soups, salads and mains. Live piano music Fridays and Saturdays. $$$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–2pm (lunch), 5–10pm (supper), Sun 10am–2pm (brunch) 382 Cartwright St. (west of Clarence Ave. South), 956-1100 www.willowsgolf.com
Mon - Thu 11am till 12am Fri & Sat 11am till 2am Closed Sunday 668-1000 608 Spadina Cres E
Taverna A staple for Italian dining in the city centre for
decades, Taverna offers a taste of Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. Daily specials are printed on the wipeboard outside. $$ Open Mon–Fri 11am–5pm, Sat–Sun 5–10pm 219 21st St. East, 652-6366
Two Gun Quiche House With a name recalling a famed
neighbourhood gangster from the 1920s, Two Gun Cohen, this newest restaurant on 20th Street has a gangster theme and decor to match. Italian soups and sandwiches are featured on the menu, as well as homemade quiche, naturally. $ Open Tue–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 7am–5pm 135 20th St. West, 380-5209 www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Gun-Quiche-House
JAMAICAN
Konga Café The lone Jamaican/Caribbean restaurant in the
city, Konga Café does wonderful takes on Jamaican patties, jerk chicken, ox tail ragout and West Indian curried chicken among other ideas. The neighbourhood isn’t reflective of the spirit of this place, which is lively and down home. $$ Open Tue–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm 204 Ave H North, 244-7867 www.kongacafe.com
JAPANESE
Otowa Popular as a lunch spot (most business lunches under
$10), Otowa puts the focus on the food rather than the décor or lighting. Their teriyaki beef and salmon dishes speak well for this place, but not as much as their cherry blossom sushi rolls. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm 227 2nd Ave. South, 651-3888
Samurai The city’s only Japanese restaurant doing authentic
teppan yaki (where they chop and cook the food on a stainless steel grill in front of diners), Samurai in the Bessborough does a great job of entertaining as much as feeding the local population. Start with something light before going for either sushi or the Shogun (steak with lobster) dinner. $$$ Open daily 5–10pm 601 Spadina Cres. East, 683-6926
Sushiro The best sushi in town? Quite possibly. Is it easy to
get a seat? Definitely not! Sushiro’s stock in trade is the quality of its food, a fusion of classic Japanese dishes with western influences. Try the salt cod fritters, ceviche or soba noodle salad before diving into the mains. $$$ Open Mon–Sat 5pm–midnight 737B 10th St. East, 665-5557 www.sushiro.com
KOREAN
Seoul Tuck into real Korean cuisine on 20th Street West with bulgogi jeongul (pork barbecued on a table-top grill), japchae (glass noodles with stir-fried vegetables) and kimchee jigae (spicy pickled cabbage stew with tofu). Free appetizers are brought to the table upon ordering from their iPad menu. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm 334 20th St. West, 652-2310 www.seoulsaskatoon.com
Live music Wed, Fri, Sat No cover
spadina freehouse “Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it.”
– Anonymous
Join us to celebrate the end of another year in glorious style! 12 Grill at greenbryre south of Hwy 16 on Boychuk 306 373 7600 Saskatoon’s best kept secret www.twelvegrill.com
Expressions in Flavour • Quiche • Italian sandwiches • Homemade daily soups 135 20th St. West 306.380.5209 Two Gun Quiche House Hours: Tue thru Sat 9 am - 5 am
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food+drink The Food Guy
When you see the downtown core of Saskatoon from above, like when using Google maps, you quickly realize how little green there is between the riverbank and neighbourhoods such as Pleasant Hill or Caswell. In an ever-so-subtle way that ties into one notion of “local” food, that’s changing. It starts with gardening. No, I’m not talking about community gardens, although this is kind of a passion of mine. I’m talking about rooftop gardens, like the one that Jason Strahan of St. Tropez Bistro grows above his family’s restaurant on 2nd Avenue South. Two storeys above ground on a space little bigger than his cozy restaurant below, Strahan grows tomatoes, basil, hot peppers, edible flowers, thyme, lemongrass—you name it. It’s not much to look at on that black-topped roof, but it means a lot: fresh, clean produce grown with care for his customers; it’s great for the local ecology (bee and butterfly populations benefit from it, and we benefit from them); and it makes good business sense, since you can grow things yourself that are normally imported from California, Mexico or Israel. And St. Tropez Bistro isn’t the only place getting back to basics like this. All summer, the new Holiday Inn was growing tomatoes, basil and other goods on the roof of the hotel for their restaurant, The Hub; The Hollows collects honey from the beehives above their kitchen in Riversdale; and the new café at the community-funded Station 20 West has its own community garden run by CHEP (the Child Hunger & Education Program) to grow Swiss chard, cucumbers, beets, tomatoes and other produce both for the café and local residents. The downtown—as with all built-up areas of the city, in fact—has ample rooftop real estate to support urban agriculture: City Hall, the PCS towers, Midtown Plaza, the Remai Art Centre. None of this should come as a revelation to anyone either. The only question is, Do we have the will to do this? We can continue to look at buildings with only one purpose in mind or we can return to our roots and use some common sense in properly utilizing the space we have. Saska-boom? I like it, but personally I want to see more Saska-bloom.
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Get a Big Squeeze Out of Marmit, if You Like
This spreadable yeast confection tastes like heaven to some, but not all. Brit Foods 7-1501 8th St. East, 384-2748 125g size $13.99 (+ tax); 200g “Big Squeeze” $19.49 (+ tax) LATIN AMERICAN
Flint Saloon Lots of white, funky accents, a Montreal/rue
lessons are taught on a weekly basis, EE Burritos (just off 22nd Street) does mostly Mexican cuisine, serving flautas (deepfried corn tortillas with shredded meat), pozole soup (a hearty pork, cilantro and onion soup that’s a meal in itself) as well as Salvadorean pupusas (a stuffed corn tortilla). $$ Open Mon–Thu 10am–9pm, Fri 10am–2:30am, Sat 11am–9pm 102 Ave. P South, 343-6264 www.eeburritos.com
MEXICAN
EE Buritos Mostly known as a Latin music dance club where
The Hole In The Wall One of the great dining experiences
in or around Saskatoon, The Hole in the Wall lives up to its reputation for great food if only the GPS in the car works. Expect amazing fish and grilled meat dishes to go with original and delicious appetizers. Be sure to try the Higados (spiced chicken livers), Pastelitos (pastries layered with jalapeño, brie cheese and apricot) and Mariscos (raw scallops marinated in lemon and cilantro). By reservation only. $$$ Open Wed–Sun from 6pm Blackstrap Lake at Shields Twnp., 492-4804 http://holeinthewallrestaurant.ca
LEBANESE
Lebanese Kitchen The city’s only Lebanese dining option
serves up delicious standards: falafel, hummus, savoury little turnovers called fatayer and pies called manaeesh, and the best tabbouli this side of Tangiers. Service is always fast and friendly, making this an ideal little stop along 8th Street for anyone wanting to avoid classic (and greasy) fast food. $ Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm 1206 Emerson Ave., 242-8892
LOUNGES
2nd Avenue Bar and Grill Much of the city’s downtown
9-5 crowd heads to the 2nd Avenue Bar and Grill for happy hour. It has an upscale feel and solid selection of martinis and other cocktails. A signature food menu helps keep patrons happy. $$ Open Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–11:30pm 123 2nd Ave. South, 244-9899 www.2ndavegrill.com
6Twelve Lounge 6Twelve has long been the city’s lounge
of choice due to its locally sourced cocktail list (Bacon Caesar or beetroot vodka, anyone?) and weekend DJ sets that give the place an uber-urban, big city vibe. Nice munchies on the menu and a deep wine list. $$ Open Mon–Thu noon–midnight, Fri–Sat noon–1am, Sun 1–10:30pm
612 Spadina Cres. East (Sheraton Cavalier Hotel), 652-6770 http://6twelve.ca
Ste.-Catherine garage door front and a deep cocktail list are attracting a growing crowd to Flint, which shares space with the Poached Breakfast Bistro. Signature cocktails, a good selection of beers on tap and charcuterie platters for the faithful. $$ Open daily 4pm–2am 259 2nd Ave. South, 651-2255 http://flintsaloon.com
Amigo’s Cantina The city’s longest-serving Mexican
restaurant has daily specials on the big chalkboard and live bands from far and wide that play regularly in this celebrated night spot. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11:30am–2am, Sun 11:30am–midnight 806 Dufferin Ave., 652-4912 www.amigoscantina.com
La Bamba Café La Bamba Café owners/operators Maria,
Ciro and Juan have successfully recreated a true Mexican meal experience here with family recipes for chilaquiles (crisp tortillas and chicken in a spicy sauce), entomatadas (chicken enchiladas in tomato sauce), plus vegetarian and gluten-free options. $$ Open Sun–Thu 4–8pm, Fri–Sat 11:45am–8:30pm 3-1025 Boychuk Dr., 242-2622 www.labambarestaurant.ca
Las Palapas Resort Grill Fresh food and impressive
portions keep this place buzzing with activity all day. Try the enchiladas with their signature sangria or have a burrito with one of the many imported Mexican beers available by the bottle. $$ Open daily 11am–11pm 901 Victoria Ave., 244-5556 http://laspalapas.ca
PIZZA
Christie’s Il Secondo From a place with a serious pedigree in baking, Christie’s does proper thin-crust pizzas in their woodfired oven. Tasty sandwich selections too. $$ Open Tue–Sat 10am–8pm 802C Broadway Ave., 384-0506
PUB FOOD
Hudson’s This Edmonton-based chain serves up classic grub
to the city’s flash young guy and girls. Big servings such as the Poor Man’s Perogie and Henry’s Champion (both burgers), as well as “Two-Hander Sandwiches” are good for sharing. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–2am, Sun noon–2am 401 21st St. East, 974-0944 http://hudsonstaphouse.com/saskatoon
The Rook and Raven The business lunch crowd in downton
Saskatoon knows this place inside and out. The Rook serves delicious gastro pub meals that make this the go-to place for food or drinks anytime. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–3am, Sat 10am–3am, Sun 11am–midnight 154 2nd Ave. South, 665-2220
Spadina Freehouse A wood-fired oven for pizza, a menu
that features vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus live music are just some of the highlights of the Spadina Freehouse. A good selection of beers on tap, plus a long drink list make this a great place to meet up after work. $$ Open Mon–Thu 11am–midnight, Fri–Sat 11am–1am, Sun noon–10pm 608 Spadina Cres. East, 668-1000 www.thefreehouse.com
Winston’s English Pub Known for their selection of bottled
a wealth of unique cocktails to go with excellent sangria and numerous beer and wine choices. $$ Open Mon–Fri 4pm–midnight, Sat 11am–midnight 616 10th St. East, 649-3825 http://duckduckgoosetapas.com
their fiery tom yum soup with shrimp, orlarb, a salad of ground meat and unusual spices, or one of their superb fish dishes. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–8pm #2 325 3rd Ave. North, 244-8424 (244-THAI) www.come.to/RoyalThai
STEAKHOUSES
Sawadee Bistro As Thai restaurants go, Sawadee does many
Carver’s Steakhouse Carver’s inside the Sheraton Cavalier
Hotel has AAA steaks and a top-notch wine list given that everything is special ordered—you’ll not find their Spanish, Italian or French Bordeaux selections anywhere else in town. Their tableside Caesar salad lends a nice touch. $$$ Open daily 5–10pm 612 Spadina Cres. East, 652-8292 www.carverssteakhouse.ca
Montana’s Montana’s is for meat lovers, and this Canadian
and draught import and domestic beers (more than 120 in stock at a time), Winston’s also does lunches of classic pub starters, soups, sandwiches (vegetarian, pulled pork) and pizza. $$ Open Mon–Sat 10am–2am, Sun noon–1am 243 21st St. East, 374-7468 www.winstonspub.ca
chain unabashedly adores this food product, lavishing large portions of sticky beef or pork ribs on their customers, along with a few other notions of, well, beef, pork, chicken and even some fish, pasta and salads to round things out. $$ Open daily 10am–10:30pm 1510 8th St. East, 384-9340 www.montanas.ca
SEAFOOD
The Granary That little building on 8th Street that looks like
Gibson’s Fish and Chips The Gibson family has been doing classic English fish and chips (but not only) for more than 30 years. Don’t be put off by the rather mundane décor since some claim Gibson’s serves the best fish this side of Liverpool. $$ Open Mon 11:30am–7:30pm, Tue-Sat 11am–8pm 1501 8th St. East, 374-1411
Red Lobster The North American standard for fish, seafood
and all the trimmings, Red Lobster does a lot of things well. It’s the place to get the staples done the way you like. $$ Open Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm 2501 8th St. East, 373-8333 www.redlobster.ca
SPANISH
Duck Duck Goose Tapas Bar Cozy, tiny, laid back—lots of things describe DDG, including tasty. In Saskatoon, they’re the only ones doing Spanish tapas, which are supposed to be consumed with alcohol of some sort, and thankfully DDG has
[
a mini grain elevator houses the city’s most iconic steak house. Prime ribs, chicken and fresh fish stand out on the menu, and with every order of an entrée comes a trip the salad bar for just $4.50 more. $$ Open Mon-Thu 5–10pm, Fri-Sat 4:30–11pm, Sun 5–9pm 2806 8th St. East, 373-6655 www.thegranary.com
THAI
Keo’s Feature foods at Keo’s go beyond Thai, with Lao and
Cambodian also featured. Give the Lao and Cambodian a go, even if it means asking your server which is which. A quaint little space that fills up quickly. Good-sized portions and optional spice levels to suit any taste. $$ Open Tue–Sat 11am–2:15pm (lunch), 4:30–9pm (supper) 1013 Broadway Ave., 652-2533
Royal Thai This spot in the north downtown is popular for its cheap lunch buffet (under $10), but also for the quality of its food. To get the most out of Royal Thai, try the buffet or order
off c t ou b a ous i r e s
Photo by Daniel Belhumeur Sevenstarstudio.com
ee
things very well, and all of them for under $16. Their som tum (a fresh and spicy green papaya salad), tom kha gai (coconut and lemongrass soup with chicken) and classic curries are the real deal. $$
Open Tue–Fri11:30am–2:30pm (lunch), 4:30–9pm (supper), Sat 11:30am–9:30pm, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm (lunch), 5pm–9pm (supper)
101-129 2nd Ave. North, 652-5367
VEGETARIAN
Root Down Workers’ Cooperative Café The city’s
only dedicated vegetarian restaurant serves up homemade sandwiches, wraps, soups, breakffasts and beverages too. $ Open daily 8am–4pm 200 Sonnenschein Way, 955-30790 www.facebook.com/rootdowncafe
VIETNAMESE
Lien Thanh An ever-smiling couple serves up mainstays of
Vietnamese cuisine: pho beef soup, coconut soup with crispy tofu, chicken and beef satay, great spring rolls and wonton soup. The steamed buns are worth picking up if they have any left. $ Open Tue–Sat 11am–8pm 311 Ave. A South, 933-4299
Saigon Rose Saigon Rose is hidden away in the city’s
warehouse district, a rather unassuming place that conceals quality food such as the beef in black bean sauce, the peanut chicken and their soups. The location helps keep lineups small and service speedy. $$ Open Mon–Sat 11am–8pm 69 24th St. East, 242-1351
Spicy Garden A laid back spot on 8th Street for Vietnamese
food, Spicy Garden holds its own in a strip mall that also features great Indian, Chinese and other options. Steamed buns, pho with beef, spicy peanut chicken in hoisin sauce and vegetarian choices, it’s the go-to Vietnamese eatery on the east side. $$ Open Tue–Thu 11am–8pm, Fri–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 11am–8pm 1501 8th St. East, 373-8585 www.spicygarden.ca
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kids’ stuff
Pooh Corner:
A Storytime Tradition
Nearly 50 Years Old, but as Cozy and Captivating as Ever Text and photo by Ryan Grainger
Everyone loves a good story. Tucked away on the second floor of the Frances Morrison Library lies Pooh Corner— a story-telling lair named after the honeyloving bear.
As part of a tradition that goes back decades, the library continues to present a unique storytime experience that animates the imaginations of young and old alike. Upon entering the new red den door, chil-
dren are immediately transported to Pooh’s world. The dark cavern-style entrance winds story-goers into the main room where fantasy awakens in all ages. When all have settled into the coziness of the cave, forty-five minutes of stories, song, puppets and/or film captivate the young minds of kids and sparks childhood nostalgia in their parents. Pooh Corner opened in 1966 thanks to the vision of Muriel Clancy. Head of the Children’s Department at the library from 1935 to 1975, “Miss Clancy,” as the kids called her, loved children, and her storytimes sparked the imaginations of countless children over the course of almost 50 years. Thanks to her guidance, parents who as youngsters once sat in the tiered theatre now tote their children into Pooh Corner to be filled with the same intrigue and wonder. This childhood memory builder takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:30am–11:15am year-round. Sleepy Time Stories run Tuesdays from 7–7:30pm, and storytimes for families who speak English as a second language are Wednesdays from 7–7:30pm. Once a year, the library organizes an adult-only storytime for grown-ups looking for a dose of the cave’s mysteriously captivating atmosphere. Check the library website for more information. No matter what our age is, we’re all on the same page about this: story-book endings never get old. Frances Morrison Library Open Mon–Thu 10am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 1–5:30pm. 311 23rd St. East, 975-7558 www.saskatoonlibrary.ca
A Cute Little Toy for Infants, A Sigh of Relief for Parents Text by Paul Miazga Photo by Ryan Grainger Parents know Sophie the Giraffe as the cute, non-toxic French toy that helps their infants endure the pains of teething. Babies on the other hand really don’t care what it is—it gets the job done. Made in France since 1961 and taking its name from the French name day associated with the name Sophie (May 25—the product was launched on that day in 1961), “Sophie la Girafe” has achieved national icon status in France, according to Slate.com, with more sold each year (816,000 in 2010) than babies are born (796,000). Sophie is also popular in North America, where the toy has been around for decades and even appeared in the 1987 comedy, Three Men and a Baby. Launched in Holly-
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wood, California, in the 1980s, the toy rapidly grew in popularity first through word of mouth and has since become the best-selling baby product sold by Amazon.com. Why this seemingly innocuous toy has achieved such spectacular success owes to a slick marketing campaign that has pushed its eco-friendly status and tapped the growing consumer unease over health standards from Chinese-made products in recent years. Most importantly, however, it’s a toy that works; millions of happily distracted babies going through teething are living proof. Sophie the Giraffe ($20–23) Available at: Costco (933-4262; www.costco.ca) Cravings (477-8200; shopcravings.ca) Toys ‘R’ Us (653-8697; www.toysrus.ca)
sports/fitness
Hot for Yoga! Raising the Heat on Yoga, Whatever the Style that Turns Your Crank Text by Sara Bayley
In the past five years, Saskatoon has seen an explosion in yoga studios. It started with JNS, Joos and One Yoga, but now more than a dozen yoga studios exist, not to mention the many fitness centres that offer a range of classes, including hot yoga, which is all the rage now. Yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years, and today dozens of yoga disciplines exist, with hatha and asthanga vinyasa yoga being the most commonly practised in North America. Hatha is the foundation of yoga and focuses on physical and mental strengthening through various poses and movements. Ashtanga vinyasa is a rigorous practice that involves meditation and movement connected through a series of carefully controlled breaths. In Saskatoon, as across Canada, yoga first became popular in the 1960s but has really taken off in the last decade or so. Many studio owners and teachers got their start in yoga abroad and they bring their international experience to their studios. This is great for you yogis who want to explore different styles and individualized diciplines of this dynamic and healthful practice. It gives you a chance to absorb teachers’ knowledge in a way that suits you best and at a price you can afford. One Yoga, and particularly studio guru Ryan Leier, has attracted a loyal group of followers now looking to find other spots to practice given the studio’s temporary hiatus (they’re waiting to be part of new Freedom Fitness, expected to open soon on 20th Street West). For such yoga adherents, the experience at Ground Yoga with Vincent is a good alternative. Like the best of the yogis, Vincent can persuade you to bend deeper, stretch further and smile more. Ground Yoga also offers power yoga classes and the introductory courses in hatha 1 and 2, plus an advanced course that should fit the bill nicely for those missing Leier’s classes. A favourite of many is Hot Yoga on 20th. This simple studio is quite different from One Yoga and Ground Yoga, and not just because of the temperature. It’s challenging, fluid and restorative—good for people with sports injuries or back problems. The perk of hot yoga is high ambient temperature that heats you inside and out and makes you sweat out the toxins in your body. You’ll leave a hot yoga class feeling exhausted, calm and light. So check out some new places; there are plenty to choose from! There is an alternative to anti-depressants, sleeping pills, Ritalin and the unhealthy habit of self-medicating—it’s called yoga. There’s no better antidote to the myriad existential crises
Google images
we experience as human beings. Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is the style practiced at One Yoga. The classes are led by experienced teachers and accompanied by reflective music. The atmosphere is subdued, but be prepared for a challenge. Owner Ryan Leier is an internationally acclaimed yoga teacher who will push you to the limits of your physical strength in a way that makes you laugh and open to making friends. One Yoga 527 Main St., 612-2121 http://saskatoonyoga.com Jivamukti yoga (a more spiritual style that combines hatha and ashtanga vinyasa) is practed at Joos, though other styles—including prenatal and post-natal—are also taught. This charming studio is big, bright and open. The owner, Jan Henrikson, is the studio’s principal guru and has been practicing yoga for 10 years. Chant, learn, let go of the present and explore. Joos Yoga 38 23rd St. East, 665-6677 www.yogadowntown.ca/index.html Ground Yoga classes cover a variety of styles: ashtanga vinyasa, hatha, sivananda and yin. The studio is dimly lit, small and intimate, with soft classical music playing during each session. Among their teachers is owner Vincent Lu, who has been practicing yoga for 12 years. It’s a place to feel grounded and smile while doing what you thought only moments ago was impossible.
Ground Yoga 626 Broadway Ave., 244-4500 www.groundyogaonline.com Hot Yoga on 20th is the place to practice ashtanga, hot vinyasa “flow” (interconnected movements such as downward dog and cobra) and kundalini (meditative) yoga styles. If you want to practice a traditional ashtanga class in 36-degree heat to relax the muscles, Hot Yoga on 20th will make you sweat! Hot Yoga on 20th 117 20th St. West, 955 9642 (YOGA) www.hotyogaon20th.com Other yoga studios to consider: Clean and simple moksha yoga studio offers moksha (hot yoga) and has a strong group of attentive teachers. For those who need it, the studio also offers massages by registered massage therapists. moksha yoga 619 1st Ave. North, 649-2424 www.mokshayogasaskatoon.com An Iyengar yoga studio, JNS spells relief for those looking to straighten out back problems. A very disciplined environment where spinal health is taken very seriously. JNS Yoga 96 33rd St. East, 665 8513 www.jnsyoga.com
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map 1 5
7
y 16 Credit Union Centre
Saskatoon Diefenbaker Int’l Airport
FAIRLIGHT
AVENU E
WHIT
MILLAR
NR OA D .
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NT E SCE CRE SPA
F Hw
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5
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8H STREET E.
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ARLINGTON
CIRCLE DRIVE
map 3
DRIV
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KINGSMERE
AVENUE
PRESTON AVENUE
CUMBERLAND AVENUE
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N CRESCENT WILSO Hwy 219
BOULEVARD
CIRCLE DRIVE
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Hwy 16
Hwy 11
INA
CLARENCE AVENUE
TAYLOR STREET
W. NT
Beaver Creek
L 1
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3
Shopping centres Theatres Museums/galleries Transportation Information Fuel stations
H
WA R
MAIN STREET 3 LORNE AVENUE
VALLEY ROAD
AD SP
COLLEGE DRIVE
14TH STREET
RUTH STREET
CE
115TH STREET
University of Saskatchewan
map 2
www.viarail.ca
S RE
ATTRIDGE DRIVE
DINA
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VIA Rail passenger terminal
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9-1-1
Forestry Farm Park
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11TH STREET W.
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KENDERDINBE ROA D
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PINEH
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(police, fire, ambulance)
ACADIA DRIVE
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22ND STREET W. 5 VE I DR
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AVENUE W S.
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51ST STREET
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McORMOND DRIVE
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IDYLWYLD DRIVE
CONFEDERATION DRIVE
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29TH STREET
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CIRCLE DRIVE
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33RD STREET
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Emergency IV DR
LOWE ROAD
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CENTRAL AVENUE
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4
14
QUEBEC AVENUE
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AIRPORT DRIVE
CLAYPOOL DRIVE
6 10
FAITHFULL AVENUE
Flight arrival/departure information: www.yxe.ca/flights Weather forecasts: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
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WANUSKEW
60TH STREET
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Wanuskewin Heritage Park
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Hwy 11, 12
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Hospitals
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00 Accommodations 1. Best Western Blairmore (H2; 306 Shillington Cres., 242-2299) 2. Best Western Harvest Inn (E6;1715 Idylwyld Dr. North, 244-5552) 3. Colonial Square Inn & Suites (I8; 1-1301 8th St. East, 343-1767) 4. Comfort Inn (D6; 2155 Northridge Dr., 934-1122) 5. Confederation Inn (H3; 3330 Fairlight Dr., 384-2882) 6. Country Inn & Suites (D6; 617 Cynthia St., 934-3900) 7. Days Inn (E6; 2000 Idylwyld Dr. North, 242-3297) 8. Four Points Sheraton Hotel (K8; 103 Stonebridge Blvd., 933-9889) 9. Heritage Inn (E6; 102 Cardinal Cres., 665-8121) 10. Sandman Hotel Saskatoon (D6; 310 Circle Dr. West, 477-4844) 11. Saskatoon Inn (E6; 2002 Airport Dr., 242-1440) 12. Super 8 Saskatoon (D7; 706 Circle Dr. East, 384-8989) 13. Super 8 Saskatoon West (G6; 1414 22nd St. West, 974-2900) 14. Travelodge (D6; 106 Circle Dr. West, 242-8881)
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Key STC bus routes #23 Montgomery/ Hampton Village #60 Confederation/ Lakeridge #2 8th Street/ Meadowgreen #70 Lawson Heights/ Silverspring #40 Airport/Downtown
Regular one-way fare: $3 Buses run every half hour Click & Go bus information: http://ww9.saskatoon.ca:83
map 2 5
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8
QUEEN STREET
CE ES
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U of S campus
Information Fuel stations
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Riv er TE EN ESC CR E
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(F7; 601 Spadina Cres. East, 244-5521)
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2. Hilton Garden Inn
(D5; 90 22nd St. East,244-2311)
3. Holiday Inn Saskatoon (D5; 101 Pacific Ave., 986-5000)
4. Holiday Inn Express G
(D4; 315 Idylwyld Dr. North, 384-8844)
5. The James Hotel
(E7; 620 Spadina Cres. East, 244-6446)
6. Northgate Motor Inn
14TH STREET E.
TEM
p
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1. Delta Bessborough Hotel
.
an kat che w Sas uth ge
Co
o sm
ta oli
00 Accommodations
(B4; 706 Idylwyld Dr. North, 664-4414)
H
7*
7. Obasa Suites* (3)
(H7; D5; C8; www.obasasuites.com)
8. Park Town Hotel
12TH STREET E.
(C8; 924 Spadina Cres. East, 1-800-667-3999)
ark
NT W .
aP tor i
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WA N
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KAT CHE
mont
CRE
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(G6; 405 20th St. East, 665-3322)
10. Ramada Hotel
(A4; 806 Idylwyld Dr. North, 665-6500)
11. Senator Hotel
(E4; 243 21st St. East, 244-6141)
MAIN STREET
8TH STREET E.
SAS
Gabri
9. Radisson Hotel Saskatoon
LANDSOWNE AVENUE
DUFFERIN AVENUE
BROADWAY AVENUE
K
EASTLAKE AVENUE
VICTORIA AVENUE
J
MELROSE AVENUE
McPHERSON AVENUE
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Rotary Park
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an Kiw
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Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
ive
ALBERT AVENUE
19TH STREET W.
Sen. Sid Buckwold Bridge
AVENUE A S.
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G
2 2 ND
TCU Place
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CLARENCE AVENUE
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i
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PACIF IC
AVENUE C S.
AVENUE E S.
AVENUE G S.
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IDYLWYLD DRIVE
22ND STREET W.
7* Tourism Saskatoon
NT
3
D
C
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Downtown bus terminal
7*
Museums/galleries B
ET E .
E.
ET E .
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan
ark
STR E
4 TH A VENU
2 3 RD
E N.
AVENUE B N.
AVENUE D N.
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2 nd A VENU
D OR BE
DF
24TH STREET W.
AVENUE F N.
C
2 5 TH
STC Bus Depot www.stcbus.com
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RO AD
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B
Theatres
Mendel Art Gallery
5 TH A VENU
RUSHOLME ROAD
Shopping centres
A Kinsmen Park
E N.
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12. Sheraton Cavalier Hotel
K
Taxi companies 1. Comfort Cabs (664-6464) 2. Saskatoon Radio Cabs (242-1221) 3. United/BlueLine (652-2222, 653-3333)
(E7; 612 Spadina Cres. East, 652-6770)
map 3 1
2
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CIRCLE DRIVE
UE
3RD STREET E.
1
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ARGYLE AVENUE
5TH STREET E.
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7TH STREET E.
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DRIVE SALISBURY
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PRESTON AVENUE
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A
GROSVENOR AVENUE
LOUISE AVENUE
JACKSON AVENUE
C
8TH STREET
CUMBERLAND AVENUE
B
AVE N
MAIN STREET
Commercial area A
LING TON
A
EARLY DRIVE
D 6
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Fuel stations Streets A. Morgan Avenue B. Sommerfeld Avenue C. McCool Avenue D. Campbell Avenue E. Emerson Avenue F. Walpole Avenue G. Goodwin Avenue H. Harris Avenue
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Behind Door #1 ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’
Signpost at 632 University Drive
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A few years ago, Saskatoon resident Jane Minnema saw a signpostat a park called Xcaret close to Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. Found at the end of a spit of sand that jutted out into the sea, the signpost featured arrows pointing to different cities around the world. Something came over Minnema: “I loved it and so decided to get my whole family (my parents, my four kids and my ex-husband) involved in making one for the front lawn,” she says. In the spring, Minnema put up her own multi-coloured signpost on her front lawn, and since then she’s had many people knock on the door wanting to know more about it or just to compliment her on it. To some, it calls to mind something out of a Dr. Seuss children’s book, while to others it’s simply a great source of curiosity. “Once a man from Dubrovnik [Croatia] stopped to ask if we had the (distance in) kilometres correct,” Minnema says,“and once we had an intoxicated woman rip Tel-Aviv [Israel] off the post, but other than that it’s been all positive!” The Minnema family signpost—the only one of its kind in Saskatoon—is made from recycled wood and paint, as is the post. It cost the family nothing but time to build. As for which places to include, Minnema says that task wasn’t difficult either. If anything, they spent more time eliminating place names than thinking of ones to include. In the end, they narrowed it down to places where the family has been or has connections to in some way through friends or books or music. As one example, Minnema—a fan of Somewhere on all types of music—included the King’s the U ofMississippi, S campus birthplace: Tupelo, as well as Bonn, Germany—the birth place of Beethoven. Hockey also features on the gazetteer with the inclusion ofFloral, Sask.—the home town of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe.Mexico City is there because that’s where Minnema’s sister lives. Other places of note on the signpost include a town in Wales that has the thirdlongest placename in the world (Llanfair pwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllanty siliogogogoch); Nenagh, Ireland, for which one of Minnema’s daughters was named; and Batoche, Sask., her favourite place in the world. There’s even a mention of her favourite restaurant in Saskatoon: Lien Thanh in Riversdale.
flow can be found at these important hubs and a host of fine city businesses listed below*: SASKATOON DIEFENBAKER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YXE)
FRANCES MORRISON LIBRARY
ART GALLERIES aka gallery Art Placement Gallery Darrell Bell Gallery Mendel Art Gallery Rouge Gallery SCYAP void gallery
BARS AND RESTAURANTS 12 Grill 2nd Avenue Grill Afghan Kabob & Donair Amigo’s Cantina Bliss Fine Food Broadway Café Cesar’s Café and Cakes Christie’s El Secondo Ding Dong Duck Duck Goose Earl’s EE Burritos Flint Saloon Genesis Gibson’s Fish and Chips Golden Pagoda The Great Canadian Bagel Company The Hollows The Hose & Hydrant Hudson’s Taphouse Il Salici/The Willows India Palace Istanbul Diner JaKe’s on 21st Jerry’s Food Emporium The Keg Lounge Keo’s Jin Jin Cuisine Dumpling La Bamba Cafe Las Palapas Resort Grill Lebanese Kitchen Lien Thanh Lydia’s Pub Mandarin Mano’s Restaurant and Lounge Mardi Gras Grill Meg’s Restaurant Mogul Divaan Montana’s Noodle King & Ice Cream Queen O’Shea’s Irish Pub Otowa Park Café Passage to India Poached Breakfast Bistro Prairie Harvest Prairie Ink The Real Greek Red Pepper Rock Creek Tap & Grill The Rook and Raven Root Down Workers’ Cooperative Café
THE MEEWASIN VALLEY CENTRE
Royal Thai Saba’s African Cuisine Sabaroso Saigon Rose Saskatoon Asian Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Saskatoon Station Place Sawadee Bistro Seoul Souleio Spadina Freehouse Spicy Bite Spicy Garden Sushiro Taste Legend Taverna Total Happiness Truffles Bistro Tusq Two Gun Quiche House Weczeria Food & Wine Winston’s English Pub The Wok Box Woods Ale House The Yard and Flagon Yip Hong’s Dim Sum
THE TWO TWENTY CO-WORKING SPACE
Manhattan Casuals Mint Fashion Company Modern Dame Boutique Momentum Outter Limits Pedestrian Shoe Fitting Centre Sandbox in the City Swank Shoe Lounge Tonic Willey’s Jewellers
CULTURAL ESTABLISHMENTS Broadway Theatre CFCR 90.5FM Diefenbaker Centre La Troupe du Jour Persephone Theatre Refinery Arts & Spirit Centre Roxy Theatre Ukrainian Museum of Canada Western Development
HOTELS AND INNS Best Western Days Inn The Delta Bessborough Four Points Sheraton Heritage Inn The Hilton Garden Inn The Holiday Inn The Holiday Inn Express The James Hotel Obasa Suites The Park Town Hotel The Radisson Hotel The Ramada Hotel The Sandman Hotel The Saskatoon Inn The Senator Hotel The Sheraton Cavalier Super 8 Motel The Travelodge
CAFES
Booster Juice Broadway Roastery Broadway Roastery on 8th Caffe Sola City Perks Collective Coffee Earth Bound Bakery and Deli Grandma Lee’s Leven’s Coffee Company Strongfields Coffee Tastebuds Timothy’s Coffee The Underground Cafe
CLOTHIERS
TOURISM SASKATOON
American Eagle Outfitters Broadway Shoe Repair The Clothes Café/Frank and Lucy Deception Clothing Dena’s Durand’s Era Style Loft Foster’s Shoes Fracas Hats & That La Vie Lente Fashion Boutique long tall sally Luna+Hill
SPECIALTY RETAILERS Brit Foods Dad’s Organic Food Market Eastern Market Indigo Books McNally Robinson Booksellers Sask-Made Marketplace Swadesh Supermarket Ten Thousand Villages The Trading Post Turning the Tide
Still can’t find a copy? We’ll get you one! Email info@freshwestmedia.com. *check the listings inside for business contact information
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