CITY LIFE STYLE
S A S K AT O O N
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
@flowyxe VOLUME 8 ISSUE 4
FREE 2020
MAKING IT WORK Successfully marrying their working and private lives: local theatre professionals Jamie Lee Shebelski and Will Brooks.
JUNRO DS
AWA UE! ISS
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM JUNOFEST?
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INSPIRED ATTIRE ON THE RED CARPET 16 ’CUZ IT’S A BIG DEAL: GLAM MAKEUP 22
Extensive listings for dining, shopping & more at.flowmagazine.ca
food+drink music+events fashion/health local attractions maps
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contents
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
COUPLES MAKING IT WORK “One of the biggest benefits of working together is that we know what to expect when it comes to the demands on our schedule and the necessary sacrifices of time.”
Jordan and Megan Barry realtor; office manager married since 2007
MB: In the real estate industry, a "typical" work sched-
ule does not exist. At the beginning of our careers, we were quick to schedule things at everyone else's convenience but there are only so many family dinners or date nights that you want to miss, and so our priorities have had to change. We used to ‘be available’ at all times but now put ourselves in the schedule and are very intentional with the time we take off.
“If we are away and not working, then we work hard to not work.” MB: We also have the benefit of working towards the same goal. There is something so motivating in having someone working with you to achieve a target that is important to the team. We know, weekly, what we are both trying to accomplish and, even if we are working on different shortterm projects, the long-term goals are a team effort.
(Photo by Amy Thorp)
CELEBRATING WOMEN
JUNOFEST JAMS
SLAVING IN THE KITCHEN
CROSSING THE OCEAN
Two major events ahead of March 8 that you don’t want to miss!
Lick your chops at the possibilities of seeing your favourite new band
The secrets to success of 3 local entrepreneurs in the food&beverage world
Examples of his craft: global winemaker Michel Rolland’s best
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
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music+events
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sports
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fashion
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healthy&beauty
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food+drink
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secret Saskatoon
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Cover photo of Jamie Lee Shebelski and Will Brooks by Amy Thorp Shot on location at the Remai Modern.
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editor’s notes
If Music Be the Food of Love... Shakespeare had a lot to say about love, about couples, about relationships, the tragedies, the triumphs, the laughs and the lot. He penned many wise words, but the couples in this February/March feature, including cover models Jamie Lee and Will, have many wise words of their own on how to work together and stay in love. That gets me thinking to Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day, the Oscars, and the JUNOS from March 9 to 15! Love is in the air and it’s going to mean heady days from now until the midpoint of spring! [For more on our JUNOS coverage, catch Tyson McShane’s column (p. 10), two big event mentions (p. 12), plus all the other JUNOfest-themed stuff elsewhere in this issue.] See you all on the red carpet Mar. 15 at SaskTel Centre, but not on Feb. 14 (I/ we have plans)! Now while Winterruption 2020 just ended, it seems like the party’s simply taking a break for a month before re-grouping here for the JUNOS, thanks in no small part to the crew at the Broadway Theatre. Big ups to Kirby Wirchenko and
company for thinking big and hitting all the right notes since the start of this leap year! Aside from JUNOfest, this city will be jamming over the next two months: JUNO Award-winning jazz singer Laila Biali (Feb. 13) at the Bassment; headliners for Saskatoon Bluesfest (Feb. 24–Mar. 1) at TCU Place; the Broadway welcomes Andy Shauf (Mar. 2) [Shauf, for lack of a better word, is going viral at present with his brand new album, The Neon Skyline]; dancehall with Davido (Mar. 20) at the Coors Event Centre; Canadian vocal group Accent with the Saskatoon Symphony (Mar. 21); and,… well, read on inside! Almost forgot: International Women’s Day events too! Don’t want to go to an “event” per se? Many local restaurants, cafes and bars feature live music on a regular basis, and Kevin Sorokowski is ready to extol virtues and air grievances about six spots where you can get your fill of food and funky vibes. Amor vincit omnia!
FreshWest Media Ltd. 422A Adelaide St. E Saskatoon, SK S7J0J1 flowmagazine.ca @flowyxe info@freshwestmedia.com Published 6 times per year by FreshWest Media Ltd. Readership: 25,000 (estimated) in Saskatoon and area. Copyright (2020) by FreshWest Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of the publisher. Publisher & Editor Paul Miazga Senior Art Director Zhanybek Nurgozhayev Map Designer Danna Contreras-Chapa Ad Designers Tania Morozova, Zhanybek Nurgozhayev Proofreader Olga Bondarenko Contributors Amanda Brown, Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz, Scott Davidson, Cathy Engel, Mathias Goyburu, Tyson McShane, Paul Miazga, Marina Pshebylo, Kevin Sorokowski, Naomi Zurevinski Lead Photographer Amy Thorp Contributing Photographers Mark Andrea, Artspct, CBC, Cathy Engel, Ryan Grainger, Nina Harnett, Tony Hauser, Simon Jasieniuk, Julie Labrecque, Paul Miazga, Beth Saravo, Tourism Saskatoon Printing Centralweb Distribution FreshWest Media Ltd., Canada Post Publications mail agreement #8195125 Subscriptions Available for $25 per year (+GST & PST). Please email info@freshwestmedia.com.
FRESHWEST MEDIA LTD. Paul Miazga Publisher and Editor paul@freshwestmedia.com
President and Publisher Paul Miazga Project Consultants Michael Miazga (Nimble Storage), Clara Péron (Value for Good), Terry Rock (Platform Calgary), Jed Sunden (KP Media)
Advertising Inquiries Paul Miazga 306-261-0883 paul@freshwestmedia.com FreshWest Media Ltd. is proud to support Tourism Saskatoon, DTNYXE and other local business & tourism promotion agencies.
Amanda Brown
Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz
Mathias Goyburu
She makes clothes (including stunning submissions to the annual Sask. Wearable Arts Gala— SWAG), she dresses people, does their makeup, and at the end of the day Amanda just likes to sip beers with her boyfriend at a local taproom and dream out loud (sometimes).
With a teenage daughter who’s smart as a whip and razor-sharp with her wit, Jennilee finds solace on social media, using Facebook to vent (politely) and to dispense green makeup tips that promote earth-friendly personal products from her business, Green Tree Beauty.
This charming Argentine, a former wine shop owner, didn’t waste any time once he arrived here in mid-2018 getting to know people in the local wine and spirits industry: for a year now, Mathias has guided wine tastings at Metro Liquor while steadily perfecting his English.
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the city
It’s Contest Time!
Events Celebrating March 8, International Women’s Day!
Win 2 VIP tickets to the Ballet Jörgen’s performance of Anne of Green Gables on March 18 at TCU Place! It’s part of a total prize package valued at more than $250!
Mar04
It’s your chance to see this original Canadian production of the Lucy Maude Montgomery tale, featuring the dancing and choreoography of the country’s premiere professional ballet company. Part of your VIP experience includes a chance to meet the dancers backstage after the performance!
To win, tell us how you relate to Anne’s or Gilbert’s story. What hurdles have you overcome to find true love? Email us about your “Anne of Green Gables” moment at info@freshwestmedia.com. Contest closes at midnight on March 3, 2020. The winner will be announced the following day on flow’s Facebook page. See p. 12 of this issue or more details about Anne of Green Gables—the Ballet by the Ballet Jörgen!
LUNAFEST
7pm; tickets $12.50; lunafest.org Take in a screening of this international festival of films by and about women, with proceeds going to tuition fees for protegés from the non-profit sector to attend the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program at the Edwards School of Business. Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.)
Mar05
Nutrien Ensemble 2020 5:45pm cocktails, 7:30pm program; tickets $150 This charity event in support of Dress for Success celebrates International Women’s Day (Mar. 8) while doing good for women looking to enter the corporate world. Attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception, gourmet tapas, a fashion program and get to spin a swag wheel with lots of prizes. More details at eventbrite.ca. The Barn at Wind's Edge (Site 515, RR5—5 min E on Hwy 16)
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Saskatoon Chefs’ Gala & Showcase 5:30pm cocktails, 6:30pm dinner; tickets $170/ table of 8 $1,300 Support local arts organizations and sample dishes from some of the city’s best chefs at this fundraiser with a twist. Aside from performances in theatre, song and more between each of the many delectable courses, students from Saskachewan Polytechnic’s culinary program prepare appetizers before it all start. Bid on silent auction items and otherwise eat, drink and be merry! Visit saskatoonchefsgala.com to purchase tickets and learn more.
Prairieland Park, Hall A (503 Ruth St.)
Through Feb12 Reasonable Doubt
This world premiere documentary play by Joel Bernbaum, Lancelot Knight and Yvette Nolan reflects on race relations in the province. Persephone Theatre commissioned Bernbaum to interview local citizens for this project prior to the controversy surrounding the fatal shooting of Coulton Boushie on Gerald Stanley’s farm in August 2016. Following each performance will be a 15-minute conversation about the play hosted by Persephone’s Community Liaison Coordinator Lyndon J. Linklater. Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. E; persephonetheatre.org)
8pm evenings, 2pm Wed/Sun matinees; tickets from $25
Feb29
Snowed In Comedy Tour 8pm; tickets $51.50 It’s side-splitting laughs for a full two hours as Debra DiGiovanni, Pete Zedlacher, Dan Quinn and Paul Myrehaug conspire to leave your sides sore and improve your mid-winter mood. Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.; broadwaytheatre.ca)
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Feb08
Thomas Yu and the SSO 7:30pm; tickets from $32
One of Canada’s best young pianists, Yu stars in this incredible program, which features Earthbeat (by Canadian composer Vincent Ho); Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Egyptian” (by Camille Saint-Saëns); Behind the Sound of Music (by another Canadian composer, Nicole Lizée); and, Pulcinella Suite (by Igor Stravinsky). TCU Place (35 22nd St. E; tcutickets.ca)
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Bedouin Soundclash
9pm; tickets $25 A Canadian reggae/ska band that last year released their first album in nine years, Mass. Opening will be Odario, the hip-hop act of CBC Radio 2 personality Odario Williams. Capitol Music Club (144 1st Ave. N)
Laila Biali
7:30pm; tickets $38/members $28 This 2019 JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter and pianist has toured with Sting, Suzanne Vega and others. Putting her in the spotlight was the 2018 hit, “Got to Love”. The Bassment (202 4th Ave. N)
Alan Doyle 8pm; tickets from $34.50 Since going solo after Great Big Sea, this Newfie legend has continued to tour, particularly to raise awareness of mental health and addictions. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E)
Atmosphere 8pm; tickets $38.50 Veteran Minneapolis hip-hop duo of rapper Slug and DJ/producer Ant headline a party with The Lioness, Nikki Jean and DJ Keezy. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S)
The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer 9pm; tickets $31.50; broadwaytheatre.ca This bluesy Canadian pair plunges deeper into the pleasures of sex, revelry and entertainment with Apocalipstick, their gritty new record. Capitol Music Club (144 1st Ave. N; capitolclubyxe.ca)
(Beth Saravo)
Feb08
(Tony Hauser)
February events
music&events
(Mark Andrea)
2. It’s a chance to discover your new favourite band, or catch an act playing a tiny venue right before they become a household name and move on to much bigger venues as happened with Patrick Watson in 2007. His spell-binding set at The Refinery is still talked about by many of the 100 or so people that got to see it.
Under the Radar:
Text by Tyson McShane
Serious JUNOfest Excitement Mar13-14 JUNOfest
Various events, showtimes and ticket prices; junoawards.ca From March 9 to 15, the JUNO Awards are returning to Saskatoon for the first time since 2007. As is the tradition, the awards will be preceded by a full week of events leading up to the big ceremony on Mar. 15. As part of that, there will be many, many events happening all across town. Obviously the awards ceremony out at SaskTel Centre and the songwriter circle at TCU Place will be big draws for many people, but if the 2007 Junos are anything to go by, the real fun will be in getting out to the clubs for JUNOfest.
For Mar. 13 and 14, JUNOfest takes over all your favourite local music venues, from intimate spaces such as The Refinery to bigger clubs like the Capitol and Coors Event Centre. As an added bonus, rumour has it there will be a few shows happening in less typical (and tiny) venues like 9 Mile Brewery as well. All told there will be at least 24 shows featuring more than 50 bands, ranging from emerging locals acts to many JUNO nominees and all curated by Broadway Theatre Executive Director Kirby Wirchenko and his team there. Considering how excellent their justwrapped-up Winterruption festival was, you can bet that with the extra backing of the JUNOS they are going to put together something special.
5 Great Reasons to be Excited for JUNOfest 1. It’s your chance to see some of Canada’s biggest bands in small clubs.
Feb01
Saskatoon Blades vs. Lethbridge 7pm; tickets $25; saskatoonblades.com It’s fast-paced WHL action for the Blue & Gold, with NHL prospects Tristen Robins, Koen MacInnes and Rhett Rhinehart looking to lead the team into the West Division playoffs. Remaining Blades home games: Feb. 5 vs. Regina; Feb. 9 vs. Moose Jaw; Feb. 12 vs. Brandon; Feb. 22 vs. Swift Current; Feb. 29 vs. Prince Albert; Mar. 4 vs. Calgary; Mar. 6 and Mar. 18 vs. Regina; and, Mar. 21 vs. PA. SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.)
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Feb07
Kinsmen Celebrity Sports Dinner 4:30pm Tailgate Party, 6:30pm program; tickets from $700 (1/4 table)/VIP table $2,800; kinsmendinner.ca Five of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history grace the podium at the 60th anniversary of this charity fundraiser. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E)
3. It’s the best deal of the week. You can buy a wristband that will get you into every venue (subject to capacity), meaning you can take a chance on checking out someone new or hop from venue to venue all weekend. 4. JUNO weekend is a big party for the Canadian music scene, so even if your favourite band isn’t playing JUNOfest itself, they may be in town and checking out friends’ bands, and you never know when someone decides to hop on stage to make a surprise guest appearance in a venue much smaller than they typically play. 5. It’s a chance to discover a new local Saskatoon or Saskatchewan band. It’s becoming less and less of a secret that Saskatchewan’s music scene is thriving and JUNOfest will be a chance to see just how good it is, as most shows (Courtesy photo) will include local acts on the bill. 10+ venues Tyson McShane has toured across Canada, the US, UK and Europe, and released four albums with his band, Slow Down Molasses. A co-curator of MoSoFest over 2012–2016, he presented some of the most exciting new music from across North America, next to Saskatoon’s finest bands. @TysonMcShane @SlowdownMolasse
Feb08
Sask. Rush vs. Colorado 7:30pm; tickets from $32; saskrush.com Tickets are hard to come by for the high-flying Rush as they look to increase their lead in the West Division over rivals the Mammoth in NLL league play. Future home games for the Green and Black include Feb. 29 vs. Toronto, Mar. 7 vs. Vancouver and Mar. 20 vs. Georgia. SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.)
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March events
Mar15
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2020 JUNO Awards
JUNO Kick-off Concert
6pm; tickets from $53/VIP from $289.30
8pm; tickets $35 Who else but the Sheepdogs to headline a kick-off concert in Saskatoon for the country’s biggest music awards show?! Joining them on stage will be a range of other Canadian musical acts and personalities. Presented by CBC Sports. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; coorseventcentre.com)
Last hosted by Saskatoon in 2007, the JUNOS—one of Canada’s biggest music events of the year—have evolved from an industry awards event to a week-long festival that travels from city to city across the country. This year’s JUNOs encompass both public-facing fan shows and industry/networking opportunities featuring a diverse array of established and emerging Canadian artists. The actual award presentation spectacle is star-studded and not to be missed! SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.; sasktelcentre.com)
Mar18
Anne of Green Gables — The Ballet 7:30pm; tickets from $30 Canada’s Ballet Jörgen presents this playful, colourful and evocative production set in early 20th century Atlantic Canada. Based on the Canadian novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the ballet follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an orphan girl sent to live on a farm in the fictional town of Avonlea, PEI. More spectacular and original stuff from the country’s premiere ballet troupe. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E; tcutickets.ca)
Mar29
Matthew Good 8pm; tickets $49.50 Success with his edgy grunge rock sound boosted this Vancouverite into the spotlight during the 1990s and early 2000s, his melancholic song “Strange Days” really representing his sound and songwriting reach. His recent resurgence comes thanks to his latest album, Moving Walls. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; coorseventcentre.com)
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Andy Shauf w/ Molly Sarlé
8pm; tickets $34.50 For his new album The Neon Skyline, Regina-born Shauf played all the music, wrote all the songs, did all the arrangements and produced it himself. Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.; broadwaytheatre.ca)
Bob Saget
8pm; $50 The one-time family video show host now sticks to his real shtick, stand-up comedy. He also has a new book out called “Dirty Daddy”. Dakota Dunes Casino (20 min S on Hwy 219; dakotadunescasino.com)
Davido
9pm; tickets $60/VIP $150 Singer/songwriter and producer Davido was born in Nigeria but calls Atlanta home. His dancehall-influenced style of hip-hop has earned his YouTube videos millions of views. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S)
Accent with the SSO
7:30pm; tickets from $53 Renowned vocal group Accent join the Symphony for a night of great music, bringing the best of a cappella and jazz together. TCU Place (35 22nd St. E; tcutickets.ca)
Lil Tjay
8pm; tickets $35/VIP $135 Straight out of the Bronx comes this rapper and singer who first came to light after his 2018 recording “Leaked” received 44 million plays on SoundCloud. Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S)
LIVE MUSIC Amigos Cantina (806 Dufferin Ave.; amigoscantina. com) Shows at 10pm, cover $10 except as noted. Feb. 7: Chasing Illusions w/ Contrafact Feb. 24: Geoffroy w/ guests (tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door) Mar. 20: The Real McKenzies w/ guests ($15/$18)
The Bassment (202 4th Ave. N; thebassment.ca)
Feb. 7: Sonia Reid-Noble (9pm; tickets $35/members $25) Feb. 8: Heidi Munro & The Real Groovy Band (8pm; $29/$24 Feb. 12: Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar (8pm; $35/$25) Feb. 15: The Fretless (8pm; $35/$25) Feb. 16: Laila Biali (7:30pm; $38/$28) Feb. 19: J.P. Cormier (8pm; $28/$23) Feb. 21: Belle Plaine (9pm; $27/$22) Feb. 27: Jazz Affair (8pm; $38/$28) Feb. 28: Saskatoon Bluesfest presents Shemekia Copeland w/ Rott’n Dan and Lightnin’ Willy (9pm; $40) Feb. 29: Saskatoon Bluesfest presents Shawn Holt and the Teardrops w/ Sugar Brown (9pm; $40) Mar. 7: Nat King Cole tribute feat. Tim Tamashiro (8pm; $42/$32) Mar. 12: The Slocan Ramblers (8pm; $38/$28) Mar. 17: Ray Bonneville (8pm; $35/$25) Mar. 19: Madison Violet (8pm; $27/$22) Mar. 20: The Lost Highway Navigators (9pm; $25/$20) Mar. 21: Pat Metheny tribute feat. Gerard Weber Group (8pm; $27/$22) Mar. 27: The Sharon Minemoto Quartet (9pm; $35/$25) Mar. 28: Bruce Molsky (8pm; $29/$24)
Black Cat Tavern (801 Broadway Ave.; on Facebook) Shows at 9pm, cover $10 except as noted. Feb. 24: Church of Misery w/ Black Wizard (8pm; tickets $28.50) Mar. 6: King Bull w/ Hattie, Bicycle Daze Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.; broadwaytheatre.ca) Shows at 8pm except as noted. Feb. 7: The Vagina Monologues (7pm; tickets $18.50) Feb. 16: Fred Penner (3:30pm, 6pm; $34.50) Feb. 22: Reuben and the Dark (8pm; $31.50) Feb. 24: Classic Albums Live—Tom Petty (7:30pm; $50.50) Mar. 26: Back to Black—Amy Winehouse tribute
(8pm; $45.50) Mar. 29: Always ABBA (7:30pm; $56.45) Capitol Music Club (244 1st Ave. N; capitolclubyxe. ca) Shows at 9pm, cover $10 except as noted. Feb. 4: Open stage w/ Sasha Filipovic Feb. 22: The 100th Meridian Mar. 3: Open stage w/ Jason Hattie Convocation Hall (107 Administration Pl.; U of S campus) Feb. 16: Czech Romance by the SSO (2pm; tickets $30) Coors Event Centre (241 2nd Ave. S; coorseventcentre.com) Shows at 9pm except as noted. Feb. 8: 7th annual Glorp Beer Pong Tournament (1pm; spectators $10/teams $40) Feb. 11: Theory w/ W3APONS (8pm; tickets $46) Feb. 22: Royal Tusk w/ Brkn Love (8pm; $15) Louis’ Pub (1 Campus Dr., U of S campus; ussu.ca/louis) Feb. 14: The Beaches w/ Hunny (8pm; tickets $30/ VIP $134.75) Mar. 23: grandson w/ cleopatrick (8pm; $28) Manhattan Ballroom (Hwy 5 just E of city limits) Feb. 1: U of S Department of Music presents The Masquerade Isn’t Over (2:30pm; tickets $25) Prairie Ink (in McNally Robinson Booksellers, 3130 8th St. E; mcnallyrobinson.com) Shows at 8pm and free except as noted. Feb. 7: Standard Trio Feb. 8: Luis Barros Feb. 14: Wayne Bargen (5pm) Feb. 15: Ian Martens Feb. 21: Brian Paul D.G. and Friends Feb. 22: Lewis & Salkeld Feb. 28: Captain! Captain! Feb. 29: Uklectic Fred The Refinery (609 Dufferin Ave.) Feb. 2: Elixir Ensemble presents Delight & Daring (8pm; tickets $20) SaskTel Centre (3515 Bill Hunter Ave.; sasktelcentre.com) Feb. 13: Old Dominion w/ Mitchell Tenpenny, Meghan Patrick (7pm; tickets from $53/VIP from $203) Feb. 15–16: Ram Motorsports Spectacular (Sat 2pm, 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; from $17) TCU Place (35 22nd St E.; tcutickets.ca) Feb. 12: Cody Ray Slaughter (7:30pm; tickets $60/ VIP $100)
Feb. 13: Legends of Motown (7:30pm; from $39.50) Feb. 15–16: PAW Patrol Live! (10am, 2pm; from $20/VIP $135) Mar. 1: Kidz Bop (4pm; from $35/VIP from $175) Mar. 8: The Simon & Garfunkel Story (7:30pm; from $39.50) Mar. 12: Celtic Illusion (7:30pm; from $49.50) Mar. 13: The Glorious Sons (7:30pm; from $42/VIP from $110) Mar. 19: Masters of Illusion (8pm; from $29.50) Village Guitar (432 20th St. W; villageguitars.ca) Feb. 6: The Small Glories (8pm; tickets $26.50)
COMEDY Amigos Cantina (806 Dufferin Ave.)
Feb. 10: Lady Bits Comedy Collective (7:30pm; tickets $10) Mar. 26: Lady Bits (7:30pm; $10) Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.) Feb. 21: Saskatoon Soaps improv comedy troupe presents “Last Megxit to Meacham: A Royal Relcocation” (9:30pm; tickets $15) Mar. 20: Saskatoon Soaps (9:30pm; $15) Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club (in the Park Town Hotel, 950 Spadina Cres. E; parktownhotel.com) Shows are Fridays at 9pm and tickets from $25. Feb. 7: Joel Jeffrey w/ Fangzhou He Feb. 14, Feb. 21: Patrick Haye w/ Brian Moxon Feb. 28: Adam Delorey w/ James Moore
FILMS Broadway Theatre (715 Broadway Ave.)
Feb. 27–Mar. 11: Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (7pm/9pm; tickets $12). Mar. 3: Reel Rock Film Tour 14 (7pm; $21.50) Remai Modern (102 Spadina Cres. E; remaimodern.org) Feb. 7: “Moonlight” (USA, drama, 110 min)(7pm; free with paid admission) Feb. 14: “Roman Holiday” (USA, comedy, 118 min) Feb. 21: “Call Me By Your Name” (Ita., romance, 2h10m) Feb. 28: “Away from Her” (Can., drama, 100 min) Roxy Theatre (320 20th St. W; theroxytheatre.ca) From Feb. 7: “Clemency” (USA, drama, 113 min) Mar. 6: “The Big Lebowski” and “Jesus Rolls” (USA, comedy, 117 min/96 min) (7pm; tickets $18) Mar. 26: Women’s Adventure Film Tour (9pm; $20)
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galleries/theatre
Art as Performance At left: Bridget Moser, Scream if You Want to Go Faster (performance production still), 2019. (photo by Yuula Benivolski)
GALLERIES
Remai Modern (102 Spadina Cres. E; remaimodern.
From Mar. 17: Bridget Moser: My Crops Are Dying but My Body Persists In this new solo exhibition and performance by Canadian artist Bridget Moser, one of the country’s leading young artists, the artist draws from prop comedy, experimental theatre and performance art, using humour to explore themes of futility and failure, confusion and loneliness, and the general awkwardness of being alive.
THEATRE
German Cultural Centre (160 Cartwright St.)
Feb. 13–22: The Foreigner by Larry Shue (5:30pm dinner, show to follow; tickets $56). “Froggy” LeSeuer, a British expat who runs training sessions at a nearby army base, often visits a fishing lodge in rural Georgia. When he brings along a terribly shy young man named Charlie, Froggy tells everyone that Charlie is from a foreign country and speaks no English. Soon Charlie overhears more than he should—the evil plans of a two-faced minister and his redneck sidekick; the fact that the minister’s pretty fiancée is pregnant; and other damaging revelations made with the assumption that he doesn’t understand a word—and sets up a wildly funny climax. Directed by Terry Schroell. minifridgetheatre.com Greystone Theatre (118 Science Pl.; artsandscience.usask.ca) All shows 8pm and tickets $22. Feb. 4–8: The Secret in the Wings by Mary Zimmerman. A group of lesser-known fairy tales combine to create a theatrical work that sets their dark mystery against Zimmerman’s wit and humour. The overarching story concerns a child and her frightening babysitter. As the babysitter reads from a book, the characters in each tale materialize, with each breaking off just at its bleakest moment before giving way to the next one. The central tale is told without interruption, after which each previous tale is successively resumed, with each looming disaster averted. Directed by Treena Strubel. Mar. 18–28: The Grass Tomb (Chobun) by Oh T’aesok; translated by Ryu Yung-Kyun. Leading Korean playwright and one of the most original dramatists and stage-directors in Asia today, T’ae-sok draws inspiration from East and West, combining ancient
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org) Open Tue/Fri 10am–10pm, Wed–Thu/Sat–Sun 10am–5pm; admission $12/children under 6 free. Through Mar. 22: The Sonnabend Collection. Influential art dealer Ileana Sonnabend, her husband Michael and their adopted son Antonio Homem put together over a lifetime one of the most significant private holdings of modern and contemporary art in the world. They anticipated and influenced developments in art including Pop, Minimalism, Conceptualism, Nouveau Réalisme, Arte Povera, Neo-Expressionism, Neo-Geo and Photo Conceptualism. The collection at the Remai features more than 100 works by 67 artists, spanning seven decades. Ongoing: Next Year’s Country (curated by Sandra Fraser). This exhibition, a reference to Saskatchewan’s history, originates from settlers’ experiences of learning to live and farm on a land of promise, where neither success nor survival could be assured; it explores ideas of place, belonging and history through a wide range of Canadian artists in the Remai Modern’s outstanding permanent collection. The historical Prairie perspective is used as a means to consider the impulse to resist the anxiety of the present. Korean masked dance-drama and contemporary avant-garde theatre in his works, which range from comedy to historical tragedy. Production Centre 914 (914 20th St. W) Feb. 14–23: Will & Earnest by Martin Noel-Maw (7:30pm evenings, Sat/Sun matinees 2pm; tickets $30). Will James, the author and illustrator of the autobiography “Lone Cowboy”, created the cowboy aesthetic we know today, but his legacy is at risk when Ernest Dufault decides to unravel Will’s secrets. Based on a true story that focusses on the last months of James’ life, this play takes place in the Hollywood Hills of LA from late June to early September 1942. All but Sunday 2pm matinee with English surtitles. Directed by Denis Rouleau. latroupedujour.ca Mar. 5–13: Circle of Voices (production TBA; 8pm evenings, Fri matinee 1pm; tickets $10). gtnt.ca Mar. 19–29: Mine to Have: Sensuality and Circumstance by The Other Ordinary (Thu–Sat 8pm, Sun matinees 2pm; tickets $26). From the only disability-led theatre company in the province comes this edgy, sexy romp of an exploration of our sexuality that reveals how relationships flourish, fall apart and survive in a world that denies body autonomy and pleasure. livefive.ca The Refinery (609 Dufferin Ave.) Feb. 8–17: Piyisiw Iskwew (I Am Thunderbird Girl) by AaronMarie Nepoose (most showtimes 11am and 2pm; children $12/adults $17). Young Thunderbird Girl is very curious and goes on an adventure to discover her destiny. With the help of friends and family, she sets out to seek advice from very old friends who may or may not have the answers to her fate. wideopen.ca
Art Placement (238 3rd Ave. S; artplacement.com) Open Mon–Sat 10am–5:30pm. Feb. 20–Mar. 5: like this and like that. Recent work by the faculty and staff at the U of S Department of Art and Art History: J. Anderson, T. Billings, P. Bulas, A. Donald, B. Reimer, X. Han, C. Hunker, G. McConnell, M. Miller, F. Robson, J. Schwab, J. Semko, N. Semenoff, L. St. Pierre and S. Zheng. The Gallery (at Frances Morrison Library, 311 23rd St. E; saskatoonlibrary.ca) Open Mon–Sat 10am–9pm. Through Feb. 7: Portals by Geoffrey Wooler. Colourful abstract paintings in acrylic on canvas. Feb. 11–Mar. 13: Musical Saskatoon presented by the Local History Room. The history of Saskatoon music in photos is shown using the LHR’s extensive archives. From Mar. 17: Natural & Human Landscapes by Xiaolin Zhang. Landscapes from the immigrant artist’s impressions of his home country, China. SCC Gallery (813 Broadway Ave.; saskcraftcouncil. org) Open Mon–Sat 10am–5pm. Through Mar. 14: The Flower People by Melanie Monique Rose. Personal, cultural and universal symbolism are woven into the fabric of various works with an emphasis on movement, colour and narrative. Wanuskewin Heritage Park (Penner Road, 5 min N off Wanuskewin Road; wanuskewin.com) Through Apr. 30: Wrapped in Culture by B. Ace, R. Favell, M. McMaster, A. Stimson, K. Clarke, M. Clarke, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney and W. Mahoney. A collaborative project that brings together 10 Indigenous artists from Australia and Canada, led by Métis artist Rosalie Favell. They created contemporary versions of an Australian Aboriginal possum-skin cloak and a Blackfoot buffalo robe: two culturally distinct, yet similar, artistic traditions that historically held both sacred and practical purposes. Feb. 28–Mar. 8: Unmasked by Megan Zong w/ music by respectfulchild (Thu–Sat 8pm, Sun matinees 2pm; tickets $26). Using her memories, journal entries, doctors’ notes, and interviews for material, Zong retraces her steps from the beginning of an encounter with psychosis. Childhood friend-turned-experimental musician respectfulchild mirrors this journey with an original musical score that accompanies and guides a dancelike journey through memory and healing. livefive.ca
Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. E; perse-
phonetheatre.org) Feb. 5–16: Constellations by Nick Payne (8pm; tickets $30). In this beautiful, heartbreaking love story about saying goodbye and never having to, Marianne and Roland meet at a party and from there their relationship unfolds across the quantum multiverse, with each variation sending them on a different trajectory. Presented on The BackStage Stage. Mar. 24–29: INSIDE/OUT: A prison memoir by Patrick Keating (8pm; tickets $30). Actor and playwright Keating is kind, soft-spoken and sincere in his compelling real-life story of years spent in and out of Canada’s penal system. This funny, sad and stirring true story helps us reconsider our ideas of what a “criminal” looks like. Presented on The BackStage Stage. From Mar. 25: Stones in His Pockets by Marie Jones (8pm evenings, Wed/Sat/Sun matinees 2pm; tickets from $30). Charlie and Jake get hired on as extras by a Hollywood film crew that arrives in their quiet Irish village to shoot the epic movie “A Quiet Life”. But harsh reality is pitted against the “Hollywood Dream” and chaos ensues. It’s an award-winning comedy with two actors playing 15 characters between them.
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fashion
JUNO Ready There are many options when it comes to choosing the perfect JUNO party outfit. Metallic touches on knits and prints add extra glitz to traditional silhouettes. Or use the red carpet as an excuse to go full out with your coveted evening gown!
Photos by Juli Labrecque Photography Styling by Laura Crossman Hair by Mel Corkum (Alchemy Collective) Makeup by Tara Oliver & Scarlett Dahlia Artistry Clothing by Stephanie Gamble (C. Lysias Designs) Jewellery by Moxie Dame Models: Vanessa McKerlie, Nargis Zarifi (SHE Modelling) and Josie Loewen Shot on location at Flanagan’s Steak House (in the Hotel Senator)
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working couples Colleen Wilson and Ken Achs Lawyer, designer; Owner of Mid-West Group Married since 1995
Building on Life’s Passions, Together Of the working couples showcased here, a common thread exists between each of them Text and interviews by Paul Miazga, Naomi Zurevinski and Marina Pshebylo Photos by Amy Thorp (except as noted)
flow: How did you first begin working together? CW: Ken and I had just begun dating and we had plans to go to the movies. He said “Meet me at the office” as he had gotten bogged down in a situation over buying a building. Ken had lawyers on it, but they couldn’t resolve it fast enough to suit him. I said, “Come on, we’re going to be late for the movie. I’ll take a look at it tomorrow.” I resolved it quickly and it sealed my fate... flow: Do you know of other couples who work together? Who do you look up to in this regard? CW: [Laughing] There are no role models for this (kind of relationship). However I learned from my parents that if you have your own business, it’s not a 9-to-5 job.
“My mother was very much a stay-at-home, traditional wife and mom who was the hub of the household, and my father a successful entrepreneur working long hours. I think to be happily married to Ken, you had to come from that background and understand the sacrifices that go along with it.” 18
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When I met Ken, I was a lawyer and I had a TV show and I was happy with my career, but when he could see that I could make a contribution to the business, which was his passion, he wanted me to work with him. It wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about what was good for us because that’s how we see marriage, as a partnership in every way. You support each other and so the personal partnership by happenstance grew into a business partnership. The fact was that I also knew if I ever wanted to see Ken I would have to work with him, and even though giving up my enjoyable career in law and television was not easy for me, when we got married Ken became my priority and that meant my career focus had to be the business. KA: I joke that I only work half-days: twelve hours. No, I’m not aware of any role models; we just kind of worked it out. We had skills that complemented one another, and while we each had strong opinions about business matters, somewhere in the middle we came together, and the result was very good. Like-mindedness and conscientiousness work for us. People that have those traits stay with us because we’re all on the same page. CW: I enjoy what Ken does. When we go on vacation, we don’t go to lie around on a beach all day. We go places where we look around at properties and sites that look interesting to develop. For us, there’s no real secret to work/
life balance. As our CFO Trevor Jacek says, we have “fully integrated” our work/personal life relationship. So while we don’t really have any role models, we have some critically important people that work with us and “get” us, and who understands how Ken and I interact. flow: What’s changed since your relationship started? CW: At the beginning, we didn’t talk about work as much—there were a few discussions about personal things, but now it always seems to end up in some discussion about business. One of the problems in working with your spouse in these all-consuming businesses is that you don’t know when to draw the line and stop talking about business. We even worked on our engagement trip to New York. It wasn’t planned that way, but when a bundle of time-sensitive legal documents got FedEx-ed to us, I had to review them. Lots of fiancées would’ve been annoyed, but it’s just part of life with Ken. It was probably about then that I drank the Kool-Aid and became as consumed as Ken for wanting to do business deals. However, I would love to have a little more balance, and while Ken has been saying for years says he’s going to try, it never changes. He loves his work and I’m proud of him for what he does. His enthusiasm is infectious. We keep each other re-inspired, pick each other up, and feed off of each other.
Rachel Kong and Andy Yuen Accountant; Engineer Co-owners of Odd Couple Married since 2014
flow: What, if anything, has changed in your relationship since you started working together? AY: I think we learn a lot from each other. For the most part, I am super grateful that Rachel and I have the opportunity to work together because I get to spend a lot of time with her, a lot more than I even expected.
“If Rachel was still a corporate accountant and I still worked as an engineer, we would have a typical 8-to-5 work schedule and could only see each other after work, whereas now we commute together, we work together at the restaurant sometimes, and strategize our business together.” AY: Obviously, sometimes we disagree with each other, and we have learned to not bring work home—physically and mentally. Overall, we appreciate that we get to work together and build our business together.
(Courtesy photo)
flow: What’s new on the horizon for you and your business? What should the public know about what you do? AY: For this year, my goal is to launch a delivery division of Odd Couple. Currently, we only offer dining in or takeouts. We deliberately did not sign up with delivery providers like Skip the Dishes, Door Dash, etc., as from our point of view we don’t get to control our guest’s overall experience. We also do not want to compromise any service level for dine-in customers, so we want to do it at our own pace.
Heather and Cam Williams Brewmasters; owners at Prairie Sun Brewery Together since 2011
flow: How, when and why did you decide to start doing business together? HW: Cam and I met while working at Paddock Wood Brewing Company. We instantly bonded over our love of beer and started taking beer trips, doing home brewing and judging beer together. We ran a lot of the day-to-day operations over there together and realized we did it very well and without fighting. Soon we started developing a business plan, wondering if we could pull enough finances together to start brewing our own recipes and selling them out of a tap room. We were able to and started a small 10bbl brewery after about a year of planning. We opened our doors in August 2013.
“If we didn’t have that support or outlet in the office, I think it would be really tough to stick out those long days. You just can’t be on-point 100 percent of the day!”
flow: What, if anything, has changed in your relationship since you started working together? CW: We are working in our second brewery together; we have grown and our day-to-day jobs have changed a lot to more of leadership than managerial duties, though our relationship has stayed very much the same. We are best friends and love to have beers together and dream up new projects and adventures. We also now share a very beautiful 2.5-year-old girl, Azalea. She is the light of our world and a little brewery princess. She plays “brewery” every day at daycare, we are told. flow: What are the benefits/strengths of working together? What are some of the pitfalls or issues? CW: There are many benefits of working together. One is communication: being together at breakfast, during work while watching TV, which makes it easy to pass important business information back and forth in real time. You also don’t need to always be worried about upsetting or offending the other person. HW: It’s very important to be sensitive and aware of how we talk and interact with people like staff, customers, suppliers, etc., but sometimes you just want to complain or frown and maybe cry a little. This is always ok to do with each other because we know exactly what the other person is going through.
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working couples Brad and Carmen Hamm Owners of Taste Restaurant Group Married since 2012 NZ: How, when and why did you decide to do business together? CH: We were married in 2012, and we love the challenge of creating something of value that others can enjoy. Hospitality is a great fit for us, and we decided to move forward in this industry in 2014. We were fortunate to have a clear and compatible vision for the businesses we wanted to create. Our hopes and prayers became reality when we were able to hire the amazing team we have around us. NZ: Do you have any role models when it comes to doing business? BH: When I was growing up, I had front row seats to strong role models who were partners in both life and business. My parents founded a construction business in the city that continues to grow under the leadership of my brother today. But it was more than that:
“...while my parents worked as entrepreneurs, they modelled partnership in other ways as they raised three boys, gave their time as volunteers, and spent time visiting those who were sick, hospitalized or shut-in.” BH: Their social life was strong and they even managed to fill a mantel of trophies for winning card tournaments together. They set the bar high while working very humbly and graciously. I couldn’t have had better role models for what we’re trying to do.
ADULT NIGHTS!
Light bites, art projects, 3D printed takeaways and so much more!
wonderhub.ca
950 Spadina Crescent East Tues to Sun | 9am to 6pm 20 f low FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
ts
Ticke
$25
February 20:
Tropical Tiki Hub
March 19:
Heist at the Hub
April 16:
Hubbin’ on the Ritz
wonderhub.ca/adult-night
(Photos on pp 20–21 by Ryan Grainger) Brad and Carmen, from p. 20 NZ: What, if anything, has changed in your relationship since you started working together? CH: Thankfulness, laughter and contribution. We know we are fortunate to be able to work together, and even during seasons of sleepless nights, we remind each other how lucky we are. When things really hit the fan, we double down on our efforts but try to keep our sense of humour. On the days when laughter is a stretch, we still remind each other that we have much to be thankful for and we are a part of a bigger vision for the future. NZ: What are the benefits, strengths and pitfalls of working together? CH: The benefit of working together stems from our complementary strengths and common values. We’ve worked hard to define those and then to make room for each other and our business to thrive. We work hard to keep our egos in check and try to gently and graciously be the other’s “mirror,” keeping each other sharp and growing. NZ: What’s new on the horizon for you and your business? CH: First, we recently acquired an additional arm to our business, The Cure Artisanal Charcuterie. We’re proud to be working with Lorenzo Brazzini as he develops our in-house butchery program as well as developing both in-house and retail cured, artisanal meats. As a third-generation Italian artisanal butcher, Lorenzo brings a ton of talent to our team. Second, we recently launched our Taste Restaurants Catering program. We have three amazing senior chefs with a combined 30 years of catering experience. Finally, we are also really passionate about growing the nonprofit side of our business. We currently partner with MealShare, FoodRenew and Water First, and we’re working towards some exciting food security and sustainability initiatives locally and internationally in the coming years.
Alex Pozsonyi and Susan Gallagher Graphic designer; Interior designer Owners of Soul Paper Paperie Married since 1999
NZ: How, when and why did you decide to start doing business together? SG: Ever since we met, we have collaborated on projects, whether it was for class, client or personal projects. We even renovated our whole home together, doing all the design and labour. Creating a shop like Soul Paper is a dream I have had since I was a child. The great old shops in Moose Jaw, my hometown, inspired me. So it was a natural progression for us to move towards. Then in 2011, I attended the Praxis School of Entrepreneurship here in Saskatoon to complete our business plan, and we incorporated shortly after. We opened our doors in August 2014 after much time spent finding a special location. NZ: What are the benefits, strengths and pitfalls of
working together? SG: Honestly, it depends on the day. Something that is a strength one day (becomes) in a particular situation a pitfall on another day. There is history and subtle nuances in being a couple that sometimes work their way into the business relationship. It’s not all bliss to be sure, but working with each other makes the successes much sweeter and the disappointments lighter to carry. NZ: What’s new on the horizon for you and your business? SG: This new decade will begin with new offerings in Saskatoon as well as online. We will also be expanding our commitment to our community with fresh workshops, gatherings and pop-ups.
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health&beauty
That Juno Glow With the Junos fast approaching, there are going to be non-stop events and photo ops in our fine city. To get your face Juno ready, here are some tips for long-lasting, flawless makeup that will keep you glowing during Canada’s top music awards show!
Text by Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz Photo by Artspct Makeup by Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz (Green Tree Beauty) Hair by Erika Tucker (Alchemy Collective) Model: Jamie Lawrence
Exfoliate
Want to wear all the makeup without feeling or looking cakey? Quite often it’s the built up layers (yes, plural. Ew!) of dead skin on your face that makes your makeup appear cakey. Use a non-abrasive* exfoliator a couple times a week for healthy, glowing skin. You’ll find if you exfoliate regularly, your makeup will apply nicer to your skin and last longer. [*Why non-abrasive? Anything with grit in it is actually just scratching your face, leaving you with micro cuts and scarring.]
Primer & Setting Spray
Speaking of long-lasting makeup, use a primer and/or setting spray for more staying power. A primer is applied before your makeup. In addition to keeping your makeup on, it also helps to smooth your skin (think spackle for your face). A setting spray is applied after your makeup and is like hairspray for your face! (But please don’t use actual hairspray on your face—that’s not good for your skin or my heart.)
Start with Your Eyes
We tend to start with our foundation and coverage and then move on to the rest of the steps in our beauty ritual. What happens when we do that is we end up with more fingerprints in our foundation than a poorly planned crime scene— not to mention all the fall from our eye shadow when we are going for the blackest-of-black smoky eye (or purple or gold or whatever your little heart desires). If you start with your eyes then clean up the fall with a Q-tip and cleanser. After that, apply your foundation—it will appear fresh and flawless looking.
Waterline
Adding eyeliner to your waterline gives you a sultry look, but we need to talk about that… Firstly, you should never use anything other than a cream-based eye pencil for your waterline. Secondly, your pencil should be freshly sharpened and sanitized because bacteria is gross (and dangerous so close to your eye). Thirdly, it’s a great look but it’s not going to last all night due to the moist conditions near your eye, so pack that liner in your purse to reapply throughout the night.
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Long Lasting Lips
You know the girl at the end of the night who has the red circle around her lips as her lipstick wore off except on the edges? Don’t be her. When applying your lip liner, apply it to your entire lip (using the side of the liner, not the point), followed by your lipstick. It will increase your lipstick’s staying power.
Glow not Shine
Let’s face it: typically when you’re at a crowded event, things get stuffy and you may get a little shiny, especially in your T zone area. Pack a pressed powder so you can hit the powder room if all the gorgeous musicians in town are leaving you a little hot and bothered (i.e., sweaty and gross).
flow: What role models do you have for working together as a married couple? JLS: Collaboration in theatre is difficult whether you’re a couple or not. A home relationship complicates things, so it takes a conscious effort to not bring up at home those arguments or discussions that you had at work. We fairly consciously established a private life outside of theatre to create more separation there. Once we became foster parents, it’s become much more difficult to work together now.
Jamie Lee Shebelski and Will Brooks Actor; Artistic Producer for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Married since 2005
“If we’re not going to be able to work together, let’s positively do it never again.” WB: Schedules in this industry are ridiculous—they’re not family-friendly. You’re working for 12–15 hours during tech (the week before a show opens), six days a week. How many daycares work from noon to midnight on a Sunday? flow: What’s on the horizon for your work? WB: There’s the development of the site. On July 10, we will welcome our first public audience to the new home of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. This summer, we’re doing The Tempest and Macbeth. JLS: We adopted our son Liam, who is 5, so he’s going to be starting Kindergarten in the fall! MP: How did your latest farming operation start? JC: After a few hiccups trying to grow corn we decided to trade vegetables for flowers and wine for something a little stronger. We’re known all over the world for growing the best-quality grains for bread and pastas, so why shouldn’t we be able to make the best spirits in the world? We’re farmers and we know farming well, so growing the grain gives us better control over the base ingredients. We visited other distilleries and did plenty of our own experimentation before we started bottling our first batch of gin in the summer of 2015. BSC: The biggest thing that sets us apart from other distilleries is that we grow our own ingredients. Everything happens on their property: growing, harvesting and distilling. We take pride in our products and put our heart and soul into every step of the process.
Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote and John Cote Farmers, owners of Black Fox Farm & Distillery Married since 1987
MP: How do they make a business partnership and a marriage work? JC: First of all, we genuinely enjoy spending time together. Second, we both have different strengths and we play to those and lean on our partner for theirs. Third, we have a great understanding that we get to create something together and that we would get to spend the most time together if we created a business together. BSC: You each know why you’re working from dawn until dusk and you get to do that together—we’re building something together. We get to spend a lot more time together than most married couples, and we love it!
Country Music AYS WEDNESD YS SATURDA 210 SLIMMON ROAD SASKATOON
PHONE: (306) 974-4454
SA LSA DA NCE
WWW.ARIAFOODANDSPIRITS.COM
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food+drink Successfully Growing their Food Business do things and offer a unique experience.”
(Courtesy photo)
Local restaurateurs who’ve managed to carve out niches and leave their mark in the world of dining talk about their path to success and a way to thrive as the new decade dawns
Text by Kevin Sorokowski
building becomes key to setting yourself apart. “Meeting and knowing farmers and food producers who make good, clean food is so rad, but when someone has a bad crop year, it’s a real thing, for me and for them. You can’t just go to the store and buy 600 organic pumpkins. The Bryn Rawlyk has developed three rather different realities and challenges of our local food producers are a lot more tangible,” he says. places over the last five years: Venn Coffee (830 “The local food business is becoming more Broadway Ave.), Darkside Donuts (631 Ave. H S) and his flagship enterprise, The Night Oven Bakery diverse and interconnected and being part of a vibrant local food economy is pretty awesome.” (629B 1st Ave. N). Along his path, which started with work in the non-profit community, “work(ing) Grace and Lee Whittington, the owners and around food insecurity such as running meal operators of Home Quarter Coffee House (110-405 programs for shelters made me realize that plans Ave. B S) in Riversdale, have been in and around the change quickly in the food business, but flexibilfood business, at varying levels, between Saskatchity and solid relationships are key,” Rawlyk says. ewan and Ontario, for years. They began producing “I planned to do everything from baking bread and selling Saskatoon berry products well over 20 and pastries to selling the products myself. Now I years ago after purchasing Riverbend Plantation. employ 24 people!” They worked out of a space at the Saskatoon FarmHis relationship with his own food? Solid. ers’ Market for a long time, before marching “62 “I eat it every day,” says Rawlyk, who has come to paces from our original space over to our storefront understand that sourcing locally, which he prides him- [on Avenue B South] on October 1, 2018,” says Lee. self on for all three of his places, is where relationship To him, the beautiful corner spot they work in is as much of a draw to their business as their coffee, house-baked goods and scratch-made soups: “We’ve won two design awards for our space here over the last year and a half. People come in and really enjoy the light and the feeling of openness we’ve developed,” he adds. But it hasn’t only been a case of “build it and they will come”. Lee elaborates: “Building a business like this, it isn’t simply a matter of chasing a dream and hoping others can see it the way you do. We did so much legwork, (...) built relationships with retailers like Federated Co-Op to develop space for our Riverbend specialty products and, along the way, we were seeing better ways to (Tourism Saskatoon)
Saskatoon has always been great for bridges but tough for restaurateurs. Fierce competition abounds, especially from national chains with deep marketing budgets and decades of history to build and trade on. How does a local find space in this ever-expanding even-as-it-contracts environment?
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For 23 years (and counting), Jerry’s Food Emporium (1115 Grosvenor Ave.) has been growing, changing and adapting to the bustling restaurant life of this city. Opening another complete location in another part of the city is testament to the fact that founder Jerry Kristian has been able to seize opportunities when and where he can. It was not always this way. As Kristian says, “Twelve years ago, we were in a tough spot. The Canadian labour market, especially in Western Canada, was strained and shrinking and we were struggling to find good people that could deliver the experience we wanted our customers to have. “I hired a Philippine worker who had just made the trip to Canada for work, and it turned out he was also building a ‘pipeline’ of workers from the Philippines as a labour agent,” he adds. This proved to be very good news for Jerry’s as, over the years, they have hired more than a dozen workers from the Philippines, most of whom are still with them, many in decisionmaking positions within the organization. “They came here as real pros, as people who wanted to work and help me make my restaurant(s) better,” Kristian says. “These are the sorts of things it’s almost impossible to train for.”
(Courtesy photo)
Above: Jerry Kristian (centre) with his wife and business partner Elyse Proulx-Cullen (2nd from right) at the Saskatoon Open Door Society’s 2019 Diversity Awards Gala. Below left: Bryn Rawlyk baking bread at The Night Oven Bakery.
Other locally based restaurant groups
Taste Restaurant Group (4 restaurants) Grassroots Restaurant Group (4 restaurants) City Perks group* (3 cafés) Congress group* (3 restaurants) Thien Vietnam (3 locations) Broadway Roastery (2 locations) The Granary (2 locations) Karma Conscious Café group* (2 restaurants) Mystic Java (2 cafés) Pink Cadillacs (2 restaurants) Rook & Raven group* (2 restaurants) *– not their formal name
Key: $ - meals under $15; $$ - $15–30; $$$ - over $30
GLOBAL
Afghan Kabob & Donair 3-100 2nd Ave. S; on
Facebook. The full menu is worth the wait, but the kebabs are also tasty. Open Mon–Sat 11am–10pm. $ Bon Temps Café 223 2nd Ave. S; bontempscafe.ca. Seafood creole, Jambalaya, crawfish boils, cocktails and regular live music. Open daily 11am–9pm. $$ Botté Chai Bar 117-123 Ave. B S; bottechaibar.com. This Persian-influenced nook has light breakfasts and lunches, with infused teas, baklava and other sweets. Open Wed–Sun 11am–11:30pm. $$ Konga Café 204 Ave. H N; kongacafe.com. Great for classic Jamaican jerk or curried chicken (or goat). Open Tue–Thu 4–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm. $ Lebanese Kitchen 1005 Broadway Ave.; on Facebook). Middle Eastern tastes (falafels, fatayer, shawarmas, hummus, tabbouleh and more) always served with a smile. Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm. $ Saba’s African Cuisine 901 22nd St. W. Use the bread, called injera, and with your hands scoop up spicy servings of delicious Ethiopian/Eritrean food. Open Tue–Sun 4:30–10:30pm. $$ Wanuskewin Restaurant RR 4, Penner Road; wanuskewin.com. Enjoy the surroundings and “First Nations cuisine with a modern flair.” Open daily 9am–4:30pm, holidays 11am–4:30pm. $
VIETNAMESE, THAI,...
A’s Food Xpress 1114 22nd St. W; asfoodxpress.com.
Lots of Filipino faves, from Siomai dumplings to Sizzling Sisig, etc. Open Thu–Tue 11:30am–8:30pm. $ Asian Hut 320 Ave. C S. The best pho soup in town and daily lunch deals at this nook in Riversdale. Open
Mon–Fri 11am–2pm, 5–9pm, Sat–Sun 11am–9pm. $ Golden Pagoda 411 2nd Ave. N; goldenpagoda. ca. Try the green tea salad or coconut chicken soup, and chat up owner Lujo for some friendly banter. Open Mon–Fri 11am–2pm, Mon–Sat 5–9pm. $$ Keo’s Kitchen 1808 Broadway Ave. Original Lao, Cambodian and Thai dishes in one locale. Open Tue–Thu 11:15am–8:15pm, Fri–Sat 11:15am– 9:15pm, Sun–Mon 4:30–8pm. $$$ Ko Chicken+Ramen 10-3207 Preston Ave. S, koramenbar.com. Modern Asian cuisine with Japanese ramen, Korean fried chicken, and pressed sushi. Open Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm. $$ Royal Thai 2-325 3rd Ave. N; come.to/royalthai. Tasty Thai curries, spicy tom sum, noodle dishes and beyond. Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 4–9pm. $$ Seasoned Fusion Tastes 230 21st St. E; on Facebook. A must for pho, Bento boxes, ramen, and vegan options. Open Mon–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm. $$
VEGETARIAN güd eats inc. 2917 Early Dr.; gudeatsinc.com. You
won’t miss the meat at this hip, new, all-vegan fast food joint. Open Mon–Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun 11:30am–8:30pm. $$ Karma Conscious Café & Eatery 2-157 2nd Ave. N; thekarmacafe.ca. Coffees and teas, plus lunches fusing Mediterranean, Indian and other tastes. Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm. $$ Thrive Juice Bar 137 20th St. W; thrivejuiceco.com. Fresh organic cold-pressed juices, super-food smoothies, lunches and coffee. Open Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–4pm. $
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Key: $ - meals under $15; $$ - $15–30; $$$ - over $30
50 Words:
Citizen Café & Bakery 18 23rd St. E; citizencafe-
CAFÉS & DINERS
JUNO Time Again!
flow tries to get funky whilst avoiding the funk of 40,000 years Text by Kevin Sorokowski
Funk may be good for the feet; not so good for the palate. At six restaurants where live music lives, we ate the food that they proffer. Read on. We have been good to Amigos Cantina (806 Dufferin Ave.), but they’ve been great to our tumtums. The Ancho Chicken Enchilada was what I ate; sad I didn’t have room for another is how I felt leaving. Deep flavours, cheese tastes, perfect blends that made me wish for more. More! More! More! (“Rebel Yell”, Billy Idol) Wandered between a liquor store and a vet clinic and found Somewhere Else Pub & Grill (2605 Broadway Ave.) and their Chicken Breast n’ Bacon Club Sandwich. Hockey on the TV and soothing fresh-from-the-fryer chips to accompany said sandwich made it all make sense. Chipotle Mayo makes things right. (“Don’t Look Back in Anger”, Oasis) Please allow me to introduce myself, I have no wealth, can I taste? If you get to Capitol Music Club (144 1st Ave. N) after 1pm on a Thursday? Not a chance. Too bad, too: I’ve heard good things about their restaurant that blends brown and tan into delish. I may never, ever, not ever know. (“Sympathy for the Devil”, The Rolling Stones) Vista Lounge (339 Ave. A S) had a disgruntled patron when I walked in. The Spring Chicken served with Maple Aioli immediately gruntled me, and the Bacon Potato soup quickly inverted my frown. That they serve liquor didn’t hurt, either. $2.50 for a highball and a buck and a half for a beer. (“Little Bones”, The Tragically Hip) After interviewing the owners, I had the chance to enjoy a Home Quarter Coffee House (110-405 Ave. B S) Grilled Cheese on their dark Russian rye. Whilst I disagree with their use of “Russian” rye on a Ukrainian level, the gooey goodness nearly blinded my eye to it. Now boys don’t spare the rye. (“Time to Switch to Whiskey”, Corb Lund) I have eaten at Prairie Ink (3130 8th St. E). I have reviewed food from Prairie Ink. I have never tried a hand-formed burger with Brie and bacon. I have now; it was so nice! If you aren’t willing to try a burger with Brie? You’re the one who’s gonna lose. (“Figures”, Jessie Reyes)
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(Nina Hartnett)
andbakery.ca. Sandwiches, soups and hot bevvies named for revolutionaries. Open Mon–Fri 7am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm. $$ City Perks 801 7th Ave. N; cityperks.ca. Tastefully lit, great coffee and a fine weekend brunch. Open Mon– Fri 7am–10pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm. $ Collective Coffee 220B 20th St. W; collectivecoffee.com. It’s where to get coffee (plus breakfast and lunch to go) in Riversdale. Open Mon– Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–6pm. $ d’Lish by Tish Café 702A 14th St. E; on Facebook. A sublime hideaway off Broadway with cozy nooks and deliciously fresh soups and other hearty foods. Open daily 8am–10pm. $ Earth Bound Bakery+Kitchen 220-1820 8th St. E; earthboundbakery.ca. A mostly organic bakery also serving sammys, soups, ‘za and desserts. Open Tue– Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 9am–3pm. $$ Hometown Diner 210 20th St. W; on Facebook. Arrive early to get a spot at this busy eatery specializing in breakfast and lunch. Open Mon–Fri 7am–4pm, Sat–Sun 9am–4pm. $$ Little Bird Patisserie & Café 258 Ave. B S; thelittlebird.ca. Croissants, macrons and other French pastries, plus High Tea that is the toast of the city. Daily lunch options too. Open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm. $$ Venn Coffee Roasters 830 Broadway Ave.; drinkvenn.com. A back alley space with a Swedish feel. They roast their own beans and sell Night Oven baked goods. Open Mon–Fri 7am–5pm, Sat–Sun 7am–4pm. $
EUROPEAN Baba’s Homestyle Perogies 720B 51st St. E.;
babasperogies.com. Perogies by the plate-full, not to mention sausage, cabbage rolls, borshch, etc. Open Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm. $ Churchill’s British Café 1702 Idylwyld Dr. N; on Facebook. The only place around serving Scottish bridies, proper English pork pies, and chips with curry sauce. Open Wed–Sun 9am–4pm. $ Gasthaus Restaurant 160 Cartwright St.; saskgerman. com. Great schnitzel, sausages, struedel and German beers, plus it’s home to Mini Fridge Dinner Theatre. Open Tue–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–2pm. $$ St. Tropez Bistro 238 2nd Ave. S; sainttropezbistro. ca. Family-run with a focus on French cuisine with regional influences, plus house-grown herbs and edible flowers. Open Wed–Sun 4–11pm. $$$
SOUTH ASIAN (Simon Jasieniuk)
Angeethi Flame 130-3020 Preston Ave. S;
angeethiflame.com. Punjabi fare on a detailed menu, plus buffet service. Open Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–9:30pm, Sat–Sun 9:30am–9:30pm. $$ Kashmere 820 Broadway Ave.; on Facebook. Lunch specials and delicious offerings across the board. Sun–Wed noon–10pm, Thu–Sat noon–11pm. $$ Spicy Bite 113 3rd Ave. S; myspicybite.com. Indian buffets for lunch or supper (and lots more) downtown in the Drinkle Building. Open daily 11am–10pm. $$ Urban Spice 50-622 Circle Dr. E; on Facebook. Flavours of Punjab, Mumbai and South India on the menu, plus lunch and dinner buffets. Open Mon–Fri 11am–10pm, Sat–Sun noon–9:30pm. $
JAPANESE, KOREAN
Japa Bowl 821 Broadway Ave.; japabowl.
com. Home-cooked Japanese and Korean noodle bowls are their thing. Open Mon–Fri 11am–2pm, 4:30–9pm, Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am–8pm. $ Jeju Korean BBQ 1527 Idylwyld Dr. N; on Facebook. The barbecue is as authentic as it comes, while the kimchee and other appys are worth the visit alone. Open daily 11am–10pm. $ Seoul 334 20th St. W; seoulsaskatoon.com. Use the iPad menus to order kimchee, bibimbap or table-top barbecued meats. Quick service and free appetizers. Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm. $$ Sticks & Stones 226 2nd Ave. S; sticksandstonesyxe.com. Ramen, gyoza, steamed buns, sushi rolls and cocktails. Limited seating, so get cozy. Open Sun, Tue–Thu 4:30–10pm, Fri–Sat 4:30–11pm. $$$ Sushi Haru 737 Broadway Ave.; on Facebook. Technically on 10th Street, this spot rates highly with regulars. Open Mon–Tue 4:30–9pm, Wed–Fri 11:30am– 9pm, Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun noon–8pm. $$ Sushi Raku 239 Idylwyld Dr. S; on Facebook. The best sushi in the city? It’s fresh, and it goes well with their friendly service and fair prices. Open Mon–Sat 11:30am–3pm, 4:30pm–10pm. $$
Saskatoon’s BEST DIM SUM Restaurant
3140 Preston Ave. S
LATIN AMERICAN
EE Burritos 5-705 Central Ave.; eeburritos.com.
(behind Sobeys Liquor) Mon, Wed-Fri 11am to 10pm Sat 10am to 10pm Sun 10am to 9pm YipHong’sDimSumRestaurant
Friday night salsa dance parties, pupusas, flautas and the whole enchilada. Open Mon–Thu 11am– 8:30pm, Fri 10am–midnight, Sat 11am–9pm. $$ Las Palapas Resort Grill 901 Victoria Ave.; laspalapas.ca. This busy resto and lounge off Broadway always fills up fast, so get there early for chimichangas, margaritas and the like. Open daily 11am–11pm. $$ Mexihco 101-129 2nd Ave. N; mexihco.ca. This downtown spot rich in Mexican flavours that does a mean lunch. Open Mon–Fri 11:15am–8pm, Sat–Sun 11:30am–8pm. $$ Picaro 101 20th St. W; picaro.ca. The name means “rogue” in Spanish and they’re all about Mexican flavours with their own twist. Open Sun–Thu 11:30am– 10pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–midnight. $$$
LOUNGES & PUBS
Cathedral Social Hall 608 Spadina Cres. E; cathedral-
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socialhall.com. A staple for lunch, dinner or a pint after work. Open Mon–Sat from 11am, Sun from 10am. $$ Flint Saloon 259 2nd Ave. S; flintsaloon.com. Small but chic, this long cocktail bar specializes in craft cocktails. Open daily 4pm–2am. $$$ The James Hotel Lobby Bar 620 Spadina Cres. E; thejameshotel.ca. Decadence defined in this swank space by the river. DJ music on weekends. Open 24/7. $$$ Leopold’s Tavern 616 10th St. E; leopoldstavern. com. A tiny little spot with plenty of visual distractions. Open Mon–Fri 11am–2am, Sat–Sun 10am–2am. $$ O’Shea’s Irish Pub 222 2nd Ave. S; osheasirishpub.ca. A classic pub with Guinness on tap, hearty meals, and a wee door for leprechauns. Open Mon–Fri 11am–2am, Sat–Sun 10am–2am. $$ The Rook & Raven 154 2nd Ave. S; on Facebook. A staple in the city centre for lunch, a wee dram, a pint or all three. Open daily 11am–10pm. $$ Winston’s English Pub 243 21st St. E; winstonspub.ca. The most beers on tap in the city, heaps of atmosphere. Open daily from 11am. $$
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Amaro: Embrace Bitter Love “All love is bittersweet. Love is inexplicable; it is part poetry and part masochism.” – Kilroy J. Oldster Dead Toad Scrolls
Text and photo by Cathy Engel Amore … Amaro Love … Bitter Most humans have a love for bitter tastes. It is hardwired in our DNA to seek out micronutrients such as polyphenols to improve health. Bitterness in food and drink also helps to create interest and depth of flavour. Just imagine how cloying or bland chocolate or coffee would be without that structure to the flavour! And what would love be like without coffee or chocolate? Bitter, indeed. In the world of spirits influenced by botanicals, tinctures, gins, vermouths and amari (the plural of amaro) are driven by the steeped dark loveliness from various herbs and flowers, some considered medicinal, some considered toxic (but, of course, in concentration far below the threshold of harm). Confusion in the world of bitters can leave a bad taste in your mouth— literally. There are several important distinctions in this edgy world of pleasure, primarily tinctures vs. potables. Tinctures are concentrated with very high alcohol and often dispensed with a dropper. Think of tinctures as the seasoning to a cocktail, rounding out the impression and providing balance to the flavours. Potables are used in larger proportion in a cocktail, serving as a base
Bitterness in food and drink helps to create interest and depth of flavour. Just imagine how cloying or bland chocolate or coffee would be without that structure to the flavour! Bitter, indeed. rather than a seasoning. Vermouths, amari and related herbal liqueurs and liquors fit this designation. Amari, which translates as “bitter” from Italian, have emerged to capture the imaginations and titillate the palates of adventurous sippers and mixologists here in Saskatoon. Amari are herbal liqueurs with alcohol content between 16 to 40 percent, commonly served as an after dinner digestif. Maté Amaro, Saskatoon’s first locally produced amaro, was the brainchild of Caylin Holland of Stumbletown Distilling. Caylin was inspired to create a unique yet approachable amaro for sipping over the rocks, for serving warm like a sake or for use in mixology. Enjoying a hot cup of yerba maté tea is a big love for Caylin and it was just natural for him to create an extract from the smoky dry leaves. Producing a neutral base spirit to carry it and adding his own essence of lime, cardamom, black pepper and wormwood, the palette of flavours melded together gorgeously. The woodsy, smoked earth and green tea impressions make it a marvellous foundation for offbeat and fascinating cocktails. On Valentine’s Day, spin a disc of Aretha Franklin’s Sweet Bitter Love while preparing this cocktail for two, or for one, as determined by circumstances.
Cathy Engel of Duncanville, Texas, is a self-described delver in the spirit world. Currently in charge of the retail and offsale aspect of Prairie Sun Brewery, she is a Level 1 Cicerone and ISG Level 2 Sommelier, and a regular contributor to saskbeerblog.ca.
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Sweet Bitter Love
Build in a red wine glass filled with ice hearts or cubes Pour cava or prosecco to 2/3 full Add 1 oz. (50ml) Stumbletown Distilling Maté Amaro ½ oz. (25ml) Black Fox Sour Cherry or LB Distillers Carmine Jewel Liqueur ½ dropper Traditional Bitters Floral Bitters Optional garnish with pickled sour cherries
Pickled Sour Cherries To make pickled sour cherries, pour 1 cup (250g) of local sour cherries into a saucepan. Add 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar and 1¼ cups (325g) sugar. Toss in one clove, a cinnamon stick and a cardamom pod and simmer for 15 minutes, allow to cool then refrigerate afterward. (It is also delightful as a meat and cheese garnish.)
From Argentina to Spain in a Glass of Wine One of those rare specimens, a flying winemaker who brings his craft to wineries across the globe, Michel Rolland introduces the subtleties of his craft to great effect oceans apart
I met Michel Rolland some years ago in the funniest way possible, when my wife literally stepped on his toe. That evening he was introducing the new vintage of wines from his Argentinean project—Rolland Wines—in a fancy hotel in Buenos Aires, the place where I was born. The incident however, gave me the chance to have a few words with this serious but friendly French gentleman, one of the most recognized wine consultants in the world; it was he who popularized the concept of the “Flying Winemaker”, because of his many projects all around the globe. By that time I was already very familiar with the focus of his Argentinean adventure, Clos de los Siete, but having the chance to enjoy a vertical tasting—sampling different vintages of the same wine to compare its evolution—starting from 2007 really opened my eyes to the consistency of Rolland as a wine producer and helped me to better understand his style. For many years I had also been curious to
new restaurant openings
Text by Mathias Goyburu
taste some other labels of his ample portfolio, and I finally had the chance when I moved to Saskatoon in mid-2018, when I started working as Product Consultant for the wine section of a new liquor store that had just opened. I still remember how anxious I was as I waited the first order of Rolland & Galarreta Rioja from his partnership in one of the most important winemaking regions of Spain. And it was great to find out that both wines, even grown thousands of kilometres away from each other, and produced from different grape varietals, have so much in common. Rolland´s expert hand leaves a trace in everything he touches and gives his wines a sense of simple and beautiful complexity, showing an expression of the land where the grapes have grown with a French twist. His wines are intense in aromas and colour, well-balanced, with a silky and elegant palate. These are wines to enjoy anytime. Cheers!
blend offers amazing aromas of blackberry and plum with spicy floral notes. On the palate, it is balanced and fresh with a pleasant acidity, characteristic of the vintage, giving it an excellent capacity to age. [~$25; Co-op Liquor, Metro Liquor] Rolland & Galarreta (Rioja, Spain) A highly-concentrated, dark cherrycoloured red wine, this Rioja has a lively, delicate nose with liquorice and fresh fruit aromas of the Tempranillo variety, and spicy hints. On the palate it feels ample, fleshy and has elegance, complexity and power. It presents soft tannins, a velvety structure and a long, delicious and persistent finish. [~$25; Co-op Liquor, Metro Liquor] Mathias Goyburu, from Buenos Aires, was a boutique wine shop owner before his arrival to Saskatoon in 2018. Musician, foodie and wine lover, his motto is "less jargon and more tasting". @7barricas
Clos de los Siete (Valle de Uco, Argentina) With its vibrant ruby red colour, this elegant Key: $ - meals under $15; $$ - $15–30; $$$ - over $30
CHINESE
Jin Jin Dumpling 416 20th St. W. Try the dumplings,
1. Parlor Upstairs from St. Tropez Bistro downtown is this swank little speakeasy featuring craft cocktails, the city’s deepest whiskey menu and more. (236 2nd Ave. S; on Facebook) 2. Old Spaghetti Factory Old is new again as this American chain takes over the old Station Place facilities. (221 Idylwyld Dr. N; oldspaghettifactory.ca)
3. Lavva Kitchen + Bar Global flavours highlight the food and drinks menu at this tidy spot. (1013 Broadway Ave.; thelavvabar.com)
4. Hey! Fried Chicken Homey, Asian-style fried goodness found in suburbia. (7-527 Nelson Road.; on Facebook)
scallion pancakes or other items suggested by the owner. Open daily 10:30am–9:30pm. $ Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot 140-1701 Preston Ave. N; littlesheephotpot.com. A fun gathering place to share food dipped in steaming, aromatic broth. Open daily 11:30am–9:30pm. $$ Odd Couple 228 20th St. W; oddcouple.ca. Try the pan-Asian cuisine at this hip spot in Riversdale. Daily lunch specials are always solid. Open Mon–Thu 11:30am–2pm, 4:30–11pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am–11pm. $$ Summer Palace 3A 3602 Taylor St. E. The local Chinese community prefers this eatery to all others and it’s no secret as to why. Open Wed–Mon 11am–9:30pm, Sun 11am–8pm. $ Yip Hong’s 3140 Preston Ave. S; yiphongssaskatoon.com. Arrive early on weekends for dim sum: their’s is the best in town. Open Mon, Wed–Sat 11am–10pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–9pm. $$
ITALIAN
Chianti Café 102 Idylwyld Dr. N; chianticafe.ca. The
pasta feasts bring in the sports teams; the real menu draw frugal gourmands. Open daily 11am–10pm. $$ Primal 423 20th St. W; primalpasta.ca. Local chefs Christie Peters and Kyle Michaels serve fresh pasta and local meat in this tidy space. Open daily 5–10pm. $$$ Taverna 219 21st St. E; on Facebook. A downtown staple for Italian dining since the 70s, the new makeover has created a more open atmosphere. Open Mon–Fri 11am–10pm, Sat–Sun 5–10pm. $$$
LOCAL/GASTRO
Aria Food+Spirits 210 Slimmon Road; aria-
foodandspirits.com. Mediterranean-influenced menu, plus classic gastro-pub fare in a spacious setting. Open Mon–Tue 11am–2am, Wed–Sun 9am–2am. $$ Ayden Kitchen & Bar 265 3rd Ave. S; aydenkitchenandbar.com. Putting the city on the map foodwise. Open Mon–Thu 5:30–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–9:30pm. $$$ Hearth 2404 Melrose Ave.; hearth.restaurant. This eatery serves pickerel, polenta and brunch, all exquisitely. Open Wed–Sat 5–10pm, Sun 11am–2pm. $$$ The Hollows 334 Ave. C S; thehollows.ca. An eclectic Riversdale eatery using locally sourced ingredients in every delightful dish. Open Wed–Sat 5:30–10pm, Sat–Sun 11am–2pm. $$$ Leyda’s 112 20th St. W; leydas.ca. Gluten- and nutfree, organic whole foods, and a Spanish accent on health-positive dishes. Mid-week dining specials too. Open Tue–Sat 11am–10pm. $$ Odla 801 Broadway Ave.; odla.ca. A true farm-totable restaurant that features locally farmed meats and produce. Open Sun–Mon, Wed–Thu 11am– 10pm, Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm. $$
FUN & GAMES
Bartari 523 20th St. W; manabaryxe.com. An
e-sports bar with video games, arcades, tournaments, plus food and drink. Open Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight, Fri 4pm–1am, Sat 1pm–1am. $$ Escape Manor 245 2nd Ave. S.; escapemanor. com/saskatoon. Try the escape rooms, axe-throwing, bocce or one of many board games. Open Wed–Thu 5–10:30pm, Fri–Sun 11am–11:30pm. $$
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secret Saskatoon
A Ski Jump on the River? Saskatoon’s river valley is full of hidden treasures and may just be the richest embodiment of the city’s history. On the east side of the South Saskatchewan, for example, just south of the CPR train bridge, lies one of the city’s most interesting historical sites. While one may instantly think of the city’s bridges and the weir (which does get a lot of the attention) spanning the river, on the slopes above the river once stood the University Ski Jump. Ski jumping, an Olympic sport, involves skiing downhill and off a ramp in order to jump (or fly, rather) as far as possible in the air before landing. Saskatoon—and the otherwise bald Canadian prairies as a whole—may seem like an odd place to have once sported a full-sized ski jump. Nonetheless, prairie dwellers have never let the fact that their land is mostly flat from finding ways to hurdle downhill on skis. In fact, Saskatoon actually had two ski jumps. The first was built in Devil’s Dip, next to the present day-Diefenbaker Centre, in 1930 with the blessing of then-University of Saskatchewan president Walter Murray. However, this ski jump was short-lived because a skier broke his leg in the first season, forcing the jump to be moved further down the river valley onto city property, whereupon the university rescinded its support. The ski jump was reopened at a location near the weir the following season (pictured), and over the next few years it would see several improvements, including the addition in 1936 of a 25-metre-high tower to add additional height to the slope of the river valley as well as a chair lift and a toboggan run. At times, the ski jump attracted upwards of 2,000 spectators for ski jump competitions. Sadly, the ski jump’s life came to an end in the 1970s. In 1971, the city hosted the Saskatchewan Winter Games and added new facilities, including a ski jump at Mount Blackstrap. In 1974, the ski jump at what is now known as “ski jump coulee” was permanently closed and in 1978 torn down. Today, its location is marked by an interpretive plaque and remnants of its foundations.
Text by Scott Davidson Photos courtesy of the Local History Room at Frances Morrison Library
For those looking for a wintertime thrill in Saskatoon, Optimist Hill (optimisthill.ca) in the Exhibition neighbourhood offers a similar view of the river (and a train bridge), though without such a vertigo-inducing run as shown.
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