4 minute read
An Elevated Take on Canadian Cuisine
Scott Downey combines international experience and respect for Canadian ingredients at The Butternut Tree
Words by: Breanna Mroczek Photography by: Erin Walker
With views of the picturesque Legislature Grounds and High Level Bridge, The Butternut Tree has been a special place for a meal since its opening in 2017. Today, it balances its reputation as a fine-dining destination with a welcoming atmosphere for casual visits. “We’ve carved out a unique space,” says owner Scott Downey. “You can come here for a six-course tasting menu or just drop in for wine and charcuterie. It’s about curating an experience for everyone. It’s still a special occasion restaurant for many people.”
What has always defined The Butternut Tree is Downey’s commitment to developing an identity for Canadian food. Downey's professional journey took him to some of the most renowned restaurants around the globe, including (now-closed) Noma in Denmark which profoundly influenced his philosophy. “At Noma, I learned to embrace the idea of cooking with what grows around you,” Downey says. “René Redzepi [chef and coowner of Noma] once told me that each ingredient is like a letter in the alphabet. The more letters you have, the richer your stories. That idea has stuck with me. Something that really excited me was the exploration of putting Canadian products first, having something from every province and every territory, representing local farmers and their products that they're growing. There are lots of restaurants in Canada that have a similar focus, and I think it's really exciting to have so many places in conversation about what defines Canadian cuisine.”
One of the dishes served at The Butternut Tree that Dowey thinks is most emblematic of Canadian cuisine, is a reimagining of beer-can chicken in cabbage form. Cabbage is steamed with beer, roasted, and served with caramelized whey, roasted hazelnuts and ricotta. “It looks like a nest of noodles but carries the richness and smokiness you wouldn’t expect from a cabbage,” Downey says. “This dish represents what The Butternut Tree is. It takes something that's extremely relatable, but presented in a different, high-end way.”
Sunday nights at The Butternut Tree offer a unique menu item—beef Wellington for two. “It’s a more relaxed approach, but executed at the highest level,” Downey explains. “We wanted to create a Sunday roast concept, elevated with our touch.”
Downey credits much of the restaurant's success to his partnership with co-owner and fiancée, Jillian Fonteyne, who brings her extensive hospitality background to the table. Having managed luxury dining establishments across England and Ireland, Fonteyne’s expertise complements Downey’s culinary vision. “Jillian was the first person I hired when I moved back to Edmonton,” Downey recalls. “Everything clicked from the start—not just in running the restaurant, but in life. Now we have two kids, and it’s a joy to raise them in the city that shaped us.” Even though Downey and Fonteyne have extensive experience internationally, they’ve chosen to build their lives in Edmonton, with a commitment to its culinary scene—in 2024, Downey and Fonteyne purchased The Marc, a beloved downtown restaurant. “Coming back to Edmonton felt right,” Downey says. “We’ve travelled and worked in incredible places, but Edmonton is home. The support here has been amazing, and being close to family is invaluable.”
Ultimately, The Butternut Tree is more than a restaurant—it’s a testament to Canada’s culinary identity. “When people ask, ‘What is Canadian food?’, we want to give them an answer beyond stereotypes like poutine or Caesars,” Downey reflects. “Through our menu, we hope to start a conversation about the flavours, culture and potential of Canadian cuisine.”
