TASTE OF SASK.
23 years and counting
1. New restaurants.
There are 30 restaurants at the Taste of Saskatchewan event, and Ford said there are a handful of new faces to be found. New Mexican restaurant Picaro, Indian restaurant Spicy Time and the German Cultural Centre of Saskatoon are new additions to the lineup this year. “We have new restaurants every year,” Ford said. “We find out how many openings we have and renew the opening slots with restaurants that have expressed interest.” Ford said there’s a detailed process for restaurants to apply and be selected for a spot in Taste of Saskatchewan — but 30 restaurants is about the capacity the organizers feel comfortable with.
2. Old favourites.
This is the 23rd year of Taste of Saskatchewan, and Ford said there are “one or two” restaurants that have been involved every year since the first. One of the restaurants is Homestead Ice Cream, the classic ice cream parlour. Ford, who has been festival co-ordinator since Year 1, said the team that runs the event tries to take special care that menu items aren’t duplicated in the event. Every restaurant gets to serve three different dishes, and while restaurants will occasionally change out their menu items, Ford said there are some staples that are always popular.
3. Local entertainment.
Musical acts are scheduled to play the Taste of Saskatchewan bandstand all day, every day throughout the week. The bulk of that musical talent comes from in Saskatoon or around Saskatchewan. It’s not just the music that draws a local crowd, either. The Taste of Saskatchewan Chef ’s Series pits some of the top chefs in the province against each other in a reality television style cooking competition on location by the river.
4. Great location.
The fun food festival is located in Kiwanis Park, next to The Delta Bessborough Hotel. It hasn’t always been held in that spot, but Ford said it’s the best part of the entire event for him. “We love to go down there and work a Taste of Saskatchewan. It’s just fun,” Ford said. “It’s a beautiful site with a great menu ... when you have great weather, you can’t beat it.” Ford said around 100,000 people are estimated to come to the event every year.
5. Nearby excitement.
Running at the same time as Taste of Saskatchewan are other popular summer events in Saskatoon, such as the FIBA 3x3 World Tour basketball tournament making a return July 21-22. Ford said the two events happening at the same time worked so well last year they’re doing it again. “It’s not by accident that those ... events are happening at the same time,” he said.