FINE CUISINE ON THE GREEN
There’s never been a better time to dine in Saskatchewan. It seems like no matter where you turn, everyone has upped the ante on fabulous fare. This increasingly diverse food phenomenon isn’t limited to inner city hotspots. Small towns, off-the-beaten-path destinations and even golf courses have found success satisfying palates province-wide.
Speaking of golf, there is nothing more rewarding after a day of hitting the links than sitting down to recharge, refuel and rehash the day’s highlights. Not only are there incredible greens to be found in Saskatchewan, several private and public courses featuring topnotch talent chefs are serving up delicious dining options.
REGINA Wascana Country Club
It’s all about the experience at the Wascana Country Club’s Clubhouse. With a view of peaceful and scenic wetlands, guests dine in the elegant yet not overstated Clubhouse featuring exquisitely prepared food by renowned Executive Chef and two-time Gold Medal Plates champion, Milton Rebello. Chef Rebello came to the Wascana Country Club in 2014 after four years as Executive Chef for the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan.
“My culinary style has definitely evolved and I have simplified my approach to cooking … I keep it simple and allow the ingredients to speak for themselves,” says Chef Rebello.
Rebello describes his team as being the city’s best saying it’s similar to a “mini United Nations in the kitchen,” with staff hailing from different backgrounds and boasting individual cooking styles. Taking pride in sourcing local products, they work with local farms to exclusively source produce. Rebello and his team also grow a number of ingredients in an onsite greenhouse.
Guests can expect an approachable, seasonal, local-ingredient-focused and globally inspired menu when dining in at the Spike Lounge, while the newly renovated Wetlands Dining Room offers a more upscale steak house menu. Suggested must-try dishes include the mustard and pistachio crusted rack of lamb, big bang shrimp, duck confit spring rolls, spicy chicken wings and blue cheese pizza.
SASKATOON The Willows
When you’ve made it through the rolling dunes of the Willow’s 36-hole public course, beeline for a carb refill at onsite Italian restaurant, Il Salici, where you’ll experience “classic Italian dining with a modern twist,” says Chef Curtis Yanciw.
Starting with The Willows in 2006, Executive Chef Yanciw was born and raised in Prince Albert before relocating to Saskatoon where he spent many years cooking in various city venues.
Il Salici Ristorante offers guests scenic course views and even features live piano musings. Through seasonal menu changes, Yanciw is committed to using Saskatchewan products whenever possible but also sources authentic products directly from Italy. His philosophy of “simple food, done well,” shines through the menu selections, notably his authentic lasagna, a well-known in-house specialty. Be sure to also stop by Il Salici’s on Sunday as their brunch known as “second to none in town.”
Moon Lake Golf and Country Club
When you mix a beautiful, 27hole, Scottish links-style, championship golf course with the Station Restaurant and Patio’s Red Seal Certified Chef, you’ll surely leave beaming. At the Moon Lake Golf and Country Club, 15 minutes southwest of Saskatoon along scenic Valley Road, guests can expect a casual and comfortable environment and complementary menu from Executive Chef Barry Johnston, who’s in his eighth season at the club.
With a culinary approach that has evolved with time and inspired by travel, Chef Johnston says what sets Moon Lake apart from many other establishments in town is the Station’s signature items that guests find unforgettable.
You don’t have to be a golfer to eat at the Station and enjoy popular menu items that feature comfort food and Asian or Eastern inspired fare such as the spicy peanut noodle bowl and “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese sub) to classic nachos or a great hamburger.
PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK Elk Ridge Golf Course and Resort
Relax and recharge onsite over lunch or dinner at the Copper Ridge Dining Room where you can enjoy a sweeping view of the landscape in an upscale dining environment.
"I really focus on cooking local cuisine from our area … lots of game meats and birds,” says Executive Sous Chef Brodie Denslow, who started with Elk Ridge Resort in 2013.
While dining in at the resort, be sure to try the walleye “signature” chowder, elk meatloaf or the chef's choice, ‘Elk Cut of the Day,’ to truly taste the region. With an ever-changing menu, Chef Denslow likes to showcase different cuts of elk you might not traditionally see on other menus. Also expect dishes to include locally grown garden herbs, raspberries and Saskatoon berries.
Another onsite option is Walleye’s, which offers a laidback and cozy atmosphere (kids are welcome) to unwind, and features locally inspired fare.
Waskesiu Golf Course
Once you’ve spent the day perfecting your swing over 18 holes at the number 2 ranked public golf course in Saskatchewan, known for its superb scenery and legendary clubhouse, take a midday refuelling break.
Enjoy lunch at the aptly named 10th Hole, best known for serving their hot Kaiser ‘bunwiches’ – sandwiches promising to keep you satiated so you can make your way through the back nine. Also, don't miss trying their famous butter tarts before heading back out onto the fairway.