Kent Nixon is a guitarist and vocalist for the band Renegade Station, a multi-award winning country music group. After a short break following the success of their sophomore album Along for the Ride, which earned them the 2018 Country Music Alberta Single of the Year award for their lead-off hit “Who’s Gonna Love Me Tonight,” the band has recently reunited to release their first single of 2021, “Free Free Free.”
Kent is the resident foodie of the band and is very well-acquainted with the food and beverage scene in Red Deer, as well as being an accomplished host/chef at his home near Stettler, AB. There’s nearly always something on his smoker or a drink being concocted at Kentana Acres.
Breakfast
You really can’t go wrong with Phil’s Restaurants (4312 49 Ave, Red Deer). The coffee is always piping hot, constantly refilled, and delivered with a genuine smile. In addition to the pancakes and waffles there are a variety of benedicts, egg, sausage, and bacon fare, and even specialties like Eggs Ranchero and Breakfast Quesadilla.
If you’re looking to fill up, try either the Mixed Grille or the Traditional Mixed Grille. You won’t be sorry!
Lunch
Earl’s Kitchen and Bar has long been my wife’s favourite place in Red Deer. [Though it's a chain], they are still locally owned and have employed a staggering amount of students and young adults over the years. Their covered patio is a thing of beauty (we modeled our own patio after it), and in the summer months, it's well-worth the wait to get into! From wings, ribs, and their Dynamite Rolls (sushi) to their mains and noodle bowls, there’s a variety of choices.
My favourite is their salad, soup, and pan bread featuring clam chowder, Caesar salad, and Italian style pan bread (olive oil and balsamic vinegar). I’ve never left without leaving them a very clean plate!
Dinner
One Eleven Grill was introduced to us, by a colleague of ours, as a spot for a quick drink after work. Ever since then, it has been a go-to location for food and beverage. They have an excellent charcuterie plate and appetizers, terrific steaks and mains, and amazing bar service.
Our personal favourite, however, is definitely the stuffed Yorkshire! They have tall delicious Yorkshire pudding packed with tender roast beef and smothered with gravy and horseradish aioli. My family and friends have nearly come to blows over who’s going to get the last one.
Easy solution: make sure there’s more than one order on the table...and keep ‘em coming!
Drinks
Longriders Saloon (formerly known as Billy Bob’s) is a Red Deer institution! Many a first date has happened between its hallowed walls and it’s nearly a rite of passage for the students at the nearby Red Deer College. Cold beer (domestic) and highballs are nearly always the bevvy of choice and the dance floor is always packed!
If you aren’t having a great time at Longriders, you aren’t trying hard enough!
