After putting her solo career on hold to work on what would ultimately become her band’s most successful album to date, Saskatoon-based singer Alexis Normand recently released the first single from her highly anticipated new record, “Hidden Valley”.
The Western Canadian Music Awards Francophone Artist of the Year winner’s new track is a veritable homage to her home province. The song speaks to the often-oversimplification of Saskatchewan as a flat and uninspiring region, but like the Prairies themselves, Normand’s new song is as captivating as it is calming.
Fans of the sultry Rosie and the Riveters singer will know that Normand’s passion for the Prairies extends to her local food and beverage scene, so we decided to ask her to share a few of her favourite spots.
Breakfast
There is a reason Il Secondo (Christie’s Bakery) has become a staple in Saskatoon and my French ancestry eats its heart out here. The butter croissants from Christie’s are my favourite in town. I sometimes dip mine into a freshly pulled shot of espresso. You can’t beat this tasty, light fare, to start the day!
Lunch
My favourite place to grab a coffee, stay for a work meeting, or treat myself to lunch is Sparrow Coffee. This place boasts beautiful, natural light and there are a number of locally-sourced ingredients used on the menu. My go-to is the Citrus Squash Quinoa Salad…but if I’m honest, it’s really difficult not to indulge in their dessert selection.
Dinner
I have a soft spot for anything prairie-related and Hearth fits right in. The vibe is casual, but elevated and they showcase so many Saskatchewan ingredients. There isn’t anything on the menu I dislike or wouldn’t try. I just love this place, especially the mushrooms!
Drinks
Parlour. A not-so-hidden speakeasy in the heart of downtown Saskatoon features a well-balanced cocktail menu that often has my inner mixologist wondering how they come up with their combinations! Their drink names are fun too: Betelgeuse…Betelgeuse…Betelgeuse; Hurricane Season is Over; Safe Word…Whiskey.
