With a multi-decade career that has seen her find success as a songwriter, a supergroup frontwoman, and a solo artist, Ontario-based singer JEEN is undoubtedly one of Canada’s most versatile and multifaceted musicians.
In addition to becoming the vocalist and co-writer for Cookie Duster–the side project from Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning–and accruing a decorated catalogue of critically acclaimed co-writing credits for the likes of Serena Ryder, Hawksley Workman, and Doc McKinney, JEEN has self-produced several hit singles, five studio albums, and has had her music featured in a multitude of movies, television programs, and commercials throughout the world.
JEEN’s latest full-length album, Dog Bite, was co-produced during the pandemic with renowned musician and fellow bandmate Ian Blurton. The 11-track LP bursts at the seams with the desire for more while peeling back the layers of isolation to expose a yearning for connection, love, and a return to simpler times.
When she’s not creating cutting-edge music, JEEN can often be found enjoying the local food and beverage scene in Stratford, Ontario. We recently caught up with the talented indie-rock pop artist, who shared a few of her favourite spots in her current home base.
Breakfast
Maybe not a traditional breakfast spot but [Revel is] a perfect place to go in the morning. They are the best for high quality espresso based drinks and all the tea they serve is O5 out of Vancouver. There’s a huge selection of pastries that are handmade daily with local/mostly organic ingredients so it’s just a very good place to start the day.
Lunch
[El Cactus Taco Shop has] Crazy authentic Mexican food made with tons of love. The river is just around the corner and it’s in a heritage building attached to the beautiful new Perth County Inn. Alondra (owner/chef) is the real deal. And they have pineapple pop.
Dinner
[Jobsite Brewing Co. is a] Great in house brewery + wood fired pizza place in one. Super chill and they have live music sometimes too. It has a cool warehouse aesthetic and the onsite brewery has 14 alternating ‘Jobsite’ beers plus 4 guest taps and wine too. Best pizza in the city in my opinion.
Drinks
I had to quit drinking but if I did still drink I'd do it at the Red Rabbit (a crazy good restaurant too, not just drinks). The cocktail menu is epic and I would get the ‘roasted pineapple old fashion’ or one of their “wobbly pops”. There’s also a huge beer and wine selection and just literally any drink your heart desires.
