Following a roughly four-year run that saw him write and record two well-received records, take part in the Indigenous music residency in Banff, Alberta, and earn a couple of award nods along the way, Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter JC Campbell was seemingly on the verge of taking his next big career step when COVID-19 hit.
And while the forced time off may have slowed his ascension up the Canadian country music ladder, in 2022 the talented Indigenous artist returned with a bang with the release of a new full-length album, Lately.
The seven-track record showcases Campbell’s ongoing evolution as an artist with both his expansive vocal range and lyrics that offer powerful messages about holding onto hope in an otherwise dark and sometimes dismal world.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with the Manitoba-based musician about his favourite food and drink spots in his hometown.
Breakfast
After spending a night strumming guitars and singing songs with friends and wobbly pops, the go-to breakfast destination is Johnny’s Maples Pizza.
For me, ain’t nobody got time for nothing but a Johnny’s skillet when it comes to being starved and seriously dehydrated from a late night. Top that off with a tall glass of ginger ale, heavy on the ice and the same old, “I’ll never do that again,” also known as regret!
Lunch
My choice for lunch when I’m in the city is Four Crowns Restaurant and Bar—not just for the food (we’ll get to that in a sec) but for the good things they do. A quick visit to their website will have you reading a long, well-rounded list of giving back to the community.
Let’s introduce the dish: The Mushroom Mozzarella Burger. Get you that extra patty on this one if you like a good food coma. I get mine just the way it comes: mushroom, bacon, mozzarella, onions, pickles, garlic aioli and fries. Such a tasty collection of flavours in this burger.
Dinner
There is a place in the North End of Winnipeg, a tiny blip on the radar as far as size goes. In terms of taste and quality however, a literal giant. On the corner of Manitoba Avenue and Salter Street, stands a little red and white building serving up proper-cooked burgers and fries since 1972.
If it was healthy to eat a burger with hand cut fries and gravy for supper every day I would be pulling through daily to The White Top drive-in. On my last visit they were still cash only, so bring some just in case eh!
Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth and need to satisfy the urge, Baked Expectations in the Osborne Village area has all you may want or need. The list of tasty treats is huge and if cheesecake is your go-to, you’re in luck. The best in the city, in my humble opinion.
The word "decadent" comes to mind as soon as your flavour sensors kick in after the first bite. Cherry Royal cheesecake does the trick for me every time! 35 years of baking makes this place my top pick.
