Taunte Maria's Mennonite Restaurant ▪ Saskatoon, SK

8-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
306.343.3334

I really wanted to try a Mennonite restaurant while I was in Saskatchewan as there is a large population in the province. I was lucky enough to get a chance to have lunch at Taunte Maria's, only open for breakfast and lunch.

Taunte Maria's Mennonite Restaurant.

With a large menu and so many things to try, I felt a bit overwhelmed. I decided to start with the kommst borsch ($3.95). Unlike the more commonly known Polish borsht, which is a beet soup, Mennonite borsch is a cabbage soup, whose origin come from the Mennonites in Ukraine and Russia. I enjoyed the simple cabbage soup. There was also a summa borsch with potatoes, onion, dill and sausage that I would try next time.

Kommst borsch.

The reason I did not order the somma borsch was that I also ordered the Unkel Yakob ($5.95), a farmer sausage on a bun with relish, onion and zesty dressing. It was not what I expected at all. The sausage was clearly homemade and made a nice accompaniment to my soup.

Unkel Yakob.

While in Saskatoon, I really wanted to try Saskatoon berries. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any. I even inquired at this restaurant for Saskatoon berry pie. No luck, but was convinced to try the strawberry crisp with ice cream. Yums!

Strawberry crisp.

All the food at Taunte Maria's Mennonite Restaurant is simple homemade food, just the way I like it. The prices were good and the staff very friendly. I hope I get a chance to visit again and discover other Mennonite dishes.

Truffles Bistro ▪ Saskatoon, SK

230 21st Street East
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
306.373.7779
website

While working in Saskatoon, I stayed near the Saskatoon office near the airport. One evening, I ventured out to downtown Saskatoon to walk along the South Saskatchewan River, look at art for free at the Mendel Art Gallery, and have a nice meal all by my lonesome. I don't travel very often for work, and usually just pick up some food, or eat at the hotel when I'm on my own. I thought I would go out of my comfort zone and experience eating a nice meal on my own.

Truffles Bistro specializes in French fare. I decided on this restaurant for dinner because it is known for sourcing its food locally. It is located in the historic Birks building, and boasted very high ceilings and an open kitchen in the back.

Truffles Bistro.

Complimentary chips and aioli first came to the table. While I apprciated the freshly fried chips, I think they were slightly overdone, giving them a slightly burnt taste. First time ever that I did not finish chips placed in front of me!

Chips and aioli.

For my starter, I ordered the pan seared local chicken livers ($12). I really enjoy chicken livers and so if I see it on the menu, which is rare, I will likely order it. The server seemed to approve of my choice, and understandably so. The livers, cooked with lardons, were served on two slices of toasted baguette, topped with greens and a Dijon vinaigrette. The acidic vinaigrette worked very well against the fatty lardons and creamy chicken livers. I was very happy with my dish.

Pan seared local chicken livers.

For my main, I ordered the grilled Saskatchewan pork loin chop. The perfectly cooked chop was served on top of a creamy corn tarragon purée, with a side of Dijon potato salad. The chop was also well seasoned with a dry rub. The potato salad was studded with bacon and good but I slightly wished it wasn't a cold salad. One of my favourite components of the dish were the pickled cucumber slices and onion. I recently discovered that I am a sucker for freshly made pickles!

Grilled Saskatchewan pork loin chop.

I was very happy with meal at Truffles Bistro. I think I picked well. The staff at Truffles Bistro were very nice and friendly, maybe even slightly more attentive because I was on my own. Unfortunately, I think I felt a bit awkward and acted like a skittish cat. I realize there was no reason to feel this way, and hopefully, I will feel more comfortable dining on my own once I have a few solo dinners under my belt.

 

Schryer's Smoked BBQ Shack ▪ Saskatoon, SK

2830 Millar Avenue
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
306.649.2830 
website

I spent a week in Saskatoon for work in July, and so had a chance to try some local food. Near the office was Schryer's Smoked BBQ shack, which allowed me to have some BBQ for lunch.

  
Schryer's Smoked BBQ Shack.

I ordered the hickory smoked pulled pork sandwich combo ($8.95), which came with fries and a fountain soda drink. The pulled pork was topped with homemade BBQ sauce, that was not overly sweet - often a problem when it comes to pulled pork. I had my sandwich also topped with coleslaw. It was a delicious BBQ mess to eat.

Pulled pork sandwich.

If I ever have to come back to Saskatoon, I know where I'll be stopping for lunch. They also offer chicken and ribs, but I may have to stick to the tried and tested pulled pork.