Page 9 - XperienceAlberta-EDA-2024-1

winter campsite used by Plains Indigenous peoples, which the city has preserved as the Saamis Archaeological Site, a designated provincial historic site.
While many culinary writers focus on the latest trends and techniques, there is comfort in old standards. The Beefeater has been an Alberta steak-house standard for nearly 50 years. This is a classic steakhouse that has stood the test of time — and has an extensive wine list for the best possible pairing for the steaks on offer. Look for Canadian vintages alongside the best of Argentina, Italy, Spain, Germany and the United States.
Keeping with the old-school theme, the Thai Orchid Room has been a local favourite for almost two de- cades. While Medicine Hat is a world away from southeast Asia, the menu focuses on the flavours of northern Thailand, with curries, noodles and stir-fry dishes.
And, the Alberta Berkshire pork schnitzel served at Rustic Kitchen + Bar comes highly recommended, with wild mushroom sauce and spaetzle. It’s a dish that screams to be accompanied by an Alberta or British Columbia craft beer on
the menu.
MEDICINE HAT
AT A GLANCE
Population
65,949
Median Family Income
$99,000
Unemployment Rate
12%
Residential Vacancy Rate
1.6%
Life Stress
20.2%
Sense of Belonging
72%
Statistics source: Government of Alberta
RED DEER
Red Deer has been the roughly half-way point between Alberta’s two major cities ever since 1882, back when the old Calgary-Edmonton Trail crossed the Red Deer River.
And to this day, travelers routinely stop in on their ways north and south. But it’s always been more than a rest stop.
Incorporated as a city in 1913, “Red Deer” is the name Scottish fur traders gave to what Cree people called the “Elk” river, because the animals reminded them of the actual red deer found in their homeland. While travelers to the area may know Red Deer’s Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market well, the over 100,000 locals know all about the city’s interior gems, including the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, which sits next to the Heritage Ranch restaurant and reception venue, and across the river from the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
The culinary scene got a major boost in 2022 with the opening of the Ross Street Patio Entertainment District. Through the summer, there are free music and community stage events to enjoy. Tribe has earned
a reputation that extends outside
WOOD BUFFALO
AT OVER 63,000 square kilome- tres, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is the largest municipality in North America, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of Alberta’s total area. And with just over 68,000 people, Fort McMurray is the largest community within it.
Colloquially known as “Fort Mac,” it’s built where the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers meet, and where, for many lifetimes, Cree peoples would meet in the sum- mertime to hunt and gather with different bands before dispersing for fall hunts of moose, elk and caribou, the latter of which holds immense cultural importance.
Well known as an oil town, many workers from across Canada and around the world (in a 2011 fed- eral census, citizens claimed over 80 non-official languages as their first) have made small fortunes in the city that’s seen many booms
of Red Deer, with a playful menu filled with sharing plates divided into Flat, Sweet, Big and Sharing. Because the restaurant is dedicated to serving local, in-season ingredients, the menu constantly changes.
Finish off your visit to Red Deer at Ross Street Ice Cream, which boasts 40 flavours, including gluten- sensitive, dairy-free and sugar-free options. We’re fascinated by selections like Black Licorice, Saskatoon Pie and All Canadian Mousse.
A few minutes north on the Queen Elizabeth ll Highway,
the town of Lacombe is home
to central Alberta’s most talked-about restaurant, Cilantro and Chive, located near one of the province’s most famous craft breweries, Blindman Brewing. The gourmet poutines at Cilantro and Chive — of which there are at least six varieties on rotation — make for fantastic snacks to have with that Blindman beer. Cilantro and Chive has opened a satellite location in Red Deer.
and busts over its existence. Fort McMurray is the hub
of economic activity in Alberta’s northeast. It also has some stunning river views, and you can enjoy them over a gourmet meal
at Surekha’s on the Snye. Located where the Clearwater and Snye rivers meet, the restaurant boasts an eclectic international menu that includes some decadent Italian dishes, like lobster ravioli, to a Sri Lankan curry.
The Cedars Bakery offers some of the best tastes of the Middle East in Alberta’s northeast. The streets of Beirut inspire the menu, from shawarma to donair to smoked grape leaves. Savoury pies, filled with Mediterranean spices, are
also on order. But, the real treat
is the fresh fruit cocktails. These combinations of fruits, nuts and honey are served in what look like milkshake cups.
RED DEER
AT A GLANCE
Population
105,883
Median Family Income
$104,000
Unemployment Rate
12%
Residential Vacancy Rate
2.1%
Life Stress
20.2%
Sense of Belonging
67.8%
EMBRACE. ELEVATE. ENVISION.
WOOD BUFFALO
AT A GLANCE
Population
75,532
Median Family Income
$200,000
Unemployment Rate
9%
Residential Vacancy Rate
12.7%
Life Stress
23.3%
Sense of Belonging
67.6%
2 0 2 4 XPERIENCE ALBERTA 9