Thinking of the Beach
-
Wining and Dining in Canada’s Saskatoon
The city of Saskatoon is located smack bang in the middle of Canada within the vast prairie province of Saskatchewan. As the largest city in the province, Saskatoon is home to entertainment throughout the year. Visitors are drawn to the area for its array of festivals including the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival as well as it clean air and sunny climate. The city also boasts some of the best dining experiences in the province from classic fine dining to bistro delights. Here are our top picks for a great night out.
Truffles Bistro
This restaurant has gained a respected reputation over the years for its ambience and quality dishes. Currently ranked at number 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of Saskatoon restaurants, this place is great for celebrating a special event. The menu is mainly comprised of classic French dishes which are created using organic local ingredients.
2nd Avenue Grill
Since the 2nd Avenue Grill doors opened in 2000 in Saskatoon’s downtown Scotia Centre, it has been serving a mixture of fine dining cuisine, grills and casual meals. Guests can ponder over their extensive wine list while soft jazz music in the background provides the ambience. The restaurant is a mixture of modern decor and traditional friendly service and welcomes large groups for functions as well as families and couples.
Fuzion Sushi and Deli Bar
If you are on the lookout for something a bit different, head to this trendy deli in the heart of Saskatoon for some light and healthy sushi, noodles and rice dishes. Its long list of choices includes classic sushi rolls, miso soup and salads. Guests can then finish off their meal with a spot of bubble tea.
Garden Court Cafe
For scenic views whilst nibbling on a delicious Sunday lunch, head to the Garden Court Cafe on Spadina Crescent East. The restaurant, which serves a warm, meaty, bistro menu, overlooks the South Saskatchewan River and lush gardens. Try an evening three-course meal, complete with amuse bouches and a sumptuous glass of wine.
Prairie Harvest Cafe
We recommend that you book a table if you are planning to visit this little gem on Early Drive. This eatery prides itself on making all of its sauces, stock and baked goodies in-store. Its lunch and dinner menus are a satisfying blend of fishes, meats, salads and pasta. The ingredients used in created each dish are all locally sourced and its pasta, chips and breads are all home-made. They frequently visit the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market to expand their ideas and pick up seasonal fruit and veg.
Rembrandt’s
The Rembrandt’s Fine Dining and Wine Bar has been housed within the decadent Hotel Senator for more than 100 years. During that time, it has become one of the most elegant restaurants in Saskatoon. Its executive chef, Evan Niekamp, has crafted the bespoke menu to match the fine Victorian space. Meals include tenderloin medallions of pork with langoustine tails and chicken with smoked bacon finished with a parmesan and crab cream.
-
Essaouira - For The Ultimate Activity Holiday
If you ever thought water-sports holidays were nothing more than taking part in a sea-based activity, it’s perhaps time to think again. Those who head to the many specialist locations around the world gain just as much enjoyment from the feeling of community and togetherness as they do from the sports themselves. Every resort that offers Kiteboarding and windsurfing facilities also offers friendship and the warmest of welcomes.
There are several factors which can transform a good location into an excellent one, of course. First and foremost, perhaps, is the condition of the water and wind. If you are a kiter or windsurfer it is the consistent wind as well as if the water is flat, choppy or wavy? Safety is a must as well, so an absence of dangerous creatures and unpredictable deep currents would also be regarded as a major advantage for any location.
Why not try a watersport on your holiday?
As any experienced windsurfer or kiteboarder will tell you, however, there’s more to a great holiday than perfect sea and wind conditions. Resorts need to be able to offer visitors a good selection of accommodation options, a range of other activities and a good standard of bars and restaurants. Even the most dedicated adrenaline junkie will want to discuss their day’s achievements over a drink or two and a bite to eat.
While some countries offer water-sports resorts that tick some of the boxes, very few manage to tick all of them. Any list of the finest destinations in the world is almost certain to include several in the Canary Islands, as well as Alacati in Turkey and perhaps the Greek island of Kos. There are many people in the know, however, who return year after year to the stunning resort of Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline.
More than just watersports.
One of the main reasons for its popularity is the fact that it appeals to participants of all abilities. Some locations are only really suitable for those with plenty of experience and a high degree of skill, but even beginners can enjoy a wonderful time in Essaouria due to the consistent wind with flat water spots, choppy and wave places to suit all abilities. exploramorocco.com offer superb kite, surf and windsurf holidays for all standards and for individuals, couples and large groups. They can handle all the necessary arrangements, leaving visitors to simply have a great time.
Unlike many other locations, Essaouira offers more than just an ideal windsurfing or kiteboarding experience. The local town, like many in Morocco, is home to a number of fun-packed activities such as quad biking over the sandy terrain. There is also an excellent golf course for anyone who’d like to take to the fairways, and the old town is rich in cultural heritage. While water-sports are the number one attraction in Essaouira , there are many more to whet the appetite including even cookery classes, photography trips and massages. Art galleries are also a popular tourist attraction with Essaouira home to many small arts and craft businesses, notably cabinet making and wood carving.
Josh is a keen kiteboarder and enjoys writing in his spare time to get more people interested in this unique sport.
