Driving for Dinner: Free Bird in Lumsden
Lumsden’s James Street North is home to plenty of local businesses worth visiting, and right in the middle of it all, you’ll find one restaurant making quite the name for itself – Free Bird.
Photo credit Eric Cox
Chef and co-owner JP Vives says the focus at Free Bird is on doing “common food uncommonly well,” and it’s certainly a fitting motto. With a menu chock-full of favourites like sourdough pizza, shrimp tacos and truffle fries, you’ll have a hard time choosing what to try first.
Photo credit Eric Cox
Photo credit Free Bird
If you’re feeling adventurous, Free Bird’s rotating menu options ensure there’s always something new to try. There are also several vegetarian options. Try the crispy fried buffalo tofu, baked feta, or jalapeno and corn fritters, which are all a perfect way to start your meal.
Photo credit Free Bird
Photo credit Free Bird
“I’m all about this community and whatever I can do here,” Vives said. “People in the community are super supportive of us. I try to utilize the community as much as I can, because if they’re busy, we’re busy. It’s just people helping people.”
Make it a day trip or a weekend
Turn a meal at Free Bird into a day trip or a weekend and explore what the Lumsden area has to offer.
Where to stay
If you’re looking to stay right in town, the Lumsden Hotel & Steak Pit offers various types of rooms, plus has an in-house restaurant. Lumsden is also just a 30-minute drive from downtown Regina, so if you want to stay in the city, check out Regina’s many hotels.What to see/do
Photo supplied by The Painted Parasol
Photo supplied by Jane Doughs Bakehouse and Coffee Company
Bonus points
Lumsden is the home of Last Mountain Distillery, which was Saskatchewan’s very first micro-distillery. Established in 2010, Last Mountain Distillery’s spirits – notably the dill pickle vodka – have become well-loved favourites around the province and beyond. Visit the distillery for a tour and to purchase from the storefront.
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Free Bird is located at 240 James Street North in Lumsden, SK. For more information and hours, visit its website. Free Bird and one of its recipes will also be featured in Naomi Hansen’s forthcoming book, Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes & Stories from the Province’s Best-loved Eateries. Visit www.naomihansen.ca for more information.
Author: Naomi Hansen
Naomi Hansen is a writer and editor based in Saskatoon, SK. She is the author of the book Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes & Stories from the Province’s Best-loved Eateries. Find her at www.naomihansen.ca.