Driving for Dinner: Mabel Hill Farm Kitchen & Marketplace near Nipawin
Just outside of Nipawin sits Mabel Hill Farm Kitchen & Marketplace, a farm-inspired destination that is home to a restaurant, event venue, market and onsite garden, which supplies the restaurant with fresh produce all season long. Owner and chef Michael Brownlee’s goal is to offer guests an unforgettable dining experience, by combining his passion for culinary excellence with farm-fresh ingredients.
“When I opened, I thought it would be really unique to offer the whole experience where you can go and eat where the food is also coming from,” Brownlee said. “My biggest thing is bringing the best ingredients forward, and I really wanted to create something the community could celebrate.”
Following training at the Culinary Institute of Canada in Prince Edward Island, Brownlee worked in several acclaimed kitchens before he decided to move back to the Nipawin area and open Mabel Hill.
Keen on keeping things fresh, Brownlee switches up the food and drink menus regularly, largely dependent on what’s in-season. “I like to change things all the time, because it allows me to do something different and challenge myself,” he said.
Past menu features have included small plates like scallops and Beldon Bison tartare. Large plates have included pork loin, northern pike, beet mezzaluna and steak from Artesian Angus Farms. The cocktail menu features many local flavours, including spirits from Stumbletown Distilling in Saskatoon.
A destination in its own right, Mabel Hill has a gorgeous pavilion and gazebo for events that overlook beautiful prairie scenery. The marketplace sells produce from the onsite garden, in addition to homemade preservatives and pre-made items like perogies, pies and more. Mabel Hill has a weekly market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesdays (July through September), so plan ahead so that you can enjoy a meal and check out the market at the same time.
When asked why he thinks Mabel Hill stands out, Brownlee noted that it truly offers the whole package in a charming rural setting.
Make it a day trip or a weekend
Turn a meal at Mabel Hill into a day trip or a weekend and explore what the Nipawin area has to offer.
Where to stay
Check out Nipawin’s Northern Greens Resort, located next to the popular Evergreen Golf Course.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure and the perfect escape into nature, camp at Nipawin & District Regional Park. Cabin rentals (Reel 'em Inn Cabins) are also available, or you can sleep up to 16 on the water with Aurora Houseboats. With activities like fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas and a playground and spray park, the park is ideal for anyone wanting to soak up some of that summertime Saskatchewan weather.
What to see/do
In town, visit the Twisted Tree to shop for clothing, home décor and gifts, including accessories, jewelry and seasonal items. To continue exploring the Nipawin food scene, head to The Spot Restaurant & Lounge, where the all-day menu features salads, bowls, burgers and plenty of gluten-free and vegan options. Enjoy mouth-watering brisket, pulled pork or southern barbecue-style ribs at The Dam Smokehouse. For your daily dose of caffeine and to satisfy your sweet tooth, Foxy’s Eats & Treats offers many goodies like sugar cookies, cakes, cupcakes and more. For a Nipawin classic, head to Wild Bill’s Pizza, known for its signature made-from-scratch crust. Try two local favourites – the all dressed or chicken bacon ranch pizzas.
Mabel Hill Farm Kitchen & Marketplace is located 2 km east of Nipawin, SK on Highway 55. For more information and hours, visit its website. Mabel Hill and two of its recipes (a dessert and a cocktail!) are also featured in Naomi Hansen’s book, Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes & Stories from the Province’s Best-loved Eateries. Visit www.naomihansen.ca for more information.
Author: Naomi Hansen
