Since its inception in 2015, Project WILD has helped kickstart the careers of some of Alberta’s top emerging country artists: Brad Saunders, Nice Horse, and The Dungarees, to name a few. In late May, Project WILD selected twelve Albertan finalists for this year’s annual Country Artist Development program, designed to kickstart the international music careers of three country artists.
Hailing from the Foothills of Southern Alberta, Project WILD finalist Lyndsay Butler has always had a passion for ranching, rodeo, farming, and the rural way of life. So it came as no surprise when the talented artist began making waves in Calgary with her uniquely authentic style that combines heartbreak country and southern rock with a dose of outlaw sound.
After winning Ranchman’s Rising Star Award in 2012, Butler returned to Calgary in 2013 for the Calgary Stampede and was subsequently crowned Nashville North Star. Now, roughly five years after her debut single "Gravel Road" hit Alberta radio stations, Butler is back in Calgary to perform throughout the Stampede, including a headlining performance at the city’s biggest Stampede breakfast at Chinook Centre.
With a family heritage going back over 100 years in Alberta, Butler has become something of an authority on the Foothills culinary scene. We recently had a chance to sit down with the dynamic singer-songwriter and she filled us in on some of her favourite food and drink spots in the region.
Breakfast
Saskatoon Farm has the best breakfast and their hash browns are a casserole (some call them Schwartzies) that is so delicious!
Lunch
Evelyn's Memory Lane or Hitchin’ Post Drive-In in High River! Both are locally owned and have been staples in the town for years. At Memory Lane, my go-to is their roasted chicken sandwich on homemade whole wheat bread. So good! At Hitchin’ Post, my favourite is a mushroom burger, fries with mushroom gravy and a chocolate cherry milkshake!
Dinner
This is a tough one for me; dinner is my favourite meal of the day! Alberta blood runs deep in my veins, so a good steak from the Longview Steakhouse might take the cake on this one.
Drinks
So many options! I love to support local breweries and local pubs that serve craft beers. Knee Deep Bar and Grill in High River is great, and they also have live music! If I’m looking for a Caesar, I’m heading to the Black Diamond Bar and Grill, I don’t know what it is about them but they are the best!
