Since completing her bachelor of arts in music in 2011 at the University of Calgary, country singer Lauren Mayell has been pouring her heart into a career that continues to brim with accolades.
In eight short years, the talented artist has been a finalist in numerous music competitions, including the Calgary Stampede’s Nashville North Star, Ranchman’s Rising Star, and has had a series of nominations at Alberta Country Music Awards, culminated by winning last year’s Female Artist of the Year.
Despite her obvious talent for songwriting, Mayell is perhaps most at home performing on stage. Her commitment to creating a connection with the audience to establish a relatable truth is the driving force for her passion.
Mayell’s sixth radio release, “Rules Need Rebels”, was met with critical acclaim after it debuted in October of 2018, and will likely headline her forthcoming album set to release in the near future.
For now, the Calgary-based artist is staking her claim as a force to be reckoned with in the final phases of this year’s Project Wild country artist development program. Mayell is currently among 12 finalists with a chance to win the competition’s coveted $100,000 cash prize.
When Mayell isn’t writing or performing, there’s a good chance you can catch her in Calgary enjoying some of the city’s various food and drink destinations. We recently caught up with the multifaceted artist to find out some of her favourites.
Breakfast
The Bro’Kin Yolk - This cute modern breakfast place is my go-to after a late night performing and they always have fresh farm-to-table ingredients. If you get a chance, you have to try the bacon Benny. It is served on their homemade Belgian waffles and is hands down the best Benny I’ve ever had.
Lunch
The secret sauce Angel's Drive In puts on their crispy chicken burger makes it the best chicken burger you’ll ever have, but besides the food and choosing between their amazing milkshakes or soft serve ice cream, the location and decor make the whole experience even better. The retro diner look makes me feel like I’m in the movie Grease.
Dinner
Fusion Sushi in Ranchlands is, in my opinion, the best all-you-can-eat sushi place in town. The hospitality is great and the food is outstanding. My go-to is the Fusion Roll and the BBQ beef short ribs. There always seems to be room for dessert even after stuffing your face with sushi, and their mango pudding hits the spot.
Dessert
Crave Cupcakes in Crowfoot. For over a decade, my favourite dessert has been their Princess Chocolate cupcake for when I have a sweet tooth. No other cupcake comes even close to the moist chocolate cake with the sweet, but not too sweet, strawberry-infused buttercream icing. And the best part is, I can order it as a whole cake when I have special events, like my engagement party.
