There must be something in that small town Prairie water because Spiritwood, Saskatchewan-born vocal powerhouse Shantaia is one of the most showstopping acts to come out of the Canadian country music scene in recent years.
No shortage of hits on her hands, the singer has amassed millions of streams with songs like "Had A Good Weekend", "Broke To Brand New" (which reached Top 40 on Canadian country radio) and her latest single "Know You".
Shantaia also just dropped her debut album Exes and Friends. The 10-track album features a mix of country bops like "Curfew" and emotive ballads, all of which perfectly showcasing the singer's captivating vocals and top-tier songwriting ability.
"I started working on the album and the concept over two years ago, and have put my heart and soul into this record...I’m so proud of everything it’s done for me already! I hope it can do something for you too,” says Shantaia about bringing Exes and Friends to life.
After relocating to Nashville in 2020, Shantaia has gotten to know the city's restaurant scene real well. From delicious tacos and queso (and frozen margs!) to great lattes, here's where she loves to eat and drink in the country music mecca.
Breakfast
I have two favourite spots:
Noshville Delicatessen has a hometown diner vibe and it was the first place I went with my co-writers and friends Ryan Sorestad and Golden West when I moved to Nashville. The breakfast menu is my absolute fave. They actually fly in bagels from New York—the Everything Bagel is amazing—and their Nosh Benedict is to die for! You also never know who you’re going to see here.
Second is Pinewood Social. They have such a modern, trendy vibe and the breakfast menu is both tasty and on the healthier side. The Southwest Bowl is my go-to every time...and a side of their tater tots because they’re the best in the city!
There's also a Crema Coffee Roasters in-house at Pinewood and the Crema Cuban Latte is the treat I start out with.
Lunch
If I have time, I’ll hit up True Food Kitchen. They’re all about cooking with real, pure ingredients and will alter anything to your liking.
Their tuna poke bowl is a go-to for me, but I also love to try their seasonal menus. They often have a seasonal flatbread that never disappoints, always an explosion of flavours!
Dinner
I love me some Mexican for dinner, so I can never get enough of El Fuego in East Nashville. Their queso is classic, the Southwest Chicken is chef's kiss and their frozen margaritas are always a smash. When it's nice out, the outdoor seating is a must as the vibe is incredible.
I need to shout out Bakersfield too. My friend Mallory Johnson introduced me to this place and now I am hooked! They have the best tacos, and the short rib queso is my favourite take on queso in the city!
Drinks
I love The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. It’s got a cool underground vibe and the cocktails are delicious. I also love me a good margarita, so I have to hand that win to bartaco in 12 South.
Another great spot is Rosemary & Beauty Queen in East Nashville. The rooftop is a whole vibe!
