jeromemartin.ca

Farewell to Oscar

Oscar Peterson, one of the world's greatest jazz pianists, has died at the age of 82. My family and I saw him perform twice, once at the Jubilee Auditorium here in Edmonton and and once at a local hotel.

He will be missed greatly, both here in Canada and wherever in the world that jazz is played and appreciated.

The Prairie in Winter

Yesterday (December 2, 2007) we travelled from Gull Lake, Saskatchewan to Calgary, Alberta, stopping in and around Maple Creek to photograph. My black and white photographs will take time to process, but, in the meantime, I can enjoy these digital images.

The Star Café & Grill, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan

I've just returned from a visit to Maple Creek, a town located at the base of the Cypress Hills in the southwestern corner of Saskatchewan. The town, billed as the friendliest town in Saskatchewan, was established in 1883. It's an agricultural centre as well as a gateway to the Cypress Hills, the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Provincial Park and the Fort Walsh National Historic Site.

My wife Merle and I joined our friends Don and Norma Connick, farmers from Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, for dinner at The Star Café & Grill in Maple Creek on Saturday night, December 1. The Star is a relatively new café, owned and operated by Barry Weiss, Tina Cresswell, and Dave Turner. It's been in operation since June, 2007.

It's in an historic building which has been restored meticulously. The design is an appealing mixture of modern design and traditional appointments. It would fit in New York or San Francisco as easily as it fits in Saskatchewan.

The combination of the food, the wine and the dining experience was equal or better than any that I've enjoyed in Canada or elsewhere. I had been told by several people that it was an extraordinary restaurant: and they were correct. It is a Saskatchewan success story.

You will hear more about The Star Café & Grill. In the meantime, join Barry, Tina and Dave for lunch or dinner. We drove 700 km to have dinner with them: and we'll do it again.

The Star Café & Grill, Thirty-Two Pacific Avenue, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, S0N 1N0. Phone: 306.662.2202.