Buffalo Stone Café

Neighbourhood: Fort Whyte
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd
Phone: 204-989-8370
Entrées: $8-$14

Surrounded by towering trees, grassy fields and a serene lake, the view from Buffalo Stone Café in FortWhyte Alive is easy on the eyes.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Winnipeg leads adventurers to a breakfast and lunch only spot housed in 600-acre nature preserve and recreation centre FortWhyte Alive. Prairie wilderness, trails, nature exhibits and activities like canoeing and kayaking await.

On sunny days, tableside windows score a view of a shimmering lake. Tables decorated with potted plants and bright blooms bring the outdoors in.
The casual counter service makes it easy and quick to fuel up for a day of exploring. Start with self-serve soups, like earthy lentil and beet. Bright carrots swimming in clear broth add vibrance.

Nods to the region are abundant on the veggie and bison heavy menu. Elements of the prairie are reflected in the dishes that chefs Kelly Cattani, Erica Reimer and Kelly Andreas craft with purpose and care. Diversity Food Services, the organization responsible for dishing out nutritious and sustainable food at the University of Winnipeg, now shows its commitment to sourcing local and organic here, with produce grown on FortWhyte Farms.

The menu features all day breakfast favourites like eggs, toast and bacon. Cake lovers will enjoy banana bread French toast. This twist on a breakfast classic hides thickly sliced pieces of banana bread underneath a generous dollop of whipped cream, melting into a drizzle of berry compote.

Lunch time fare is light and nutritious, with a selection of wraps, sammies, and salads. Open-faced pulled pork on focaccia is tangy and crisp, with strands of pork smothered in bbq sauce and topped with tart green apples. The spring salad has greens cloaked in a strawberry  honey poppy seed vinaigrette.

The savoury bison burger is cut with sharp Swiss cheese. Sliced mushrooms, caramelized onion and tomato that cling to melted cheese in between soft buns.
The crispy chicken bbq burger combines lightly seasoned chicken tenders tossed in bbq sauce, and lettuce to make one well-balanced burger. Caramelized onions add sweetness and tie it all together.