A young chef returned to his rural roots in northeast Saskatchewan to establish a destination restaurant near Nipawin.

Michael Brownlee was raised in Carrot River and spent a lot of time on his grandparent’s vegetable farm. He credits his family for showing him the importance of healthy food and using it in different recipes.  The experience helped provide the inspiration to become a chef.

Brownlee graduated from the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He worked at a few higher end restaurants in P.E.I and in Saskatoon before deciding to start his own business three years ago at the age of 26.

He selected a small farm on a place called Mabel Hill, two kilometres east of Nipawin. With help from his family, he built a 75 seat farm-style restaurant.  There is also a four acre vegetable garden to supply produce and now a pavilion to host large events, such as weddings.

More details about the restaurant’s menu can be found in this story written by Adele Buettner in the August 12th edition of the Western Producer.

We also have this interview with Michael Brownlee.

(Above photo: Michael Brownlee, his parents and grandparents)