LAC LA BICHE - The Lakeland’s Best 2025 Readers' Choice Awards includes a trio of Lac La Biche-area restaurants that claimed several first-place wins in various categories - The Fat Unicorn Tap and Grill, Pasture + Market, and Oslo’s Eatery.
The Reader’s Choice awards are hosted by Lakeland This Week/LakelandTODAY.ca and features a long list of categories where people can vote for their favourite businesses, organizations, and locations across the Lakeland region.
The three Lac La Biche restaurants also saw success in the inaugural Lakeland's Best awards held in 2024.
This year, Oslo’s Eatery got first place in six distinct categories, including Best Wine List, Best Soup, and Best Ethnic Cuisine, Best Customer Service, Best Dessert and Best Salad.
For Jenna Kilby, owner of Oslo’s Eatery, it felt great to get first place in several categories.
“Awesome . . . exciting,” she told Lakeland This Week. “Everything’s homemade and made with love.”
The award for Best Ethnic Cuisine was a result of the Thai food that is served at Oslo’s. Thai dishes, according to Kilby, are getting more popular among diners who want to try something different instead of the usual burgers and pizza.
Oslo’s also received first place for Best Customer Service, something that the restaurant is especially proud of.
“I’m super proud of that one the most,” she said. “We try training the girls to make sure everyone’s welcome.”
After enjoying a meal at Oslo’s, customers can try one of the various desserts on the menu, including cheesecake. For the second year in a row, the local eating establishment was acknowledged for its dessert options.
“My mom makes all our desserts, homemade . . . they change every week,” Kilby explained.
Pasture + Market
People who stop into Pasture + Market, which is located at the Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club, can eat while enjoying picturesque views of the golf greens and blue waters of Lac La Biche Lake from the restaurant’s patio.
For the second year in a row, Pasture + Market received a first-place award for best patio.
Winning the award means a lot to management and staff, says owner Stephanie Shreenan. The award celebrates the unique experience they strive to offer at Pasture + Market.
“Our patio is more than just a place to dine - it’s a space where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Lac La Biche,” Shreenan said. “This recognition is a testament to their efforts and the joy we see on our patrons’ faces as they share moments together.”
The patio is a major attraction that draws people to Pasture + Market.
“Our patio is a true gem. The view of the golf course and the lake creates such a serene and inviting atmosphere, and we hear from so many patrons that it’s one of the highlights of their visit,” she said.
In addition to being recognized for having the best patio in the Lakeland region, Pasture + Market also received first place for Best Lunch.
Being recognized in the 2025 Lakeland’s Best competition in these categories, Shreenan said, is truly humbling.
“My partner Kris Benson and I owe this achievement to the tireless dedication of our staff, the passion of our exceptional chef, and the unwavering support of the Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club’s staff and board,” she stated. “Most importantly, we’re thankful for our wonderful patrons who choose to dine with us and make every day special.
The focus of Pasture + Market has always been on creating a welcoming space with great food and memorable experiences.
“The Lakeland’s Best Competition showcases so many incredible businesses, and we’re just thrilled to be considered among them,” Shreenan said. “We’re so thankful to everyone who voted for us and to our team for their hard work that makes this possible.”
Fat Unicorn Tap N Grill
John Mondal, operator of Fat Unicorn Tap N Grill, said getting top spot in some of the categories included in the Lakeland's Best competition for another year is a tremendous honour and a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of the entire team at the eating establishment.
“It feels absolutely incredible,” Mondal said.
Fat Unicorn Tap N Grill won first place in several categories, including Best Beer Selection, Best Burger, Best Fish and Chips, as well as Best Poutine for the second year in a row, Best Steak and Best Value for Money.
When asked which of these awards he is most impressed with, Mondal said, “When the entire menu is crafted with the same high level of care, passion, and quality ingredients, singling out one dish does feel almost impossible. It speaks to a kitchen culture where every item, from the classic burger to the most inventive poutine, is treated as a signature dish. The awards aren't for a single ‘star player’ but for the strength and consistency of the entire ‘team’.”
The annual Lakeland’s Best event, according to Mondal, brings with it many benefits, including driving continuous excellence and innovation, maintaining high standards, providing valuable recognition, and validating hard work.
The competition puts the Lakeland region on the map and helps create a destination guide.
“Having an annual competition like the Lakeland's Best is far more than just a popularity contest. It's a vital institution that benefits the entire culinary ecosystem - restaurants, customers, and the community as a whole,” Mondal stated.
