Ciao! Apr/May 2016 Digital Issue | Page 33

restÖ at therMËa Neighbourhood ..Fort Richmond Address . . . . . 775 Crescent Dr . Phone . . . . . . . 204-284-9595 Entrées . . . . . . . . . . .$ 21- $ 25
Nestled beside Crescent Drive golf course amongst mature , towering trees , urban getaway Thermëa is a haven for rejuvenation . Past saunas and steamy soaking tubs , an elegant and healthful bistro provides some gastronomic therapy .
The intimate 50-seat space extends to a second floor loft to accommodate the weekend rush of hungry spa-goers , with floor to ceiling windows giving both levels of diners a view of the picturesque setting .
Nature and nurture are evident on the menu . Executive chef Thomas Stuart sources nutrientrich vegetables , meat and fish from local producers . A selection of simple and clean recipes reveals his restorative philosophy .
Shaved beet and kale salad , dressed in balsamic vinaigrette , is an invigorating mix , with pops of crimson and a liberal sprinkling of feta cheese .
Meals begin with plates to share . Spiced pork brochettes receive a refreshing and tangy counterpoint from peach , rhubarb and cherry preserves .
Mains are hearty yet light . Arctic Char , on a bed of roasted baby potatoes , is brightened with acidic grapefruit crème . Tender braised lamb shank falls off the bone onto herby orzo . The farmer ’ s feast piles a mountain of arugula , sautéed carrots , confit mushrooms and cool dill pea salad on airy quinoa .
Scandi influence shows up on the menu in the form of Danish ciao ! reviews
open-faced sandwiches ( smørrebrød ). Global and regional flavours blend , with flaky pickerel smothered in basil crème . Crisp house bacon in a grilled provolone sandwich feels guiltless when paired with a smoky garlic aioli on gluten-free bread .
While in a state of dreamy relaxation , desserts seduce . Velvety dark chocolate fondue is pure bliss , arriving on a board laden with fresh fruit and buttery toasted brioche .
Rhubarb trifle is another swoonworthy favourite . A whisper of lavender infused into whipped cream gives piquant rhubarb compote ethereal edge .
Restö at Thermëa is open Mon- Sun 11 am-10 pm .
bernstein ' s DeLi Neighbourhood .. River Heights Address . . 1-1700 Corydon Ave Phone . . . . . . . 204-488-4552 Entrées . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 7- $ 18
Some days call for wild new flavours and exotic ingredients to wrap your tongue around ; other days require the simple comfort of hearty , homestyle cooking .
On any day , Bernstein ’ s Deli hits the spot .
The bustling deli-grocer in Corydon Village mall buzzes with vibrant chatter as servers skirt tables with prompt refills of coffee . Since opening in 1984 , the sunny space has collected its fair share of regulars with a menu of deli classics and traditional Jewish specialties to eat in or take away .
But times change , and Bernstein ’ s has changed too . Not where it counts : thickly layered sandwiches piled with housemade corn beef are still favourites . Alongside traditional nosh , however , are some fun and fresh additions .
Aaron Bernstein , son of founding owner Marla Bernstein , is the driving force behind the deli ’ s recent participation in buzzedabout local foodie events , from specialty burger event Le Burger Week in September , to the outdoor brunch at RAW : almond in February . Under the guidance of head chef Beth Jacob , new menu additions have punched up the selection with innovative flavour .
Items like housemade jams and granolas meld DIY spirit with culinary prowess . Other dishes play on trend food , like the fried chicken and waffles inspired pairing of chicken fingers and pancakes .
Instagram friendly shakshuka is another popular pick . This Middle Eastern mixture has been showing up on menus ( and in food magazines ) all over town , but this hearty version – stewy , spicy tomato dotted with chickpeas , spinach , and saline crumbles of feta – gets bonus points for perfectly sunny runny yolks and an attractive trail of spice and sesame blend za ’ atar .
Other items put new twists on deli staples , like the ubiquitous pickle : here , find tangy Elman ' s sliced , dunked in buttermilk batter , and flash fried to an airy crunch .
Traditional fare is tried and true , from buttery lox and a thick smear of cream cheese on a Gunn ’ s bagel to crispy-fried latkes . A peppercorn-punched bison burger meets its match with all the fixings usually piled on top of a reuben sandwich .
Extended hours and a liquor permit make this bright deli an even more appealing hang . With an unpretentious knack for making diners feel at home , Bernstein ' s could easily become a daily habit .
Bernstein ’ s Deli is open Mon-Fri 8 am-7:30 pm , Sat 8 am-3:30 pm , Sun 9 am-2:30 pm .
ciao ! / apr / may / two thousand sixteen 31