BELLISSIMO
Neighbourhood ... Linden Woods Address ....... 1-877 Waverley St Phone ............. 204-489-0495 Entrées .................... $ 19- $ 35 ciao ! reviews
For a restaurant of twenty-five years , Bellissimo can rightly be defined as an institution in the city ’ s dining landscape . However , an old school font in Italian red and green marking its unassuming spot eludes the contemporary sophistication within .
Greg Gagliardi opened Bellissimo to bring fine dining beyond downtown to a sleek suburban setting with drool inducing Italian fare . Today , family and staff working side by side continue to charm loyal regulars and newcomers within a newly updated interior .
The menu seamlessly blends Italian tradition with contemporary flourishes , from intriguing salads and precise pastas to hearty entrees with enough variety to please all palates . Gourmet pizzas and housemade desserts round out the selection .
Gambero grigliato makes an exceptional flavour bursting starter , hinting to the kitchen ’ s expertise with seafood . Charred jumbo prawns perched atop a bright palette of salsa verde , lemon caper aioli and quinoa are poised for peel-and-dip happy eating . A large prosciutto chip beautifully balances the smoky sweet shrimp with a salty peck . Housemade soft herb rolls help clean the plate .
Robust mains include Aragosta , a seafood dish consisting of tender lobster , plump prawns , caramelized jumbo scallops , and smoky bacon sitting atop a bed of creamy , winesauced pasta . Vitello parmigiana , a breaded and crisply fried veal cutlet topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese is draped over spaghetti swirled in tomato sauce so perfect nonna deserves the credit .
For vegetarian diners , the Agnolotti is a satisfying option that doesn ’ t sacrifice depth of flavour . Handmade spinach pasta enrobes a sweet mascarpone and spiced squash filling , that is basted with sage and brown butter sauce . A topping of herbed ricotta adds a light touch to the dish .
Decadence extends through the dessert course here , each selection earning signature status .
Tiramisu , the classic Italian after-dinner treat , here consists of rum and coffee-soaked sponge cake layered between sweet mascarpone cheese and shaved chocolate , surrounded by lady fingers dipped into melted chocolate .
For those seeking a small shareable sweet , Zeppole , Italy ’ s mini doughnuts make a fun ending to an extraordinary meal .
BERNSTEIN ’ S DELI
Neighbourhood .......... Corydon Address ........ 1700 Corydon Ave Phone ............. 204-488-4552 Entrées ...................... $ 8- $ 18
Bernstein ’ s , the bustling deli-grocer in Corydon Village mall buzzes with vibrant chatter of friends and neighbours gathering over hearty homestyle cooking . The sunny space has collected its fair share of regulars in forty years , with a menu of deli classics and traditional Jewish specialties that are nonpareil .
Whereas a décor makeover upgraded its furnishings and comfy factor last year , thickly layered sandwiches piled with housemade corn beef , chopped liver or gravy smothered turkey are as good as ever .
Alongside traditional nosh are some fun and fresh additions . Aaron Bernstein , son of founding owner Marla Bernstein , is the driving force behind expanding reimaginations . Under the guidance of head chef Mike Fardoe , items like housemade jams and potato latke fries 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 and big salads loaded with mixed veggies .
Middle Eastern dishes such as shakshuka is another popular pick . This breakfast hero has been showing up on menus 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 .
The chicken schnitzel sandwich puts a new twist on comfort food . A flash fried crisp chicken breast kissed with harissa mayo , tomato and lettuce in a whole wheat bun delivers exciting bites .
Traditional fare is time testedfrom buttery lox and a thick smear of cream cheese on a Gunn ’ s bagel or in a tortilla with a scrambled egg - to crispy-fried latkes . Opt for a latke stacker and prepare to open wide for two latkes layered with deli meat ( or grilled veggies ) eggs and cheese .
With a knack for making diners feel at home , extended hours and a liquor permit this bright deli has aged into an even more appealing comfort zone .
ciao ! / apr / may / two thousand twenty-four 19