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❚ more dough
The yeasty aroma of baked bread is drifting through St. Boniface, since renowned bread maker, Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company emerged off Provencher Blvd. In the wayback corner of the sur la seine strip mall, the new bakery café welcomes new fans to sip a cup of coffee, bowl of daily made soup or sandwich in its cozy space. A precious few tables fronting the kitchen provide a clear view of bakers rolling and kneading doughs into crusty rustic loaves or fruit filled pies. Of course, a fridge stocked with ready to heat meals and a pastry case, brimming sweets and rows of legendary TGPB cinnamon buns ensures there is no chance of leaving empty handed. 390 Provencher Blvd, 204-942-5097 new openings & food and retail news ❚ home for handhelds
❚ diner vibes
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ciao! news
familiar venue, once a pizza chain in the suburbs, is unrecognizable under its new identity as Dave and LaVerne’ s Modern Diner( pictured above). The stylish yet casual spot, helmed by the team behind James Avenue Pumphouse and Junction 59, presents a modern twist on diner décor and fare. The usual suspects populate the menu. Burgers, Reubens, and Nashville hot chickens are executed beautifully, but don’ t miss the trending dishes like Brussels sprouts dotted with feta, or the shamelessly addictive pork tenderloin“ diner bites” piled high. Fancified plates of pork schnitzel, beef short rib and turkey dinner complete with Thanksgiving style accompaniments deliver all the familiar comfort with chef flair to entrees. 15 Lakewood Blvd, 204-594-9015
The historic Royal Albert Hotel atrium, home of Bahay Kubo, the Filipino tiki lounge,( most recently) has flipped occupants, hosting another dynamic food duo. This time, the aromas from the tiny kitchen hint to the Colombian specialties prepared by husband wife partners, Nestor Ceron and Marcela Galindo. Emparepas Treats is already drawing nostalgic expats eager to savour flavours from home like arepas, delicious handheld flatbreads stuffed with cheese, meat and beans. We predict it won’ t be long before this sunny spot becomes a regular for global eater enthusiasts. 48 Albert St, 204-381-1696
❚ euro bistro
Surrounded by big box retailers and strip malls, Food Culture belies its commercial setting with an interior brimming with style. The brand new space, opened by the Dobromarket Euro Food retailer team salutes emblems of Ukraine, with wheat, and orange poppy providing the palette and backdrop for charming rustic details. Folk art colours the walls amping up the evocative scene in anticipation for the plates to come. For those yearning for a taste of baba’ s perogies, the ones here( called verenyky) will cause lively debate as legitimate condenders. The dumpling’ s tender dough, amply stuffed with potato and cheese combinations or fruit, is on point. Beyond borscht and cabbage rolls, the vast menu delights with crepes, chebureky, pelmeni and at least a dozen desserts. 645 Sterling Lyon Parkway, Unit 9, 204-221-2985
Photography: Dave and LaVerne’ s Modern Diner, Select Start
4 ciao! / apr / may / two thousand twenty-five