Ciao! April/May 2020 Ciao! April/May 2020 | Page 28

ciao! reviews TRUNK SHOW Thursday, May 7 & Friday, May 8 horseradish mayo and caramelized onions. Melted Monterey Jack adds a twist, with a kick of jalapeño. Thrill seekers who thrive on a little extra heat should opt for the Cajun chicken penne. Marinated grilled chicken breast is sliced and served on a bed of penne, coated in a spicy cream sauce, and topped with fresh grated parmesan. Dessert is a housemade apple crisp set to rival dear old Gran’s, made with tart Granny Smiths, a healthy dose of cinnamon and a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce. Its effect is much like that of the pub itself: creating an atmosphere that feels like home— but better. King's Head Pub is open Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am and Sun 12 pm-2 am. TAVERN UNITED 749 St. Mary’s Rd. 204 594-0400 [email protected] Neighbourhood Address Phone . . . . . . . . Entrées Available at Swimwear • Clothing • Accessories 11-1504 St. Mary's Rd. 204-237-0457 www.thehulahut.ca 26 ciao! / apr/may / two thousand twenty . . . . . . . . Downtown 345 Graham Ave 204-944-0022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12-$20 Don’t let Tavern United’s prairie- wide success fool you—this regional chain of sports pubs is full of pride, proudly infusing its sprawling pub grub menu with local flavour. Poutine gets a homegrown twist with tender pulled pork from local pork purveyor Danny’s Whole Hog. The barbeque sauced pork plays surprisingly well with gravy, the slight sweetness melding with its rich and unctuous counterpart. Thick and crisp English cut fries provide a sturdy base for gooey, squeaky cheese and piles of shredded hog. Heaped into nostalgic newsprint paper, haddy bites pack all the fla- vour of fish and chips into snack friendly portions. A golden-crisp lemon pepper-flecked panko crumb coating surrounds tender haddock, and the accompanying housemade tartar adds just the right amount of tang to each mouthful. Signature smash burgers have always been no-brainers here, but a newly launched “Manitoba 150” burger is a must. True to the prov- ince’s Eastern European influence, it’s loaded with kielbasa and fried perogies, then topped with caramel- ized onions, a dilly Elman’s pickle and two layers of melted Bothwell pepper jack cheese. Buttery brioche buns, nicely toasted on the inside, get a thick swipe of mustard ranch aioli, tying all the flavours master- fully together. Yet fear not, vegans, Tavern’s hearty line-up of burgers also includes plant-based patties, mean- ing zero compromise on two-handed face stuffing. All burgers come with fries, but if you’ve already succumbed to the call of poutine, upgrade to a side of beer cheddar soup. Familiar velvety texture and comforting ale taste is kicked up a notch with some generous heat from jalapeños. Super-sized salads and wraps, like a refreshing veggie and cream cheese stuffed tortilla, fill the lighter side of the menu alongside á la carte tacos. Big chunks of crisp and spicy Buffalo cauliflower offer a modern twist, with crunchy shredded lettuce and a hit of cilantro lime drizzle cool- ing the piquant sauce. Joining an impressive selection of local and international brews, popular DIY Caesars—made to order from a scorecard that lets clamato connoisseurs play mixolo- gist with a choice of alcohol, spices and garnish—are game changers. Whether cheering on the Jets between bites, meeting friends for lunch or taking advantage of one of its daily specials (local draught beer is CHEAP on Manitoba Mondays), Tavern United is a reliable winner. Tavern United has six locations in Winnipeg, open daily from 9 am-2 am.