Ciao! April/May 2020 Ciao! April/May 2020 | Page 29

ciao! reviews YELLOW DOG TAVERN Neighbourhood Address Phone . . . Downtown . . . . . . . 386 Donald St . . . . . . . . . 204-775-6676 Entrées . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6-$16 Yellow Dog Tavern is the kind of gem that’s hidden in plain sight. Everyone likes to claim that they “dis- covered” it. For more than ten years, it’s been a go-to spot for business-clad lunchers, pre-concert munchers, post-game boozers and everyone in between, attracting a patchwork set of patrons with its local pours and from-scratch comforts. Sturdy dark wood, chalkboards listing what’s on tap and walls cov- ered with photographs and cheeky memorabilia up the cool-factor, giving a pub feel that balances on the line between classic and alternative. The pièce de résistance: stained glass pieced together in the image of saintly yellow Labradors, an adorable ode to its namesake. With a menu heavy on hearty comforts and lunch favourites, the absence of a deep fryer is hardly felt. Mac and cheese loaded with spicy chorizo sausage tastes incredibly indulgent, the secret being the fact that the gooey blend of marble and cheddar cheese is spiked with a heck ton of full-fat cream. They don’t mess around here. It’s definitely not diet- friendly, and it’s definitely worth it. Yellow Dog’s honey crust pizza is a welcome (and hard-working) contender in Winnipeg’s pie game. The soft thin crust boasts a barely- there hint of sweetness that acts as a flavour catalyst for each bite. Try the perogy pie, with all the savours that Winnipeggers love, minus the actual dumplings. Seasoned potato bits, crisp bacon and red onion are elevated with garlicky cream cheese spread, a smattering of salty feta and a heavy dose of sour cream drizzle. All proper pubs serve stew, and Yellow Dog Tavern dishes out a praise-worthy bowlful. Tender beef is slow simmered in a Guinness- injected stock, rendering a smooth malty richness. Dunk the side of warm and buttery garlic toast in, to sop up every last puddle of the rustic meat and potato medley. Late night noshes are satisfying companions to pints of local brews from the likes of Kilter Brewing Co, Little Brown Jug and Winnipeg Brew Werks. Spicy jalapeño boats baked with cream cheese filling and crum- bly bacon are bite size bliss—what more could be expected from this cozy tavern that’s as versatile as its menu. Yellow Dog Tavern is open Mon- Thu 11 am-12 am, Fri 11 am-2 am and Sat 5:30 pm-1:30 am. Double Cheeseburger Perogies Why choose between two favourites? Have both in one bite! Modern mash ups for something new, and signature classics when familiar means comfort! Soft dough, fresh fi llings, made from scratch, make every fl avour a winner. Lots of plant based options. www.perogyplanet.com Perogy Pride since 1943! Follow @perogyplanet for fl avour of the week • 1411 Main St. 204.633.6533 • 11-845 Dakota St. 204.416.7606 • 4-2001 Portage Ave. 204.615.0707 ciao! / apr/may / two thousand twenty 27