first word
first word
pride and presents
One of the joys of publishing this Special
Holiday Issue of Ciao! is that it offers an opportunity for us to share the love of Winnipeg’ s best shopping, dining and entertainment. In the 20 years Ciao! magazine has been publishing, the excitement continues to be palpable during this annual quest to showcase some of the great gift ideas found in locally owned stores, and shine a light on some of the creative superstars on the culinary scene.
In fact, we consider it a great privilege to be influencers in this way. Nowadays, expertise is a word that is often thrown around rather loosely. Yet recent U. S. political events have shown how important it is to be able to trust our sources of information. Niche magazine publishers, like this one, recognize that putting something in print is long lasting. Creating a“ Go To” reference guide comes with responsibility and accountability.
That is why every business appearing in Ciao! reflects first hand endorsement of our editorial team. Our lists have been curated for discerning tastes, and are the types of businesses we’ d send our own families and friends to. Virtually all of the recommendations are locally owned and operated. I am proud to say that Shop Local has been the mantra at Ciao! since its launch in 1997!
The it list( p 13) presents 243 of the city’ s best independent retail businesses and the best list( p 58) rounds up 160 choice restaurants: something no other magazine offers. Up close images show off our present picks within the it list. The dozens of gift ideas presented on these pages represent a glimpse of the fun things found in Winnipeg’ s destination stores. We hope these unexpected delights will inspire readers, much like the restaurants of the year do.
Of course we have to check out a lot of stores and restaurants to compile these lists that influence decisions on where to eat and shop. We have observed that most great businesses are continually perfecting their recipe for success. Small businesses often open with a concept and work out the details on the fly, after their doors are open and customers start streaming in.
That is why smooth business launches stand out. This year, our task was tough! Yet five spots stood out as the best new restaurants to open in Winnipeg this year. Casual cafés and chef-owned spots are more commonplace than ever. Yet, each of our picks delivers a few surprises that bring some magic to the mix. They challenge the status quo in their own unique ways, whether by mixing the fresh with the familiar or, in the case of our best resto of the year, re-imagining your start to the day.
As magazine professionals, we share many of the same challenges that other business owners face: delivering consistent quality while offering fresh ideas. Beautiful photos are used to delight and inspire. A little sparkle and light set the tone for a swanky cocktail soirée in ciao! cooks( p 45). You are going to love these drink recipes, and if you haven’ t already discovered the cool cats of the cocktail culture, we think you are going to be as enamoured as we are with their new school neighbourhood watering holes. Our chef featured in the kitchen( p 38) is Norm Pastorin, of Cornerstone. Chef Norm and his team cook delicious, smart food for all ages that knocks our socks off.
In addition, ciaowinnipeg. com serves as reference guide to the best of everything! It is a handy resource for great recipes, restaurant reviews, chef bios and best food lists.
If you like what you see in this issue, and would like to receive all six issues of Ciao! delivered to your home, sign up for the seasonal subscription offer— found on ciaowinnipeg. com
We know Ciao! readers seek extraordinary experiences, and are exceedingly proud of Winnipeg. That is what we like about you! As we look forward to next year, we look ahead to a year of special features— marking our 20 years of celebrating local flavour!
Merry Christmas!
Laurie Hughes, Publisher
4 ciao! / dec / jan / two thousand sixteen