first word
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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