This annual Special Holiday Issue of Ciao ! Magazine shines a light on the excellent diversity of shopping , dining and entertainment found in this city . The places delivering exceptional experiences to customers seem to have a knack for making it look easy too . In fact , as consumers of the best we have come to expect it all . We want to be greeted warmly with a smile , looked after efficiently and be appreciated for supporting small business . It ’ s the unspoken contract for our conditional love — and maintaining the happy relationship between consumers and businesses .
The profound effects this unparalleled year has had on all of us remain . Small businesses of course have been disproportionately devastated . As operators start to get their feet under them again , the feeling of powerlessness lingers as they strive to cope with more complications this holiday season . Unavailable products , breaks in supply chains and staff shortages lead to disappointed customers , something owners try to avoid .
As we venture out to our favourite places again to shop and dine it may be our turn to pivot and adjust . Plan way ahead , expect to wait longer for everything , and be flexible . Seize the opportunity to re-imagine a tradition . We have evolved . We have learned to relinquish control over what can ’ t be changed . We have the power and wisdom to choose our response to the messengers of disappointing news . In turn , we can spread cheer .
Great businesses are continually perfecting their recipe for success , under the watch of the public eye . That can be daunting . When that business is a restaurant or store , flaws are exposed instantly , making the road to success a bit bumpy . Pandemic challenges have been undiscerning , taxing even seasoned pros with experience .
That is why smooth business launches are particularly impressive . This issue presents our choices for the top five new restaurants to open in Winnipeg this year . Each of our favourite places delivers a few surprises that bring some magic to the mix . They challenge status quo , whether it ’ s by mixing the fresh with the familiar or , in the case of Nola , our best resto of the year , turning our expectations on their ear and dazzling us with exciting flavours . See page 45 to read about this year ’ s stars . first word Spread cheer
This magazine ’ s it list presents 178 of the city ’ s best independent retailers and best list rounds up 222 choice restaurants : something no other magazine offers . Of course we have to check out a lot of stores and restaurants to compile these lists that influence decisions on where to shop and eat . The dozens of gift ideas presented on these pages represent a glimpse of the fun things found in destination stores . We hope these ideas will inspire readers much like the restaurants of the year do .
As magazine professionals we share many of the same challenges other business owners face : delivering consistent quality while offering fresh ideas . Beautiful photos are used to delight and inspire . We enlisted bakers to assist our efforts to spotlight treats that are sweet on the eyes too . Turn to in the kitchen for new recipes to add to your cookie swap .
This issue is designed to be a reference guide to the best of everything . It is a handy resource that places the city ’ s great spots at your fingertips . If you would like to receive all six issues of Ciao ! delivered to your home , sign up for a subscription — 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 experiencing the excitement of the season and the year ahead , let ’ s embrace the efforts of people striving for excellence . We can support , encourage and be kind to each other . We have the power to rise above this pandemic and live our best selves in a great city . May peace and joy be with you this holiday season .
Laurie Hughes , Publisher
ciao ! / dec / jan / two thousand twenty-one 3