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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 – and refresh our readers’ memories of some of those places that may have been forgotten. In the 29 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.
It is a great privilege to be influencers in this way. Nowadays, expertise is a word that is often thrown around rather loosely. Yet recent political events have shown how important it is to be able to trust our sources of information. Putting something in print is long-lasting and that comes with responsibility and accountability.
That is why every business appearing in Ciao! reflects firsthand 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!
Of course a high standard is also applied to restaurants and eateries highlighted. Whether you are seeking a formal, multi-course gourmet extravaganza or simply want the best soup in town, Ciao! has you covered.
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the season of BESTS
The it list on page 11 presents 150 of the city’ s best independent retail businesses and best list on page 40 rounds up 180 choice restaurants! 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 must 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, under the watch of very public eye.
That is why smooth business launches stand out. This year, our task was tough! This magazine presents our choices for our best new restaurants to open in Winnipeg this year. Casual cafes and chef-owned shops are more commonplace now. Yet, each of our picks brings some magic to the mix. They challenge the status quo in their own unique ways, whether it’ s by mixing the fresh with the familiar or, in the case of our pick for best restaurant of the year, Baby Baby, restoring affection for a neighbourhood.
We also scoped out recipes we reach for when entertaining – those iconic dishes generously shared by the city’ s chefs that changed us. See inthekitchen for our curated collection of timeless appetizers and desserts from top restaurants, past and present, on page 29.
We know Ciao! readers seek extraordinary experiences and are exceedingly proud of Winnipeg. That’ s what we like about you! We look forward to next year – marking another year of celebrating local flavour!
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
May your holiday season be filled with joy!
Merry Christmas!
Laurie Hughes, Publisher
4 ciao! / dec / jan / two thousand twenty-five