ACROSS THE BOARD Neighbourhood ........ Exchange Address ... 105-211 Bannatyne Ave Phone .............. 204-691-3422 Entrées ..................... $ 12- $ 20 ciao ! reviews
Buzzing chatter interspersed with jovial shouts and clattering dice create an electrifying greeting at Across the Board Game Café ’ s sun filled space on the corner of Main and Bannatyne . Sprawling windows wash the space in light , sending sparkles off shiny chandeliers hanging from a retro-chic copper ceiling , and an awe-inspiring wall of board games divides the dining room with 1600 + titles . For $ 10 , diners can try their hand at any game , with the guidance of an uber informed game master taking away rule book fuss .
Choosing your game could incite lively debate , but grabbing a bite is a no-brainer . The long list of apps and snacks nod to house party faves that trump at-home pantry picks . Cheesy spinach and artichoke dip , veggie and hummus platters and seasoned popcorn tempt familiar cravings while globally inspired salad rolls and German currywurst please a more adventurous palate .
Twists on classic bistro-fare also prompt noshing . The board game club loads its fixings between two herb-laden slices of practically weightless schiacciata bread . Tender roasted chicken , sharp cheddar and bacon deliver their winning combo , but sweet caramelized onions raise this handheld ’ s game to another level .
Despite a compact kitchen , use of multi-purpose ingredients results in remarkable variety . The same house-made schiacciata bread embraces the takenoko pork sandwich , a banh-mi spin swapping charbroiled pork for beautifully braised pulled pieces . Sharp pickled vegetables enliven the sweet juicy meat while creamy sriracha mayo piques with spice .
The king of Tokyo noodle bowl cleverly incorporates the same meltin-mouth braised pork , adding luscious bites to umami-laden miso broth intermingled in a nest of vermicelli noodles and tender mushroom slices . Shaved white cabbage and sliced cucumber add crunch as thoughtful garnishes .
House-made desserts like the brazenly berried cheesecake brings a rich finale to gameplay .
In a culture of fancy eats and boujee décor , the vibrant success of Across the Board Game Café proves simple joy and playful connection can be the winning hand .
EMERALD PALACE Neighbourhood ........ West End Address .......... 704 Sargent Ave Phone .............. 204-788-4573 Entrées ..................... $ 12- $ 19
Aptly lodged in the bustling strip of Winnipeg ’ s diverse west end , Emerald Palace is the place savvy foodists go to feast on Chinese fare . Little may have changed since opening in the mid-80 ’ s , but the simple atmosphere and vibe , characteristic of many family-owned Chinese restaurants around the world , serves as a quiet backdrop to lively gatherings and boisterous flavours .
Because Chinese food was one of the earliest immigrant cuisines to arrive in North America , at a time when people were less cosmopolitan and familiar with world cuisines , restaurants came up with a formula that worked by adapting to Euro-centric palates , swapping out ingredients people were not partial to . As a result , the identity of Asian cuisine served in Canada has been shaped over decades by eateries balancing traditions with consumer inclinations .
Amidst 251 choices presented on the perky pink menu , there are many rewards to this cuisine ’ s defining duality . The single dish behind this institution ’ s devoted following is the mountain of butter chicken . The salty crisply fried coating cracks off with every bite , revealing steaming white meat that falls off the bone . This is a glorious version of fried chicken , a popular ( albeit American influenced ) street food in modern China , drawing guests of all persuasions from every corner of the city .
The kitchen delivers complex seasoning in dishes like seafood chow fan with shrimp , squid and scallops . Flat , wide rice noodles are seared in a hot wok with wilted gai lan and seafood resulting in slurpable forkfuls that permeate lingering smokiness .
To stay on the umami train , try mussels in black bean sauce . Mollusks piled high swim in a ginger laced silky sauce studded with mellowed onion . Opt for a hot pot and be treated to a robust meal in a bowl . Shrimp balls with assorted greens fill a brothless pot to its brim . Bite sized leafy greens , snow peas , precisely sliced carrots and white onions glisten against ping pong sized shrimp . The tender morsels are excellent , pairing with the crisp vegetables .
ciao ! / feb / mar / two thousand twenty-three 23