As publisher of Ciao ! Magazine , the question I get asked more than any other is “ what is your favourite restaurant in Winnipeg ”? When I don ’ t borrow my late husband ’ s reply , “ wherever I ’ m eating next !”, the answer still surprises people . The truth is I have a lot of favourites . One size really does not fit all when discussing eateries . As someone always seeking the best dishes – from soups and salads to shrimp and noodles , unusual preparations or an atypical accompaniment can change how we think of a familiar ingredient and be a game changer to how we appreciate it . Food innovators have shifted the way we eat certain vegetables . Consider the number of menus featuring Brussels sprouts and cauliflower as enticing stand-alone specialties .
This issue celebrates the food that comforts us , homestyle simple dishes that seem to warm the soul as much as they fill the belly . Finding exemplary dishes of defining comfort foods was the exercise . For manageability ’ s sake , we kept the search hyper focused on classic ( albeit stereotype ) 1950s casserole inspired specialties . Nothing says “ everything is going to be all right ” quite like a piping hot plate of luscious macaroni and cheese casserole , chicken pot pie or fried food draped in unctuous gravy . Inthekitchen spotlights a few of our favourite chef made versions of such classics , given some modern twists that elevate the taste sensation to new heights .
Delving further , top tables brings more restaurants to light delivering comfort on dishes to enthusiastic diners . As always , every spot is visited anonymously , to ensure reviewers are treated with the same attention extended to all diners . Despite the well reported workforce shortages adding to the heap of challenges in the restaurant industry , I can assure you there are operators and staff adhering to high standards and continuing to deliver exceptional dining experiences .
This is great news for those of us who count on restaurant dining as an essential component of entertainment . In fact , the city ’ s hospitality stars are ready to heat things up ! The well-loved and annually anticipated
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culinary festival , Ciao ! Dine About Winnipeg is back in full form . This year it runs from February 10-26 , with twenty top notch destinations offering threecourse , prix fixe meals and several options from which to choose . The atmosphere ranges from bright and bustling to candlelit and sophisticated .
The idea behind the event is simple : to give restaurant goers an incentive to brave the cold and discover new eateries and tastes at the same time . This passionate group of restaurants simply wish to remind us why we love eating out ! As such , CDAW menus reflect some of the best cooking out there . Due to popularity , some restaurants are offering special three-course menus for lunch , others are extending offers in more than one price category . There is no sector more in tune with the state of rising food costs , and these value conscious meals are designed to sweeten the deal for an uncompromised dining experience .
Ordering in might be a quick answer in a pinch but is unmatched to being in the restaurant ’ s environment amidst the action . After all , dining about the city is as much about socializing with the people we love , eating food that arrives in front of us at the correct temperature and having a server whisk away our dirty dinner plate . Delivery programs cost restaurants dearly , and increased usage of them contributes to rising costs .
Each year , many of the restaurants are sold to capacity , so make reservations to avoid disappointment . Moreover , knowing you want to spend an evening with them ahead of time helps operators prepare and schedule staff for your visit to deliver the very best experience . Booking a table in advance is the best way to show restaurants some love and reap rewards for it !
With so many signature dishes on offer , this is a terrific time to get out and try something new ! The rules are simple : be curious and explore and you are sure to discover some places that will become your new comfort zone .
Laurie Hughes , Publisher
ciao ! / feb / mar / two thousand twenty-three 5