Ciao Feb/Mar 2024 Ciao Feb/Mar 2024 | Page 6

ciao ! news new openings & food and retail news now open

❚ high praise

In the vast world of fast and casual food , fine dining is celebrated the world over as one of life ’ s simple pleasures for its connection to flavours , artistry , and culture . Here at home , Fusion Grill ( pictured above ) has been awarded and recognized for its delivery of dining excellence by The Distinguished Restaurants of North America . The DiRoNA Achievement of Distinction in dining , symbolized by the Hitchcockian profile of a diner with a mouthful of gourmet food , is one of the most respected awards in the dining and hospitality industry across the USA , Canada and Mexico and the Caribbean . For good reason , the impartial process includes a 75-point evaluation conducted anonymously by trained inspectors evaluating all aspects of an excellent dining experience from reservations to cuisine and décor . Fusion Grill joins such notable Canadian restaurants awarded by DiRoNA as 529 Wellington , Calgary ’ s Teatro , and Vancouver ’ s Giardino . 550 Academy Rd , 204-489-6963

❚ coffee for cause

Treats from La Belle Baguette and single origin coffee filling cups at the Exchange District ’ s new Sam ’ s Place are alluring pieces of a social enterprise formula presented by Mennonite Central Committee ( MCC ) of Manitoba . Behind the scenes of this vibrant café young people are getting customer service training including role-playing that equips them with employable skills for meaningful employment . The best part , the money spent ( including tips ) for your cuppa joe goes right back into supporting the program needs ! 140 Bannatyne Ave , 204-415-4728

❚ It is …

Even those not knowing the meaning of “ Basta !”, ( pictured below right ) the new Forks food hall addition by locally acclaimed chef and instructor Norm Pastorin , are drawn to its party vibe sign . Pastorin is indeed excited about the venture , which celebrates his ancestral dishes from the Philippines . Traditional recipes , prepared with the French trained precision of an award winning chef and his team , make this a quick favourite for curious culinary explorers . Its prime spot in the city ’ s center of action means discovery doesn ’ t even require Siri . We say the crispy lumpia , adobe chicken and the luscious leche flan are poised to be the new go-to ’ s at The Common ’ s multi-cultural smorgasbord . 1 Forks Market Rd

retail news
❚ be kind and carry on

Manitoba pride is bursting at the seams at HayMad & Co . ( pictured left ) at Kildonan Place . An assortment of food products , candles , soaps and jewellery sourced from local and Canadian based

4 ciao ! / feb / mar / two thousand twenty-four