SADDLERY ON MARKET Neighbourhood.... Exchange Address..... 114 Market Ave Phone....... 204-615-1898 Entrées.......... $ 24- $ 35
Part ode to Winnipeg’ s industrial past, part contemporary restobar, Saddlery on Market draws diverse crowds to the East Exchange. On any given night, diners celebrating a private event, large groups grabbing grub post-work, and the pre-theatre throng may settle into the capacious yet comfortable space, browsing a well-executed menu that appeals to every appetite.
The large space makes use of the building’ s heritage bones with exposed brick and industrial touches. Saloon-inspired décor nods to the building’ s former life as the home of the leather manufacturing company, the Great West Saddlery Warehouse.
Lest one think the barn wood and backlit bar signal western fare, a glance at the menu instead reveals inspirations from Europe, Asia and, of course, Manitoba.
Globally influenced dishes abound. Warm olives are drizzled with oil, sprinkled with feta and accompanied by crisp crostini slices. The sweet chili chicken rice bowl satiates with a hint of Asian influence. Strips of crispy and juicy chicken provide simultaneous notes of sweet, salty and spicy.
Entrées combine variety with familiar comfort. Silky buttermilk mashed potatoes form miniature mountains beneath the meal’ s main attraction. Two grilled chicken breasts govern the hunter chicken entrée with robust paprika barbeque flavour. Crimini mushroom demi-glace oozes over top, pooling at the bottom of the plate alongside perfectly roasted beets and carrots. ciao! reviews
California striploin shines with this less-is-more mentality, each healthy portion imbued with smoky, rightoff-the-grill taste. Colourful roasted veggies accompany two skewers of tender shrimp to complete this satisfying spread.
A wide selection of share-ables promotes lively sociable sampling. Brussels sprouts are charred, crispy and topped with lemon basil aioli. Tempura pickerel tacos pack in condiments like pickled jalapenos, creamy coleslaw and chili lime crèma. Tuna tartar is neatly stacked alongside airy wonton crisps, all underneath a sweet soya drizzle. A bounty of fresh yellow fin will have diners struggling to share this refreshing appetizer.
Saddlery’ s expansive menu is much like its ample interior, gracious in size and full of options. Winnipeg pride combined with international intentions makes this Exchange District stop an essential on culinary checklists.
Saddlery is open Mon-Wed 11 am-10 pm, Thur-Fri 11 am- Late, Sat 4 pm- Late.
HOMERS Neighbourhood.... West End Address...... 520 Ellice Ave Phone....... 204-788-4858 Entrées.......$ 6.95- $ 32.95
For 39 years, Homers owner George Katsabanis has transported loyal crowds to the isles of Greece, steeping diners in the simple perfection of authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
Fitting for a restaurant named for an Ancient Greek poet, the atmosphere is one of artistic elegance with neoclassical touches. Parthenon style pillars surround white linen tables adorned with fresh red carnations. By six o’ clock, the room is abuzz with anticipation of traditional favourites.
Greek hospitality extends to each table with an inviting menu. Mezedakia( appetizers for the less Hellenic among us) prep the palate with fresh flavour: Kalamata olives, fresh feta and herb-battered calamari. Creamy Greek hummus and summery tzatziki arrive perfectly whipped with steaming triangles of baked pita. When presented a choice of soup with any entree, turn to the“ national food of the Greeks," the rustic bean soup, Fasolada.
Ever-popular moussaka is packed with eggplant, spiced with nutmeg and lavished with a light bechamel. The hefty portion is served with lemon rice and a not-too-spicy tomato sauce. Its cousin, patstitio, packs in lasagna-like layers of noodles, ground beef, tomato sauce- and more bechamel.
To satisfy tables of two, sample combo platters offer choice Greek favourites without the need for decision-making. Fall-off-the-bone lamb chops and skewers of lemony chicken souvlaki come with crispy spanakopita layered with spinach, herbs, and feta. While triangular tyropita hold creamier cheese and egg centres beneath its phyllo exterior.
A small portion of saganaki accents the platter- but better to go full tilt and order the complete flaming display for theatrical effect.
A Venus de Milo statue bears witness to the lighting of the pan-fried kefalograviera. The server douses the cheese with freshly squeezed lemon juice and Greek brandy before igniting an impressive tableside flambé.
Greek’ s desserts are known for sweet fillings amidst flaky layers of phyllo. Calactobeoureco holds a delicate vanilla custard filling and is soaked with a drizzle of syrup- a fitting finish to Homers bounty of fresh Mediterranean flavours.
Homers is open Mon-Sat 11:30 am-9 pm, Closed Sun.
ciao! / jun / jul / two thousand eighteen 29