PINERIDGE HOLLOW
Neighbourhood ......... Oakbank Address ... 67086 Heatherdale Rd Phone .............. 204-777-3881 Entrées ..................... $ 17- $ 47
For more than 20 years Pineridge Hollow ’ s dedication to producing Manitoba regional cuisine has been unwavering . Chef Orian Barczak applies his shared passion for local cuisine , ensuring that fresh produce is transformed into a culinary masterpiece .
The picture-perfect retreat inside an elegant carriage house is nestled in the forested property . The prime seats are in the sunroom , decked in country rustic décor and looking out on strings of fairy lights sparkling on the trees outside . Seats on the patio , surrounded by chirps and squawks of wildlife , fill fast .
Unique preparations set the cooking at this idyllic spot apart . Here , beets , the ever-popular star in salads , are served as crispy chips , piled on a wooden board alongside a creamy and tangy goat cheese dip . Roasted , and paired with equally vibrant carrots , the sweet root veggie perks up several plates streaming out of the kitchen .
Bucking the trend toward shareable small plates , entrées here are lavish and filling . A substantial cut of Oak Knoll pork loin , draped with a sweet tomato jam , is charred and tender . Carrots impart their sweetness to an orange-hued swoosh of risotto and more carrots and roasted beets top it all .
Arctic char also makes an impression . The tender fillet of fish is crusted with “ everything bagel ” ciao ! reviews
hemp seed seasoning and sits atop a herb laced bed of quinoa . The attentive server places the plate and drizzles a creamy lemon caper sauce with a flourish , building anticipation for the zingy topping .
Novel , cutting-edge additions like locally grown Haskap berries are used for cocktail syrups , desserts and jellies . The berry thrives in the prairie climate , and punches twice the weight in antioxidants as a blueberry .
Opt for a taste of the tart berry in a gorgeous dessert and these health facts become rather secondary . Scarfing down decadent spoonsfuls of chocolate pâté filled with zingy gelée — keeping pace with your dining date for the airy whipped mousse — is much more pressing .
Of course , taking it slow and lingering in the peaceful atmosphere is more in-tune with the ethos of the place ; perusing shelves at the adjacent boutiques and on-site ‘ Village Market ’ or pattering down winding nature paths is a brilliant way to end the stay .
BRAZEN HALL
Neighbourhood ...... Fort Rouge Address ....... 800 Pembina Hwy Phone .............. 204-453-7980 Entrées ................... $ 14 – $ 35
More than five years after emerging on the food scene , Brazen Hall lures with its lively setting and wins fans for its bold , brash food . This bi-focused brewery and spirited gastropub straddles its casual vibes and obsession with details . Décor is relaxed yet smart ; salvaged wood covering walls and beams above give a rustic barn feel , finishes and seats are chic and comfortable .
While city breweries with onsite tasting rooms are luring avid beer drinkers to the heart of the craft beer buzz , Brazen Hall takes the lead for its playful enjoy yourself menu . Popular multi-culti classics that fit the new generation of urban foodsters seeking out global flavours are packing in diners of all ages .
Unmistakably though , beer provides focus for what to eat here . Brew bins , visible through glass , make the connection . Burgers with a pint are an easy sell yet the dedication to boundary pushing creations has earned the restaurant a big fan base and routine wins in the annual “ Le Burger Week ” promotion .
The lineup features past winners and classics . Pillowy , lightly toasted potato buns , sandwich most versions , including the Krakow burger , covered with bacon peach ketchup , herbed sour cream , potato vodka aioli , cheese sauce , pickled red cabbage , and potato sticks . Habanero horseradish is diners choice .
Globally inspired bowls are another staple at this brew pub . Ramen with pork belly , a poached egg and brimming with sweet potato noodles in mushroom broth is steeped in umami . The vegan option holds its own among leading Japanese bistros .
Meaty entrées satisfy big appetites . Beef brisket , rubbed in house seasonings and front yard smoked for 14 hours , is as tender and succulent as it promises . Garlic mashed potatoes and charred veggies round out a luxurious plate .
End with s ’ mores chocolate cheesecake for a playful mixture of textures and flavours . Toasted marshmallows , graham crackers and chocolate and caramel sauce punctuate the dining experience with a lasting impression .
ciao ! / summer / two thousand twenty-three 31