These subtle appearances of Mediterranean ingredients and unexpected flavours energize chicken and fish entrées . A creamy lemon-laced white wine caper sauce tops a tender breast of grilled chicken covered in sun-dried tomatoes and tart goat cheese . A traditional orange amandine buerre blanc is paired with pickerel , providing a sweeter variation on standard lemon . Traditional puttanesca sauce of kalamata olives , capers , tomatoes , shallots , garlic and artichoke is paired with a perfectly cooked piece of Atlantic salmon .
Delivering excellent renditions of classic dishes is a theme that continues to the final course . Resisting the server ’ s silver tray of the night ’ s tempting options is futile . We ’ ve never regretted a choice of chocolate , cheesecake , torte or creme brûlée . Apparently there is no wrong answer to this important decision - only one that leads to sweet dreams of the next visit .
Maxime ’ s is open Sun , Wed , Thur 11 am-9 pm , Fri & Sat 11 am-10 pm
BAILEY ’ S
Neighbourhood ... The Exchange Address ....... 185 Lombard Ave Phone .............. 204-944-1180 Entrées .....................$ 22- $ 42
Bailey ’ s wears its legacy on its sleeve . Just around the corner from Portage and Main , the building , constructed by noted philanthropist William Forbes Alloway in 1900 , is one of the finest examples of late Victorian architecture in the city . Upon walking through its front doors , diners are embraced by its elegance , enveloped in the comforting warmth of impeccable service and classic cuisine . The second floor ciao ! reviews
restaurant , draped in lush velvet and linens and hung with chandeliers , is grand . Yet , despite its size , the setting is intimate and cozy .
Bailey ’ s is known for its steak , and for those looking for a classic , marbled piece of meat , it fits the bill . But the hidden gem is the menu ’ s extensive seafood program . Garlic-rich baked oysters , breaded with panko and Parm on the half-shell , are a standout . Escargot are another well-executed classic , six plump morsels doused in butter and served with a side of sourdough . The wedge salad comes to the table deconstructed : crunchy iceberg lettuce , generous amounts of bacon , juicy tomatoes , red onions and crumbled blue cheese . Fresh , crisp vegetables dressed in sharp blue cheese tease the palate for what comes next .
A Mediterreanean seafood medley , of salmon , shrimp and scallops is tucked inside crisp phyllo pastry . Topped with a rich tomato-based velouté and feta cheese , the dish is a lively blend of tangy , briny flavours . The medallions of beef marchand de vin are paired with what are perhaps the best french fries in the city .
Even after the richest meal , the lure of the dessert selection is irresistable . The classic New York cheesecake topped with bright raspberry sauce or an indulgent slice of chocolate truffle cake are perfect ways to top off an evening . The wine list is extensive with reasonably priced , old and new world bottles , including the house Malbec from Argentina , which has just enough vibrancy to cut through the sumptuous food offerings .
The service is formal yet never stuffy ; on one visit , servers launched into a boisterous round of Happy Birthday at a nearby table . Despite
Bailey ’ s longstanding grandeur , here , conviviality reigns . In those moments , all of the room is part of the celebration , and we are content .
Bailey ’ s is open Mon-Thu 11 am-9 pm , Fri 11 am-10 pm , Sat 4 pm-10 pm , Sun 4 pm-9 pm
RAE AND JERRY ’ S
Neighbourhood ......... St James Address ....... 1405 Portage Ave Phone ............. 204-783-6155 Entrées .................... $ 30- $ 50
Some restaurants stand the test of time , product of some magic recipe of quality cooking , exquisite style , and a little luck . These are the restaurants that linger over decades , accumulating fans , earning their place in a city ’ s history . These old school eateries serving uncomplicated recipes in dining rooms frozen in time evoke such strong feelings of nostalgia it is little wonder why we are drawn to them as havens of comfort .
Rae and Jerry ’ s is the epitome of such a classic . Its expansive wood-panelled interior clad in red vinyl furnishings , white cloth covered tables and seasoned staff represent a winning combination that continues to attract loyal and new curious diners . Tables have always been socially distanced in this 390 seat space ; now a few transparent dividers offer even more privacy for table talk .
In the lounge , furnished in more red vinyl covers swivel bucket chairs , effortlessly coaxing guests to sink happily into a retro state of mind . Highball cocktails pair perfectly with smoked meat sandwiches and skinny fries .
Little has changed on the menu in
22 ciao ! / mar / apr / two thousand twenty-two