BELLISSIMO Neighbourhood.. Linden Woods Address... 1-877 Waverley St Phone....... 204-489-0495 Entrées...........$ 11- $ 30
Sitting in the Linden Woods suburb is an Italian eatery that has become a Winnipeg institution over the past 19 years.
Co-owners Greg Anania and Greg Gagliardi opened Bellissimo in order to bring fine Italian dining beyond downtown and Little Italy while retaining both sleek sophistication and authentic charm.
The menu seamlessly blends Italian tradition with contemporary flourishes, from veal scaloppini to lobster mac and cheese, with enough variety to please all palates. Gourmet pizzas and house-made desserts round out the selection.
To prepare for the main course, lighter fare is needed and the tavola burattini fits the bill. Scoop the diced tomatoes – seasoned with basil and fresh herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar – onto grilled bread alongside a piece of buttery soft fior di latte cheese.
Robust mains include Aragosta, a seafood dish consisting of tender lobster, plump prawns, butter basted jumbo scallops, and smoky bacon sitting atop a bed of creamy, wine-sauced pasta. Agnello, a lamb shank slow roasted until juicy and fall off the bone tender, is draped over a mushroom and vegetable ragu piled with fluffy soft handmade gnocchi. For vegetarian diners, the Agnolotti is a satisfying option that doesn’ t sacrifice depth of flavour. Handmade spinach pasta enrobes a sweet mascarpone and spiced squash filling, that is basted with sage and brown butter sauce. A topping of herbed ricotta adds a light touch to the dish. ciao! reviews
Decisions don’ t get easier when the dessert menu arrives, so why not have two?
Tiramisu, the classic Italian after-dinner treat, here consists of rum and coffee soaked sponge cake layered between sweet mascarpone cheese and shaved chocolate, surrounded by lady fingers dipped into melted chocolate.
For those seeking decadence, try the velvety crème brûlée. One tap of a spoon is sure to bring a satisfying crack and a smile.
Bellissimo is open Mon-Wed 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 4:30 pm-10 pm; Thur 11:30 am to-10 pm; Fri 11:30 am-11 pm; and Sat 4:30 pm-11 pm.
EAST INDIA CO. Neighbourhood... Downtown Address....... 349 York Ave Phone....... 204-947-3097 Entrées...........$ 15- $ 18
These days, Indian food can be delivered to your home in plastic containers, or bland butter chicken can be picked up from the grocery store. While these simple solutions to your Indian food fix may cheat your five senses, there’ s a superior way to enjoy this spice-laden cuisine.
Since 1967, the Mehra family has delivered a rich sensory experience rivalled only by a trip to India. The adventure begins outside the downtown restaurant, East India Company, where diners are greeted by large statues of the Hindu god Ganesh and two elephants.
If it weren’ t for the scent of slowly-simmered curries and fresh buttered naan one might think they’ ve walked into an Indian art gallery. The eatery features impressive wood carvings and colourful paintings in a style that’ s centuries old. The beat of drums and the sound of sitar strings fills the spacious restaurant.
Longtime fans who’ ve tried it all are well served ordering beyond the buffet. The often-overlooked menu offers lots of exciting flavour combinations that open the palate.
Fragrant Bangalore spiced potatoes melt in the mouth, in contrast with the crunch of green peppers and onion. Cumin seeds leave a pleasant nutty aftertaste while dried chilli peppers add a lingering heat. Bright orange-yellow paneer pasanda pops on the table. Submerged in creamy sauce, are slices of housemade cheese that sandwich a thin layer of nuts, raisins and cardamom.
Kurkuri bhindi, a seasonal offering, is a unique blend of sweet okra and enough garam masala to give the dish a spicy kick.
Cool things down with creamy coconut malabar prawns. The large crustaceans, covered in deep golden sauce get a delightfully sweet kick of coconut. Nilgirli korma features fall-off-the-bone lamb covered in a velvety creamed spinach.
A satisfying mixture of rice, vegetables and spices, Punjabi-style chicken biryani arrives surrounded by a ring of salad. Pepper corns and garam masala deliver lively hits of spice, counteracted by bites of sweet carrots and refreshing cilantro.
End the meal with chai. The tea transports one to a tiny roadside chai shop in Delhi. Honking horns and the roar of traffic can almost be heard with each sip.
For dessert, halwa, a traditional treat made of lentils or carrots, packs a punch of cardamom flavour. It ' s served in a martini glass and topped with cashews and slivered almonds. Each sweet spoonful is a reminder that ditching the take out tubs for East India Company’ s elaborate feast for the senses is well worth it.
East India Company is open Mon-Fri 11 am-3 pm, 4:30 pm-10 pm, Sat 4:30 pm-10 pm, Sun 12 pm-3 pm, 4:30 pm-9 pm.
ciao! / oct / nov / two thousand eighteen 33