Photography by Rosalie Berger
BLUESTONE COTTAGE Neighbourhood ... Charleswood Address ........ 3670 Roblin Blvd Phone ............. 204-944-8751 Entrées ...................... $ 9- $ 16
The opening of a new bakery cafe in a neighbourhood is always going to grab attention . In the case of Bluestone Cottage , accomplished chef Kelly Cattani has made waves by applying her farm-to-table cooking philosophy to daytime eating . At this charming Charleswood café , big flavour is drawn from fresh ingredients in every dish prepared .
A country-chic vibe welcomes diners to the space formerly occupied by a suburban pub . Paintings of Manitoba scenes , a chalkboard menu and merchandise for sale procured from a handful of homegrown makers whets appetites for chef Kelly ’ s local menu .
The restaurant delivers wow factors . For starters , it is the place to step past your standard drink order and try a colourful smoothie , beet or carrot latte , turmeric tonic or hibiscus lemonade . A full range of spicy chai and stylish brews satisfy caffeine devotees too .
The menu caters to breakfast-allday fans , while providing lots of exciting choice for those who prefer lunch-ables way before noon . Traditional egg and toast dishes add roasted veggies to the lineup of ham , bacon or sausage options . A housesmoked salmon variation wakes up the taste buds with a medley of arugula , red onion and capers . A biscuitbased benny topped with luscious house-made hollandaise adds lovely texture to a standard .
Kickstart the day with nutrientdense shakshuka . This hearty Middle Eastern pan dish of baked eggs offers savoury bites of garlic-laced tomato ciao ! reviews
sauce , chickpeas , kale and feta . Or choose sourdough pancakes topped with sour cherries , yogurt and maple syrup for a playful re-imagining of sweet and sour .
Latkes are made of sweet potatoes and presented as an homage to a restaurant where chef Kelly formerly cooked : the “ fresh cafe ” tops the latkes with kale , poached eggs and that luscious aforementioned tomato sauce . It ’ s as delicious as we remember .
The brunch-lunch bunch are equally rewarded . Burgers and sandwiches are delicious — and messy . Brioche buns and sourdough focaccia are piled with meats , garden greens and veggies . The turkey burger , layered with bacon , avocado , baby lettuce and tomato requires a quick dab of a napkin or two to catch the juices running down the chin . Also order the rotisserie chicken sandwich , piled high with chicken roasted over a fire grill .
The best part of a bakery cafe is there ’ s no excuse to leave without a sweet . All are , of course , house made . Cookies , pastries and muffins are worthy , but the brownie takes the cake .
CAPITAL GRILL AND BAR Neighbourhood ...... Downtown Address ............ 275 Broadway Phone ............. 204-416-1144 Entrées .................... $ 11- $ 36
At Capital Grill and Bar on Broadway , simple , unobtrusive design sets the scene for a wide-ranging menu of Canadiana staples . Burgers , pizza and pasta are delivered with fresh flair , using regional ingredients to elevate crowd-pleasing options across the board .
A wide-open , modern dining space with sightlines into the kitchen ushers in the downtown crowd . Dark wooden planks and a high , exposed ceiling bring sophistication , while tile and wood-covered walls accent the industrial ambiance . Quirky décor , like crocheted animal busts peering from corners and black-andwhite photos showcasing historic downtown Winnipeg , add homey touches to the eatery ’ s elegant minimalism .
The menu similarly draws on creative , local components to enrich its familiar fare . Manitoba pickerel appears both beer battered on an open face , hearty sandwich and as a succulent entrée . The mild flavours of flaky fillets and pillowy ricotta gnocchi are underscored by sweetand-salty grilled corn and smoky bacon , all swathed in a light lemon thyme butter sauce . Generous layers of roasted peppers and caramelized onions on the saucy Italian sausage pizza hide under oozing mozzarella and zesty strips of meat from Springstein , Manitoba ’ s Zinn Farms .
Vegetables are put to good use in this kitchen , expanding assumptions of what a bar and grill can produce . Each individual element of the niçoise salad shines . A perfectly calibrated mix of leafy greens , olives , tomatoes , French beans and boiled egg is the backdrop to the dish ’ s star : lightly seared , tender tuna . Brown rice , quinoa , mushrooms and red peppers compose the substantial , savoury veggie burger patty , its moist , crumbly texture and umami flavour cut by fine slices of red onion and fresh lettuce . A hint of spice plays up the carrot and apple soup ’ s sweet earthiness while a sprinkling of dill imports bright notes . For dessert , lightly caramelized lemon curd in a buttery shortbread crust makes for a refreshing finale .
Chef Wayne Martin infuses popular bar classics with lavish ingredients and contemporary presentation . A welcoming downtown hub , Capital Grill and Bar provides a sleek space to indulge in upscale comfort .
ciao ! / oct / nov / two thousand twenty-one 33