LA ROCA
Neighbourhood ........ Downtown
Address .................. 155 Smith St
Phone .................. 204-615-9605
Entrées ........................... $16-$32
The impact of atmosphere on the
dining experience cannot be overstated,
and La Roca’s investment in
ambiance–from framed calaveras
and lucha libre-inspired imagery
adorning the walls to a vibrancy
provided by an upbeat and predominantly
Spanish-language
soundtrack–establishes it as a
must-visit for those seeking superb
Mexican cuisine and the environment
to go along with it.
One of the city’s most spacious
patios offers ample area to enjoy
that aura. A two-level setup affords
the option of main-floor or rooftop
dining and both come complete with
two certainties: a cheerful, sociable
vibe and cityscape view that’s a
welcome reminder that this slice of
Mexico City is situated in the heart
of our prairie community.
Along with an air of authenticity,
there’s a hearty injection of flavourful
fun. The chicharrones are given a
burst of colour by way of salsa verde
and diced green onions, and these
deep-fried pork bites, an excellent
alternative to tried-and-true chicken
wings, get zip from a house-made
tomato sauce. Combine with yucca
frittas, which boast an exterior so
impeccably crispy and interior more
pillowy than any plain-Jane French
fry, and elevate it one step further
with a revelatory creamy habanero
cucumber sauce.
It’s impossible to miss with any
colourful taco trio, be it traditional
carnitas, chipotle chicken or steak
and chorizo. Grilled fish tacos are
among the lightest of the bunch
and brightened by red cabbage
ciao! reviews
and avocado. Mexican street corn,
known otherwise as esquite, is surprisingly
sweet and creamy. Panela, a
mild Mexican fresh cheese, tempers
piquant chili pepper seasoning.
The unmistakable hiss and ohso-inviting
aroma emanating from
a direct-to-table delivery of fajitas
elicits a Pavlovian response. Thin
slices of grilled chicken breast rest
on a bed of peppers and onions sizzling
on a cast-iron skillet. Served
with a deep and smoky house-made
salsa and subtly spicy Mexican rice,
there’s a singular joy that comes from
assembling the perfect bite.
Counteract any spice with a stack
of sugary churros. Ten pieces of the
traditional Mexican street treat are
piled high and awaiting a deep dive
into caramel and dark chocolate dips.
The cinnamon-touched sweetness is
an impeccable counterbalance to the
parade of caliente cuisine.
La Roca is open Tue and Wed,
4 pm to late, Thu 11:30 pm to late, Fri
11:30 am to 2 am, Sat 4 pm to 2 am.
529 WELLINGTON STEAKHOUSE
Neighbourhood ... Crescentwood
Address .... 529 Wellington Cres
Phone .................. 204-487-8325
Entrées ........................... $16-$78
Behind a Wellington Crescent mansion
dripping with style and luxury, a
short stroll down an outdoor corridor
festooned with hanging plants leads
to a riverside terrace. To those in the
know, this elegant location is simply
referred to as “529,” the handsome
residence-turned-restaurant that has
for 20 years wooed much of Winnipeg
to its extraordinary setting with warm
service and precision cooking.
Inside, separate dining rooms are
uniquely decorated. Walls framed
with dark wood reflect this manor’s
century-old décor and welcome
Winnipeg’s most fortunate.
Beef is king here. Well-marbled,
properly aged, thick cuts are served
at this celebrated steakhouse. Topnotch
ingredients, with prices to
match, continue to show this town’s
willingness to spend for a premium
product. Ribeyes, tenderloins or veal
chops are cooked to exacting specifications,
and judging by the crowd,
a growing segment of diners want
grade Triple A or nothing.
However, ordering a variety of
smaller plates, tapas style, is a great
way to taste the absolute best versions
of everything you love while in a lush
setting on a hot summer afternoon
or evening. The menu offers much
choice and succeeds with magnificent
appetizers, salads and sides
befitting an entire meal. Lunchtime
is notably more buttoned down, as
options like meatloaf, old-fashioned
hot sandwiches and prime beef burgers—ground
to order—are standouts.
Village Bay oysters from P.E.I.
paired with a cold glass of white wine
whet the appetite. Another palateprimer,
chicken liver pâté is silky
smooth and mellow. A scoop of liver
is topped with crispy onion flakes and
accompanied by white bread toast
points, tomatoes, paper-thin slices of
red onion and sour baby cornichons
to cut through the pâté’s richness.
Prime rib mini Yorkies are the classic
steakhouse equivalent to pub-style
sliders. Four mini Yorkshire puddings
are filled with shaved, well-done beef
and topped with unctuous gravy.
The range of salads is impressive.
Beyond a traditional Caesar and
divine spinach salad accented with
sherry vinaigrette, an arugula quinoa
salad is a contemporary blend offering
diverse flavours. Delicate slices
of earthy beets, creamy-tangy goat
cheese, sharp red onion and roasted
hazelnuts pop under a piquant
Dijon vinaigrette.
Desserts are tried and true,
designed to make a lasting impression.
ciao! / summer / two thousand twenty 29