Kitchens2020 DIGITAL_FULLMAG | Page 80

Café Diplomatico 594 College St. Toronto, ON www.cafediplomatico.ca Café Diplomatico has been run by the Mastrangelo Family for over 51 years. It is a well known Toronto landmark in the heart of Little Italy. They are most known for their sprawling sunny patio, great Italian food, soccer events and street parties. Open seven days a week, early morning and late night. Café Dip has something for everyone. Patrons include many tourists, soccer fans, locals and beloved regulars. They deliver an unpretentious, family environment. Their fun loving staff is always a big draw, delivering fast and friendly service. Noted as being Little Italy’s first licensed patio, what started as an innovation in the neighborhood has set the standard in food service. “The Dip,” as it is affectionately referred to by its many regulars, has become a staple destination in Little Italy. They continue to serve daily breakfast specials, lunches, dinners, late night menu, catering, and delivery. Their expansive menu is based on a “Create Your Own” concept. The Dip Pizzas, pastas and panini are a neighborhood favorite. All dishes can be customized by simply choosing your favorite ingredients. Italian classics, rigatoni bolognese, chicken parmigiana, pasta fagioli and more can be enjoyed throughout the day. The Oakwood 4-660 Osborne Street Winnipeg, MB www.oakwoodcafe.ca The Oakwood is a local staple that is tucked away in a strip mall on Osborne Street in the Riverview/Lord Roberts neighborhood. Since taking over in 2016, Wendy along with an amazing staff wanted to change things up by going back to the basics. The Oakwood offers guests a menu that is freshly made and is like going to a friend’s house for dinner. They are well known for borscht, burgers, Chorizo Chicken Waffles and many varieties of poutines such as the Vladimir Poutine which uses locally made perogies from Mom’s Perogy Factory and kubasa from Karpaty Meats in Winnipeg’s North End. The menu touches on some British favorites and introducing Winnipeggers to fried bread with the Big British Breakfast has been a real joy. With a menu that is available all day, it doesn’t matter whether you love burgers for breakfast or waffles for dinner. They have something for everyone and the staff is well versed in accommodating guests with dietary restrictions. Coming this spring, The Oakwood will begin offering a seasonal menu that will change two or three times a year with a focus on using ingredients that are in season rather than having salads in winter when the quality of produce can be poor. It travels further to get to us, which increases the carbon footprint. A seasonal menu offers more options for creativity and exciting introductions as well.