ciao! reviews
STEAK
& CRAB
On now until May 13
At the Sandman Hotel 1750 Sargent Avenue 204 788 2015
chop. ca
WALK-IN GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME line the Tasting Counter ready to be slurped.
With your palate prepped, nab a quick bite in the mezzanine level café where a seductive aroma of lunch wafts through the air. Energy radiates through the space; warm lighting, happy cooks and mirrored walls create a homey feel. No waiters, no mood lighting, or floral centerpieces, but a convivial spirit ripples throughout the room. A group of Italian men boost spirits of those around them with their story telling, joking and flirtatious gestures. Round tables seating about 8 encourage chatter as strangers tuck in close to get a spot.
The lunch menu features a daily changing line up of unevenly shaped pastas( 3 each day) from which to choose, with soup and cheesy pizzas. Colourful salads with crunchy greens shine with simple red wine vinegar and olive oil from the top shelf ingredients downstairs.
Sip on surroundings with a cappuccino and follow the redolent sweetness coming from the bakery to tiramisu and cannoli.
De Luca’ s old school cooking has remained in style, reminding us just how comforting authenticity can be.
De Luca’ s is open for lunch Mon – Thurs 11:30 am- 1:30 pm, Fri 11:30 – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm-8:00 pm and Sat 11:30 – 2:30 pm.
LUCKY SUPERMARKET Neighbourhood...... West End Address.... 1051 Winnipeg Ave Phone......... 204-272-8011 Entrées............. $ 6- $ 10
The awning-covered entranceway flanked by lion statues should prepare a first time visitor for something grand. Inside Lucky Supermarket, curious shoppers browse aisles overflowing with imported, hard to find gourmet items like Japanese snacks, South Asian sauces, and Indian spices.
Those in the know don ' t shop hungry, and Lucky’ s expansive hot food table is the ideal place to stop and sample. An eating area tucked into a sunlit corner by the store’ s front windows, with glossy dark wood tables and intricately embroidered, cushy chairs, is somewhere between food court and cafe.
A steaming dim sum station piled high with bamboo rounds serves dumplings and buns, while the Vietnamese báhn mì( sub) counter offers choice toppings. Hot entrees in a buffet style spread are heartily piled in to-go containers. Angel hair noodles flecked with shreds of carrot and green onion are the perfect vehicle for fatty beef and baby bok choy swimming in a rich peanut butter broth, or a vibrant mix of steamed vegetables tossed in a lightly sweet sauce. Chinese classic ginger beef is a must – the chewy, crispy coated steak smacks of fresh ginger, with a lingering buzz of heat.
Spring rolls and other snackables sate spontaneous urges. Fist-sized, spongy sesame balls release the toasty smell of browned sesame seeds on first bite, a nuttiness complemented by creamy red bean paste filling.
Behind glass, rows of hanging lacquered barbequed ducks and hunks of char sui( barbeque pork) are chopped to order with a few menacing swings of a meat cleaver. The juicy, honey-sweet meat is sold by the pound packaged for take out, and is worth a special trip when last minute weeknight dinner planning is in order.
Hunger pangs assuaged, take another turn through rows of exotic fruits, tanks swimming with seafood, and a packed kitchenware aisle. Vast selection, bustling atmosphere, and mouth-watering flavour makes this gem of a market a destination for adventurous cooks city-wide.
Lucky Supermarket is open Mon- Sat 9 am-9 pm, Sun 12 pm-6 pm.
36 ciao! / apr / may / two thousand fifteen