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