ciao! reviews
We
’ re Expanding!
Looking forward to serving you in South Winnipeg later this year!
Thank you, Winnipeg, for enthusiastically welcoming us into your hearts, recipes and homes! We’ ll keep you posted on our progress at our second location.
2-929 Corydon Ave.
204-505-1455 frescolio. ca
Open Tuesday through Sunday
SHAWARMA KHAN Neighbourhood Exchange District Address.... 225 McDermot Ave Phone........ 204-504-0453 Entrées........... $ 11- $ 15
Former Blue Bomber Obby Khan opened Shawarma Khan in 2013 to express his passion for scratchmade healthy fare. Overstuffed wraps and a casual atmosphere keep this sunlit room, accented with blue and orange wall decor, a standout amongst most falafel spots. You might call this Middle Eastern soul food; playing on the region ' s European, Asian and African influences, piquant tastes create lively and flavourful combinations.
This corner hub in the heart of the Exchange sets the scene with pulsequickening music and an inviting atmosphere. The simple carryout spot has a handful of tables and bar-style window seats perfect for chowing down and people watching.
Digital menu boards list a selection of meat and falafel wraps, including signature‘ wrath of Khan,’ amongst vegetarian and gluten-free options. Side salads come with each shawarma plate, like the Stegall salad. Named after ex Winnipeg Blue Bomber Milt, it is an herby mix of beets, crisp apple and shaved chicken straight off the spit, aromatic of lemon. Tabbouleh, a Middle Eastern classic and vegetarian dish is the perfect accompaniment to shawarma, a dominant kick of parsley leading the way for nutty bulgur wheat.
Crisp garlic pita chips beg to be slathered in exceptionally creamy hummus. Made in house, even this simple snack scores a touchdown.
Shawarma Khan is open Mon- Thu 10 am – 8 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am – 9 pm, closed Sun & Mon.
WAKOYA Neighbourhood.... Osborne Village Address.. 1-167 Osborne Street Phone........ 204-783-7777 Entrées............ $ 7- $ 15
Wakoya is not short on restaurant competition in Osborne Village, but it holds its own. A prime location and vast menu make this a top pick for Japanese cuisine, along with a number of Seoul-food options thrown in by the Korean born chef.
The menu is simple, but the combinations of flavours are anything but. A single page of Korean fare features classics like bulgogi,(‘ fire meat’, referring to the open flame cooking method by which it’ s prepared) a tender beef and vegetable medley served with rice. In a cuisine where gochujang is as common as salt and pepper, stomach-scalding eats are the norm.
Heartwarming sundubu jjigae combines custardy tofu with pork, egg and vegetables. The comforting stew feels like a hug, with enough peppery kick to keep you from melting away. Amp up the burn with buldak, pan-fried chicken smothered in a chilli-loaded sauce. Soft rice cakes, commonly sold from Korean food stands on street corners, cool the collar with unadorned flavour.
There is no shortage of options, especially for sushi lovers. The Mark’ s roll – tempura yam, smoked salmon and cucumber dotted with a mesquite house sauce – reenergizes familiar tastes with pristine presentation.
Though new to the neighbourhood, the year-old Wakoya proves a minimalist conceit: that out of simplicity can come a delicious, memorable meal.
Wakoya is open Mon- Thu 11:30 am – 10 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 11 pm.
26 ciao! / aug / sep / two thousand fifteen