Oct/Nov 2015 Feb/Mar 2014 | Page 32

WASABI ON BROADWAY Neighbourhood. West Broadway
Address. 588 Broadway Avenue Phone........ 204-779-8183 Entrées.............$ 12-35
The first face that greets you upon entering the heritage home of Wasabi on Broadway, is that of master Cho Venevongsa, or one of his disciples, working fastidiously behind the sushi bar. This firsthand friendly sets up every visit and has undoubtedly contributed to Wasabi ' s wild success.
Competition is stiff for Japanese restaurants in the city, with new opens vying for the attention of your chopsticks. Each Wasabi location delivers in a different setting. The original location, on Broadway, has hit on a clever cache of serving new-style sashimi in a historic setting. Though sizeable, the two-level
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dining room feels intimate. The first floor features a wood-burning fireplace and segmented alcove for intimate tête-à-têtes, with cool modern accents and textured walls. Upstairs, find traditional tataki seating away from the din below.
For the last 14 years, Venevongsa has been wowing locals and visiting VIP ' s with his artful presentations and array of the most exotic seafood in the city. For years, whispers of Hollywood heavyweights have followed this celebrity hot-spot, which is no small feat in a city of this size. Even now, returning patrons go in hopes of rubbing elbows with the best and brightest.
The menu at all three locations features signature dishes, like mounds of prawn and mango slathered in a tangy chili cream sauce, served over greens and delicately carved ribbons of carrots in a wonton bowl. It evokes a Pavlovian
response.
Japanese food emerged as a result of a waterborne lifestyle, is essential to its excellence. Despite geography, Wasabi ingredients are stellar. Fresh fish is flown in regularly, making raw options, including silky tuna carpaccio, stunning ceviche or shiso yuzu butterfish, stand outs. Superior products are best showcased with bursting flavour profiles, which Wasabi understands. Many touch upon the delicate balance of both sweet and heat, like the chili lime sauce on the Mahalo Roll, or the citrus yuzu served with a mound of oysters over crushed ice.
With its longevity, Wasabi has proven it is more than a flash in the pan. Instead, it thrives in an industry that demands no less than best, and delivers authentic Asian buzz.
Wasabi on Broadway is open Mon- Fri 11:30-2; dinner Mon, Wed, Thurs 4-10; Tues, Fri, Sat 4-11; Sun 4-9:30
OLD CLASSICS WITH A NEW TWIST
Smoked Salmon Wrap
& Latke Cafecito
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South Glenn Mall Unit M- 730 St. Anne’ s Rd.( 204) 257-7108 www. lafi estacafecito. com
Mariachi Singer Wednesday & Saturday
Deli: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Restaurant: Mon-Fri 8am-7:30pm Sat 8am-2:30pm, Sun 9am-2:30pm
Winnipeg’ s Favourite Deli for more than 29 years!
Corydon Village Mall 1700 Corydon Ave. 204-488-4552 bernsteinsdeli. com
30 ciao! / feb / mar / two thousand fourteen