TABLE Neighbourhood . ... Downtown Address . ... 300 Memorial Blvd Phone ........ 204-948-0085 Entrées ............ $ 12- $ 16
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out to the Modernist design of the rooftop sculpture garden , creating one of the city ’ s most picture-perfect views , an idyllic backdrop for a Mediterranean meal . The minimal interior , set with black tables and chairs , lets the food do the talking .
Natural light illuminates this artsy eatery housed on the penthouse level of the Winnipeg Art Gallery ( sunny days may call for a pair of chic specs ). The ace seats are beside the wall of windows , which provide views of a unique northern vantage point on the city skyline . No need for fancy table settings here , feed your eyes with an impressive view of the reflecting pool and the Winnipeg Art Gallery ’ s collection of sculptures .
Art lovers and business casual diners alike head to this urban retreat amidst downtown hustle , where hushed chatter echoes in an open space .
The buzz on the current exhibit is just as important as the food . Inspired by Olympus : The Greco-Roman Collections of Berlin , the menu boasts Mediterranean flavours and ingredients . For starters , two crepes served over a heaping mountain of arugula offer a candied kick . Spicy chorizo and thinly sliced , tender and juicy duck breast offset crispy green apples smothered with sun dried cherry cream cheese . The cool , summer flavour of apple balances a fiery bite of chorizo .
Amid the options on the twopage menu are twists on flatbread and pasta . Flatbread sprinkled with chopped pieces of spinach , fig and ciao ! reviews
bacon hides underneath a gooey and bountiful goat cheese and mozza topping . Smokey , crisp edges balance a playful drizzle of balsamic vinegar , which adds a sweet-tart flavour punch to cheesy goodness . Sandwich connoisseurs can chow down on hearty pot roast with green pepper relish , arugula and Havarti cheese melting it all together . Keep napkins nearby , as beef escapes the overflowing panini roll with every bite . The Cuban , juicy slices of smoked pork loin smothered with honey tarragon mustard on a warm pita , imparts exotic , bittersweet flavour .
Pasta options satisfy grumbling stomachs with abundant portions . Surpassingly soft ravioli swim in a smoked cheddar cream sauce . Garden fresh carrots , asparagus and red pepper top smooth sweet potato filled bites so good you ’ d offer them to the gods . Rustic whole carrots maintain crunch while delivering nature ’ s sweetness to sharp and peppery cheddar .
Much like the gallery , the food is thoughtfully crafted and worthy of snapping a few shots before digging in . To make a noon hour getaway even more indulgent , sip on one of the suggested wine pairings listed beside entrees .
No gallery admission required . TABLE is open Tues to Fri 11 am-3 pm , Sat & Sun 11 am-2 pm , closed Mon .
CHAISE CAFÉ & LOUNGE Neighbourhood . .. St . Boniface Address . .. 271 Provencher Blvd Phone ........ 204-504-4012 Entrées ............ $ 15- $ 25
Past neatly lined hedges on a busy street , this friendly St . Boniface eatery has enough character and charm to fit right into a fairytale . Huddled in the cozy interior surrounded by diners tucking into made-with-love contemporary Italian cuisine , it ’ s easy to feel right at home .
Like the food , the surroundings are warm and comforting with glimmering candles and beautiful people conversing en français .
Located on Provencher Blvd , this old home turned resto has enough dining space to hold a dinner party for la famiglia . The place is helplessly cozy , capturing the frivolity of a welloiled family dinner , but in a way that never feels contrived .
The best seats in the house are coveted window side tables where a direct view of the garden adjacent to the patio peeks through white blinds . Wooden tables and chairs framed by hanging planters make for a pristine spot for al fresco dining .
The unflashy menu contains regional inspiration like pan roasted Manitoba pickerel fillet topped with smooth pesto . A mini mountain of potato salad accompanies carrots , kale and asparagus in a butter bath with lemony caper gremolata . Fragrant , piquant notes punctuate each bite .
Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are famous here , but starters like roasted butternut squash salad is a must try . A whisper of bacon rosemary vinaigrette floats over thinly sliced red cabbage and butternut squash like a sigh .
The grilled Caesar salad ' s popularity is belied by the sound of crunching . Grilled romaine lettuce topped with capers , buttered breadcrumbs and a generous drizzle of creamy Caesar dressing has diners all around smiling in satisfaction .
For grilled cheese lovers , Chaise gives new meaning to PB & J with pear , Brie and jambon between slices of crusty bread . The delightful combination of pear and salty prosciutto results in a palate-pleasing bite even for the most finicky gourmand . Drag your fork through ' bleutine ',
ciao ! / june / july / two thousand fifteen 31