and a selection of spices are available , including garam masala , the mother blend , a mix of cumin , cloves and cardamon that ignites meat and seafood . Pick some up in the restaurant , on eastindiaco . com or at one of four Red River Co-op locations in Winnipeg . 349 York Ave , 204‐947‐3097 — KC
I local love
The Manitoba Food Producers Association presented fusion grill with the 2015 TASTE Award for Local Favourite Restaurant . Consumers weighed in on their favourite fresh and local cuisine , proving that the city ' s original Manitoba made menu continues to stay at the forefront of the food scene .— KC
retail news
I goodbye , dear friend
Small business owners create interesting shops , offer community diversity and give our city soul . So when retailer Donna Lagopoulos announced Winnipeg ’ s most beloved gift
store would close on July 1st , it sent shock and sadness throughout the city . We know , intellectually anyway , that times change , marketing is a moving target , and people are entitled to retire and live happy ( free ) lives . Nonetheless , ciao ! news
our hearts break a little as we mourn this imminent loss . With a stiff upper lip we smile and extend a big thank you to Donna and the Desart team for 47 years of fabulous gifts and friendship !
culinary calendar
I food trip
• Starts Jun 1 Four different culinary adventures are offered in this year ’ s line up of Exchange District Food Tours . Hear stories that shaped Winnipeg ’ s heritage neighbourhood while taking in the dishes of the district . Tours include : Little South America , Devour the District , Guilty Pleasures , Ales and Tales . For full schedule , visit exchangedistrict . org , 204‐942‐6716
• Starts Jun 7 Eat your fill all summer on a Downtown Tour . Last year ' s favourites , like the Moveable Feast bike tour and Patio Crawl , return , with new culinary additions such as the Breakfast Club and wine or beer tasting tours primed to show off the best of downtown . See full tour schedule at downtownwinnipegbiz . com , 204‐958‐4630
• Starts Jul 1 Explore local flavours during Ciao ! Eat Winnipeg , a month-long culinary event designed to whet appetites for fine summer dining . Participating restaurants offer three-course , prix fixe marvelous meals for $ 38 that showcase the creativity of the city ' s top chefs . See pages 14-15 or visit ciaowinnipeg . com for complete menus . editor ' s pick
I best fast food
Summer is prime time for casual , quick eats . These grub stops offer versions that excel in creativity and freshness . Former Blue Bomber Obby Khan serves up Middle Eastern flavour at Shawarma Khan . Try the wrath of Khan ( pictured ), stuffed with a massive helping of beef / lamb , chicken , falafel , and all the fixings . 225 McDermot Ave , 204‐504‐0453
The hustle and bustle of Falafel Place is more than 25 years old , and shows no sign of losing steam . Breakfasts draw line ups of diners eager for cumin- and coriander-redolent falafel on plates packed with hummus , tahini , and hash browns . 1101 Corydon Ave , 204‐489‐5811
Keep your eye from wandering to the dessert case and peruse the savoury menu at Baked Expectations . The clubhouse has shaved chicken breast , cheddar cheese and bacon stacked higher than their cakes . 161 Osborne St , 204‐452‐5176
Savoury and sweet crepes at colourful Kawaii Crepe are perfect for a sit-down or graband-go snack , served as a handheld cone . Try the ninja crepe , filled with housemade peanut sauce and chicken . 201-99 Osborne St , 204‐415‐2833 ; 1220 St Mary ’ s Rd , 204‐691‐3700
With gluten-free options and menu items like the ‘ Saigon burrito ’, Saigon Jon ’ s offers a trendy , contemporary version of Vietnamese street food . Punch up báhn mì with smoky charbroiled pork , roasted shallot aioli and cilantro grown on site . 2595 Pembina Hwy , 204‐275‐2150
ciao ! / june / july / two thousand fifteen 7