bestlist
Best Asian Flavour Invasions
Asia is the new geographical muse for chefs looking to add a
new umami dimension to their flavour repetoire. Fiery spice,
funky fermentation, and cooling herbs are it flavours, and
dishes like pho, kimchi, and steamed bao are appearing on
menus all over town. At Maque, chef Scott Bagshaw and his
team marry classical French techniques with Chinese, Japanese,
and Thai ingredients.
Lobster bisque imbued
with Thai red curry
is revelatory. Chef
Masa Sugita was
among the first
to introduce
the city to
the world
of sushi and
sashimi.
These days,
the piscine
pioneer is
serving everything
from traditional rolls
to carpaccio (pictured)
reimagined with delicate slices
of tuna, ponzu sauce, and crispy garlic chips at newly opened
Izakaya Edokko. Cozy neighbourhood bistro Cafe Carlo’s
Cal-Ital fusion includes pasta dishes spiked with the flavours
of China. In an inky garlic black bean sauce, Szechuan
linguine packs a spicy, funky punch. The elegant array of
small plates for sharing at The Blue Marble showcase global
influence befitting the restaurant’s airport setting. Pillowy bao
(steamed buns) are stuffed with salmon and zippy pickled red
onion. Chef Norm Pastorin draws on his own Filipino heritage
and classically French training to create globe-spanning dishes
at The Cornerstone. His rendition of pork belly—served in
adobo sauce with a wiggly, just-
Mano A Mano
691 Corydon Ave, 204-414-6305. This
sleek resto and lounge serves wood-
fi red pies built on Nonna’s fresh dough
meld with mod tastes. Fresh pasta,
stellar seafood starters. LP, SP, IA, M, V
Nicolino’s
4-2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269-5004.
Owner Nick Zifarelli oversees a menu
of rustic Italian classics that sparkles in
this South Winipeg hot spot. WA, LP,
SP, A, IA, M, V
JAPANESE
Blüfi sh
179 Bannatyne Ave, 204-779-9888. This
chic sushi spot balances sophistication
with a healthy dose of fun. Try playful
pan-seared cuttlefi sh with ginger-laced
teriyaki sauce. LP, A, IA, M, V
28
TASTE Winnipeg’s Culinary Guide 2017-2018
Ichiban
189 Carlton St, 204-925-7400. A
Winnipeg tradition for over 30 years,
teppanyaki-style fresh entrées are
cooked with panache by talented
chefs. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Izakaya Edokko
190 Smith St, 204-615-5556. Sleek
new space downtown offers modern
Japanese eats from chef Masa Sugita.
Small plates range from elevated street
eats like okonomiyaki to delicate sushi
rolls. WA, A, IA, M, V
Meiji
454 River Ave, 204-284-3996. Offers
unique house rolls like tropical and
fashion roll. The ambiance and location
make this sushi spot a memorable
one.