Taste 2017-2018 Digital_Taste 2017-2018 | Page 38

bestlist Regional Rockstars To pull off truly impeccable regional cuisine, two elements must be at play—a commitment to local ingredients and the creativity to transform these specialties into culinary masterpieces. Passion for patties makes Nuburger the burger shack of our dreams. Unique creations make use of regional flavours like bison burgers topped with blueberry barbeque sauce. Everything from bread to beer is made in house at Peg Beer Co Smoked corned beef is served with a mound of roasted prairie veggies and sandwich fixings for family style sharing (pictured). Bouchee Boucher takes nose-to-tail cooking to the next level with an attached butcher counter. Housemade sausage is kicked up with chickpea curry and ricotta gnudi. Fusion Grill has been a pioneer of local eating in Winnipeg for 20 years. Expect delightful twists of global mash-ups like samosas stuffed with Manitoba wild rice and beluga lentils. Just outside the city, Pineridge Hollow procures veggies from a garden mere steps away. Beets transformed into crispy chips are complemented by creamy and tangy goat cheese dip. Massawa [Ethiopian] 200-121 Osborne St, 204-284-3194. Platters of Ethiopian and Eritrean food are worth the often lengthy wait in this charming Osborne Village eatery. LP, IA, V Noodle Express [Chinese] 107-180 King St, 204-943-9760. Hidden gem serves delectable made-to-order dim sum and dumpling options as well as exotic fare. WA, LP, IA, M, V La Pampa [Argentinean] 10-1604 St Mary’s Road, 204-615-8969. Authentic empanadas in traditional and creative fl avours are prepared on site for take out. WA, IA, M, V Pho Hoang [Vietnamese] 794 Sargent Ave, 204-415-6893. The pho at this chic spot ranks among the city’s best. Rich broth gains its deep fl avour from a 24-hour simmering process. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Pho Kim Tuong [Vietnamese] 856 Ellice Ave, 204-661-8888. Sleek neighbourhood spot offers an exhaustive menu of Vietnamese and Chinese specialties. WA, IA, M, V Pho-Yo [Vietnamese] 513-B St. Mary’s Rd, 204-615-0234. This cozy noodle house serves Vietnamese specialities. Try meaty bowls of pho or a warm vermicelli bowl. WA, LP, IA, M, V Shawarma Time [Lebanese] 616 Ellice Ave, 204-774-2109. Bright room offers three options of shawarma along with other Middle Eastern specialties. WA, IA, M, V 36 TASTE Winnipeg’s Culinary Guide 2017-2018 Smoke’s Poutinerie [French Canadian] 131 Albert St, 204-253-2873; 855 Regent Ave, Unit 400, 204-255-2873. Mounds of fries, rich homemade gravy and cheese curds are just the base. IA, M, V Thanh Huong [Vietnamese] 534 Sargent Ave, 204-774-8888. French-accented North Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. The satay beef noodle soup is satisfying. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Thida’s [Thai] 78 Donald St, 204-942-2639. Quiet, no-frills location tucked under Chateau 100 that consistently delivers. Green apple salad is a refreshing starter. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V, A Vi-Ann [Vietnamese] 1020 Notre Dame, 204-5050-8833. Large portions and lots of variety draw crowds here, but fragrant broth makes pho the main attraction in this fun, casual restaurant. WA, LP, IA, M, V WORTH THE DRIVE Since all the following restaurants are outside of the city, it is suggested that you call ahead for hours and reservations. Beach Boy Restaurant 70 1st Ave, Gimli, 204-642-7560 In the centre of the main hub, fi nd local favourite serving fresh lake fi sh and casual Greek specialties. Order at the counter and enjoy the bustle of the beach crowd while you wait. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V Chinos 824 Main St, Steinbach, 204-326-9053. Set inside a greenhouse, this charming spot serves wood-fi