Where March/April 2017 Volume 27, Number 6 | Page 30

DINING
CHICAGO JOE’ S Located in the Victoria Inn. The huge menu includes all the comfort food favourites— the Big Cheese burger and Monte Cristo sandwich— along with pasta, chicken, seafood and steak options. Mon‐Thu 6:30 am‐10 pm, Fri 6:30 am-11 pm, Sat & Sun 7 am‐11 pm. Entrées: $ 13- $ 27. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave, 204-786‐4801, Map 2: C-3
ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE A Winnipeg tradition famous for its signature giant apple pancake. The full menu includes crêpes, waffles and French toast as well as burgers, roast beef, soups and salads. Call for hours. Entrées: $ 7- $ 13. WA, LP( except Pembina), SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. The Forks Market, 204-947‐5077, Map 1: Q-5; 1049 Pembina Hwy, 204-452‐1040, Map 2: E-4; 2220 McGillivray Blvd, 204‐489-2885, Map 2: G-3. Clarion Hotel, 1445 Portage Ave, 204-775‐9035, Map 2: D-3
PARK CAFÉ Situated in the Qualico Family Centre, this window wrapped dining room enjoys a great view of the Assiniboine Park duck pond. Executive Chef Heiko Duehrsen’ s breakfast and lunch menu has appeal for all ages, with comforting casual dishes that nod to regional ingredients, from buttermilk pancakes to farmer’ s sausage poutine. Open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Entrées: $ 6- $ 14. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. Qualico Family Centre in Assiniboine Park, 330 Assiniboine Park Dr, 204-927-6001, Map 1: D-2
PONY CORRAL A Greek-centric menu augmented with steak house favourites. Souvlakis and shrimp are crowd pleasers along with steak dinners that come with all the sides and fixings. Call for hours. Entrées: $ 16- $ 25. 1700 Pembina Hwy, 204‐275‐3687, Map 2: F-3; 400 Wilton St, 204‐475‐4464, Map 1: E-3; 1050 Nairn Ave, 204‐668‐4414, Map 2: C-4; 444 St Mary Ave, 204‐942-4414, Sat & Sun hours 4 pm-2 am at this location, Map 2: 0-3
FAST CASUAL
BURRITO DEL RIO / BURRITO DEL RIO DOS These casual Tex-Mex eateries offer made-to-order favourites including fajitas, generous burritos and quesadillas. Try tasty garnishes like lime sour cream and chile-roasted corn for southern flavour. Mon-Wed 11 am-10 pm, Thu-Sat 11 am-11 pm, Sun noon-10 pm. Entrées: $ 8- $ 11. WA, LP, SP. Cards: A, IA, M, V. 433 River Ave, 204-415-5600, Map 1: R-3; 775 Corydon Ave, 204-414-2440, Map 1: T-2
CHOSABI Excellent Asian eats, like sushi burritos and rice bowls, in two stylish locations. Grab a seat under the mural by local artist Pat Lazo. Packaged nigiri, salads, and smoothies are fresh, light options. Mon-Sat 10:30 am-8 pm, Sun 12 pm-5 pm. Entrées: $ 8- $ 14. WA, LP. Cards: IA, MC, V. A‐100 King St, 204‐615‐8338, Map 1: O-4; 2696 Pembina Hwy, 204‐615‐8313, Map 2: F-4
THE FORKS MARKET FOOD VENDORS The stylish hub of Winnipeg’ s meeting place offers casual dining options and a local beer and wine bar. List of vendors and contact information at theforks. com. The Forks Market, 1 Forks Market Rd, Map 1: Q-5
GREEN CARROT JUICE CO. Refresh and energize at with health conscious sips and eats. Cold pressed juices are the stars of the menu, which also features fully loaded smoothies, acai berry bowls, and light salads and sandwiches. Call for hours. Entrées: $ 5- $ 12. Cards: IA, MC, V. 132 Osborne St, 204‐691‐0771, Map 1: R-3; James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, 2000 Wellington Ave, greencarrotjuice. com, Map 2: D-2
KAWAII CREPE Winnipeg’ s first Japanese crêpe joint attracts young and old with its freshly prepared sweet and savoury crêpes and modern atmosphere. Cleverly named combinations like“ Chickplease” and a brightly coloured dining room live up to the restaurant’ s name, which means“ cute” in Japanese. Mon noon-12 am, Tue-Thu & Sun 10 am-12 am, Fri & Sat 10 am-1 am. Entrées: $ 3- $ 8. Cards: IA, V, MC. 201-99 Osborne St, 204-415‐2833, Map 1: S-3; 1220 St. Mary’ s Rd, Unit D, 204‐691‐3700, Map 2: F-4
KING + BANNATYNE Things between bread are the draw at this hip sandwich spot inside an Exchange District heritage space. Juicy, tender brisket, accented simply with a swipe of mustard on rye, is a highlight, as are changing weekly specials with wild flavours and creative ingredients. Mon-Sat 11 am-9 pm. Entrées: $ 8- $ 12. WA. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 4-100 King St, 204‐691‐9757, Map 1: O-4
SHAWARMA KHAN Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Obby Khan serves up his favourite food in this bright, modern space. Tackle his signature dish, the Wrath of Khan: halal beef / lamb, chicken, and falafel all rolled into a generously stuffed pita. Mon-Sat 11 am-8 pm. Entrées: $ 7- $ 12. WA. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 225 McDermot Ave, 204‐504‐0453, Map 1: O-4; 2589 Pembina Hwy, 204‐615‐6006, Map 2 F-4
ZA PIZZA BISTRO Customized pies are fired to order with an unlimited choice of toppings and served in an ultra-mod space. Load up housemade dough with fresh veggies, premium meats, and scratch-made sauces, or try a sweet dessert pizza. Sun-Thu 11 am-11 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-12 pm. 11” pizza: $ 9.95, add $ 2 for gluten free. WA, LP. Cards: IA, MC, V. E-1220 St Mary’ s Rd, 204‐615‐0808, Map 2: F-4
FRENCH
BEAUJENA’ S FRENCH TABLE Husband and wife duo Beaujena and Randy Reynolds operate this chef’ s table style restaurant, cooking up a new 7 course meal every week. A blend of French and Mediterranean influences are paired with wines from around the world. Open Fri & Sat 5 pm-midnight. Entrées: $ 55( 7 course prix fixe), wine pairings $ 30. WA, LP. Cards: IA, MC, V. 302 Hamel Ave, 204‐233‐4841, Map 1: P-7
BLIND TIGER KITCHEN + BAR Styled after a 1920s speakeasy, the space is a coffee house by day, swinging dining room by night. Classic French dishes are served surrounded by antique chic decor. Mon-Thu 11:30 am- 12 am, Fri 11:30 am-1 am, Sat 5 pm-1 am, Sun 5 pm-12 am. Entrées: $ 19- $ 29. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 725 Osborne St, 204‐691‐9939, Map 2: E-4
CAFÉ CE SOIR Enjoy favourites like ratatouille and beef bourguignon, and save room for dessert: Chef / owner Cam Tran is a French-trained pastry chef, and his sweets, like Death by Chocolate— layers of chocolate crème brûlée, flourless chocolate cake, and chocolate mousse— are too good to share. Wed 5 pm-11 pm, Thu & Fri 11 am-11 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm, 5 pm-11 pm, Sun 10 am-2 pm. Entrées: $ 14- $ 23. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 937 Portage Ave, 204-414-SOIR( 7547), Map 2: D-3
IN FERNO’ S BISTRO & INFERNO’ S ON ACADEMY Chef / owner Fern Kirouac’ s French-Canadianmeets-Mediterranean fare is a hit. Moules et frites, and artistic salads are featured, but it’ s the extensive list of daily specials that really lets the kitchen spread its wings. Second menu at new Academy Rd location includes new favourites like duck confit spring rolls and comforting Croque-Madame made with Trappist cheese. Live music some nights at both restaurants. Call for hours. Entrées: $ 15- $ 22. LP, SP, WA. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 312 Des Meurons St, 204-262‐7400, Map 1: R-7; 414 Academy Rd, 204-475-7400, Map 2: D-3
PEASANT COOKERY Old-world atmosphere within a charming heritage building space. Chef Tristan Foucault offers updated French classics and innovative dishes, including his signature house-cured charcuterie. Wednesday night buck-a-shuck oysters are popular. Mon-Thu 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri 11:30 am-12 am, Sat 5 pm-12 am, Sun 5 pm-9 pm. Entrées: $ 18‐ $ 28. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 283 Bannatyne Ave, 204-989‐7700, Map 1: N-4
PROMENADE CAFÉ AND WINE Just over the Esplanade Riel from The Forks, this neighbourhood bistro has one of the best views of the city. Classic European fare in an understated atmosphere at a phenomenal price. Popular place for divine breakfasts. French classics are executed with precision— bison tourtière is a must-try. Sun & Mon 8 am-2 pm, Tue-Sat 8 am-10 pm. Entrées: $ 16- $ 26. WA, LP, SP. Cards: IA, MC, V. 130 Provencher Blvd, 204‐233‐7030, Map 1: P-6
RESTO GARE & TRAIN BAR Classic French bistro fare in an industrial chic setting. A century-old train station and historic railcar have been converted into contemporary dining spaces. House specialties include delicate seafood crepes with Chardonnay velouté and Gruyère. Mon-Fri from 11 am, Sat & Sun from 5 pm. Entrées: $ 14‐ $ 60. WA, LP, SP. Cards: IA, M, V. 630 Des Meurons St, 204‐237‐7072, Map 1: P‐6
SOUS SOL Hidden in a basement space at Confusion Corner, this speakeasy-inspired eatery is worth the hunt. Chef Michael Robins’ ever-changing menu of traditional French cuisine is masterfully prepared, including a rich potatoes dauphinoise which diners demand stay on the menu. Thu-Sat 5 pm-2 am. Entrées: $ 20- $ 30. LP. Cards: IA, MC, V. 22-222 Osborne St, Map 1: S-3
GEORGIAN
SAPERAVI The first Georgian restaurant on the prairies is a sleek second floor space overlooking the Corydon Ave strip. Yellow walls and hanging pendant lighting create a homey atmosphere. Specialties include khinkali, a Georgian dumpling filled with a spiced blend of minced beef and pork. Tue-Sat 4:30 pm-11:00 pm, Sun 4:30 pm-9:30 pm. Entrées: $ 10- $ 22. LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 709 Corydon Ave, 204‐416‐3996, Map 1: T-2
GREEK
GUS & TONY’ S AT THE PARK This casual eatery offers Greek favourites and short order classics. The extensive menu features brawny burgers, saucy gyros, perfectly seasoned souvlaki, and fries smothered in house-made chili and feta. The sauce-slathered ribs are excellent. Mon-Fri 10:30 am-9 pm, Sat & Sun 9 am-9 pm.
Entrées: $ 8- $ 18. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V, 2015 Portage Ave, 204‐414‐5508, Map 2: D-2
HOMER’ S Grecian pillars transport you to ancient Athens at this popular spot. This is the place for lamb lovers, with a menu of Mediterranean and Greek specialties. Mon-Sat 11:45 am-9:30 pm( last seating at 8:45 pm). Entrées: $ 15- $ 30. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 520 Ellice Ave, 204‐788‐4858, Map 1: O-3
NIKO’ S Greek and American classics converge at this casual Corydon Avenue eatery. The large menu boasts souvlaki platters, hefty moussaka, gyros, burgers and salads. Puffy, lightly salted pita bread satisfies. Tue & Wed 11 am-8 pm, Thu-Sun 11 am-10 pm. Entrées: $ 5- $ 19. WA, LP, SP. Cards: IA, MC, V, AE. 740 Corydon Ave, 204‐478‐1144, Map 1: T-3
PEMBINA VILLAGE RESTAURANT Mediterranean and North American cuisine mixed together, with gyros and souvlaki joined by New York steak at this family-friendly spot. Mon 9 am-2 pm, Tue-Sun 9 am-9 pm. Entrées: $ 11- $ 30. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 333 Pembina Hwy, 204-477‐5439, Map 1: T-3
TUXEDO VILLAGE RESTAURANT This large family-run restaurant is famous for its perfectly spiced chicken souvlaki and massive Greek salads that are never stingy on the feta and olives. Mon-Thu 11 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 pm-10 pm. Entrées: $ 10- $ 23. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 2090 Corydon Ave, 204-897-6565, Map 2: D-2
Boasting Canada’ s largest French population outside of Quebec, Winnipeg is a great spot for traditional french dishes like tortière( above).
28 where. ca MARCH / APRIL 2017