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