Where March/April 2017 Volume 27, Number 6 | Page 38

DONA ONESTA
DINING
VENETIAN TRADITION IN THE EXCHANGE ���������������������������������� ��������������������������������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������

DONA ONESTA

������������������������ ����������������������
FUSION GRILL This is one of the finest dining experiences in the city, having virtually created the upscale regional cuisine category. Chef Lorna Murdoch is a talented star who uses fresh products sourced from local producers to create stunning Manitoba regional cuisine. Owner Scot McTaggart boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of his Canadian wine selection. Tue-Sat 11:30 am‐2:30 pm, 5:30 pm onward. Reservations recommended. Entrées: $ 20- $ 43. LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 550 Academy Rd, 204-489‐6963, Map 2: D-3
GATES ON ROBLIN This restaurant is set in an elegant country estate, complete with expansive grounds and picturesque gambrel roofs. Several rooms with a charming atmosphere that is perfectly matched by the pan‐Canadian menu, which is very strong on fish and meat. Call for hours. Entrées: $ 21- $ 55. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 6945 Roblin Blvd, 204-224‐2837, Map 2: E-1
PINERIDGE HOLLOW Located on the outskirts of Birds Hill Park, this secluded country cottage restaurant is committed to celebrating the food and people of Manitoba. On-site garden provides vegetables and herbs are as fresh as they get. Try perogies stuffed with wild mushroooms as a regionally inspired treat. Farmers’ market in the summer. Open daily 9 am-10 pm. Entrées: $ 8- $ 29. WA, LP, SP. Cards: IA, MC, V, AE. Located off of Hwy 59, east on Garven Rd to Pineridge Rd, follow signs to Heatherdale Rd, 20 km northeast of the city, 204‐777‐3880
PRAIRIE 360 Latest incarnation of the revolving restaurant offers regional cuisine, such as elk, bison, and lamb, with a view. Whiskey lounge two floors down features premium pours grouped according to flavour profiles. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 am-1:30 pm. Dinner: Sun-Thu 4:30 pm-9 pm, Fri-Sat 4:30 pm-10 pm. Lounge: Fri-Sat 5 pm-late. Brunch: Sun 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Entrées: $ 24- $ 45. WA, LP. Cards: IA, MC, V, AE. 83 Garry St, 204‐505-2681, Map 1: Q-4
RESTO 12 This downtown hotel restaurant offers an expansive view of north Portage Ave. Open 6:30 am-10:30 pm daily. WA, LP. Cards: AE, V, M, IA. Radisson Hotel, 288 Portage Ave, 204-697-1495, Map 1: O-4
SMITH Plays on plaid and nostalgic Canadiana touches offer a backdrop to scratch-made regional cuisine. The pan bagnat ups the ante on tuna salad with tuna steak, hardboiled egg, and marinated vegetables. Breakfast: 6:30 am Mon-Fri( 7 am Sat & Sun), lunch: daily from 11 am, dinner: daily from 5 pm. WA, LP. Entrées: $ 16- $ 36. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 75 Forks Market Rd, 204‐944‐2445, Map 1: Q-5
THE VG RESTAURANT Extremely high standards garnered this hotel a CAA / AAA Four Diamond Award. Stellar presentation of meticulously thoughtful dishes, and unique applications of local flavours wow diners. Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6:30 am-11:30 am, Sat & Sun 7 am-11:30 am; Dinner Tue-Sat 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. Entrées: $ 25- $ 40. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. The Fairmont Hotel, 2 Lombard Pl, 204‐957‐1350, Map 1: O-4
RIBS
THE RIB ROOM This long-time local favourite has built its reputation on ribs but the extensive menu also includes lamb, prime rib and filet mignon. Mon-Thurs 7 am-9 pm; Fri & Sat 7 am-10 pm; Sun 8 am-9 pm. Entrées: $ 16- $ 35. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. Best Western Plus Downtown Winnipeg, 330 York Ave, 204-942‐0101, Map 1: P-4
TONY ROMA’ S FAMOUS FOR RIBS This international chain has won many awards for its baby back ribs. They offer four very distinct signature rib sauces. Service is exceptional. Kids menu available. Takeout and hotel delivery. Call for hours. Entrées: $ 9- $ 29. WA, LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 1500 Pembina Hwy, 204-477‐5195, Map 2: E‐4; 656 St. James St, 204-949‐9426, Map 2: D-3; 1212 Nairn Ave, 204-668‐7995, Map 2: D-5
SOUTH AMERICAN
CARNAVAL BRAZILIAN BBQ Much buzzed-about, new concept to this region offers diners a unique meat tour of Brazil carved up table side by charming gauchos. This all-you-can-eat meat extravaganza is accompanied by unlimited sides, including nutty farofa and a potato salad flavoured with toasted cumin. Lunch: Thu & Fri 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5 pm-9 pm, Fri-Sat 4:30 pm-10 pm, Sun 4:30 pm-9 pm. Lunch: $ 25; dinner: $ 48. WA, LP. Cards: AE, IA. MC, V. 270 Waterfront Dr, 204- 505-0945, Map 1: P-4
CORRIENTES ARGENTINE PIZZERIA Located in the heart of the historic Exchange District, this Argentinean pizzeria pays homage to its namesake avenue in Buenos Aires with everything from art to wine and books. On the menu at this bustling eatery are scrumptious empanadas and signature pizzas. Mon-Fri 11 am-9 pm, Sat 12 pm-10 pm. Closed Sun. Entrées: $ 5-30. LP. Cards: V, MC, IA. 137 Bannatyne Ave, 204‐219‐5398, Map 1: O-4
CAFÉ DARIO Colombian‐born Chef Dario Pineda‐Gutierrez creates Nuevo Latino cuisine— sophisticated North American ingredients fused with Latin‐American herbs and spices. His five-course, prix fixe menu( you choose the appetizer and entrée) is one of the most memorable meals in the city. Open daily 11:30 am-2 pm, 5 pm & on. Entrées: $ 39 prix fixe. LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 1390 Erin St, 204-783‐2813, Map 2: C-3
HERMANOS RESTAURANT & WINE BAR This spacious eatery and wine bar offers a distinct Latin flavour. Natural wood and exposed brick give the restaurant a rustic look, while large colorful photos of traditional South American culture and scenery dominate the walls. Share and nibble on tapas with choices like mussels, chorizo, shrimp and paella. Mains include grilled halibut and and steak topped with crab chèvre cream and zippy chimichurri. Mon-Wed 11:30 am-10 pm, Thu 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri 11:30 am-1 am, Sat 4:30 pm-1 am, Sun 5 pm-9 pm. Entrées: $ 30- $ 36. LP, SP. Cards: AE, IA, MC, V. 179 Bannatyne Ave, 204‐947‐5434, Map 1: O-5
SPANISH
SEGOVIA TAPAS BAR AND RESTAURANT A mix of industrial and organic elements decorate the chic interior of this renovated tea house. Bar snacks, tapas and snack-sized desserts make up the Spanishflavoured menu. Spice-lashed patatas bravas are a popular starter. Chef Adam Donnelly creates fabulous plates for sharing that range from traditional Spanish dishes to creative new interpretations. Mon, Wed- Thu, Sun 5 pm-11 pm, Fri & Sat 5 pm-12 am. Tapas: $ 4- $ 28. LP, SP. Cards: IA, MC, V. 484 Stradbrook Ave, 204‐477‐6500, Map 1: S-3
Manitoba’ s lakes, prairies, wetlands, and forest yield a plethoa of beautiful ingredients for chefs. Eat-local restaurants like Prairie 360( above) that offer regional cuisine specialties.
36 where. ca MARCH / APRIL 2017