Where May June 2017 Volume 28 Number 1 | Page 32

DINING
IN FERNO ’ S BISTRO & INFERNO ’ S ON ACADEMY Chef / owner Fern Kirouac ’ s French-Canadian-meets- Mediterranean fare is a hit . An extensive list of daily specials lets the kitchen spread its wings . Menu at Academy Rd location includes favourites like duck confit spring rolls and Croque-Madame made with Trappist cheese . Live music some nights . 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
MON AMI LOUIS Chef Luc Jean serves traditional French fare on the Esplanade Riel Bridge . Thin crust pizzas in the style of Alsace are a specialty , as are crispy frîtes imbued with savoury flavour from frying in duck fat . Open Sun-Thu 11:30 am-10 pm , Fri-Sat 11:30 am-12 am . Entrées : $ 17- $ 25 . WA , LP , SP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 50 Provencher Blvd , 204‐938‐2226 , Map 1 : Q-5
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 . The signature historical railcar has been converted into a contemporary dining room . 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 . The dreamy interior , lit by candle light and filled with quirky antiques , is a perfect backdrop to Chef Michael Robins ’ masterful everchanging menu of traditional French cuisine . Thu-Sat 5 pm-2 am . Entrées : $ 20- $ 30 . LP . Cards : IA , MC , V . 22-222 Osborne St , Map 1 : S-3
GREEK
GUS & TONY ’ S AT THE PARK This casual eatery offers Greek classics . The extensive menu features brawny burgers , saucy gyros , perfectly seasoned souvlaki , and fries smothered in house-made chili and feta . 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
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
ICE CREAM / GELATI
BRIDGE DRIVE-IN Since 1957 , the city ’ s favourite ice cream drive-in has lined them up on the bank of the Red River beside the Elm Park walking bridge . Twelve flavours of soft ice cream , sundaes and exotic treats like “ sleeping beauty ,” “ goog special ” and “ upside down milkshakes .” Stroll across the bridge and enjoy the quiet residential neighbourhood . Mon-Sun 11 am-11 pm . Cash only . 766 Jubilee Ave , 204‐475‐6850 , Map 2 : E-4
EVA ’ S GELATO & COFFEE BAR This window-lined gelateria gleams with a pressed-tin roof , glass snowballstyle lights and sparkling cooler , which displays 36 colourful varieties of Eva ’ s house-made Argentinian gelato . Dulce de leche is a signature flavour . Also dairy-free , fat-free and sugar-free options . Mon‐Thu 8 am‐9 pm , Sat noon‐10 pm , Sun noon-9 pm . WA , SP . Cards : IA , MC , V . 101‐1001 Corydon Ave , 204-452 – 3827 , Map 1 : T‐1 ; 9A-20 Island Shore Blvd , 204‐254‐2837 , Map 2 : E-5
NUCCI ’ S GELATI The Nucci family have single-handedly made gelati popular in Winnipeg . This Corydon Avenue institution offers 75 wild , powerful flavours of mouthwatering Italian ice cream like lemon , hazelnut and raspberry , served in a cup or a cone . Open daily 9 am-12 am . LP , SP . Cash only . 643 Corydon Ave , 204‐475‐8765 , Map 1 : T-3
INDIAN
CLAY OVEN Most diners stop in for the memorable thali platters . The butter chicken is out of this world . Try samosas topped with chickpeas and sauce for a delicious starter . Call for hours . Entrées : $ 12- $ 25 . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 240-1600 , Kenaston Common , Kenaston Blvd , 204- 888‐2529 , Map 2 : F‐3 ; 247 Edmonton St , Map 1 : P-3 ; Shaw Park 1 Portage Avenue East ( 3rd floor ), 204-982-7426 , Map 1 : O-5
EAST INDIA COMPANY The Mehra family ’ s flagship restaurant has set the standard for East Indian fine dining in Winnipeg . The ornate South Asian art , including exquisite ceramics , brilliantly coloured tapestries , beautifully set tables and wrought iron chairs , make dining a complete sensory experience . The food is flawless , with biryani beautifully presented and perfectly spiced . Lunch buffet ( Mon-Fri ): $ 15 , daily dinner buffet : $ 20 . Mon-Fri 11 am-2:30 pm , 4:30 pm-9:30 pm ; Sat 4:30 pm-9:30 pm ; Sun noon- 8:30 pm . Entrées : $ 12- $ 16 . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 349 York Ave , 204‐947‐3097 , Map 1 : P-4
INDIA PALACE A large and varied menu features vegetable , chicken , lamb and seafood dinners . Also a lunch and dinner buffet . Mon-Sat 11 am-10 pm , Sun 4 pm-10 pm . WA , LP . Entrées : $ 10- $ 15 . Cards : IA , AE , MC , V . 770 Ellice Ave , 204-774‐6061 , Map 1 : P-1
INTERNATIONAL / CLASSIC
BAILEY ’ S Heavy wooden doors only a few steps from Portage and Main open onto a world that celebrates the British Empire . Several richly decorated rooms on two levels , each with its own personality . Food is prepared and served in a highly professional manner . Specialties include the Reuben ( one of the best in town ), rack of lamb and prime rib of beef . Mon-Fri 11 am-1 am , Sat noon-1 am , Sun 4:30 pm‐9 pm . Entrées : $ 18- $ 34 . WA , LP , SP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V , ATM . 185 Lombard Ave , 204-944‐1180 , Map 1 : O-4
FOUR POINTS RESTAURANT Located inside the Four Points Sheraton Hotel adjacent to the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport . Serves an interesting mix of wraps , pastas and pizza along with entrées like New York striploin and Atlantic salmon . Daily 6 am‐10 pm ( lounge open until 11 pm , bar open until 1 am ). Entrées : $ 17‐ $ 28 . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 1999 Wellington Ave , 204‐775‐5222 , Map 2 : C-2
MAXIME ’ S This south Winnipeg favourite sets the standard for suburban-style fine dining . The wide-ranging menu offers short-order faves along with an extensive selection of dinner entrées . Mon-Thu 11 am-10 pm , Fri & Sat 11 am-12 am , Sun 10:30 am-10 pm . Reservations recommended . Entrées : $ 10- $ 27 . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 1131 St . Mary ’ s Rd , 204-257‐1521 , Map 2 : F-4
INTERNATIONAL / CONTEMPORARY
THE BEACHCOMBER Whether dining on the patio or inside the modern dining room , this restaurant offers one of the city ’ s best riverside views . The menu ’ s focus on seafood is a reflection of its waterfront location . The wide range of dishes spans from asparagus and ricotta ravioli to baby back ribs and pan-fried pickerel . Mon-Fri 11 am-11 pm , Sat 11 am-12 am , Sun 11 am-10 pm . Entrées : $ 15- $ 30 . WA , LP , SP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . The Forks Market , 204‐948-0020 , Map 1 : Q-5
BISTRO 1800 At the Hilton Suites Winnipeg Airport , tuck into creative Canadian comfort foods , served with creative presentation in a contemporary setting . Mon-Fri 6 am-12 am , Sat & Sun 7 am-11 pm . Entrées : $ 20- $ 36 . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 1800 Wellington Avenue , 204- 786‐0926 , Map 2 : C-3
THE BLUE MARBLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE With greens grown on sight , this restaurant serves up fresh delights with artful presentations . Standouts include Middle Eastern influenced pizza with lamb and pomegranate molasses and tuna crudo set on a vibrant pea puree . Open daily 11:30 am-10 pm , lounge hours 11:30 am-12 am . Entrées : $ 11- $ 30 . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 1979 Wellington Avenue , 204-594-1967 , Map 2 : C-3
BOUCHÉE BOUCHER Within this cozy St Boniface dining room , chef Alex Svenne ’ s menu of small plates , influenced by favourite cuts from the attached butcher counter , is sure to please . Stop by attached deli and cafe to pick up local and housemade products to go . Mon-Thu 11 am-10 pm , Fri-Sat 11 am-11 pm , Sun 10 am-2 pm . Call for butcher shop hours . WA , LP . Small plates : $ 7- $ 28 . Cards : IA , MC , V . 101‐300 Tache Ave , 204‐237‐1530 , Map 1 : R-6
CONFUSION CORNER BAR & GRILL This large , inviting restaurant and lounge pops with the colours of prairie art on the walls . Innovative cuisine with sandwiches , pasta , seafood and entrées that satisfy all taste buds . A unique rooftop summer patio provides a fascinating look at Confusion Corner . Mon-Tue 11:30 am-11 pm , Wed-Thu 11:30 am-12 am , Fri-Sat 11:30 am-1 am , Sun 11 am-10 pm . Entrées : $ 14- $ 29 . WA , LP , SP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 500 Corydon Ave , 204‐284‐6666 , Map 1 : S-3
ENOTECA This intimate and ultra-hip space boasts an extensive menu of wines as well as a creative list of exotic ingredients . French techniques merge with mod tastes like black garlic and curry . Tue-Thu 5 pm-11 pm , Fri-Sat 5 pm-2 am , Sun 5 pm-11 pm . Entrées : $ 14- $ 18 . WA , LP . Cards : IA , MC , V . A-1670 Corydon Ave , 204‐487‐1529 , Map 2 : D-3
JANE ’ S The opulent anchor restaurant of Red River College ’ s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute offers one of the most unique dining experiences in town . Interact with students as they execute an inspired menu featuring some regional ingredients . Tue-Fri lunch 11:30 am-12:45 pm , dinner 6 pm-7:30 pm . Reservations required . WA , LP . Entrees : $ 16- $ 29 . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 504 Main St , 204‐632‐2594 , Map 1 : O-4
MÁQUÈ The latest open from chef Scott Bagshaw is a cozy window wrapped Crescentwood dining room , where the open kitchen slings impeccable adaptations of pan- Asian cuisine . French-inflected dishes meld traditional preparations with far East ingredients , like a transcendant blend of lobster bisque and red curry . Tue-Sun 5 pm-12 am . WA , LP . Small plates : $ 5- $ 22 . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 909 Dorchester Ave , 204‐284‐3385 , Map 1 : T-2
THE MITCHELL BLOCK Located in the historic Mitchell building in the Exchange , this restaurant showcases housemade pasta and gastronomically elevated home cooking . Crispy fried Brussels sprouts , served with tart charred lemon aioli , are spectacular . Entrées : $ 20- $ 29 . Mon-Wed 5 pm-9 pm , Thu-Sat 5 pm-10 pm . Lounge open 2 hours after restaurant closure . WA , LP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 173 McDermot Ave , 204‐949‐9032 ; Map 1 : O-4
RUDY ’ S EAT & DRINK New meets old inside an architecturally innovative building , where diners relax in a handsome caramel coloured space to tuck into short order classics with a contemporary twist . Mon-Fri 11 am-late , Sat 5 pm-late . Entrées : $ 18- $ 26 . WA , LP , SP . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 375 Graham Ave , main floor MB Hydro Place , 204‐421‐9094 , Map 1 : P-4
SADDLERY ON MARKET A beautiful Exchange District heritage space , once the headquarters of the Great West Saddlery Company , now houses this chic restobar . Rustic decor acts as a backdrop to comforting fare incorporating regional ingredients like bison and beets , as well as touches of global influence . Mon-Wed 11 am-10 pm , Thu-Fri 11 am-late , Sat 4 pm-late . LP . Entrées : $ 12- $ 35 . Cards : AE , IA , MC , V . 114 Market Ave , 204‐615‐1898 , Map 1 : O-4
30 where . ca MAY / JUNE 2017