elements . Industrial-chic elements like rough-hewn wood rafters and exposed brick are complemented by pattern adorned walls and black and white chevron floor tiles .
Through a grid of window panes into the open kitchen , diners get an up close look at head chefs Adam Donnelly and Chris Gama leading what seems like a full brigade , frying , chopping , saucing and simmering marvelous creations . This creative kitchen has produced instant signatures like eggs benedict topped with thick cut maple bacon and glossy hollandaise , or the instagram darling fried chicken toast , which piles juicy crisp chicken on a thick wedge of housemade sourdough .
Despite the extravagance on the plate , entrées ring in between $ 9- $ 12 , and a range of side dishes , all priced in the single digits , make for a light breaky or a sharable addition to an indulgent brunch . In dish after dish it is clear that at Clementine , breakfast is the most important meal of the day . 123 Princess St , 204‐942‐9497 , Map 1 : O-4
Clementine Café
BEST NEW RESTAURANTS
2016
Winnipeg maintains its status as a destination food city with a bumper crop of hot new restaurants . Clementine tops our list of the best new opens this year , and has been chosen as one of Canada ’ s Top 10 New Restaurants by Where Editors .
BY JOELLE KIDD
GOOD MORNING
From the first step down the flight of stairs that leads to Clementine Café ’ s subterranean Exchange District space , an excitement begins to take hold . Over the buzz of chatter from filled tables , anticipation sets in . A look at the menu reveals something conspicuously absent from the city ’ s dining scene , until now .
Breakfast fine dining has oft been interpreted as home cooking classics delivered on fancy china . Following the lead of chef-owned hotspots pushing boundaries , Clementine reimagines breakfast with inventive flavour combinations , melding thoughtfulness and creativity with accessibility and casualness in price and atmosphere .
The underground nook ’ s interior seamlessly blends cozy and kooky
OLD MEETS NEW
At the time of Prohibition and other restrictive liquor laws , many illegal establishments hid dining rooms and bars behind front businesses , often exhibits of natural wonders or animal curiosities , earning the nickname “ blind tigers ”. South Osborne ’ s Blind Tiger Kitchen + Bar takes up this moniker with tongue in cheek , presenting an earnest fondness for the past with a sleekly modern twist .
Blind Tiger Kitchen + Bar
Antique chic décor adorns exposed brick walls , from wrought iron farming implements to an abstract art piece made from a deconstructed piano . Paired with slick dark tones , leather , and a gleaming backlit bar , the space easily blends old and new .
The menu betrays a fondness for the hallmarks of classic French cooking , from appies like escargot and chicken livers to entrée selections like bouillabaisse and niçoise salad . Dips into bistro fare include mountains of perfectly tender mussels in classic preparations . A Normandy-style rendition is simmered in a creamy broth , umami-laced from pops of bacon and topped with tart matchsticks of green apple . Thin and crispy frites under a heap of funky Parmesan are perfect for sopping up broth .
Service is without pretension , blending airs of fine dining and neighbourhood comfort . Despite a concept based around secrecy , the lively room is an invitation to settle in over another cocktail or dessert . 725 Osborne St , 204‐691‐9939 , Map 2 : E-4
6 where . ca JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017