Creamy and decadent dolce de leche oozes with warm caramel, capping the perfect Argentinean meal at Simon's Cuisine on St. Mary's Road.
Simon's Cuisine Address: 513-B St. Mary's Road Phone: 231-2756 Website: simonscuisine.ca Neighbourhood: Glenwood
Set back in a strip mall on St. Mary's Road in Glenwood, Simon's Cuisine is easy to miss.
But Simon's is well worth finding.
This five-table lunch and dinner restaurant, delivery and take-out business serves some of the best empanadas and authentic Argentinean eats in Winnipeg.
Originally from Tucuman, Argentina, owner/chef José Sturym serves up prized family recipes he brought to Winnipeg in 2003.
The family opened a takeout and delivery service in 2004. (They still do takeout and delivery today.) Sturym, who's middle name is Simon, spends most of his time in the kitchen but also steps out to meet guests.
The menu is populated with Argentinean favourites and a couple of Italian dishes thrown into the mix.
The baked empanadas are delightful and delicious pockets you won't want to share. There are more than 10 varieties to choose from including beef, chicken, tuna, beef with raisins and olives, and ham and cheese, among others. Lesser empanadas are deep fried and leave you feeling weighed down.
Try the spinach and ricotta cheese empanada for a creamy, luscious bite before the main event. The humita empanada with corn and ricotta hits both sweet and savoury notes.
Pollo Deshuesado, boneless chicken marinated with lemon, garlic and red wine delivers bright citrus tang with sharp garlic and bold red wine flavour up front. Roasted crispy rosemary potatoes are the perfect delivery system for extra sauce. (It is served in 1/4 or 1/2 chicken portions.)
Meanwhile, the milanesa con heuvos is a monster-sized sandwich of breaded beef topped with fried eggs and served in a massive bun. It is an epic sandwich for an epic appetite.
The menu also includes picana steak, ribeye, tenderloin, beef lasagna and spinach and ricotta cannelloni. Pasta portions are very generous.
There are several vegetarian options on the menu too.
Insider tip: During our mid-week lunch, all five tables filled up and the take-out service was steady. Arrive before noon to snag a lunch table.
What’s your favourite south-of-the-Canadian border flavour? Drop a comment or email goodeats@pegcitygrub.com and we can help with suggestions.
