It doesn’t look like much yet but Tre Visi Café, the second location of the modern Italian restaurant, will open in mid-November at the corner of Grosvenor and Stafford.
Winnipeg’s food scene is nothing, if not dynamic.
In the last month, city food lovers have seen the closing of several long-time restaurants and the promise of several new eateries on the horizon.
Papa Georges, an Osborne Village haunt since the mid-70s, served its last baked spaghetti in early October.
Owner Nick Kontzamanis decided to retire earlier this year. The Italian diner was a late-night hot spot for the after night-club crowd. There has been no word on who will take over the prime location at the corner of River Avenue and Osborne Street.
Park Tower, a Greek-North American diner in St. James closed after more than two decades in operation. The busy restaurant was renowned for its citrus-spiked lemon soup and its succulent roasted turkey sandwiches.
After 17 years in business, Spuntino’s also closed shop in September after its owners decided to retire. The Italian eatery, located on the corner of Grosvenor and Stafford, was a favourite neighbourhood haunt.
There’s also good news. Tre Visi, one of Winnipeg’s top Italian dining rooms, will open its second location in Spuntino’s old location. Tre Visi Café, a more casual version of the original Exchange District location is expected to open Oct. 31 or Nov. 1.
“It rounds out the Tre Visi family,” says co-owner John Smook.
The original 173 McDermot Avenue location serves refined Italian favourites and modern cucina cuisine. Upstairs inside Sensi Wine Lounge, diners can order from the Tre Visi menu while cozying up inside this polished lounge. The new restaurant, located at 926 Grosvenor Avenue, is getting a cosmetic face lift with new paint, carpets and finishings before its unveiling.
“We’re putting our stamp on it,” says Smook. The new location won’t be as formal as the original and will include a pizza menu, Smook says. Tre Visi Café (926 Grosvenor) also won’t take reservations.
Smook hopes Spuntino regulars will visit the new cafe and expects Tre Visi regulars, many of whom live in the Crescentwood, Fort Rouge and River Heights neighbourhoods, will love having Tre Visi nearby.
Meanwhile, Calgary-based restaurant State and Main will open a Winnipeg location soon in Kildonan Place. The trendy kitchen and bar will serve modern fusion cuisine a la Moxies. Check out the menu here. (State and Main also has locations in Alberta in Red Deer and Lethbridge. A Saskatoon location will open in November.)
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