Cheers to Winnipeg's food scene. (Photo by Brian Chambers for Gold Medal Plates.)
Winnipeg’s food scene is vibrant, evolving and exciting. Here are some of the hottest trends, best new restaurants, events and movers and shakers in the local industry—from A to Z.
Today’s edition: I to Q. Watch for the rest of the alphabet in an upcoming post at Peg City Grub.
I is for Illegal Eater. Winnipeg production company Farpoint Films debuts its new food show 'Illegal Eater' October 22 on specialty cable network Travel and Escape Canada. Host (and former Barenaked Lady) Steven Page discovers the wild and wacky world of underground restaurants and pop-ups around North America. In Winnipeg, the show stopped by Elements for it's Back Door diner and went to a roof-top secret dinner by chef Mandel Hitzer of Deer + Almond.
J is for judged and juried. That's exactly what eight Winnipeg chefs will face October 25 at Gold Medal Plates. This annual fundraiser and competition is held in cities across Canada. The gold medal winner in each city competes in a national competition to crown the country's best chef for 2013.
K is for Kale. Who likes it, who just says they like, and who actually eats it? And is it the new radicchio?
L is for late-nights. Winnipeg has welcomed two new properties devoted to city night owls. Sherbrook Street's Fitzroy, a urban and urbane eatery with a menu of haute sweet and savoury plates, has billed itself as a late-night stop. Fitzroy opened in early summer. Not long after, Union Sound Hall in the city's east Exchange District, also began welcoming live-music lovers.
M is for Mexican. Winnipeg is a hotbed for Mexican eats. Get your fix at Burrito Del Rio, Modern Taco, La Bamba, JC Tacos & More and Mercadito Latino.
N is for Noel Bernier. This 40-something restaurateur is swiftly emerging as the city's food king. In the last 18 months, Bernier opened Corrientes and Carnaval, both down the road from Hermanos, his South American-style steak house on Bannatyne Avenue in the east Exchange District. In October this year, Bernier also relaunches Winnipeg's revolving restaurant. Prairie 360˚ is located on the top of Fort Garry Place and has been vacant for nearly four years. Also this year: Barley Brothers, one of two new brew-pubs in the city, opens for business.
O is for Oil, Extra Virgin Olive to be exact. Two olive oil tasting bars, Frescolio and OLiv, opened up shop in summer 2013 in Winnipeg. The specialty shops, located on Corydon Avenue and Academy Road, respectively, scream boutique not grocery store. Aged balsamic vinegars,
P is for Popp, Chocolatier Constance Popp. In early August, Winnipeg's chocolate maven moved her St. James operation to her new home on Provencher Boulevard in St. Boniface. The bright and spacious store sells her signature chocolates and truffles, as well as pastries from Epi de Blé and three specially made ice creams by Cornell Cream. Coffee is also on tap.
Q is for quiche-free. Earl's restaurants in Winnipeg (and indeed) Canada rolled out brunch for the first time in mid-September. Traditional dishes have been given a modern update. To name but one: Sourdough French Bread includes chantilly cream, berry purée, pure maple syrup and whipped butter.
Chocolatier Constance Popp (Photo by Robin Summerfield)
Mexican favourites at La Bamba.
Balsamic vinegar at Frescolio.
Peg City Grub is your ultimate source for everything foodie in Winnipeg. From the hottest chefs to the best new restaurants to the most delicious events, we’ve got you covered. Follow us on Twitter @pegcitygrub and visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com for more on the city’s fabulous dining options.
Peg City Grub is a Tourism Winnipeg culinary initiative.
