offering a crisp counterpoint to the rich broth below . Vegetarians are well served with options like the portobello mushroom bowl . Slices of meaty mushroom are served over a hearty buckwheat risotto , with a swirl of chimichurri zinging through the dish ’ s richness .
Fun plays on casual staples are also sure bets . Bison pork salami , sautéed spinach , dried cranberries and smears of goat cheese elevate a simple pizza . Sammies and burgers include playful offerings like the kale-topped “ Hipster Burger ”, which pairs funky blue cheese with a sweet-tart relish of cranberries and tomatoes .
The friendly atmosphere extends from the shouts of excitement from surrounding tables — deep in board game competition — to game experts happy to answer questions or make a recommendation ( despite the 1000 + game selection , employees are unflappably informed ). The restaurant also hosts weekly community events like mix n ’ mingle night and family Thursdays .
Across the Board is open Tue-Thu 11 am-10 pm , Fri-Sat 11 am-12 am , and Sun 11 am-10 pm .
FAlafel Place Neighbourhood ... River Heights Address ...... 1101 Corydon Ave Phone ......... 204-489-5811 Entrées .............. $ 6- $ 15
In the yearly surge of trend forecasts that hit at the end of 2016 , it was clear that the food world had spoken — Middle Eastern flavours are hot right now . While chefs are busy incorporating za ’ atar and zhoug into their dishes , flavours from the Middle East are easy to find in the humble , bustling atmosphere of Falafel Place , ciao ! reviews
where owner Ami Hassan has served heaping plates of flavourful falafel , meaty pitas , and spicy baba ghanoush for decades .
It ’ s been 30 years since the first iteration of Falafel Place ( then on Academy Road ) opened its doors . Hassan is still at the helm , and his jocular presence — famously chiding customers who linger too long , ribbing diners for Instagramming their food , and swooping from the open kitchen to fill coffee cups — is a big part of the restaurant ’ s charm . The always-bustling diner is abuzz with a lively clatter of voices .
Breakfast and lunch specialties draw in the crowds , and the titular food can be spotted on nearly every plate . The spot ’ s famed falafel balls appear in many iterations — sharing a breakfast plate with bacon and eggs , stuffed into a pita , or simply served on a generous dollop of hummus . Served piping hot , the crispy chickpea balls sing with notes of cumin and turmeric .
Though falafels have always been the signature dish , other specialties keep the menu fresh . A version of popular Middle Eastern tomato and egg dish shakshuka is a spicy stewed mix of tomatoes , onions , and banana peppers topped off with runny-yolk eggs . Toasted triangles of pita are perfect for sopping up the mix .
Beet hash , cubed and fried on the grill top , makes a delicious and healthy side . On the more decadent end of things , “ meaty pitas ” are melanges of meat with tahini , salads , and hummus all piled , shawarma style , into an open pita .
To prove there is such a thing as “ breakfast dessert ”, top off the morning meal with an order of blintzes , lightly sweet parcels of cottage and cream cheese bundled in soft crepes and served with jam .
Falafel Place is open 6:30 am-9 pm daily . park cafe Neighbourhood ... Assiniboine Park Address ... 330 Assiniboine Park Dr Phone ......... 204-927-6080 Entrées .............. $ 6- $ 12
Set inside the beautiful Qualico Family Centre , with its wall of windows giving a lush view of Assiniboine Park , dining at the Park Cafe is as close to a picnic as one can get while still eating indoors .
The serene , nature-steeped experience begins before even entering the restaurant . Driving down the winding lanes that lead into Assiniboine Park and passing by the duck pond on the way from the car beat the typical parking lot experience by a long shot . On the way into the Qualico Centre , take a look at the building ’ s “ green roof ”, a living mass of prairie grasses representative of plants indigenous to this region , almost blending the building into the park around it .
Inside , a sloping ceiling and muted earth tones draw the eye to the dining room ’ s main design feature , the floorto-ceiling windows that create a sunny space enclosed by views of greenery .
This al fresco feeling is encouraged by a line up of fresh takes on classic comforts — burgers , mac n ’ cheese , sandwiches , and more — upgraded with inspired twists . Breakfast and lunch offerings up the ante on typical greasy spoon eats , instead presenting a selection of bright , fresh dishes that range from indulgent comfort food to feel good fare . Those on the clean eating bandwagon will gravitate towards an abundant pile of perky greens — arugula and baby kale — topped with beets , goat cheese , hemp hearts , and a mound of parsnip chips fried to delicate crispiness .
A riff on the veggie burger delivers another good-for-you punch , every bit as filling as its meaty counterparts . A
30 ciao ! / june / july / two thousand seventeen