Ciao! Apr/May 2016 Digital Issue | Page 34

CHEF ’ S SPECIAL !

J . A . HENCKELS 8 ” PRO CHEF ’ S KNIFE
$ 99.99
( Reg . $ 215 )
While quantities last .
485 Berry Street
( between Silver and St . Matthews ) ph : 204-953-2345 danielsgourmetkitchenware . ca
Meiji sushi Neighbourhood . . Osborne Village Address ....... 454 River Ave Phone ....... 204-284-3996 Entrées ...........$ 10- $ 28
Upon entering Meiji Sushi , a host will ask , “ traditional or modern ?”
Regardless of seating choice , Meiji offers a little of both .
This sushi corner on River and Osborne has been anchoring one of the city ’ s best shopping and dining neighbourhoods for the last decade and a half . The reason for its longevity is evident in the blend of creative specialty rolls and pared back traditional bites , a study in contrasts that works as well together as the restaurant ’ s famed martinis and sushi combo .
Opt for traditional floor level seating on tatami mats and settle in to the plush , lounge-like space for a parade of fresh delights and packed out rolls .
A lengthy selection of nigiri will thrill sushi purists . Well seasoned rice is draped with a generous slice of fish , like rich butterfish or lively salmon .
Bracingly fresh sashimi is equally rewarding . Ordering an assorted selection brings the kitchen ’ s best cuts of the day , from firm , pink-tipped hamachi to fatty tuna belly . Meaty slices of octopus are slightly sweet and pleasingly firm .
Playful creativity shows through on the massive menu of specialty rolls . The sweet and salty mango tango roll livens up the plate with fanned slices of mango and avocado , fusing tropical flavour with the sweet pop of barbequed eel . The salmoncovered red dragon roll gets crunch from shrimp tempura , served with a housemade spicy sauce that , though light on initial heat , leaves a deeply savoury , tongue tingling after burn .
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The non-sushi side of Japanese cuisine gets plenty of play on the menu for those willing to think outside the nori wrapper . A variety of teriyaki plates or a heaping helping of pankobreaded chicken katsu are perfect late night hunger saters , while flavourful starters beg to be shared . Baked oysters are a must have item , the gooey mix of sweet kewpie mayonnaise and funky miso paste proving to be a match made in seafood heaven .
Dessert is easily found in liquid form , with many of the libations from attached G Martini Bar ’ s comprehensive list providing a sugary rush . For those stalwarts sticking to 007 ’ s preferred rendition , sweetness in the form of warm , crispy tempura banana and grassy green tea ice cream is a more than adequate alternative .
Meiji Sushi is open for lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 pm , for dinner Sun-Thu 5 pm-10:30 pm , Fri & Sat 5 pm-11:30 pm .
prairie ink restaurant & bakery
Neighbourhood .. .. Grant Park Address ..... 1120 Grant Ave . Phone ....... 204-975-2659 Entrées ...........$ 18- $ 25
Much like a captivating story , Prairie Ink offers a plot twist to the usual café fare . Located inside McNally Robinson booksellers , the restaurant serves up an elevated menu of unexpected flavours and dishes executed with flair .
The spacious open-concept dining area invites lingering meals . Light floods from floor to ceiling windows and touches of nature , from the large fig tree in the corner to pots of basil and dill lining the window sill , give the space a refreshing atmosphere .
The menu at times features recipes
32 ciao ! / apr / may / two thousand sixteen