ciao!news
ciao!news
new openings and food and retail news
I catch of the day
O
ne of Downtown’s swankiest
dining rooms has been
reborn as DT Urban Kitchen +
Oyster Bar. Brainchild of chef
Jesse Friesen (who helmed the
restaurant’s previous incarnation,
295 York), the city’s first
dedicated oyster bar is poised
to become the hottest post-work
hang in town. An intimate,
26-seat space allows diners to
get up close and personal with
Friesen and his sous chefs as
they shuck, torch, and plate
stellar seafood behind a glowing
backlit bar. Highlights include
butter-brushed snow crab claws
served atop icy cucumber
gazpacho and Friesen’s take
on oysters Rockefeller – a fully
loaded half dozen bivalves
accented with creamed arugula
and pork belly. 295 York Ave,
204‑896‑7275—JK
I asian eats
F
ast casual continues to
reign as trend of the moment
for Winnipeg’s dining scene,
with the addition of the latest
venture from Wasabi Group’s Cho
Venevongsa. Tucked into a small,
industrial-chic space in the
Exchange District, Chosabi has
been slinging favourite Japanese,
Vietnamese, and Thai eats
since January with, judging by
noon hour line-ups, no intention
of slowing down. The concise
menu boasts eat-on-the-go sushi
burritos (pictured) and bahn
mi smeared with housemade
pâté, while a large cooler
holds ready to eat
snacks from kale
and seaweed
goma ae to
fruit cups
ready to be
blended into
smoothies.
A-100
King St,
204‑615‑8338
—JK
I pho sure
S
t. Boniface has
gained a new noodle gem
with Pho-Yo, a cozy spot for
steaming bowls of broth. Fresh
renditions of classic Vietnamese
dishes make up the menu,
like pho packed with hearty
beef brisket and top sirloin,
and vermicelli noodle bowls
loaded with crisp veggies. 513-B
St. Mary's Rd, 204‑615-0234—KC
I flavour city
S
hawarma Khan's second
outpost boasts new menu
items catered to the south end
crowd. Appetizer platters feature
favourites like pita chips and
hummus. The family Khanbo, a
dish made for sharing, is loaded
with falafel and roasted garlic
potatoes, alongside chicken, beef
or lamb kebabs. 2589 Pembina
Hwy, 204‑615‑6006— KC
food news
I resto revamp
W
ith the same commitment
to quality and use of local
ingredients, Sydneys at the
Forks has refreshed the table
d’hôte experience. The new
three-course menu mirrors the
restaurant's recent renovation,
exuding mod rustic flair. An
exorbitant clubhouse stacked
high with roasted chicken
ballontine, anise smoked bacon
and greens on sourdough
6
ciao! / apr/may / two thousand sixteen
bread is part of a quick and
approachable lunch menu.
New dinner entrées
elevate comforting
tastes, like
lamb shank
piperade
(pictured). A
new selection
of a la carte
shareable hors
d’oeuvres offer
a supplement
to the menu
and bites to
pair with bevvies
in the lounge.
The Forks Market, 2nd floor.
204‑942‑6075.—KC
retail news
I local craft
H
andmade creations by local
artisans fill new Exchange
District shop, A Pinch of
Creativity. This crafty corner
store also offers painting, art
journaling and card making
workshops. 296 McDermot
Ave.—KC
I cocoa craze
W
est Broadway just got
sweeter with the addition
of Decadence Chocolates. An
open kitchen wafting scents of
melting chocolate and bubbling
caramel will be sure to draw
plenty of walk in traffic. Pick
up colourful printed truffles in
tempting flavours, like Manitoba
honey and thyme, or watch the
chocolate making process while
lingering with a baked treat and
a beverage. 70 Sherbrook St,
204‑292‑7262—KC
culinary calendar
I dining dates
• Apr 1-30: Indulge in the
world's favourite flavour
during Ciao! ChocolateFest
presented by The Forks
Market. This cocoa powered
Photos: Courtesy of Chosabi, Sydney's, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation (Debbie Schon)
now open