Ciao Dec/Jan 2017 CIAO_DecJan2017_Digital | Page 60

ciao! reviews Join us this holiday season at De Luca’s Catering Prepared foods Deli & grocery Coffee roasting Gift baskets Bakery Events Restaurant DELUCA.CA 950 PORTAGE AVE. 204-774-7617 SUPERB CHINESE CUISINE Winnipeg’s favourite Chinese recipes served in a contemporary and warm atmosphere. Ma Po Tofu (#74) Book your private party with us! 58 www.northgardenwinnipeg.com 6-33 University Crescent (204) 275-2591 Mon-Sat 10 am-11:30 pm, Sun 10 am-10:30 pm ciao! / dec/jan / two thousand seventeen Elevated toppings like fire-roasted tomato, roasted chicken, caramel- ized onion, capers, prosciutto, fig jam, gorgonzola and arugula make appearances. Wood burning pizza ovens are not new to Winnipeg, and the pies are only half of it. Meat is also going into the fire. Veal chops and chicken emerge kissed by the flame – deliv- ering summer’s smoky flavour to each dish. Prosciutto wraps the veal chop adding salty crunch and a hint of sage adds a layer of herba- ceousness. The roast chicken arrives anointed with charred lemon and warm radish, its peppery bite mel- lowed by cooking. Salsa verde adds even more vibrancy to this winner chicken dinner. Perhaps it is the warm glow in the room, or the convivial staff, or a sense of confidence that whoever is in that kitchen can be trusted to make vegetables taste good; what- ever it is, here dishes of broccolini, green beans, Brussels sprouts and carrots are as popular as the pizza. Roasted carrots are decadently sweet, topped with coriander and pumpkin seeds. A parfait-like dollop of ricotta ensures not even one is left behind. Although pasta is an Italian menu staple, the promise of fresh hand- made noodles are rare. Here, options abound – Spaghetti! Gnocchi! Tortellini! Rigatoni! Fettucine! – and these house made versions delight those enjoying gluten. Soft tortel- lini pockets an herb and kale ricotta blend, sauced in lemon-scented white wine sauce. It is perfect. With a menu this can’t-miss, dessert separates the dining pros from the amateurs: only for those who have won the pacing game. Finish with a chocolate tart – topped with olive oil, sea salt and almonds - and maybe a nice glass of port while relaxing by the fire. Harth is open Tue-Fri lunch 11:30 am-2 pm, dinner 5 pm-11 pm, Mon and Sat 5 pm-11 pm, Sun closed.