Ciao Oct/Nov 2018 CIAO_OctNov2018_Digital | Page 35

BELLISSIMO Neighbourhood . . Linden Woods Address . . . 1-877 Waverley St Phone . . . . . . . 204-489-0495 Entrées . . . . . . . . . . .$ 11- $ 30
Sitting in the Linden Woods suburb is an Italian eatery that has become a Winnipeg institution over the past 19 years .
Co-owners Greg Anania and Greg Gagliardi opened Bellissimo in order to bring fine Italian dining beyond downtown and Little Italy while retaining both sleek sophistication and authentic charm .
The menu seamlessly blends Italian tradition with contemporary flourishes , from veal scaloppini to lobster mac and cheese , with enough variety to please all palates . Gourmet pizzas and house-made desserts round out the selection .
To prepare for the main course , lighter fare is needed and the tavola burattini fits the bill . Scoop the diced tomatoes – seasoned with basil and fresh herbs , extra virgin olive oil , and balsamic vinegar – onto grilled bread alongside a piece of buttery soft fior di latte cheese .
Robust mains include Aragosta , a seafood dish consisting of tender lobster , plump prawns , butter basted jumbo scallops , and smoky bacon sitting atop a bed of creamy , wine-sauced pasta . Agnello , a lamb shank slow roasted until juicy and fall off the bone tender , is draped over a mushroom and vegetable ragu piled with fluffy soft handmade gnocchi . For vegetarian diners , the Agnolotti is a satisfying option that doesn ’ t sacrifice depth of flavour . Handmade spinach pasta enrobes a sweet mascarpone and spiced squash filling , that is basted with sage and brown butter sauce . A topping of herbed ricotta adds a light touch to the dish . ciao ! reviews
Decisions don ’ t get easier when the dessert menu arrives , so why not have two ?
Tiramisu , the classic Italian after-dinner treat , here consists of rum and coffee soaked sponge cake layered between sweet mascarpone cheese and shaved chocolate , surrounded by lady fingers dipped into melted chocolate .
For those seeking decadence , try the velvety crème brûlée . One tap of a spoon is sure to bring a satisfying crack and a smile .
Bellissimo is open Mon-Wed 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 4:30 pm-10 pm ; Thur 11:30 am to-10 pm ; Fri 11:30 am -11 pm ; and Sat 4:30 pm -11 pm .
EAST INDIA CO . Neighbourhood . . . Downtown Address . . . . . . . 349 York Ave Phone . . . . . . . 204-947-3097 Entrées . . . . . . . . . . .$ 15- $ 18
These days , Indian food can be delivered to your home in plastic containers , or bland butter chicken can be picked up from the grocery store . While these simple solutions to your Indian food fix may cheat your five senses , there ’ s a superior way to enjoy this spice-laden cuisine .
Since 1967 , the Mehra family has delivered a rich sensory experience rivalled only by a trip to India . The adventure begins outside the downtown restaurant , East India Company , where diners are greeted by large statues of the Hindu god Ganesh and two elephants .
If it weren ’ t for the scent of slowly-simmered curries and fresh buttered naan one might think they ’ ve walked into an Indian art gallery . The eatery features impressive wood carvings and colourful paintings in a style that ’ s centuries old . The beat of drums and the sound of sitar strings fills the spacious restaurant .
Longtime fans who ’ ve tried it all are well served ordering beyond the buffet . The often-overlooked menu offers lots of exciting flavour combinations that open the palate .
Fragrant Bangalore spiced potatoes melt in the mouth , in contrast with the crunch of green peppers and onion . Cumin seeds leave a pleasant nutty aftertaste while dried chilli peppers add a lingering heat . Bright orange-yellow paneer pasanda pops on the table . Submerged in creamy sauce , are slices of housemade cheese that sandwich a thin layer of nuts , raisins and cardamom .
Kurkuri bhindi , a seasonal offering , is a unique blend of sweet okra and enough garam masala to give the dish a spicy kick .
Cool things down with creamy coconut malabar prawns . The large crustaceans , covered in deep golden sauce get a delightfully sweet kick of coconut . Nilgirli korma features fall-off-the-bone lamb covered in a velvety creamed spinach .
A satisfying mixture of rice , vegetables and spices , Punjabi-style chicken biryani arrives surrounded by a ring of salad . Pepper corns and garam masala deliver lively hits of spice , counteracted by bites of sweet carrots and refreshing cilantro .
End the meal with chai . The tea transports one to a tiny roadside chai shop in Delhi . Honking horns and the roar of traffic can almost be heard with each sip .
For dessert , halwa , a traditional treat made of lentils or carrots , packs a punch of cardamom flavour . It ' s served in a martini glass and topped with cashews and slivered almonds . Each sweet spoonful is a reminder that ditching the take out tubs for East India Company ’ s elaborate feast for the senses is well worth it .
East India Company is open Mon-Fri 11 am-3 pm , 4:30 pm-10 pm , Sat 4:30 pm-10 pm , Sun 12 pm-3 pm , 4:30 pm-9 pm .
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