Oct/Nov 2015 Dec/Jan 2014 | Page 55

PRAIRIE 360 Neighbourhood .... Downtown Address .......... 83 Garry St Phone ........ 204-505-2681 Entrées ............ $ 27- $ 49
It is not that a revolving restaurant has successfully reopened as a tourist attraction that makes Prairie 360 notable . This eatery is earnest , a little lofty , and its shameless views are rivalled by mash-ups of compelling flavours that reveal an affection for Manitoba ’ s multiculturalism .
The culinary adventure begins with an extraordinary glass elevator ride that teases what ’ s to come with some tingling sensation to boot . At the top , a tastefully muted colour scheme with touches of mid-century design graciously defers attention to local art adorning the walls — and of course , the view . Gazing out table-to-ceiling glass windows yields a bird ’ s eye angle on Winnipeg ’ s landmarks , an unending horizon , and expansive prairie sky . A full rotation of the moving deck takes 72 minutes , changing one ’ s perspective as the night unwinds over each course .
A well-curated mix of wild game , provincial indigenous ingredients , and signature dishes made in many local homes makes the menu accessible and comforting . The twists and interpretations offered by South American born chef , Alfonso Maury , make it exciting . Bison and prosciutto perogies slathered with garlic cream sauce ; venison scaloppini accompanied by black pearl barley , mushroom , and leek risotto ; paella with pearl barley risotto , coconut milk , and adobo broth — ethnicskewed signatures are made special to match the precious setting .
Prairie pride comes through at this top of the world location with ciao ! reviews
luxurious steaks . Elk ribeye and striploin are accompanied by a selection of locally raised , hormone free Manitoba beef . Despite the enormity and scope of this restaurant , choice cuts rival premium steakhouses , thanks to a 35-day dry-aging process in a temperature controlled room stocked with wood chips , blocks of Himalayan sea salt , and spices . Lightly charred , peppery crusts and well-marbled interiors holding juices for release on the palate are the results : newfound essentials of a gold standard steak .
Date night beef makes an appearance for the Sunday brunch crowd , too . The usual morning items are presented buffet style , punctuated by a carving station and smoked fish platters , adding panache for families gathered to enjoy the sunny view .
Care taken with the details prompts artful presentation of a la carte dishes . The poike , a satisfying stew packed with morsels of lamb , elk , bison , deer , and vegetables cooked to sweet tenderness , is delivered to the table in a deep cast iron pot . The smoked fish board , a shareable smorgasbord of salmon and local goldeye , is stocked with crusty bread , herbed cream cheese , smoky-sweet red pepper sauce , and Manitoba ’ s delicacy , Pike caviar .
An homage to rustic , hunt inspired meals , cornish game hen set on a bed of mini roasted potatoes presents another impressive plate . The juicy light meat hides beneath a crispy skin rubbed with hearty grainy dijon .
The keen kitchen takes unabashed dedication to local tastes to the last course with bannock fried to chewy , crispy perfection , dredged in cinnamon sugar , and served with silky brown butter pastry cream . With a love for prairie cooking , and more than a spoonful of savvy , Prairie 360 uses spectacular flair to bring humble tastes to new heights .
Prairie 360 is open for lunch
Mon-Fri 11 am-2 pm , for brunch Sun 10:30 am-2 pm , for dinner Sun-Thu 4:30 pm-9 pm , Fri-Sat 4:30 pm-10 pm .
ENOTECA Neighbourhood . . River Heights Address ..... 1670 Corydon Ave Phone ........ 204-487-1529 Entrées .............$ 5- $ 18
Tapas are trending . Small plates have gone viral in a big way , from corner bars in Spain to slick New York hotspots , and Winnipeg is no exception . But with sophisticated flavours , brilliant presentation , and a bustling , intimate atmosphere , Enoteca has us securing our place on the bandwagon and settling in for the ride .
The much buzzed-about eatery is the latest open for Scott Bagshaw , coming hot on the heels of his 2011 opening of Deseo Bistro in South Osborne . Part of a new order of young chefs going off their gut , Bagshaw has let experimentation and taste lead the way in both the setting and the food , rather than standing on formality or convention . Pared down table settings equipped with the necessities — large wine glasses , paper napkin , cutlery , and the minimalist menu — set the tone for an experience that is all about the food , the drink , and the conversation .
Hip and stylishly understated , the 30-seat space makes use of every inch for a cozy dining experience . A communal table establishes the setting for an engaged style of dining that hinges on sharing . While praise from national publications and favourable word of mouth draws an eclectic mix of diners , complex flavours and inventive preparation are the real magnets . Exquisitely unexpected dishes
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