WINNIPEG

The Culinary Traveller's Guide

Neighbourhoods

DOWNTOWN Winnipeg's downtown is experiencing an exciting revitalization. A new arena, the MTS Centre, is drawing people back to the area, with new hotels, restaurants and bars opening, while older storefronts are spiffing up. The latest culinary addition is The

Merchant Kitchen in the stylish Alt Hotel. THE EXCHANGE Winnipeg's historic Exchange District has become a real arts hub, with new tech companies complementing the galleries and condo developments. Add to this the area's proximity to the bulk of the city's entertainment venues, and it's no surprise the streets are overflowing with restaurants and bars. Deer + Almond sets the creative standard, and Peasant Cookery impresses with house-made charcuterie. Clementine offers the most innovative breakfast and lunch options, Chosabi is the choice for casual Asian while Cake-ology is the place to head for sweets. Across Main Street look for options like Carnaval Brazilian BBQ and The Mitchell Block. CORYDON AVENUE Once known as Little Italy for its abundance of trattorias, the strip is now home to many sushi restaurants. The street is still one of the best for a sunny drink on a terrace, a gelato at Nucci's, or leisurely stroll. Further west down Corydon, star newcomers Chew (and its Store Next Door bakery) and Enoteca rub elbows with popular Bonfire Bistro and Mona Lisa. CHINATOWN The enormous Chinatown gate on King Street welcomes visitors to Winnipeg's original Chinese neighbourhood which features a cultural centre, Asian grocery stores and traditional Chinese restaurants. ST. BONIFACE

Esplanade Riel Across over the the Red magnificent River is Winnipeg's to the French-language francophone university community, and home bookstores, stroll up Provencher unique shops Boulevard and cafés. takes A you to Chocolatier Constance Popp, Café Postal and the lively nightspot, Le Garage Bistro. Around the corner, look for Le Croissant and La Belle Baguette French bakeries as well as Bouchée Boucher restaurant and butcher shop.

SHERBROOK STREET Once a little shabby, this strip between the Maryland Bridge and

Broadway is now a burgeoning restaurant district with a strong community spirit. Newcomer Sherbrook Street Delicatessen cozies up next to Stella's popular Café and Bakery. The Tallest Poppy offers comfort while Boon Burger attracts the vegan. Thom Bargen Coffee and Tea offers the very best

warming drinks.

OSBORNE VILLAGE/SOUTH OSBORNE Still a hipster haven, The Village is chock-a-block full of unique shops and ever-changing restaurants, highlighted by tapas-slinging

Segovia and The Cornerstone, with Little Sister pouring hot coffee around the corner. Nearby in Crescentwood, chef Scott Bagshaw has opened an AsianFrench fusion place, Máquè.

ACADEMY ROAD With its friendly and classy neighbourhood feel, Academy Road entices with exclusive and specialty clothing shops, welcoming outdoor patios and popular restaurants like Fusion Grill,

Pizzeria Gusto and newbie Fusian Experience.

WEST END Ellice and Sargent Avenues are dotted with inexpensive ethnic eateries reflecting the diverse makeup of the neighbourhood.

THE FORKS Marking the historical meeting place of aboriginal peoples at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, The Forks is still a gathering place for shopping and outdoor activities year round, with a range of eateries. The

Common is a new craft beer and wine kiosk in the renovated Food Hall. In season there is a Sunday Farmers' Market, 11 am–4 pm.

Markets

ST. NORBERT MARKET This enormous market just south of the perimeter features some of the region's finest farmfresh produce, meats, baked goods and crafts. Live music. Saturday 8 am–3 pm and Wednesday 11 am–4 pm in season, 3514 Pembina Hwy, St. Norbert.

DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET A vibrant urban buzz, Thursday, 10 am–4 pm in season, Manitoba Hydro Plaza.

WOLSELEY FARMERS' MARKET Neighbourly vibe on a shaded plaza, Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30 pm–6:30 pm in season, 980 Palmerston Ave.

JARDIN ST. LEON GARDENS Outdoor market offering “real” fruits and vegetables in season. 419 St. Mary's Rd.

CRAMPTON'S MARKET Features local, organic produce, meat and house-made breads. 1765 Waverley Ave.

For all local listings visit www.fmam.ca

Cooking Classes

DE LUCA'S www.deluca.ca THE FOOD STUDIO www.foodstudio.net RED RIVER COLLEGE CULINARY WORKSHOPS www.rrc.ca

Kitchen Stores

d.a. NIELS www.danielsgourmetkitchenware.ca THE HAPPY COOKER www.thehappycooker.ca