WINNIPEG

The Culinary Traveller's Guide

Neighbourhoods

DOWNTOWN Winnipeg's downtown has experienced an exciting revitalization. The city's arena, the Bell MTS Place, is drawing people back to the area, with new hotels, restaurants and bars opening, while older storefronts are spiffing up. Try The Merchant 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 housemade charcuterie. Clementine offers the most innovative breakfast and lunch options, while

Chosabi is the choice for casual Asian. 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 Across the magnificent Esplanade Riel over the Red River is Winnipeg's francophone community, home to the French-language university and bookstores, unique shops and cafés. A stroll up Provencher Boulevard takes 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.

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 tapasslinging Segovia, meat-lovers' NuBurger,

The Cornerstone, and Little Sister pouring hot coffee around the corner. Nearby in Crescentwood, check out chef Scott Bagshaw's Asian-French fusion place,

Máquè. Down the way — well quite a way — South Osborne is livened up by ultracreative Oxbow.

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 — Vietnamese, Indian and Ethiopian among them.

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, enhanced by eateries like The Red Ember for pizza and inventive-Italian Passero (another Bagshaw venture). 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, Wednesday 11 am–4 pm in season. Now Saturday 10 am–2 pm bi-weekly in winter. 3514 Pembina Hwy, St. Norbert.

DOWNTOWN BIZ FARMERS' MARKET A vibrant urban buzz, Thursday, 10 am–3 pm in season, Manitoba Hydro Plaza. Inside at Cityplace in winter, 333 St. Mary Ave.

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 fruits and vegetables in season. 419 St. Mary's Rd.

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