I have a new favourite Restaurant - Cafe Dario. Fantastic! We recently dined here with some friends after many recommendations. You could easily blink and miss this place, which would be a terrible mistake, so please take note 1390 Erin St, Winnipeg. (204) 783-2813. Reservations recommended.
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................5
Music .........................4 (radio in the background - but you don't need music)
Food............................5
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........5
Wine Selection ..........5
Price............................5*
*price is based on quality of food
I believe the building used to be a house, so it's not easily distinguishable however, the sign is clearly visible on the corner of the building. Promptly greeted and seated as per our reservation, always a good sign. The atmosphere is maybe not what you'd expect. There's no fancy lighting or rich tapestries, but its clean, comfortable and quaint.
The wine list has plenty of options without being overwhelming. We chose an Argentinian Malbec, which was quickly served and enjoyed. Our next choice was the menu. Cafe Dario offers a set menu each night with options for appetizers and entrees at the price of $33 per person. The salad, soup and dessert are the daily selection.
Each option sounded delicious which can make for a difficult decision. I was of course torn between the two shrimp appetizers - always predictable I guess. I eventually selected the Sesame dumpling & shrimp flauta (sort of a springroll) with spicy mango pulp. My husband chose the potpourri of mushrooms with salsa verde. Our friends each had the Sesame shrimp along with the pineapple gaspacho shooter, salmon gravelox with hearts of palm. None of us had anything bad to say. The presenatation alone will keep you coming back.
Soup was cream of spinach, delicious, and the salad a light offering of mixed greens with sesame seed and mint vinaigrette - light and fresh.
Each course is served with sufficient time to digest the previous course, without leaving you looking at your watch. Our entrees arrived and wow. I ordered the beef tenderloin - Churrasco style (typical South American style) with caper salsa. It was the most tender beef I've ever had. The flavours just danced in your mouth. I think my exact words were "I'm going to have dreams about beef this evening". In addition to the beef was grilled zucchini and mashed potatoes with what we believe were jalapenos, scrumptous.
My husband of course chose the salmon & monkfish with sweet corn, bacon and caviar creme. Again the flavours together were heavenly. Our friends chose the honey-glazed duck and dry chili & lemon rubbed pork tenderloin, a spicy selection. Each commented the choices were excellent.
During our meal the chef came out a couple times to speak to the tables and ask how everything was, he would also clear a few plates if needed - I like this casual yet genuine friendliness.
Last but not least was our desert. Simple, sweet and not too filling. Fresh figs with plum & port sauce. One of our friends hoped for something a bit more...substantial? not sure of the word. A pastry, cake, something more along those lines. I enjoyed the dessert and I didn't leave feeling as though I needed to unbutton my pants and nap for several hours.
The overall dining was about 2 & 1/2 hours, but well worth it. The owners are Columbian and give the North American foods a wonderful South American flare. I can not wait to return to this restaurant. And I absolutely love the building and area. Nothing pretentious, just great food to be enjoyed in a comfortable environment. Love it!
My overall rating is a 5. I'm not taking the music into consideration as honestly you do not need it. I highly recommend this place to anyone for any occasion.
No comments:
Post a Comment