mmm mmm mmmmmmmmmm! That's really all I need to say here.
It was date night, a rarity these days being a parent of a toddler and all... no definite plans, just a babysitter and hunger pangs in our bellies. We stopped by PG to see what the wait was. They could seat us at the bar for drinks and/or appetizers while awaiting a table. So glad we did that. Right in front of the wood burning oven, we got to watch them prepare the pizzas, not to mention chat with the chef!
Rating: 1-Poor 5-Great
Atmosphere...................5
Music..............................5
Food................................5
Service...........................5
Menu selection.............5
Wine selection...............5
Price...............................5*
*Price based on quality of food
We chose a 2007 Chianti, turns out the other chef (sous chef??) his brother was the owner of the vinyard where this wine is from. It was delicious. We also selected the calamari with lemon and bread crumbs for an appi. Delicious and light. Just what you want in an appetizer. Our servers (we actually had two since we switched tables prior to our entrees) were not only friendly but could easily offer options and personal favourites, plus each knew how to serve, which is a must, in my personal opinion.
The menu is primarily pizza, but you can also order pasta or other entrees. We chose pizza. I had the Nina morra (likely spelling this incorrectly) basically it has no tomato sauce, but caramelized onions, spicy italian sausage and cheese. mmm. My husband ordered the 887, tomato sauce, roasted peppers, salami, cacciatore, salami calabrese and two kinds of mozzarella. He also requested their own blend of chilis be cooked into the sauce - delicious! Oh, and just because we needed a little more food, we had some flat bread with oil and pecorino cheese as well.
So good.
And the service? impeccable. Topping up wine glasses, asking how everything was - without being annoying, and clearing plates on schedule.
You could hear music, but it wasn't too loud, just enough to make that lull in conversation not feel like a lull in coversation.
Atmosphere was casual and bistro like, but cozy enough for the intimate date night as well. It's just a perfect blend of everything to be honest.
After eating about half the pizza, we needed, okay "I" needed ,something sweet. It actually happened as I returned from the facilities that I saw a lovely hunk of choclate on another table and realized I was missing out. So we ordered the almond flour chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream. again, mmmm!
We will be back, no question about it. I think my previous review was very similar to this one. Try it, you won't be disappointed!
Overall rating.....5!
www.pizzeriagusto.com
Monday, July 25, 2011
Smoke's Poutinerie - July 2011
Smoke's Poutinerie, our choice for the lunch time jaunt and even better, free entertainment in Old Market Square thanks to the Fringe! We were excited, this little spot was well hyped and really it's poutine with extra fixings, how could you not like it?
Well, these are my thoughts.
Rating - 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere.................3
Music............................n/a
Food..............................1.5
Service..........................3
Menu Selection............5 (see note)
Wine Selection.............n/a
Price..............................2
*Price based on quality of food
note: it's french fries and gravy with extra toppings. Considering what it is the menu is extensive and salivating worthy.
We arrived while there was still a small lineup, maybe 6 people in front. Most people line up, order, and leave to eat their fries as there are only a few small tables inside. The place is clean and fun. You're not going to enjoy frou frou a la carte while sipping French champagne, but you also won't run screaming. It's a good spot for what it is. Anyhow, we perused the large menu, I opted for one including sweet onions, sausage, bacon and of course cheese and gravy. I can't recall the exact name. Decent price, poutine and drink was undre $10. My friend opted for a traditional poutine. As we were leaving the line up was out the door. Likely a 20+ minute wait. Wow, this must be good.
We chose a bench, got comfy and dug in. Meh. I'm glad I grabbed salt. The toppings were good. The fries were good. The gravy? not so much. a) it wasn't overly hot, my cheese hardly melted, and b) it was flavourless. Like watered down packet gravy. And come on here, gravy is the essence of poutine, if you don't have good gravy, you might as well sell fish n chips.
Really, that's all I can say. Oh, I guess I can comment that they sell Pic-a-pop...oh the fond memories!
I'd rate this at a 2.9 overall. Their menu helps to bring it up. Unlikely I'll be back.
Well, these are my thoughts.
Rating - 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere.................3
Music............................n/a
Food..............................1.5
Service..........................3
Menu Selection............5 (see note)
Wine Selection.............n/a
Price..............................2
*Price based on quality of food
note: it's french fries and gravy with extra toppings. Considering what it is the menu is extensive and salivating worthy.
We arrived while there was still a small lineup, maybe 6 people in front. Most people line up, order, and leave to eat their fries as there are only a few small tables inside. The place is clean and fun. You're not going to enjoy frou frou a la carte while sipping French champagne, but you also won't run screaming. It's a good spot for what it is. Anyhow, we perused the large menu, I opted for one including sweet onions, sausage, bacon and of course cheese and gravy. I can't recall the exact name. Decent price, poutine and drink was undre $10. My friend opted for a traditional poutine. As we were leaving the line up was out the door. Likely a 20+ minute wait. Wow, this must be good.
We chose a bench, got comfy and dug in. Meh. I'm glad I grabbed salt. The toppings were good. The fries were good. The gravy? not so much. a) it wasn't overly hot, my cheese hardly melted, and b) it was flavourless. Like watered down packet gravy. And come on here, gravy is the essence of poutine, if you don't have good gravy, you might as well sell fish n chips.
Really, that's all I can say. Oh, I guess I can comment that they sell Pic-a-pop...oh the fond memories!
I'd rate this at a 2.9 overall. Their menu helps to bring it up. Unlikely I'll be back.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tomato Pie Company - Feb 2011
Apprently it's been over 2 years since I've eaten out...and blogged about it. Our recent girls night started with Bingo at a local Legion, and wow, do not think you can just pop in and play a few games. No no. You must be prepared to stay until around 10:30. And they take things V.E.R.Y. seriously. (one girl had a dedicated dabber bag) We were given evil eyes, stern instruction and "if you don't want to stay until the end, you shouldn't plan to come to bingo". Yikes. So being the good people we are, we paid for the books, tucked our heads down, played a few games and then snuck out during the smoke break - also known as intermission. Fairly certain we're blacklisted and won't be playing there again.
Anyhow, after our escape from Legion #252 we decided to head to Tomato Pie Company. They were featuring Ciao Winnipeg's Dine About menu ($35, 3 course set menu, looked delicious), as none of us were overly hungry we chose the regular menu which is good, lots of options.
Rating - 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere.............4
Music......................N/A
Food........................3.5
Service....................2.5
Menu Selection......4.5
Wine Selection........5
Price........................3.5
*Price based on quality of food
Myself and another gal chose pizza, I had the Fungi (mushrooms) and she had the taco pizza. Both were good, the crust is very thin, almost cracker like. I found it better the next day when it was softer. Okay flavour, we all needed to add a touch of salt unforunately. The taco pizza came almost like a calzone, interesting presentation.
The other ladies opted for gnocchi and a penne. Both good, I would definitely try the gnocchi should I return.
For dessert, the sundae was chosen. Very cute presentation. Ice cream with chocolate chip cookies in an old teacup. Very nice. I would have hoped for more than typical store bought cookies, but nonetheless, ice cream is always good.
I like the atmosphere, mismatched tables and chairs, piano in the corner. Very casual and homey.
Unfortunately our service wasn't really there. I'm hoping it was just a long day or we were the "chosen" table for errors. He was very nice and apologetic, just forgetful and delayed in taking orders and such. I wouldn't not return based on this.
Overall I'd rate Tomato Pie Company at a 3.75. I'll likely return, but I don't think I'll be rushing to make reservations.
Anyhow, after our escape from Legion #252 we decided to head to Tomato Pie Company. They were featuring Ciao Winnipeg's Dine About menu ($35, 3 course set menu, looked delicious), as none of us were overly hungry we chose the regular menu which is good, lots of options.
Rating - 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere.............4
Music......................N/A
Food........................3.5
Service....................2.5
Menu Selection......4.5
Wine Selection........5
Price........................3.5
*Price based on quality of food
Myself and another gal chose pizza, I had the Fungi (mushrooms) and she had the taco pizza. Both were good, the crust is very thin, almost cracker like. I found it better the next day when it was softer. Okay flavour, we all needed to add a touch of salt unforunately. The taco pizza came almost like a calzone, interesting presentation.
The other ladies opted for gnocchi and a penne. Both good, I would definitely try the gnocchi should I return.
For dessert, the sundae was chosen. Very cute presentation. Ice cream with chocolate chip cookies in an old teacup. Very nice. I would have hoped for more than typical store bought cookies, but nonetheless, ice cream is always good.
I like the atmosphere, mismatched tables and chairs, piano in the corner. Very casual and homey.
Unfortunately our service wasn't really there. I'm hoping it was just a long day or we were the "chosen" table for errors. He was very nice and apologetic, just forgetful and delayed in taking orders and such. I wouldn't not return based on this.
Overall I'd rate Tomato Pie Company at a 3.75. I'll likely return, but I don't think I'll be rushing to make reservations.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Mise - New Year's Eve 2008
Our New Year's Eve choice this year was Mise, which recently moved to Corydon not far from our house - partially chosen in the event we had to take transit again due to weather. Thankfully this wasn't a concern this year!
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................4
Music .........................n/a (not included in the overall rating)
Food............................5
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........5
Wine Selection ..........4
Price............................5*
*price is based on quality of food
We were promptly seated for our reservation at 8:30, greeted by our server and offered drinks. A virgin caesar for myself and a bottle of wine for my partner. (as suggested by our server for cost savings, we could take the leftover wine home - never done this before) Shortly there after our meal orders were taken. I chose the Roasted Chicken Flat Bread with Basil Pesto, Bocconcini, Sundried Tomatoes for a starter, and since my dining partner chose the Chef's special he would receive Chicken corn chowder and Duck confit.
We were also treated to a cashew curry chicken amuse bouche, which was delicious! My flat bread was very tasty with so many individual flavours fused together to make a very interesting taste. The corn chowder soup was hearty and delicious, and the duck was, well, duck (not a fan).
Our main courses were Bison BBQ Ribs for me, and lobster with Steak for my partner. I was shocked the lobster wasn't served with butter (isn't that the only reason people order seafood??) but with one small taste, you realise that butter is definately not needed. So tender, succulent and full of flavour! My ribs were spicy and tender and practically fell off the bone and melted in my mouth.
A pear salad was served with the chef special after the steak & lobster, was light and plenty with a complimentary vinaigrette.
Our dessert was a trio of capuccino ice cream, lemon mousse and franjelico creme brulee. All delicious and just enough to keep you wanting more!
Our overall experience was a pleasant one. Our server was attentive, friendly, knowledgable and dressed nicely. My only complaint, though I don't want to call it a complaint, is the attire of the other servers. They appeared somewhat unkempt. Though I'm sure it was only myself who would pinpoint this.
My overall rating is a 4.5. I will be recommending this restaurant and will be returning...even if just for the dessert!
www.miserestaurant.com
(oh, and bathrooms were clean and lovely!)
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................4
Music .........................n/a (not included in the overall rating)
Food............................5
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........5
Wine Selection ..........4
Price............................5*
*price is based on quality of food
We were promptly seated for our reservation at 8:30, greeted by our server and offered drinks. A virgin caesar for myself and a bottle of wine for my partner. (as suggested by our server for cost savings, we could take the leftover wine home - never done this before) Shortly there after our meal orders were taken. I chose the Roasted Chicken Flat Bread with Basil Pesto, Bocconcini, Sundried Tomatoes for a starter, and since my dining partner chose the Chef's special he would receive Chicken corn chowder and Duck confit.
We were also treated to a cashew curry chicken amuse bouche, which was delicious! My flat bread was very tasty with so many individual flavours fused together to make a very interesting taste. The corn chowder soup was hearty and delicious, and the duck was, well, duck (not a fan).
Our main courses were Bison BBQ Ribs for me, and lobster with Steak for my partner. I was shocked the lobster wasn't served with butter (isn't that the only reason people order seafood??) but with one small taste, you realise that butter is definately not needed. So tender, succulent and full of flavour! My ribs were spicy and tender and practically fell off the bone and melted in my mouth.
A pear salad was served with the chef special after the steak & lobster, was light and plenty with a complimentary vinaigrette.
Our dessert was a trio of capuccino ice cream, lemon mousse and franjelico creme brulee. All delicious and just enough to keep you wanting more!
Our overall experience was a pleasant one. Our server was attentive, friendly, knowledgable and dressed nicely. My only complaint, though I don't want to call it a complaint, is the attire of the other servers. They appeared somewhat unkempt. Though I'm sure it was only myself who would pinpoint this.
My overall rating is a 4.5. I will be recommending this restaurant and will be returning...even if just for the dessert!
www.miserestaurant.com
(oh, and bathrooms were clean and lovely!)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Spuntino Cafe - December 2008
Our quarterly girly get together took us to Spuntino Cafe on Grosvenor for our Christmas celebration! I've been wanting to try this place for a while now, but it's always one of those that fails to stand out when deciding on a place. Thankfully my friend selected it!
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................4
Music .........................n/a (not included in the overall rating)
Food............................3.5 (based on my dish)
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........5
Wine Selection ..........5
Price............................4.75*
*price is based on quality of food
We arrived early and were promptly greeted and seated at our reserved table. A little disappointed in the table as it was right beside the door with drafts and noisy heaters. Other tables were available that would have been much nicer.
We started with salad, which was delicious and very yummy bread balls hot and fresh - great start!
I chose the Fettucine with chicken and mushrooms. It was alright, not a whole lot of flavour which disappointed me. The other dishes at the table had ample flavour which assured me I'd be back!
We decided to share a dessert between the 4 of us, and it was delicious! A light lemon filling on top of a shortbread crust. Wow!
Service was great, always checked on, wine refilled and never having to look for someone!
The prices are about average for pasta ($13-$20), some of the entrees seem a bit higher in price.
I will try this restaurant again and would recommend to others, even if just for the bread balls!
Overall rating 4.5.
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................4
Music .........................n/a (not included in the overall rating)
Food............................3.5 (based on my dish)
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........5
Wine Selection ..........5
Price............................4.75*
*price is based on quality of food
We arrived early and were promptly greeted and seated at our reserved table. A little disappointed in the table as it was right beside the door with drafts and noisy heaters. Other tables were available that would have been much nicer.
We started with salad, which was delicious and very yummy bread balls hot and fresh - great start!
I chose the Fettucine with chicken and mushrooms. It was alright, not a whole lot of flavour which disappointed me. The other dishes at the table had ample flavour which assured me I'd be back!
We decided to share a dessert between the 4 of us, and it was delicious! A light lemon filling on top of a shortbread crust. Wow!
Service was great, always checked on, wine refilled and never having to look for someone!
The prices are about average for pasta ($13-$20), some of the entrees seem a bit higher in price.
I will try this restaurant again and would recommend to others, even if just for the bread balls!
Overall rating 4.5.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Pizzeria Gusto - November 2008
Out of shear laziness this past Saturday we decided to try the newer Pizzeria Gusto on Academy. It was great! They don't take reservations which always leaves me with reservations, however its worth the wait.
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................5
Music .........................3 (not included in the overall rating)
Food............................5
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........4.75
Wine Selection ..........5
Price............................5*
*price is based on quality of food
The atmosphere is very casual and modern, with a bar area open to the wood burning oven and wine area.
The wine menu is extensive, fully Italian and offers a lot in the $30-35 range, which is rather unusual for a restuarant. The server eagerly offered information about the wine list and how the wine selector would rather have people try and enjoy the old school wines than to walk away - thus he keeps the prices reasonable. Wine by the glass is also offered. We tried a Chianti Classico, which was of course tasty!
The food menu is fairly small but don't let this sway you. Appetizers, soups, salad, about a dozen pizza options and a few entrees is the extent of it, but the prices are more than fair for the quality of food. We started with an appetizer, of course I chose the Fire Roasted Shrimp - wow. Delicious! I don't think there was much more than salt, pepper and oil, but the fire roasting made them exceptional.
We decided on just one pizza for the two of us, they are all 10 inch pizzas and we maybe should have had one each with some leftovers, but we were certainly comfortable and not 'needing' more food. We had the 887 pizza, which is a blend of roasted peppers, italian sausage and real mozzarella cheese. So good. Will definately be ordering this again.
The service here was fabulous. Always available to fill your drinks, check on your meal or to simply provide a smile.
Given we didn't go overboard on the pizza, dessert required our attention and chocolate cake was a must to share. All desserts are made in house and served fresh!
I will definately be going back here or at the very least ordering a pizza for takeout in the very near future!
My overall rating is 5 and I will definately be recommending this place to friends!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Restaurant Dubrovnik - September 2008
For an anniversary celebration we chose Restaurant Dubrovnik in downtown Winnipeg. Its a well known establishment that has won several awards and has top notch service. The restaurant is in an old mansion along the Assiniboine River and you quickly feel as though you are elite.
http://www.restaurantdubrovnik.com/home.html
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................5
Music .........................3 (couldn't really hear it, might have added a bit more)
Food............................4
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........4.5
Wine Selection ..........5
Price............................4.75*
*price is based on quality of food
Reservations were recommended and ours was set for 7:30, we were slightly late, but not a problem. We were greeted by the maitre d', dressed in a tux, and seated at a cosy table for two by the window.
An amuse bouche was given to us just before ordering. Delicious! Some sort of prime rib, I think (missed the explanation). Our view of the wine list confirmed they were rather over-priced. We usually look for Wolf Blass Yellow label as a factor. ($17 in the store, usually $30-35 in a restaurant) They were asking $49. Rather inflated. We chose a really nice Beaujolais.
For our first course, I selected the shrimp stuffed calamari with garlic, lemongrass, ginger and sherry glaze. Oh my god. So delicious. And lots of it. Very Asian inspired taste!
My husband chose the lobster bisque, which was a cappucino sort with vanilla froth. Very tasty also. The vanilla muted the lobster flavour - but in a good way. We were very eager for our next course considering our savoury first course.
Of course I went with the chicken. Chicken Supreme stuffed with dried Cranberry, Chive and Duck Confit Mousse served with vegetables - just blanched and a potato that was sliced yet molded together. The chicken was good. Nothing over the top exciting, but good.
My husband chose the New York Steak with Shiraz Reduction and Horse Radish Emulsion, served with the veggies and potato. He also agreed it was good, but nothing he's never had before.
Not to say we were disappointed, but the lead up to our main course hinted at something more.
You can not beat the service here. Males in tuxedos offering prompt and efficient service. We did not have to touch our wine bottle - something we enjoy. The silverware is real silver and is not the cheap run of the mill sort that some restaurants try to pawn off. I really appreciate good silverware and have commented to restaurants when their choice is poor. Sort of like dressing yourself up and putting a jean jacket over top. Just doesn't "fit" right.
The atmosphere is very elegant. Lots of woods and antiques. Very clean. I could faintly hear music, and think if it was slightly louder it would make for a more intimate experience.
Since we were celebrating our 2 years of wedded bliss! we decided dessert was a must. I have to say I was a little disappointed with dessert. The selection is quite large, cheesecakes, pies, creme caramel, meringue etc. We chose the chocolate torte. The filling was tasty, but the cake part was quite dry and mealy. I think it sat for a little longer than it should. Not sure I'd order dessert again if we were to return. I always think of dessert as a nice ending to a fab meal. But when the dessert is mediocre... Sort of rounds out the meal in an unflattering way.
Overall, we'd return for a special occasion. I wouldn't say this is "the best" restaurant in Winnipeg for the food, but the service would be hard to surpass, not to mention the elegance of the place.
My overall rating is a 4.25. It's different than others. Somewhere you dress up and want to feel special for an evening. The food is tasty, the wine is expensive, but you leave not regretting you came.
http://www.restaurantdubrovnik.com/home.html
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................5
Music .........................3 (couldn't really hear it, might have added a bit more)
Food............................4
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........4.5
Wine Selection ..........5
Price............................4.75*
*price is based on quality of food
Reservations were recommended and ours was set for 7:30, we were slightly late, but not a problem. We were greeted by the maitre d', dressed in a tux, and seated at a cosy table for two by the window.
An amuse bouche was given to us just before ordering. Delicious! Some sort of prime rib, I think (missed the explanation). Our view of the wine list confirmed they were rather over-priced. We usually look for Wolf Blass Yellow label as a factor. ($17 in the store, usually $30-35 in a restaurant) They were asking $49. Rather inflated. We chose a really nice Beaujolais.
For our first course, I selected the shrimp stuffed calamari with garlic, lemongrass, ginger and sherry glaze. Oh my god. So delicious. And lots of it. Very Asian inspired taste!
My husband chose the lobster bisque, which was a cappucino sort with vanilla froth. Very tasty also. The vanilla muted the lobster flavour - but in a good way. We were very eager for our next course considering our savoury first course.
Of course I went with the chicken. Chicken Supreme stuffed with dried Cranberry, Chive and Duck Confit Mousse served with vegetables - just blanched and a potato that was sliced yet molded together. The chicken was good. Nothing over the top exciting, but good.
My husband chose the New York Steak with Shiraz Reduction and Horse Radish Emulsion, served with the veggies and potato. He also agreed it was good, but nothing he's never had before.
Not to say we were disappointed, but the lead up to our main course hinted at something more.
You can not beat the service here. Males in tuxedos offering prompt and efficient service. We did not have to touch our wine bottle - something we enjoy. The silverware is real silver and is not the cheap run of the mill sort that some restaurants try to pawn off. I really appreciate good silverware and have commented to restaurants when their choice is poor. Sort of like dressing yourself up and putting a jean jacket over top. Just doesn't "fit" right.
The atmosphere is very elegant. Lots of woods and antiques. Very clean. I could faintly hear music, and think if it was slightly louder it would make for a more intimate experience.
Since we were celebrating our 2 years of wedded bliss! we decided dessert was a must. I have to say I was a little disappointed with dessert. The selection is quite large, cheesecakes, pies, creme caramel, meringue etc. We chose the chocolate torte. The filling was tasty, but the cake part was quite dry and mealy. I think it sat for a little longer than it should. Not sure I'd order dessert again if we were to return. I always think of dessert as a nice ending to a fab meal. But when the dessert is mediocre... Sort of rounds out the meal in an unflattering way.
Overall, we'd return for a special occasion. I wouldn't say this is "the best" restaurant in Winnipeg for the food, but the service would be hard to surpass, not to mention the elegance of the place.
My overall rating is a 4.25. It's different than others. Somewhere you dress up and want to feel special for an evening. The food is tasty, the wine is expensive, but you leave not regretting you came.
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