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!)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Cafe Dario - August 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Clay Oven - August 2008
To celebrate my dad's birthday we went on a recommendation to the Clay Oven. It's a fair drive from our house but we were hopeful that this would not be a turn off. It was okay.
http://www.clayovenrestaurant.ca/
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................2.5
Music .........................4 (typical Indian music)
Food............................3.5
Service........................4 (our main waiter was great, another was a bit stunned)
Menu Selection..........4.5
Wine Selection ..........4
Price...........................3.5*
*price is based on quality of food
Given other Indian restaurants we'd been to in Winnipeg I guess we were expecting more of a restaurant and less of a diner atmosphere. But not to be turned off we kept an open mind. Promptly seated (reservation was made) and greeted with a smile! The beverage listing is fine, a few wines, coctails, beer etc. Nothing exciting, but enough to keep you interested. Two of us chose "Clay Oven" caesers, quite good, an Indian spice ,that I couldn't quite place, certainly enhanced the flavour. Our guests chose the Indian beer, King Fisher and of course coffee.
We decided to each order a dish and share the bounty. My father the Hot and Spicy lover chose Lamb Vindaloo and requested "Hot"; I selected the appetizer platter complete with samosas, Paneer Pakora and Sona Tikki, and Butter Chicken; my mom ordered Shrimp curry, and my husband chose a vegetarian dish with lentils in a curry sauce.
Everything arrived at once, which isn't a major issue, but it makes for a crowded table. The appetizers were okay, the samosas a bit dry, but tasty.
Our main dishes were good, however the "Hot" Vindaloo, certainly wasn't as hot as we'd like. It was more of a lower end Medium. Our other dishes were definately mild, although ordered medium.
Butter chicken, I've had better. It tasted as though canned tomato soup had been used. The shrimp curry was tasty, but far too much sauce for the amount of meat.
The best dish, in my opinion, was the vegetarian lentil dish. Very tasty, good ratio of protein and sauce and the many spices were very evident!
The prices were okay compared to the quality. Most dishes were in the $12-15 range. Similar to most other restaurants, but I just didn't find the quality was there.
I'm not sure I'd return given the distance from our house and the fact that is was mediocre in both food and atmosphere compared to other Indian restaurants closer to us.
My overall rating - 3.75. Atmosphere definately needs an upgrade and the food needs...something. Maybe more care? I'm not sure, it just didn't give me the "wow" factor.
http://www.clayovenrestaurant.ca/
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................2.5
Music .........................4 (typical Indian music)
Food............................3.5
Service........................4 (our main waiter was great, another was a bit stunned)
Menu Selection..........4.5
Wine Selection ..........4
Price...........................3.5*
*price is based on quality of food
Given other Indian restaurants we'd been to in Winnipeg I guess we were expecting more of a restaurant and less of a diner atmosphere. But not to be turned off we kept an open mind. Promptly seated (reservation was made) and greeted with a smile! The beverage listing is fine, a few wines, coctails, beer etc. Nothing exciting, but enough to keep you interested. Two of us chose "Clay Oven" caesers, quite good, an Indian spice ,that I couldn't quite place, certainly enhanced the flavour. Our guests chose the Indian beer, King Fisher and of course coffee.
We decided to each order a dish and share the bounty. My father the Hot and Spicy lover chose Lamb Vindaloo and requested "Hot"; I selected the appetizer platter complete with samosas, Paneer Pakora and Sona Tikki, and Butter Chicken; my mom ordered Shrimp curry, and my husband chose a vegetarian dish with lentils in a curry sauce.
Everything arrived at once, which isn't a major issue, but it makes for a crowded table. The appetizers were okay, the samosas a bit dry, but tasty.
Our main dishes were good, however the "Hot" Vindaloo, certainly wasn't as hot as we'd like. It was more of a lower end Medium. Our other dishes were definately mild, although ordered medium.
Butter chicken, I've had better. It tasted as though canned tomato soup had been used. The shrimp curry was tasty, but far too much sauce for the amount of meat.
The best dish, in my opinion, was the vegetarian lentil dish. Very tasty, good ratio of protein and sauce and the many spices were very evident!
The prices were okay compared to the quality. Most dishes were in the $12-15 range. Similar to most other restaurants, but I just didn't find the quality was there.
I'm not sure I'd return given the distance from our house and the fact that is was mediocre in both food and atmosphere compared to other Indian restaurants closer to us.
My overall rating - 3.75. Atmosphere definately needs an upgrade and the food needs...something. Maybe more care? I'm not sure, it just didn't give me the "wow" factor.
Civita - July 2008
(quick review)
We decided to venture out for lunch one sunny afternoon and since we'd walked past Civita numerous times and never stopped, today was the day. We chose a spot on the sidewalk patio to catch a few rays and people watch.
Rating: 1 Poor - 5 Great
Atmosphere................5 (what's better than "interesting" people watching)
Music ........................N/A
Food............................5
Service........................5
Menu Selection..........4.5
Wine Selection ..........4.5
Price...........................5*
*price is based on quality of food
We started with a glass of Pinot Grigio, for myself, and a Shiraz for my husband. I chose the goat cheese salad with mixed greens, olives (which were set aside :-) and a yummy dressing, my husband selected the Raspberry vinaigrette salad. Both were fantastic. Light, tasty and just the right amount.We also decided to share a quesadilla, with chicken and sausage and drippy melting cheese. Fantastic! Such a great meal for a very reasonable price.
My overall rating is 4.75. The menu (food & wine) are small so if you're really looking for something, you may not find it here. I will definately return and try their evening menu as I was certainly impressed with their lunch!
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