What should be built at the Forks?
They want to know what you think! And I KNOW lots of people have an opinion on this – after all, the Forks is one of the most beloved spots in the entire city. 
There are two big spaces – Parcel Four (where there was talk of a waterpark and hotel) and another site called Railside, and they want to hear from the public about what should be developed there. If you can’t picture it, you can see the sites by clicking here (they’re the highlighted spots in the picture right there)
They’re hosting a public info session tomorrow evening- that’s at The Forks Market, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, June 19
- so come out and share your thoughts! More info on how to RSVP here
A Moveable Feast
There are some things that it never occurred to me to put together – but are a brilliant match. Like cycling + eating!
That’s the agenda for A Moveable Feast tour next week, with seven different stops for foodie lovers downtown, in the West End, Exchange and St B.
You hop on your bike with a group, and cycle between 7 different restaurants and cafes for food & drink – that’s a seriously epic feast, not to mention a unique experience! I stop for coffee lots on my bike in to work, but this takes it to a whole new level – I’ve never done a group ride before, and I love the idea of cruising around the streets from restaurant to restaurant!
If it sounds like this is your cup of tea, tix are just $30, available at 426 Portage Avenue or 2nd Floor, 133 Albert St. – they’re limited, so get yours quickly!
If you don’t make it in though, not to worry – there are a whole bunch of other tours going on this summer too - patio crawls, more cycling, wine tasting tours, walks through rooftop gardens, even a history of crime tour! And hey, maybe if this one’s popular enough they’ll do a second date!
Let’s Do Lunch – the new(ish) kids on the block!
It’s hard to believe it, this month has flown by! But I lunched my last with Let’s Do Lunch today – and I hope you had a fantastic time getting out and trying some new restaurants too!
So to wrap it up properly, here’s a couple more restaurant picks for you. There two restaurants are a little newer to Winnipeg’s restaurant scene, and if you haven’t made it to them yet it’s definitely worth a try for dishes like these:
RUDY’S EAT & DRINK - 375 Graham Ave., (204) 421-9094
ASK ABOUT DAILY LUNCH FEATURES FOR SPECIALS LIKE:
Creole Chicken Fettuccini with Green Peppercorn Sauce
Baked Philly Cheese Steak Wrap
Blackened Chicken & Roasted
Tomato Pizzette
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
THE METROPOLITAN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE – 281 Donald St., (204) 594-9494
If you haven’t seen the complete makeover this classic Winnipeg theatre has gotten, a stop for lunch is a must! I dined on:
ENTRÉE
served with choice of side salad or French fries
Macaroni, chorizo, and cheddar casserole baked with a cheese nacho topping (this was my pick, how can you pass on gourmet mac & cheese?)
Or
Crispy boneless chicken cutlet with hot peppers and Havarti cheese on a sesame bun
DESSERT
Hot strawberry and rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream (Just one word – YUM)
I’ve loved lunching with all of you – so I’ve got one more prize!
Tell me the next downtown restuarant you’re excited to try, and you could win gift certificates to Rudy’s or the Met!
Let’s Do Lunch – Mmmm, sandwiches
This month is Let’s Do Lunch Downtown, and I’ve been doing my best to sample the special lunch menus at each and every restaurant participating. The countdown is on with 2 days to go, so if you haven’t made it out yet here are some more reasons to check it out!
From the time we’re kids, sandwiches are the quintessential lunchtime food for lots of us. And even when you outgrow peanut butter and jelly, there are still a whole lot reasons to salivate over a great sandwich – like these 3 Let’s Do Lunch specials!
PONY CORRAL RESTRAURANT & BAR – 444 St Mary Ave., (204) 942-4414
Is there anything more classic than the Reuben when it comes to sandwiches. Set Menu – $13
PONY CORRAL’S FAMOUS REUBEN SANDWICH
Served with fries and coleslaw
SYDNEY’S – 1 Forks Market Rd #215, (204) 942-6075
Made special for the luncher who means business – whether it’s doing business, or the business of enjoying a seriously good meal in a stunning setting. Set Menu – $15.00
THE BUSINESS SANDWICH
Applewood smoked pulled pork, pickled onion & peppers and chipotle
aioli served with pomme frites or organic greens
THE CURRENT – 75 Forks Market Rd., (204) 944-2445
OK, so the weather is still awful out some days – but grilled pineapple will do nicely to bring some sunshine to lunch. Set Menu – $10
PULLED PORK SANDWICH
Pulled Manitoba pork slathered in BBQ sauce with grilled pineapple and chipotle aioli,
served on a cheddar and onion bun with a caesar salad
In case you’re still on the fence about going before the month is out, here’s a reminder – when you eat at one of the participating restaurants, you get a ballot and can enter to win a restaurant tour worth $500!
If you let me know in the comments what your favourite childhood sandwich was – you’re entered to win $25 gift cards to Sydney’s, the Current or the Pony Corral!
All the details – and all the other menus – are available at dolunchdowntown.com – check it out!
Let’s Do Lunch – Steakhouse edition
The patio at the Keg – summertime heaven
This month is Let’s Do Lunch Downtown, and I’ve been doing my best to sample the special lunch menus at each and every restaurant participating. You’ve still got time to as well, so I wanted to share a little something with the steak lovers out there!
Both Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar and The Keg Steakhouse & Bar are offering special menus this month, and they’re absolutely mouth-watering.
HY’S STEAKHOUSE & COCKTAIL BAR - 1 Lombard Place, (204) 942-1000
Now this one is a serious deal. Perfect for a business lunch or just an excuse to indulge in a luxurious lunch, you get appi, entree and a delectable dessert for $25.
STARTER
- Soup of the Day
- Hy’s Tossed Green Salad with House Dressing
ENTREE (pick one)
- PEPPER STEAK SAUTÉE (all 3 are good choices, but this one’s my personal favourite) diced beef tenderloin and striploin sautéed with bell peppers, onions and finished with Teriyaki sauce
- MEDITERRANEAN SALAD
mixed lettuce tossed in house dressing, baby shrimp, crab meat, bacon, tomatoes,
red onions, black olives and boiled egg - HY’S MEATLOAF
topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms and port jus
DESSERT
- Belgian Chocolate Bourbon Cake or
- Frozen Yogurt with Fresh berry compote
THE KEG STEAKHOUSE & BAR – 115 Garry St., (204) 942-7619
If you haven’t spent time on their patio yet this summer, it’s time. Brick walls, flowers, a water feature – it’s a peaceful little oasis with a yummy list of specials for $15.95 this month.
- RANCH BURGER
Our prime rib burger, sprinkled with Keg spice, topped with ranch dressing,frizzled onions and tomato - CALIFORNIA CLUBHOUSE
Grilled chicken, smoked applewood bacon, avocado, tomato and lettuce - CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
Grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and aged Parmesan cheese in our creamy dressing (includes coffee or pop)
In case you’re still on the fence about going before the month is out, here’s a reminder that:
1) When you eat at one of the participating restaurants, you get a ballot and can enter to win a restaurant tour worth $500!
2) If you want to get a group together, you can get a free ride to and from the restaurant on the Winnipeg Trolley! 
3) If you let me know in the comments how you like your steak – you’re entered to win $25 gift cards to Hy’s and the Keg!
All the details – and all the other menus – are available at dolunchdowntown.com – check it out!
Done your Mother’s Day shopping yet?
It’s Friday, also known as Emergency Mother’s Day Shopping Day.
If you haven’t picked something out yet, don’t worry – I can be last-minute person too, and I know that usually leaves us with the 3 standards: flowers, chocolates, and bath goodies. All classics for a reason, don’t get me wrong! But if you’re going to go this route, you can still get a little bit of creativity in there – so I’ve researched 3 quick stops you can make on your way back from work!
Flowers:
Say no to your standard roses and carnations – and say yes to adorable calla lily arrangements in pink bubble bowls like this one from Fresh Cuts in Portage Place
Chocolates:
Forget Pot of Gold, and go for some luxurious chocolate goodies from Constance Popp like these guys: (they’re underground in the Richardson Concourse, so you don’t even need to head outside!
Bath Goodies:
Vanilla smells good. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee body wash smells even better. Or pistachio, or fresh fig honey bath… all of them are at Holt Renfrew, second floor of Portage Place!
Happy shopping!
Let’s Do Lunch Downtown!
CTV chowing down on post-interview churros with Edgar from La Bamba!
The weather is finally warm, and the most delicious month of the year is here! May is Let’s Do Lunch Downtown month – all the way until May 31st, there are special set menus being featured at great downtown restaurants – and you’re invited to head out and try them!
You might have caught it on CTV yesterday morning – some awesome restaurants were up and in the kitchen early doing demos of what they’re offering this month!
Like this awesome menu offering from La Bamba:
Now, La Bamba has taught me to appreciate real, fresh Mexican food (no Taco Bell flavours here). Everything is made in house, and according to traditional Mexican recipes, the way owner Edgar says his grandma would have made it. What they’re serving up this month is menu that starts with a tostada – if you’ve never tried one, it’s a crispy fried tortilla base filed high with beans, cheese, sour cream, chopped lettuce, sliced onions, salsa, and your choice of chicken, beef, or veggie and vegan options. Edgar described how to eat it as kind of like eating a giant piece of Mexican bruschetta! It comes with yummy sides like their house made Mexican rice, and an imported Mexican pop. The pop may not sound like a big enticement – but you haven’t seen the flavours yet. Lime, pineapple, even tamarind, in those classically cute glass bottles.
But my favourite part is the dessert it comes with – churros. YUM. They’re like two giant sugary, cinammony sticks of mini-doughnut – and it comes with a little pot of melted chocolate to dip them in! Heaven. (in case you’re wondering, that’s what they’re chowing down on in the pictures!)
Definitely a must-try – and if the menu and the weather weren’t enough to get you our to try something new, check this out-
1) When you eat at one of the participating restaurants, you get a ballot and can enter to win a restaurant tour worth $500!
2) If you want to get a group together, you can get a free ride to and from the restaurant on the Winnipeg Trolley!
3) If you let me know in the comments which kind of tostada you’d like to try – you’re entered to win a $25 gift card to La Bamba!
All the details – and all the other menus – are available at dolunchdowntown.com – check it out!
La Bamba
285 Portage Ave.
(204) 415-6344
