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Thick Cut Bacon And An Epic Concert – That’s Downtown Living

Published on August 23, 2017August 23, 2017 by downtownpeggy2 Comments

If you are into delicious food, a brand new restaurant just opened up at 285 Portage called Tipsy Cow. I’m not telling you that you have to eat there, but I’m telling every person I meet how amazing the Thick Cut Candied Bacon is. It’s where I fueled up before Interstellar Rodeo, and I’m trying to figure out if I can somehow eat there twice a day for the rest of my life. Pro tip, try combining Little Brown Jug 1919, TC Candy Bacon, and the Winnipeg Burger; that’s the good life and you can only find it downtown.

When you walk into Tipsy Cow you know it’s going to be good. There’s a bar in the front ready to get you started with a local drink, or you can get seated right away and get some amazing starters for you and your group/date. Tipsy Cow is a simple place to get a good burger, and a beer and then get on to an amazing venue downtown.

I personally went from a burger to watching Beck rock the house at the Forks. This is an artist I’ve been waiting to see since 1997 and he lit up the stage and the crowd. Even the hipsters said he was cool and couldn’t help but dance a little as this master of the stage entertained a full house.

The Forks is always an option for entertainment. If you missed Interstellar Rodeo this year, make sure you plan to be there next year. Also, add The Forks to your favourites list and follow them on Instagram and Twitter. The Forks always has something going on in their events section.

Add Tipsy Cow to your Winnipeg “must eat” list, perfect before a game at MTS, a concert, or just because your working downtown and working makes you hungry. I’m certain this restaurant will make your day complete; they have beer and bacon, the rest is a bonus.

SHARE this post on Facebook or Twitter and you will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Tipsy Cow (enter by August 27 to be entered to win).

See you downtown,

Don’t forget Dad!

Published on June 18, 2015 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Public Service Announcement: Dads are the best! And it’s Father’s Day on Sunday!

If you, like me, have gotten caught up in all of the summer/FIFA/patio fun recently, it may have accidentally slipped your mind to pick up a present for your pop. Luckily I have a few connections and I can help you #Finditdowntown for dad, just in time for Father’s Day!

If your dad likes steak: The Keg (115 Garry St.) would be a great option. Take him for dinner – they’re offering a steak & shrimp combo for $35, they take reservations and they’re open at 3PM.

If your dad likes beer: Get him on a Tap In beer tour! Put on by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, there’s a bunch throughout the summer – and it’s great value: 4 restaurants, 4 beers, 4 samples of appetizers all for $30 – and you get to check out a few great new watering holes in the downtown! Next tour: June 25.

If your dad likes cigars: Take a peek around Thomas Hinds Tobacconists – 185 Carlton St. – if you don’t know what you’re looking for, the friendly staff will certainly give you a hand.

If your dad likes a fine scotch: Remember there’s a Liquor Mart inside cityplace – perfect for a grab-and-go gift.

If your dad likes coffee: At Fools & Horses Coffee Co. – Broadway at Edmonton St. they carry Pilot Coffee beans and the accessories he’ll need to brew the perfect cup.

If your dad likes a good tie or pocket square: Try EPH Apparel – 291 Garry St. – they’ll hook him up with a custom tailored suit to go with it!

Other ideas? Let me know what you find downtown for dad!

St. Paddy’s Day all the way!

Published on March 17, 2015 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

St. Patrick’s Day is as good an excuse as any for me to don my shamrock-shaped (no, I didn’t say shamrock shake, but I bet you want one now, don’t you!) glasses, my best green dress, hit the (down)town and indulge in some Irish cream- and Guinness-flavoured things and sip on some cool, refreshing green beer and just spread friendly, jolly cheer! This day only comes once a year – here’s a few spots you might like to #finditdowntown for St. Paddy’s day.

Pony Corral – 444 St. Mary Ave.

Guinness and Jameson are on special, Thistle-Thyme show band is on stage, you could win a Guinness beer fridge, and the McConnell Irish Dancers will have you a-tappin’ your toes.

Times Changed High and Lonesome Club – 234 Main St.

St. Paddy’s Day Liquidation Sale – All beer must go. No reasonable offer refused. Richard Inman & the Mad Trappers play at 9:00, Andrew Neville & the Poor Choices play at 10:30. Always delicious Mexican cuisine.

Shannon’s Irish Pub – 175 Carlton St.

All-day entertainment including Nathan Rogers, Dale Brown and the Brady Irish Dancers.

Carbone Coal Fired Pizza – 260 St. Mary Ave.

Green beer. Prizes. Free Pizza. Free Lucky Charms cereal.

Tavern United MTS Centre – 260 Hargrave St.

Indulge in beef stew served in a bread bowl, green beer, St. Paddy’s Day-themed shooters, and be entertained by the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band.

And perhaps if a friendly, neighborhood watering hole isn’t your scene this St. Patrick’s day, perhaps the luck of the Irish at the Tony Award-winning Book of Mormon ticket lottery will be on your side. Arrive at the Centennial Concert Hall 2.5 hours before curtain, and enter to win the chance to purchase tickets for a very reasonable $25. Stay tuned for my review of the show on Thursday!

Hello hockey!! (Help!)

Published on March 3, 2015 by downtownpeggy3 Comments

Maybe you’ve already noticed, but for the sake of clarity, I’ll say so myself: I’m not a very sporty gal.

I was the kid who would sneak out of gym class to go shopping downtown. I’d choose pumps over pumping any day. I’m much more interested in restaurant reviews than sports stats. And…I’m almost sorry to say that I’ve only set foot in our very own MTS Centre for concerts and things other than hockey.

But it’s all about to change.

It’s been declared the Year of Sport in Manitoba (aside from the usual suspects, we’re hosting FIFA Women’s World Cup of Soccer AND the Grey Cup!) and I’m kicking it off (puns always intended!) the best way I know how.

Tomorrow our hometown boys play against Ottawa and I am very excited to finally have the chance to cheer them on!

Here’s my tentative agenda for the evening. Please let me know if I’m on the right track:

1. Head to the Jets Gear Store at 300 Portage Ave. on my lunch break to pick up something thematically appropriate to wear to the game, so everyone knows who I’m cheering for.

2. Dash to the Yellow Dog Tavern at 386 Donald (hop, skip & jump away from MTS Centre) right after work to grab a spot because I hear it fills up VERY quickly on hockey nights!

3. Have a bite to eat, perhaps my favourite grilled cheese sandwich in the city (the rosemary adds a little something extra special), but really anything on this not-your-average pub-grub menu will satisfy!

4. Instagram (#finditdowntown)

5. Wash it down with a local beer – they’ve got the standard line-up of Half Pints on tap, and they’ve also always got first dibs on any of the exclusive, limited time Half Pints kegs (think Pistachio Mustachio for Movember, etc.)

6. Scoot over to the MTS Centre, find my seats, shout “Go Jets GO!” as many times as possible, perhaps grab a Jets Dog as a snack (I hear they are epic), cheer some more, and hope they win!

7. Instagram (#GoJetsGo, #finditdowntown)

8. Take the skywalk to Shark Club or Boston Pizza or The Pint for a post-game drink.

Sound about right to you? What does your typical game night look like? Which are your favourite pre- and post-game hang outs? What are your favourite snacks at the game?

Fill me in, friends – I’m a rookie!

Five actually good last-minute gift ideas

Published on December 16, 2014December 17, 2014 by downtownpeggy8 Comments

Ready or not, Santa’s coming down the chimney in just over a week. There’s cookies to bake, things to wrap, a turkey to stuff, and only a few hours in between all that to finish your Christmas shopping. Some (I) call this fun. But I understand it can be a stressful time of year so here, let me offer some expert advice.

Before you decide to phone it in completely and just raid that endless selection of gift cards at the checkout stand on your next grocery run, consider these ideas that are a bit more thoughtful, but just as simple (and as always, #finditdowntown!):

For the person on your list who deserves a little down-time:

We all know someone who fits this criteria. Heck, we all fit the bill. Call up Riverstone Spa at the Inn at the Forks or Ten Spa at Fort Garry Hotel and get this person a little me-time treat. And while you can, and I would highly recommend it, don’t feel obligated to go all out – even someone who goes in for a basic manicure or pedicure treatment is entitled to use the steam showers, sauna, and lounge around in a fluffy robe for as long as their hearts desire. But if you can splurge on the mud wrap, massage and/or facial, by all means do.

For the person on your list who is either a kid, Disney fanatic, or kid at heart:

Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy is coming to the MTS Centre in March and there are a whole bunch of kiddos who want to see it. An afternoon out with a miniature Disney fan, mesmerized as their favourite characters and heroes glide and fly across the ice? Priceless (tickets start at 29.99). Also, this is a fantastic cotton candy opp – messy, I know, but worth it.

For the person on your list who’d love a delicious treat:

And again, who wouldn’t? Why not make it an experience with a gift certificate to Prairie 360? As I’m sure you’ve seen on Instagram, the view is stunning and the meal is guaranteed to be tasty. It can be budget friendly too – brunch goes for $20 per person. For a higher-end option, go for a few courses and wine pairings overlooking the twinkly lights of the city below. How romantic!

For the holiday season lover on your list:

If I was on your list, this would be my number one wish (hint hint!!!). The holiday season is absolutely not complete without catching the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker performance (at least once). That’s all there is to it. If there’s someone on your list who hasn’t experienced the Sugar Plumb Fairy in real life, no matter how old or young they are, this is the gift for them.

For the person on your list who enjoys a beer every now and then:

This idea probably has the potential to cover off a bunch of people on your list: Carbone Coal Fired Pizza beer buttons. You might have heard, but there’s this new, delicious pizza place on St. Mary Ave. where you get to pour your own pints. You can purchase the buttons that activate the taps and load ’em up with as many dollars as you like. Want to try before you buy? Help your neighbours out and post your go-to, last-minute gift ideas and you could win a $25 Carbone beer button. Contest closes Friday, Dec. 19 at 3PM – just in time for you to pick up and re-gift your prize if you’re in that much of a pickle! 😉