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[next issue december 4, 2008]

WINNERS of the 2008 Ciao! Kitchen Design Competition presented by Assiniboine Credit Union

Funghi Deliziosi from Chef Greg Anania, Bellissimo

THE FOLK FEST COOKIE
Back by popular demand from Baker Tabitha Langel, Tall Grass Prairie Bakery

READER FEEDBACK »
Let us know what you think! Each issue one Ciao! reader response will win a dining gift certificate.

Ciao! Letters »

You can write to Ciao! at this email link, or send your mail to:

Ciao! Magazine
400-112 Market Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3B 0P4

Readers write...

We had a lovely evening out at your place on Tues. Feb.7/06 and enjoyed your exceptional menu of clam bisque (with watercress!!), elk osso buco and apple crisp and Callebaut cake--the wine pairings were perfect--truly perfect--the food and wine flavours melded as if one--and it was nice to have more than what one "could put in your eye" for a serving size as we've had elsewhere on a much more "socially conscious" menu , for less, but I'd rather pay what we paid at your establishment and enjoy--the organic Aboriginal Merlot was a huge surprise--service even on a fully busy night was attentive and pleasant--serving sizes were right on, although the elk could have been more thoughtful and grown to a slighy more dainty shank size --however--the elk sandwiches from our take-away box were much lauded by our teen sons the next day---all in all-I wish I were an influential food critic so that my highly glowing review of my evening out at Fusion Grill would be, well---infuential; but alas, you will have to content yourselves on this account: that you made for a very delightful evening for two middle-age old farts from St. Andrews, and we'll be back but probably not for awhile due to location and chauffeuring duties for our overinvolved teens under 16.

— A satisfied fusion grill diner during Dine Out Winnipeg

First I'd like to say that Dine Out Winnipeg was a very enjoyable event for myself. I usually eat out three times a week but have generally only gone to restaurants that I am used to. This event gave me the chance to go and see a bunch of hot restaurants that will now be on my list of regulars.

The Current (Jan 26th 8pm) The atmosphere was very nice and relaxing, we had a table by the window overlooking The Forks and that was very nice. It had a hotel restaurant feel to it. The food was great and service was given in a very friendly manner. In addition, the dessert at this restaurant was just amazing. The mixing of Crème Brûlée mixed with chocolate at the bottom was very yummy, I almost had two.
Service 4/5
Food 4/5
Overall 4/5

Fude (Jan 27th 8pm) This is a nice cozy gem in my mind. We were seated by the fireplace (it was fake) but still nice to look at. The service had a very nice personal touch and gave me the warm cozy home-based meal feeling. The food was anything but home-based, the starting appetizer was amazing--too bad there were only two dumplings and not four. Moving to the main course was something different; the chili chocolate chicken was a unique and tasteful inspired dish. I personally would not order it again, a little too different for my liking. The truffles for dessert were all I could ask for and more.
Service 5/5
Food 3/5
Overall 4/5

Pasta La Vista 2 (Kenaston) (Jan 30th 8pm) There was a nice fun-loving and enjoyable atmosphere that I have come to enjoy being a PLV regular. Even being a regular at PLV I have never ventured away from the pastas and pizzas so this was a very nice treat and surprise to have a steak. The steak for dinner was almost as good as a steak from 529. The salad appetizer was enjoyable but when supplemented with the crab cake from the full menu just gave the meal that extra touch. The crab cake is probably the best crab cake made in Canada.
Service 4/5
Food 4/5
Overall 4/5

Sydney's at the Forks (Feb 1st 8pm) It was almost impossible to get a reservation during the Dine Out week at the restaurant. With help from AMEX I was able to get a table. After arriving and starting my meal I quickly understood why this was the case. There is not a restaurant in Winnipeg that has a better serving staff. They are very professional but also friendly and accommodating. The meal was presented in a very elegant manner and the taste and quality of the food match. This is by far one of the top if not the top restaurant in Winnipeg currently. The only thing missing would be a more character and old location such as 529. I will for sure being heading back soon.
Service 5/5
Food 5/5
Overall 5/5

— Justin U.

I just wanted to let you know that I keep a copy of Ciao! in my car and one at the office. Whenever anyone says "Where can we go to eat that is different?", I pull out my book and we pour over the 'Best List' and find somewhere to go. You have not led us astray yet and you keep our culinary taste buds alive by tantalizing us with a wide variety of new and interesting tastes. You also have many of our favourites in your pages, so we go back to them and tell them how much we appreciate their special effort as well. I also use your pumpkin cheesecake recipe as a constant on Thanksgiving. Keep up the discriminating work.

— Delle B.

Last Saturday I went to Garson with some friends. We went to the Harvest Moon Cafe. It is the only building in Garson, so you walk by the postboxes, and through the grocery store into this unassuming little restuarant . I think it seats 35. Reservations are recommended. The food was unbelievable!!!!! You could just order something off the menu, or you could take the "try everything on the menu", which we did. You get to try all the appetizers on the menu and then share an entree all for $75.00 for two people. I haven't been this stuffed in along time. We started with a lobster bisque soup, that had wonderful pieces of lobster, then a pear and brie salad with a light dressing, followed by the biggest shrimp (everyone got 2 each), we needed a knife and fork tocut them . Our entree was duck with duchess potatoes, and a confit of tomatoes and goat cheese, and then for dessert creme brulee........just outstanding. I think their last reservation is 7:00 on Saturday. All of the appetizers were full size and not skimpy portions. Apparently, lunch is stuff like pot pie, or meatloaf. Oh yeah he also does Theme nights...like Mexican. Best kept secret, that is for sure. They only take cash, unless the grocery store is open then they might be able to run a visa and there is a cash machine nearby. Enjoy.

— Ciao! reader

Just wanted to write to say how much I love your magazine. I look forward to each and every issue. I have made it a goal, along with some friends, to try every restaurant listed. We decided to start alphabetically, but new restaurants appear before we get through our list. Based on our calculations, we should be through the entire list in 3 years, sooner if we eat out every night. One suggestion/request I have is for a category listing of weekend brunch/breakfast places. Is this something that could be incorporated into the magazine? Or a symbol beside the restaurants that offer brunch. For instance, Vivere has a weekend brunch from 10-2 every Sat./Sun. but I always thought they were only open for dinner. There are probably other examples out there but how is a Ciao reader supposed to know? There may be breakfast out there that we don't know about!

So thanks again for the great restaurant information and keep up the good work.

— Judy B.

I would like to congratulate your magazine for organizing the Dine Out Winnipeg experience. I think the concept is great and a wonderful way to introduce Winnipeggers to new restaurants.

— Brenda T.

I was reading your article this morning in Ciao! Magazine and was impressed with the feature picture and table setting. I was wondering if you would happen to know where the slate tile found around the fireplace was purchased. This is exactly the tile we have been searching for to complete our home renovation but have thus far been unsuccessful in finding it. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

— Jenny K.