After seeing a show and after you say hi or give compliments to hopefully, every cast member, you might be a little hungry. I normally have something small or nothing at all before seeing a show. Even though I might get hungry during the show, I know that I won’t miss the climatic barricade scene in Les Mis because I ate that bean burrito combo from Taco Bell. I strongly encourage you to go out with your friends or significant other, and enjoy some local food as you reflect on your theatrical experience.
Logan Corner Restaurant: $$ located at 247 Logan Ave.
The smell alone coming from this restaurant will make you hungry. At least, it does for me. When I go, I like to get the consommé soup or pan-fried dumplings to start, then plain mixed vegetables, and the sesame chicken, with something new to try that I wouldn’t normally get. I do not order a desert because I don’t have room. But I encourage you, maybe even command you, to find what you like, and try something new each time you go. Check out their special snacks for something small or their hot pot options if it is a cold Winnipeg evening.
Falafel Place: $ located at 1101 Corydon Ave.
If by chance I go to a matinee performance, I might also drop by at the Falafel Place for a yummy bite. The Falafel’s here are very good. Try the Canadian, Moroccan or Israeli falafel’s platters. Don’t worry about restrictions, they are very good with their vegan and gluten free options and have them clearly labeled in the menus. If you like Pitas, I recommend the shwarma, but that is because I am a Tony Stark fan and like in the Avengers movie, I to didn’t know what it was and wanted to try it. It was yummy, especially with fried onions and banana peppers for some heat. They also have a lovely assortment of salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers. For younger eaters, a young people’s menu that has Mickey Mouse Pancakes, which I can not deny nor confirm that I have ordered.
Resto Gare and Train Bar: $$$ located at 630 Des Meurons St.
Most people may find this restaurant expensive, but if you are looking for a theatre date with a romantic end, I don’t think you will find a better place. Early evening to eight pm is prime time for such a night. Make sure you book a reservation and also, check out their special entertainment. As for food, cause I love food, Les Fromages. Do I even need to say more? Les Fromages with a 9oz of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay wine on the patio while the sun goes down, you and your partner will be getting frisky tonight. Maybe a little bit off topic, but French food itself is sensual and at times also sexual. If you want more then cheese, try any of their Bistro Classic’s or go full out and get the Chateaubriand Pour Deux. Regardless of what you get, relax and enjoy the experience of this Winnipeg treasure.
White Top Drive In: $ located at 409 Manitoba Ave.
This Winnipeg drive-in burger joint, established in 1972, is the X on the map. Though there maybe line-ups in this middle of the city joint, it is worth the wait. Get the cheeseburger with homemade fries, and a large strawberry milkshake and you will have what you never see on the Bachelor, a match made in heaven.
Pho Winnipeg: $$ located at 1105 Arlington St.
The Mi Xao Thap Cam, Banh Tam, Bun Bo Hue, and Tai Bo Vien. What the Pho am I talking about? I’m talking about the dishes you need to have. If you are not familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant has a little bit of everything for you to try. To breakdown what I had said before, here it is. The Mi Xao Than Cam are the deluxe noodles, the Banh Tam is a thick coconut vermicelli special, the Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle dish with slices of flank and seasoned pork balls. Lastly a simple noodle soup such as Tai Bo Ven. After you can refresh yourself with a lovely matcha or taro milk tea.
Southdale Village Family: $$ located at 35 Lakewood Blvd #6
A lovely restaurant that is tucked away in a shopping outlet offers great burger, salad and dinner options. If you can’t find the time in the evening to go, the breakfast menu is also good and the coffee is often hot and fresh. My personal picks are the dijon turkey burger, raspberry chicken salad, battered haddock and the pina colada chicken. Yes, that is a thing and if you end up trying and like it, then I guarantee you also like getting caught in the rain.
JC’s Tacos and More: $$ located at 187 Henderson Hwy.
In my experience, I do not recommend going before a show, but I highly recommend going after a show. You can’t go wrong with the Taco Platter or any of their signature dishes. Reasonably priced and served with good portions, try them and enjoy them with some heat. If the hot sauces are too spicy for you, wash it down with some Sangria or Jarritos. Just don’t be that family that goes on a Tuesday.
Red Top Dinner: $ located at 219 St Mary’s Rd.
There are two things that you have to try without question. First is the 2 piece chicken dinner, served with fries and a tossed salad or coleslaw. And secondly, their famous hamburger, The Mayor, topped with crisp bacon, gyro meat and onion rings. The Mayor won’t give you a key to the city but it is worth every vote. If you aren’t a political person, but by chance you partied a little too hard at the cast party then the breakfast combo will help you get home after a night of tears, fish bowls and drunken reenactment.
The Handsome Daughter/Magic Bird Fried Chicken:
$ located at 61 Sherbrook St.
When you manage to find this crispy diamond in the rough, make sure you have either the crispy four pieces fried chicken, the classic chicken sandwich with sides or the chicken strips with curly fries with honey dill sauce, which for me has one of the best chicken strips in the city. It is a small space so you may want to call and order for pick up. If you would like more entertainment, check out what The Handsome Daughter has to offer with live music options. One thing is curtain about this place; the chicken defiantly comes first.
Helio’s Restaurant: $$ located at 241 S t Mary’s Rd.
Have you ever found yourself going to a place and struggling one what to get? I struggle, especially when I come here. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I like Greek food. Its fresh, its yummy, it tells a story and if I had to choose between a salad dressing, you bet I’m picking Greek! You try and choose between their chicken souvlaki, fettuccine alfredo, grilled seasonal vegetables or their traditional spaghetti. The only thing I know what I am getting for sure is the Baklava. I’ll take four please!
