LA ROCA Neighbourhood .... Downtown Address ........ 155 Smith St Phone ........ 204-615-9605 Entrées ........... $ 16- $ 22
Two tables over , a server ceremoniously slides two brimming shotglasses across the table ’ s surface and begins describing the flavour profile of an aged tequila . Nearby , a circle of jerseyed Jets fans crowds closer to their table to “ ooh ” and “ ah ” over the racks of tacos jostling for space .
La Roca is serious about having fun .
The slick downtown spot launched almost a year ago with a concept to serve the light , fresh , and flavourful food of coastal Mexico to our prairie city . Everything from the menu to the lounge-like interior veers away from Tex-Mex kitsch toward the authentic contemporary . The drink menu , for instance , lists forceful margaritas ( yes on the powerfully kicky salt rim , no on sugary slush ) with flavours like cucumber jalapeño , and more than 40 varieties of tequila selected to show of a variety of blanco , aged , and rested sips . If you want to let loose , the bar seems to be saying , do it right .
This goes for dinner as well , a collection of fun food invigorated with splashes of lime and spice . Salted tortilla chips come with the table , and are perfect for scooping tender cubes of shrimp ceviche from its glass vessel . They also make an ideal dipper for the bubbling pool of queso fundido , tangy and spicy from slivers of jalapeño and crumbled chorizo sausage . ciao ! reviews
Surroundings are casual chic , and service offers a blend of professionalism and camaraderie that makes devouring a taco feel almost elegant . Served in trios tucked into metal taco holders , these fresh hand-held bites are menu highlights . Eight varieties range from traditional carnitas to healthy grilled fish tucked into flour tortillas or lettuce wraps . A delicious vegetarian option gives crunch to creamy avocado with a fried panko breading .
Accompanying sides are equally rewarding . Pozole soup , an authentic Mexican stew , is a hearty blend of veggies in a savoury broth rich with shreds of chicken . Potato-like pillows of hominy , made from white corn , enrich the bowl . A fun play on a classic , Mexican Caesar salad adds some heat , spiking the dressing with chipotle , adding deep fried slices of jalapeño , and swapping bacon for chorizo .
A small selection of mains have recently been added to the menu , offering options for large appetites . Smoky , charred carne asada is complemented by a swizzle of creamy avocado sauce . A colourful fish dish , with a changing featured fillet , packs a zesty punch under a lime-heavy salsa verde with colourful pico de gallo .
Dark rustic decor keeps the dining room looking chic , while pops of colour — including a wall of vibrant artwork and patterned banquettes — give the 170 seat space some coziness .
So do street food inspired desserts like crispy churros and a banana choco chimi ( a deep fried Mars bar , banana , and tortilla concoction ). Just close your eyes and think of Mexico .
La Roca is open Tue-Wed 4 pmlate , Thu-Fri 11:30 am-late , and Sat 4 pm-late .
CAFE CARLO Neighbourhood ..... Corydon Address ......... 243 Lilac St Phone ........ 204-477-5544 Entrées ........... $ 29- $ 36
Avid eaters are always on the look out for the ever-elusive perfect neighbourhood restaurant , the kind of place with stellar food , an intimate , comfortable setting , and service that easily leads to customers developing a “ usual ”. This trifecta is difficult to achieve , but when a restaurant gets it right , it is a recipe for success .
Cafe Carlo offers the proof : this cozy bistro has been tucked in its Lilac Street location since 1989 . With some signatures iron clad on the menu and other dishes pushing the boundaries with bold ingredients and global preparations , the kitchen continues to dish out the city ’ s favourite plates .
Long before tapas became the trendiest way to eat , Cafe Carlo offered a selection of small plates to share . This collection of shareables reads like a roadmap around the world , from PEI mussels to spring rolls , to falafel .
Standout plates incorporate ingredients making waves in the contemporary food scene , like spectacular fried chicken , golden coating fried to a crisp crack , which is accented by a kimchi sauce that cuts through the indulgent meal with tangy zip .
Beef nachos shake off bar food connotations with the incorporation of juicy roasted mushrooms and a fine shaving of preserved egg yolks , the chef-favoured condiment adding a salty punch . Proving that bacon isn ’ t going to be disappearing from menus anytime soon , here the
ciao ! / apr / may / two thousand seventeen 31