We do not get to go to many Winnipeg Jets’ games so when we are lucky enough to snag some tickets, it is a big event for us. To make the evening even more special, we start with a dinner out. We are very strategic about where we dine because we do not want to have to park twice in downtown Winnipeg. That is why the Keg Garry St. was the perfect choice on this particular game night. We found a parking spot in the vicinity of the Millennium Library which was exactly half way between the restaurant and the MTS Centre.

Upon arrival, we realized that our good idea was also considered a smart one by a whole lot of other people. The dining room was full and so we opted to wait out our time in the bar. There were also no lounge tables available so we found ourselves perched on the high stools at the bar. It turned out to be such a fun spot that when it was our time to move into the dining room, we declined and ordered dinner at the bar.

One of the attractions was that many of the other pairs of diners were also heading to the Jets game and so we amicably chatted about the Jets’ chances that evening, injuries and trades.

We started with the spinach salad which the kitchen was kind enough to split onto two plates. I don’t know what makes me so crazy about this salad (perhaps the sugared nuts, the creamy goat cheese or the beautifully blended salad dressing) but I could eat it every single day. Strawberries are especially dear this time of year and it felt like a very special treat to have so many slices peaking out from underneath the spinach leaves.

D chose the pistachio crusted salmon that comes atop creamy garlic mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts tossed with bacon and maple syrup. He was very pleased with his choice.

I had a hankering for fish too and opted for the grilled ahi tuna on a bed of Asian cole slaw with a soy and sesame dressing. My first portion was too salty and so it was immediately whisked away and a substitute was provide that was absolutely perfect. I love the contrast of the seared meat on the surface with the cool and silky interior of the fish. The dish was light and satisfying and when it was game time, I still had the energy to make the quick walk to the arena.

Kath’s quote: “I think whenever anyone asked me why I wanted to be a hockey player, that’s where it all started, watching the Winnipeg Jets play as a young kid.”-Jonathon Toews

Love never fails.

We were reluctant to leave North Beach on such a glorious beach day, but we eventually made our meander back to Luna ‘Miel on the airport road.

We hopped into the shower and then walked the sea wall back into Centro.

Our destination was the artist’s fair in the square (update: I understand that artist fairs now take place at the Cultural Centre). We were so impressed with all of the talent an did lots of shopping for the gang back home. I especially appreciated the photography and sea glass pieces.

It was a great turn out of tourists and ex-pats.

It was a bit of a wait to get ourselves a light dinner in the square but with so many people to visit, we were content just to hang. We noshed on pizza slices, sliders, shrimp & octopus empanadas, pork tacos and Barlito’s cinnamon bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce for dessert. A moveable feast!

Shadows were lengthening an it was time to make our way to Bally Hoo for sunset.

There are many lovely spots to witness sunset on Isla but we especially enjoy Bally Hoo to watch the fishing boats come in and enjoy the pier and the gulls.

Bally Hoo’s amazing mango margaritas were another reason to visit. Our new friends Jan and Michelle from Luna d’Miel couldn’t believe how big they were.

Friends Bob and Joyce were there as well. They were meeting new guests who were delegates of the women’s conference which takes place on Isla every year. We kept pulling tables together an in the end there were 12 of us enjoying our “Grande” margaritas. Those that hadn’t filled up on dinner in the square, enjoyedd Bally Hoo’s legendary fish tacos.

We stopped into Casa el Pio for some moon gazing on our way home.

For our next visit (soon!), we are staying at Villas San Miguel which will put us close to the cultural centre for the artist’s fair, walks to see the sunset and so much more.

Kath’s quote: “Nothing goes with a hot tan like a cool margarita.” –Unknown

Love never fails.

We enjoyed the morning’s sunrise and coffee with two new Canadian neighbours at Luna d’Miel.

I made a big ham and egg breakfast and then packed a lunch for our afternoon at north beach. It was a hot one and me being as freckled as I am, I spent the afternoon under an umbrella.

We love the beach at any time but especially early in the day before the other beach lovers arrive. At this particular time, it felt like we had the beach all to ourselves.

When there is no one else at the beach, the view is breathtaking and there is no one to disturb you as you escape into your book.

Eventually it is time to stretch and take a walk so I head east on north beach (with my camera of course).

The cool of our very own spot on the beach was waiting for me.

Eventually we are joined by Sister #3 and Brother #3 who consistently visit the island at the same time as us. We are a family that loves to hang out together. You can likely tell that with my fair skin I don’t take after the same parent as my siblings.

We were in and out of the crystalline waters all day to refresh ourselves.

We enjoyed a late lunch time of sandwiches made of manchego cheese, cucumber, cilantro and lime mayo-oh yum! We made the hot walk home and hop into the shower and then head back into town again.

On a beach day such as this one, we do a lot of walking back and forth from North Beach/centro to Luna d’Miel on the Airport Road. We are very much looking forward to staying in town at Villas San Miquel this year. With a pool right in the courtyard, we may even decide not to go to the beach at all. We expect that refreshing breezes off the open ocean will cool us.

Kath’s quote:“A real friend is someone who takes a winter vacation on a sun-drenched beach and does not send a card.”–Farmer’s Almanac

Love never fails.

Of all of the “hats” that I wear, food -styling is one of my favourite tasks. Recently I had the opportunity to accompany fitness star Dai Manuel on a visit to CTV Morning Live where he spoke to Kris Laudien about the benefits of consuming beef as a reasonable protein choice.

Since not all proteins are created equal, the food items that I apportioned and displayed show that if you attempted to consume the equivalent protein of 75 grams of beef, you would have to eat 11 eggs, 100 almonds, 7 T of peanut butter,6 servings of cooked quinoa (125 ml each),3 servings of hummus (60ml each) or 2.3 servings of black beans (175ml each).

I prepared three fabulous beef recipes to illustrate its versatility including

beef & bean quesadillas and

a roast beef wrap with red pepper jelly and cashews.

My favourite though were the Korean Beef Cups which I have permission to share with you here:

Love never fails.

I was not of the opinion that 295 Lobby on York needed sprucing up, but I was nonetheless impressed when Mr. WOW! Doug Stephen conducted a personalized tour of the restaurant for me. The former floor to ceiling draperies which separate tables along the round banquette were being replaced and cozy round booths now line the north wall and will certainly satisfy diners who are looking for romance or extra privacy. The back rooms are still in tact which I am pleased about, as I attend a group that utilizes the space on a regular basis.

D and I have a particular inclination for seafood and make it a priority to scope out the best places when we travel. We have a fondness for the oyster and raw bars of Boston where amicable oyster shuckers will listen to your woes (and joys) like a bar keep. Modifications have been made to 295’s bar so that Chef Jesse Friesen can hold down the fort from their new oyster bar. Jesse is not only a talented chef but passionate about fresh products, innovative cooking preparations and his home town of Winnipeg, so he is the perfect personality to take on a limelight role such as this.

Prawn Cocktail

On this evening, I divided my time between the raw bar where I sample the poached prawns (above) and a bevy of oysters including the cooked ones below.

Recipe in honour of a regular guest

I also had a chance to sample

the WPG Burger

and the back bacon cheese toast. Both were fabulous, but Chef Jesse has a deft hand with seafood, so when you go, ensure that you same some room for

his Coconut Shrimp with a crumble of macadamia nuts and cilantro crème fraiche.

My 295 favourite of Tuna Tartare featuring Canadian albacore has thankfully remained on the menu. I enjoyed the toasted panko flakes which provided a subtle crunch, but particularly the silky drizzle of a fine sesame oil producing additional depth.

DT’s is the first restaurant that I know of in Winnipeg to print a gluten free menu. I am sure Winnipeggers will applaud this.

So, check out the changes in décor and the new food offerings, but in particular spend some time with Chef Jesse. Readers in this space know that I am a big fan of his and predict great things for him.  You’ll be able to say “I knew him when….”

Kath’s quote:“If you are a chef, no matter how good a chef you are, it’s not good cooking for yourself; the joy is in cooking for others – it’s the same with music.”-will.i.am

Love never fails.