I think that we live in the most amazing country in the world!  Are you feeling patriotic this Canada Day weekend?  We’re heading up to our little beach house but last evening while we were at the Bomber game, I got an email from my friend Derek Taylor.  He and his wife Fiona needed a foodie to come onto CJOB with them during their Friday Foodie Finds segment.  I started brainstorming about places to eat on Canada Day weekend and thought that you, my loyal readers might need some suggestions as well.

The Forks is the perfect place to celebrate the creation of our magnificent country since it is the birthplace of our fair city.  Depending on what time of day you are commencing your personal celebrations, you may want to visit the Original Pancake House.  I personally haven’t been in a long time but J1 and J2 (and soon to be 3!) love to go and share The Big Apple.  There are a bevvy of places in the food stall area of the market itself.  We recently tried Fergie’s Fish ‘n Chips with a two course dinner starting with a hearty clam chowder, and a main course of fantastic fresh cut fries, coleslaw and Manitoba pickerel fillets.  Why anyone would choose cod or halibut over pickerel, I will never know.  If you have the whole family with you, the Old Spaghetti Factory delights the young ones and can also accommodate your senior parents with their easy accessibility and spacious layout.  Our 86 year old Mom loved our recent visit and remembered artifacts on display from their former location.  If you are looking for a romantic spot for fine dining, you will have a tough decision between Sydney’s  or The Current at the Inn at the Forks.  The upscale decor and culinary creations make them two of Winnipeg’s premiere restaurants.

If you are heading to or from the Living Flag event, which is being held on the grounds of the Leg, you will have a plethora of choices in the downtown area.  The closest is likely Cafe 22 right on Broadway.  We’ve taken our entire family there and shared their terrific pizzas and salads, without breaking the bank.

If Osborne Village is your destination then you are in luck. Two of my favourite Winnipeg restaurants are almost next door to each other-Unburger and Segovia.  Both use the very best local ingredients and concoct amazing culinary delights.  I have not yet had a chance to visit Billabong Gastropub since they have revamped but Sister #3 and Daughter #2 both love their Eggs Benedict for weekend brunch. A spot that I have wanted to try for ages is Kawaii Crepe.  The Frenchman says that the offerings are both delicious and affordable.  Although I haven’t visited Fude in quite sometime, my last visit was so memorable that I recall every detail.  The Chef/owner’s ability to deconstruct typical recipes and reconstruct them in a new and unique manner is well worth the climb up the stairs to their second floor location.  A descent to the Spicy Noodle House is a good bet too.  Try their deep fried pork chops for a decadent treat.

If Assiniboine Park is your destination and you are entering through the south gates, stop first at the Tuxedo Village Family Restaurant.  Excellent Greek cuisine can be had as well as many family favourites.  On the north edge is Sargent Sundae one of the city’s best spots for a cone (rivaling the BDI).  The Star Grill is a cozy place for a dinner for two in the evening and at brunch serves up a bacon and egg pizza that was so much fun to try.  We’ve yet to make it to Gus and Tony’s at the Park but it is on our “must try this summer” list.  Of course there is the elegant Terrace in the Park which I recently declared to be Winnipeg’s most romantic restaurant.  You can order seafood from both Canada’s east and west coast-the perfect way to salute the breadth of Canada’s geography.

Last but not least, is a special Canada Day at St. Norbert Market.  The noshing is always great on site or you could put together a Canadian picnic basket for wherever you are headed.

Take a moment this weekend to contemplate and celebrate all that Canada means to you.  We are so very blessed to live in the true north, strong and free!

Kath’s quote: “My food is Louisiana, New Orleans-based, well-seasoned, rustic. I think it’s pretty unique because of my background being influenced by my mom, Portuguese and French Canadian. There’s a lot going on there.” –Emeril Lagasse

Love-that is all.

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