Right off the bat, I need some help.  This little restaurant is so new (in my circles) that I have not heard anyone pronounce its name and so I do not know which syllable requires the emphasis. For now it is DCO in my head until someone corrects me.

Our office was in the Exchange in the late nineties even before the Red River Campus arrived.  At that time our lunch selections revolved around dim sum and Vietnamese but even then I was content.  Now-so many choices….

I’ve long admired the glass atrium the restaurant is encased in.  I thought it was a brave move on the Royal Albert Arm’s part many years ago.  My lunch-date remarked that it felt as if we were no longer in Winnipeg (which I took as a good thing on that gray, gritty day).  The space itself feels “gritty” too, which is not a negative remark.  The space has a lot of history and it is apparent in an authentic way.  (I was warned to skip a visit to the ladies though). 

Our server was a ray of sunshine-enjoying the bustle, her guests and the food.  She had a couple of great suggestions including the skirt steak which I will try on another occasion.  I opted for the wild mushrooms on grilled toast topped with goat cheese and truffle oil.  The earthy, musky tastes were contrasted with the sharpness of the cheese.  D doesn’t care for truffle oil and so I do not use it as often as I would like at home.  So I especially savoured the treat.

Our server also suggested a side dish as my open faced sandwich was just that.  Carb Queen that I am -I ordered what I call “smashed” potatoes.  I often make these at home using Giada De Laurentiis recipe but I like Deseo’s version even better.  I imagine that the potatoes are boiled and then smashed before being dropped momentarily into a deep fryer and then lightly salted.  Not having the use of a deep fryer at home-I’ll not bother any more and just fixate on Deseo’s version.

My friend cautiously ordered a chorizo hash  not professing to be a spicy guy.  He indicated that he really enjoyed his choice but his eyes were continually drawn to the huge pulled pork sandwiches being delivered to surrounding tables.  He simultaneously figured out that he could wind his way through downtown’s walk way system to come back again if spring didn’t hurry up.

I was craving some Latin tastes so next time I may opt for the bean fritters or the lime & manchego polenta.  Going back to Deseo Bistro and soon is a fore gone conclusion.

Kath’s quote: “The most learned men have been questioned as to the nature of this tuber, and after two thousand years of argument and discussion their answer is the same as it was on the first day: we do not know. The truffles themselves have been interrogated, and have answered simply: eat us and praise the Lord.”-Alexandre Dumas

Share on Facebook