Fresh, flavourful and vegan, the burgers at Boon Burger are a hit with meat-eaters and vegetarian diets alike.
Photo: Pepy Nasution
Manitoba's food and restaurant scene is vibrant, dynamic and growing.
And now we have more proof to back those claims.
In 2011, 17 new independent restaurants (and four chain locations) opened shop in the province while the rest of the country saw the number of restaurants dip, according to a new cross-country survey of the industry.
The survey, done by the global market research firm NPD Group, also found that Manitoba has the most independent restaurants per every 10,000 households (58) than any other province. (Alberta clocked in a 51 while Ontario had 50.) For the full story click here.
In 2012, Winnipeg seems on track to help break the record again this year.
Here's part one to a quick guide outlining Winnipeg's newest and upcoming restaurants:
Arkadash Bistro and Lounge, open
Address: 268 Portage Avenue
Phone Number: 204-504-2155
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Website: Arkadashbistroandlounge.com
Description: Modern Mediterranean cuisines with local twists and French and Italian influences. Tajines, stews served alongside osso bucco, ribs of the day and triple 'A' sirloin steak. The kitchen is committed to using local ingredients (like Arctic char, Manitoba lamb and produce).
Baon, hitting the Winnipeg streets possibly mid-July
As of late June, Baon's owner and chef was still getting all his ducks in a row regarding city permits and his menu. The lime-green truck will serve Fil-Asian fusion food. Follow Baon on Twitter @BaonBistro for the most current information or go to baonbistro.com.
Bistrot by Basil, open
Address: 137 Osborne Street
Phone Number: 204-452-2745
Neighbourhood: Osborne Village
Description: This modern reboot of Basil's, a Winnipeg restaurant institution, now serves Mediterranean-inspired fare, including lots of small plates for sharing. Some dishes include calamari with tzatziki, fire-grilled pizzas, lamb loin chops, wild salmon, and an outrageous all-American burger called the Mastadon with prosciutto, caramelized onions and grainy dijon.
Boon Burger Café, opening mid-July
Existing location: 79 Sherbrook Street
Phone Number: 204-415-1391
New location: 137 Bannatyne Avenue
Neighbourhood: The Exchange District
Website: boonburger.ca
Description: Canada's first all-Vegan burger joint. One hundred per cent animal-free, plant-based menu served. You'll never miss the meat. The eatery offers fascinating and creative flavour combinations that hit the mark.
deer + almond, open
Address: 85 Princess Street
Phone number: 204-504-8562
Neighbourhood: Exchange District
Description: This 65-seat urban diner has a concentrated menu loaded with local ingredients and Asian touches like crispy chicken with tart Chinese vinegar and toasted chiles and cilantro for dunking. Benny and the Jets, deer + almond's version of eggs Benedict is a sweet and savoury revelation. For a full review of deer + almond, click here.
Check back on July 13 for a second post listing more of Winnipeg’s new restaurants developments.
Have you checked out any of these new eateries? Share your experience in the comments below, email goodeats@pegcitygrub.com or tweet @PegCityGrub.