The media chef

Winnipeg has a vibrant restaurant scene and always so many choices from which to declare the year’s best new entry.

I was introduced to business partners Kyle and Marc when I visited Unburger Restaurant/ Café at 472 Stradbrook Ave. for my first time. The little place has a fresh, crisp and clean design. I sampled the “Unburger” — grilled pineapple, balsamic onion and tomato relish, caramelized onions, bacon, cheddar,herb mayo and a sunny-side up fried egg! The addition of pickled beets was just my cup of tea.

The newly relocated Deseo Bistro is at 696 Osborne St. There was some debate as to whether Deseo should be considered new as they were formerly located on the main floor of the Royal Albert Arms. But since Deseo was the hands down winner when I asked my cyber-circle for their favourite, I declare it to be Winnipeg’s best new restaurant. I’ve been twice – once for a savoury lunch of sweet and sour figs and chorizo sausage, and a second time for a cozy dinner when I sampled Chef Scott Bagshaw’s BC Clams tossed with pancetta and brussel sprout kim chee, and Caramelized Pork Belly accompanied by sour pear, crispy chicken skin and succotash. Deseo’s small plates are nothing short of exquisite. We were warmly hosted by the other Deseo partner, and lovely gentleman, Alejandro Moro.

I was surprised when no one remembered or (faced up to) loving Smoke’s Poutinerie which drew such a crowd when it opened in the Exchange this past summer. Being the poutine aficionado that I am, I was duly impressed by the savoury gravy and real cheese curds. My blogging friends had this to add: Carbone Coal Fired Pizza on Taylor Avenue is my new favourite pizzeria. The coal-fired oven creates the best crispy-thin crusts that cook in as little as three minutes. The peppino is a musttry with cherry tomatoes, prosciutto, arugula, parmigiano and a splash of olive oil, and save room for the Ferrero dessert pizza topped with nutella and roasted bananas.

The new Stella’s at Plug In, 460 Portage Ave., in the Buhler Centre across form the University of Winnipeg is the perfect place to grab a big fluffy cinnamon bun and coffee on the way to class or work. If you have time to sit down in the sunny dining room enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows, order the Mexican Breakfast. www.sucrefarine.blogspot.com

My new fave restaurant isn’t really a restaurant per se, but a coffee shop. Parlour Coffee at 468 Main Street has finally filled Winnipeg’s need for a place to get an incredible cup coffee. Its simple design and warm, friendly atmosphere (and staff) will definitely have you fixin’ for your daily cup of joe. www.thefood-online.com