Feeding the Body and Soul in Winnipeg

By Deb Jenkins
Staff Writer

Food is of course fuel, energy, which our bodies need to keep us going. However I daresay this fuel is not always something we chew and swallow. Going to festivals for me is another type of fuel that my mind and body need to keep me grounded and energized.

The type of energy I get from one Festival to another is different. The Winnipeg folk festival feeds me in a way distinct from any other. There is absolutely no other meal like this in my world: five days of a smorgasbord of little kids, babies, grandparents, adults (wanting to be kids) and of course music.

The food at the festival was also a draw. This year there was a place called “The Tallest Poppy”, specializing in pulled pork, beef brisket and breakfast sandwiches. Then there was the Italian place that gave out GENORMOUS portions of pasta, lastly there was the vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free booth. I thought it was a good deal for the price. Unfortunately I cannot find the names of them anywhere in my notes, BUMMER!!

Outside of the Festival, we did find a couple of places around Winnipeg that we tried. I was CRAVING sushi and as we drove into town I kept an eye out for any sign that said “SUSHI.” We found a place called Sushi King. It happened to be close to where we were staying so we checked it out. It was clean, relaxing inside and the seating was comfortable.

But we got there at 8:45 and they were closing at 9. When we walked in the hostess gave the chef the “should I tell them we close soon” look. So I asked right away if it was a problem. They fed us, no problem.

The sushi was good only, without any exaggeration, the amount of fish was no more than the circumference of a pencil! The price was reasonable, but the one thing you have to be very aware of is that the tax is going to kill you in the end. Sales tax in Manitoba is 12% and the waitress said it was going up to 17%!

The other place we ate at was the East India Company. Although they were at the Festival, I chose to wait until we could go to their restaurant downtown to eat. At the Festival, I felt that for the price of the meal you really were not getting too much. SO in all my wisdom, I thought let’s just eat downtown.

The East India Company is amazing. I could not begin to tell you how many choices you have to pick from on the buffet, let alone the dessert bar! It was Seriously RIDICULOUS.

Now before I tell you the price let me also say we were there in the evening. Okay, our bill was $60.00 and some change! We did have a drink each, but really this would be a lesson on learning to ask what things cost or at least looking at the menu. The buffet itself, in the evening I am guessing, is $21.50 a person. I can honestly say too that it is worth it. Only as I mentioned in last week’s issue, I ate so much that there was no dessert for me again. Really, some day I will start with dessert. 

So lastly we thought we would try this place called Tim Norton’s. It is everywhere. I guess it is like seeing McDonald’s on every corner. Our friends we stayed with in Winnipeg swore by the coffee at this Tim Norton’s. They said it was the best ever, so on our way out of Winnipeg we stopped at one. Now let me just say that I drink coffee and in my coffee world it mostly has to just be hot. I find that it is a bonus if I really get the “oh the flavor is wonderful” from it. Well, the coffee was very hot and dark and Mike thought it was good. I will just have to agree with him I guess.

But they also had morning sandwiches and donuts, fresh-made there, bagels too. We had two breakfast specials and a small donut each. The special came with small coffee and hash browns (Something made a little differently than what we think of as hash browns. It reminded me of a potato pancake) for only $14.00 Canadian. I was so full (yes, me) that I have to say if you are on a small budget, go there. They also have sandwich lunch specials too. A very family-friendly place.

So that was my eating trip and I look forward to going back and checking out even more. The thing I have heard over and over again is that I should go to Folklorama. So I will have to figure out how and when.
Well, all for now. Until next week, stay safe and eat well. Any questions or concerns email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 

If You Go

What: East India Company
Where: 349 York Ave, Winnipeg
When: M-F, Sun 11-3, 5-9:30; Sat 11-3
Info: 204.947.3097