WINNIPEG, MB – Cafe Carlo was one of the very first restaurants of its kind in Winnipeg (established in 1989) and has been consistently pleasing their loyal clientele ever since.

I have not had an opportunity to visit in the evening recently, but as a lunch destination it is high on my personal list of favourites. The warm atmosphere and the unpretentious approach to tasty fare is what keeps me going back. Case in point: the bread served at lunch tasted freshly baked and was served with butter that had been pureed with caramelized onion, bacon and sour cream!

On the first of two recent occasions, I was encouraged to sample the fish tacos, where house-made taco shells (the crunchy variety) were overflowing with greens, crispy tilapia and chipotle tartar sauce. Tastes were light and fresh and reminded me of Caribbean vacations.

On the other hand, the butternut squash and ricotta ravioli was anything but light, and I loved it! Little square pockets of house-made pasta luxuriated in a sage and hazelnut brown butter. Tendrils of freshly grated parmesan adorned the top. The tastes were deep and rich. I have attempted to recreate the taste in my own kitchen since that visit.

Soon after, I returned to sample some additional lunch items with friends. The boneless, fried chicken pieces were pickle brined to produce a moist, tender inside with a crunchy exterior. The portion, served with a salad, was ample enough to share. Another friend ordered the pasta special which was also abundant enough for a take home dinner.

Reviews and photos originally pulbished in the Hub Magazine by Kathryne Grisim

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