Hello Winnipeg, we are Mr. and Mrs. Restaurant. We’re passionate about food, but not about cooking. After growing tired of everyday chain restaurants, we began our search for the best hidden eateries the city has to offer. Ever wonder if that trendy new place is worth the money; or if that greasy burger joint lives up to all the hype? Just ask Mr. and Mrs. Restaurant!
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is one of Winnipeg’s few fine-dining options and if we were to sum it up in one phrase, it would be: pricey, but well worth it.
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:7872025282[/flickr]Hy’s may not be hidden, or particularly local; but this restaurant has humble beginnings and is a great success story. Hy Aisenstat opened his first restaurant in Calgary in 1955. A Winnipeg location followed in 1958, and a handful of additional locations opened throughout the 60’s and 70’s. In 1971, Hy’s even invested in a friend’s idea for a casual-dining steakhouse called The Keg and Cleaver; known simply as The Keg today. Despite their expansions and prosperity, this business remains family-owned, with Aisenstat’s three sons all being co-owners.
Located at Portage and Main, on the main floor of the Richardson Building, Hy’s is hard to miss. Their space has high ceilings, regal décor and the warm romantic colours lend to the restaurant’s overall opulence. Hy’s is a great place to go if you want to dress up and enjoy a special occasion. A visit to Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar turned our ordinary Friday night into a special occasion; and here’s why:
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:7872025528[/flickr]The service at Hy’s is unparalleled; they treat you like royalty during your visit and strive to make your experience a memorable one. The menu is full of quality options, which are fairly priced considering the fine-dining category that Hy’s falls in. The food is fantastic, and you’re not rushed through the courses of your dinner.
We started our meal off with a bottle of red wine, Caesar Salads and two appetizers: Prawn Cocktail and Chilled Asparagus and Prosciutto. The prawns were huge, juicy and perfectly prepared. The Caesar Salads are a real treat at Hy’s because your server prepares them right in front of you. A salad cart is wheeled over to your table and without demanding too much attention; the server whips up their garlic-rich Caesar dressing and has the salads ready to enjoy within only a couple of minutes. Delicious salads, especially if you like garlic!
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:7872025054[/flickr]For our mains, we chose the Steak & Lobster (Filet Mignon) and The “Only” New York Strip, prepared with a steak sauce only available from Hy’s. The steaks were seasoned and cooked to perfection, and the huge lobster tail was one of the best we’ve had! Each entrée comes with a choice of potatoes or rice, which is refreshing since most of the other fine dining restaurants offer their steaks a la carte, and side dishes are only available as extras for purchase. For this reason, Hy’s is one of the better-valued high-end steak houses in Winnipeg.
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar is a perfect place for a special occasion and while it may cost more than your average steakhouse; trust that you’ll leave Hy’s feeling satisfied and knowing it was worth it!
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
http://www.hyssteakhouse.com/
One Lombard Place
(204) 942-1000
