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!
Oakwood Cafe
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:7970584696[/flickr]The Oakwood Café seems to include all of the necessary elements of a hidden gem. They’re located in a strip mall on South Osborne and from the outside, this place is easily overlooked. Situated so close to countless trendy Osborne spots, this café’s exterior may not draw you in but once you try their food, you’ll definitely be going back!
Upon entering the Oakwood Café we were pleasantly surprised by how well the place is decorated and cared for, as it looks much more casual from the outside. We were greeted by friendly servers and quickly informed of their weeknight special (two entrees, two drinks and a shared dessert for $39.99). We took advantage of this special and are happy to note that unlike some “two can dine” specials, we were not limited to only a few options. Drink choices also include wine or beer!
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:7970583826[/flickr]The menu at Oakwood Café is long, with a lot of variety but not overwhelming. It is one of those menus where you’ll find at least three choices that you’re craving almost equally! The menu starts with your usual breakfast choices and some unconventional ones as well (salmon asparagus omelette and “brizza”, the breakfast pizza). Breakfast potatoes can be upgraded to a salad, and gluten-free bread is available. The menu continues on with a variety of sandwiches and burgers; and their dinner menu is vast, with choices like steak, pasta, fish entrees, perogies and much more! A homemade soup is always on the menu along with their daily-made borscht, which was authentic and delicious.
It is worthwhile to mention that each section of their menu features at least two or three vegetarian options, even the burgers are all available with a veggie patty or salmon filet instead of beef. The Oakwood Café also offers gluten-free options wherever possible.
Once our meals arrived (steak and salmon and carbonara), the consensus at the table was: great value! They’re serving huge portions for reasonable prices, and are generous with side dishes. A choice of potato, seasonal vegetables, as well as a heaping pile asparagus accompanied the steak and salmon. This meal rivals what you’d find at a casual steak house, and it costs a fraction of the price. The Carbonara was filled with bacon and bell peppers; it was described by our server as being “hefty”, he was right. Our only complaint was that the entrees followed a little too soon after our soup and salads.
[flickr style=”border:none; padding:4px; border:1px solid #BDBDBD; float:right; margin-left:5px;”]photo:7970585458[/flickr]For dessert, there is a choice of about 6 different homemade pies (even the crust is homemade!) and the apple pie was a perfect ending to our meals. We’ll admit that when we drove up to this restaurant, we were expecting cheap eats or some greasy comfort food but the experience was completely different than that. The Oakwood Café has a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere and their menu is full of homemade, classic dishes with a contemporary touch.
Oakwood Cafe
http://www.oakwoodcafe.ca/
660 Osborne St.
(204) 475-4250
