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If today's post doesn't make you hungry, then I don't know what will! This entire blog was from my food adventures last week and I was on a quest to try some new things, whether it was a local restaurant that I haven't been to, newly opened food spots in the city or the first Winnipeg Beerfest.

- Sydney's at the Forks: An old one that still has its charm. I've been meaning to try this prix fixe style restaurant and finally had the chance when the boy and I went for date night. We started with grilled octopus as appetizer, tuna and pork loin as our mains, and matcha crepe for dessert. 

- Chew: A neighborhood favorite. I normally buy bread and pastries from their sister bakery, The Store Next Door, but one afternoon I found myself wanting to have lunch here and indulged in some crispy gnocchi, pork belly and truffle fries.

- Za Pizza Bistro: a growing artisan pizza chain around the city. I've been seeing a lot of this popping up here so I decided to try it myself - think Subway style for thin crust pizza where you can customize your own toppings. For something cheap and quick, I couldn't complain on the margherita I got here. 

- La Carnita: a Toronto favorite comes to my city. After a number of successful restaurants in Toronto, my city is lucky to welcome La Carnita at the Exchange District in downtown Winnipeg. Yes, think delicious Mexican street food including elotes (grilled corn), nachos and tacos. Their drinks are amazing too. Perfect food for a night out with friends. 

- Harth Mozza and Wine Bar: an aesthetically beautiful new restaurant complementing its amazing Italian menu. From a wonderful wine, cheese and charcuterie selection to housemade pasta and bread for their dishes, Harth is going to be your next go-to restaurant in the city. I even wish I had room for dessert to try one of their Ricotta Zeppole so obviously, I need to go back here.

- Last but not the least, the first ever Winnipeg Beer Festival, held at Fort Gibraltar. With over 20 different kinds of local beer, this event highlighted the growing craft brewery scene in the city. There were also unlimited poutine, pita, hummus and veggie platters, as well as local food vendors sampling their products. Peg Beer Co, Little Brown Jug and Torque Brewing came home as the top three winners of the night. Overall, a night filled with great beer, good friends and tons of fun!

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It's spring break! Even though it technically does not apply to me as my student days have long passed, I wanted to share with you some ideas if you happen to be a local reader or looking for something to do in your own city.
- Check out a local coffee and donut shop: This month one of my favourite cafes, Little Sister Coffee Maker, is bringing back their Honey Lavender Latte. A good 10-minute walk from here is Oh Doughnuts, which produces some of the most delicious treats including vegan and gluten free options. I highly recommend this combination if you are from Winnipeg.
- Find a quick day trip from your city: Just 30 minutes away from Winnipeg is Pineridge Hollow and this remains to be one of the most charming locations I've been to. From a restaurant, a boutique, a greenhouse and even a small grazing field for farm animals, this place is sure to give you the quintessential prairie experience. (Also, makes for the perfect ootd background).
- Drive around and shoot local scenery: Through friends, I've discovered a scenic route around Lockport, Manitoba. It goes by the river and gives you perfect shots of majestic houses in that community. It's also cool to see how the season is changing based on the thawing body of water.
- Treat yourself to beer / wine / cocktails: One of the newest and busiest microbrewery in town is Brazen Hall. Situated along Pembina Hwy, this brewpub features amazing local beers and delicious  from-scratch food pairings, sure to fill you up. The place itself is huge and beautifully decorated - perfect for groups; There is a buzz across the hall which speaks volumes about how inviting the ambiance is. It is such a great spot, I've been there twice since it opened last week.
See these recommendations in the vlog version below