Chef Adam Donnelly, along with his wife and business partner Carolina Konrad, are responsible for Winnipeg’s two hottest restaurants, Segovia Tapas Bar in Osborne Village, and the brunch-centric spot Clementine, which the couple has created with long-time Segovia chef Chris Gama and Raya Konrad (read the glowing review here).
With two extremely busy restaurants — neither of which take reservations, so get there early or late or be prepared to wait a bit (which, believe me, will be worth it) — along with two young kids at home, it’s pretty rare for Adam and Carolina to get out for a meal.
But when they do, they go with the familiar, as in the words of Adam, “the places that I like to eat at the most are all owned by friends.”
Enoteca (1670 Corydon Avenue)
I love Scott [Bagshaw] & his food, it’s refined and always amazing. I know all the staff there and most of the patrons when I go, so it puts me at ease and makes me feel like I’m at an awesome dinner party. From the service, to the food and the ambiance, I always leave happy.
Beef tartare at Enoteca (photo by Dan Clapson/Eat North)
For full reviews of Scott Baghshaw’s restaurant’s Enoteca and Máquè click on the links. He also owns the acclaimed Deseo Bistro.
deer + almond (85 Princess Street)
Well I love going to Deer and Almond to see Mandel [Hitzer, chef and owner] first and foremost. I don’t get out too much anymore and I love to get to hang out with him; he’s always got some crazy stories. The food of course is also amazing and he uses tons of local produce which makes the food taste clean and refreshing.
While diner at deer + almond often gets all the accolades, their lunch is also top notch (PCG)
For more on chef Mandel Hitzer click here and here, where you’ll find an article on best meals from 2015 which also features Segovia and Enoteca.
Vera Pizzeria e Bevande (670 Osborne Street)
This is another place that really makes me feel at home. I love taking my wife and kids here — it’s so chill. Terick is a really cool, genuine person and it’s always a pleasure to eat his food and enjoy his hospitality. There food is so simple and so tasty and that’s the kind of food I will never get sick of and always want to eat on my days off.
Vera’s amazing staff from left: Mathew Ramsay, Sean Davids, Terik Cabildo, Chris Cabildo, and Kelsea Cassell (PCG)
For a full review of Vera’s click here.
