Bluestone Cottage
Neighbourhood: Charleswood
Address: 3670 Roblin Blvd
Phone: 204-944-8751
Entrees: $19-$16
The opening of a new bakery cafe in a neighbourhood is always going to grab attention. In the case of Bluestone Cottage, accomplished chef Kelly Cattani has made waves by applying her farm-to-table cooking philosophy to daytime eating. At this charming Charleswood café, big flavour is drawn from fresh ingredients in every dish prepared.
A country-chic vibe welcomes diners to the space formerly occupied by a suburban pub. Paintings of Manitoba scenes, a chalkboard menu and merchandise for sale procured from a handful of homegrown makers whets appetites for chef Kelly’s local menu.
The restaurant delivers wow factors. For starters, it is the place to step past your standard drink order and try a colourful smoothie, beet or carrot latte, turmeric tonic or hibiscus lemonade. A full range of spicy chai and stylish brews satisfy caffeine devotees too.
The menu caters to breakfast-all-day fans, while providing lots of exciting choice for those who prefer lunch-ables way before noon. Traditional egg and toast dishes add roasted veggies to the lineup of ham, bacon or sausage options. A house-smoked salmon variation wakes up the taste buds with a medley of arugula, red onion and capers. A biscuit-based benny topped with luscious house-made hollandaise adds lovely texture to a standard.
Kickstart the day with nutrient-dense shakshuka. This hearty Middle Eastern pan dish of baked eggs offers savoury bites of garlic-laced tomato sauce, chickpeas, kale and feta. Or choose sourdough pancakes topped with sour cherries, yogurt and maple syrup for a playful re-imagining of sweet and sour.
Latkes are made of sweet potatoes and presented as an homage to a restaurant where chef Kelly formerly cooked: the “fresh cafe” tops the latkes with kale, poached eggs and that luscious aforementioned tomato sauce. It’s as delicious as we remember.
The brunch-lunch bunch are equally rewarded. Burgers and sandwiches are delicious—and messy. Brioche buns and sourdough focaccia are piled with meats, garden greens and veggies. The turkey burger, layered with bacon, avocado, baby lettuce and tomato requires a quick dab of a napkin or two to catch the juices running down the chin. Also order the rotisserie chicken sandwich, piled high with chicken roasted over a fire grill.
The best part of a bakery cafe is there’s no excuse to leave without a sweet. All are, of course, house made. Cookies, pastries and muffins are worthy, but the brownie takes the cake.
