GATES ON ROBLIN
Neighbourhood: Headingley
Address: 6945 Roblin Blvd
Phone: 204-224-2837
Entrees: $17 – $48
Gates on Roblin, an historic country manor-turned-restaurant, recognizable for decades by its white facade and green shutters, continues to be a vision of classic fine dining.
Pristine white tablecloths drape every table in a maze of rooms dressed for special occasions. Instrumental music fills in background chatter of out-of-sight diners carrying through the house.
Starters like escargot, prawns and brie make a lavish beginning to any important dinner or celebration.
Escargot are succulent, sautéed with sweet tomatoes, leeks and shiitakes and coated in demi-glace. A generous plate of tender morsels, finished with blue cheese and frizzled onions shine in an umami-laden dish.
A creamy round of brie is baked until bubbly, then topped with a pile of nutty kale pesto and crisp slices of apple. Smear a wedge of cheese onto toasted baguette drizzled with sweet balsamic vinegar for a mixture of sweet and salty.
A sunny lemon aioli takes seafood to new heights. Bright acidity tingles as buttery prawns intermingle with juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy leeks adding tantalizing crunch.
Local staples nod to The Gates’ prairie origins. Salad greens topped with browned cubes of soft sweet potatoes – coated in woodsy cinnamon and paired with candied pecans, tart cranberries and goat’s cheese – taste like an autumn day. A light coating of hemp oil vinaigrette helps its earthiness shine.
One of the hallmarks of white tablecloth dining is the presentation of elegant entrées, premium proteins gussied up with a chef’s refined touch. Stuffed chicken is particularly impressive, served atop a swoosh of puréed squash and pillow of garlicky whipped potatoes. A breast, bathed in rich mushroom spiked demi-glace is balanced with colourful roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peppers and micro-greens.
Manitoba pickerel gets a zesty upgrade with that inspired lemon aioli and divine risotto. Saffron-hued rice is nuanced with squash, adding a hint of sweetness to the creamy bites.
Finish any celebration with a sweet indulgence. Chocolate oblivion is reason enough to celebrate every day.