BISTRO DANSK
Neighbourhood: West Broadway
Address: 63 Sherbrook Street
Phone: 204-775-5662
Entrees: $16 – $40
Some of the most charming spots endure for their consistent commitment to excellence. Bistro Dansk, the old-world oasis in West Broadway is one such gem.
A not-so-secret recipe, that folds the joy of cooking into flavour, has earned the 44-seat bistro a loyal following of diners. Husband wife partners, Paul and Pamela Vocadlo, in the kitchen side by side for 35 years, may be garnishing the recipes with a pinch of love too.
The pine panelled and press clipping clad bistro, with its heaping portions of European comfort food, plucks the same nostalgic chord as going home to grandma’s kitchen. Today, amid new entrepreneurial neighbours, it continues to draw comfort seekers. Tables, bearing an updated clothless look, mark the only noticeable change in the welcoming environment. Cheery servers efficiently move about, quickly returning after taking orders with a heaping basket of crusty, fresh baked bread to initiate appetites.
Czech specialties of Paul’s heritage, along with everlasting European classics round out the Danish dishes emerging from the kitchen. Vocadlo’s family recipe for palachinkas makes a satisfyingly decadent lunch option. Juicy morsels of chicken in a creamy wine sauce fill two thin crepes to bursting. Accompanying slices of fresh fruit add contrasting sweetness.
Danish frikadeller, another hearty dish standing the test of time, presents two tennis size (veal and pork) meatballs fried crisp, yielding tender meat inside. The hefty portion is balanced with pickled beets and a signature pickle dotted potato salad.
Precisely executed, luxuriously sauced and generous, dinner entrées define old school hospitality. Chicken breast, smothered in paprika sauce and stuffed veal tenderloin are among the perennial crowd pleasers. However, regulars are hard pressed to pass up the deliciously comforting schnitzel. The crisp, breaded exterior reveals tender chicken or pork. Pair either with tangy sweet and sour cabbage for a match made in heaven meal.
After such feasting dessert may seem utterly absurd. We say, keep soothing the soul and go for the hazelnut pie.
