SADDLERY ON MARKET
Neighbourhood: Exchange District
Address: 114 Market Avenue
Phone: 204-615-1898
Entrees: $16 – $46
Part ode to Winnipeg’s industrial past, part contemporary restobar, Saddlery on Market draws diverse crowds to the East Exchange. On any given night, diners celebrating a private event, and the pre-theatre throng may settle into the spacious yet comfortable space, eager to make well-executed comfort food an essential element of a special night.
Saloon-inspired décor fits the building’s heritage bones and nods to the building’s former life as the home of the leather manufacturing company, the Great West Saddlery Warehouse. The menu reveals inspirations expand beyond western steakhouse staplesfrom Europe, Asia and Manitoba.
Global influences appear in a wide selection of shareables. Pickerel tacos packed with condiments like pickled jalapenos, creamy coleslaw, and chili lime crèma and nachos laden with sloppy joe bison satiate with hints of regional pride. Brussels sprouts, charred, crispy and topped with lemon basil aioli will have diners struggling to share this refreshing appetizer.
Heaping burgers and sandwiches offer diners the choice of all the proteins. The Greek-style lamb burger is stand out, amped with sharp onion and sour tzatziki. Rings of crispy fried onions topping grilled ribeye provide sweet, salty notes to a charred and tender steak sandwich.
Loaded pizzas maintain the spirit of lively sociable sampling. Traditionalists may opt for a pep-mush or a veggie augmented market classic, but for out of the box seeking foodsters, apple and brie covering creamy white sauce is a must-try. Caramelized onions, sheets of prosciutto and a balsamic drizzle provide simultaneous notes of sweet, salty in a textural mixture.
While the stellar steak is an obvious choice, entrées offer variety with comfort. Cajun chicken breast shines beside the smoky, right-off-the-grill taste of barbeque ribs on a winning twinned plate. Fries and coleslaw complete this satisfying spread.
Saddlery’s expansive menu is much like its ample interior, gracious in size and full of options.
