THE OXBOW
Neighbourhood: South Osborne
Address: 557 Osborne St
Phone: 204-691-5373
Entrees: $12 – $30
Wine bar vibes and beautiful, elevated small plates combine at The Oxbow, holding this hip gem’s earned station among can’t-miss destinations in the city.
A gorgeous dining room sets the scene. It must be the warmth of the rustic wood, exposed brick walls, pendant lighting and stunning four-paned, floor-to-ceiling windows that feel so inviting. Natural wines and deliciously crafted cocktails in many hands also contribute to its conviviality. Any night of the week, Oxbow’s bar seats are lined with eager sippers sampling from the globe-spanning selection, by the glass or bottle.
The menu, designed for sharing and sampling, sports fashionable dishes inspired by the world’s great cuisines. Delicately flavoured with ginger and scallion, tender bites of herbaceous escargot are buttery and delicious. Burrata adorned with a medley of orange pieces, basil and hot honey contrasts with focaccia points charred on the grill.
Each dish is an homage to its central ingredient, with preparations and accompaniments selected to draw out new, surprising flavours. Gochujang carrots are coated in tofu, whipped into a light and silky sauce topped in a sprinkle of roasted almonds. Cilantro adds a fresh finish.
Typically overlooked on menus, a bone-in pork chop is one of two starring proteins. Foamy beurre blanc balanced with tangy notes of Dijon, capers and pickles bathes a gloriously indulgent chop that – due to jaunty flecks of fresh parsley and dill – feels wondrously light.
Oxbow’s scratch made pasta is another testament to the kitchen’s creative spirit, its rotolo may be the best thing tried all year. The baked lasagne like roll up is a head turner, appearing like a delightful cake with crumbled cheese and cilantro topping. The creamy slightly acidic poblano sauce and chorizo, charred corn filling spiked with shallot is cheesy masterpiece.
It’s easy to nibble through the menu on one sitting, but dessert shouldn’t be skipped. Galliano and orange infuse a novel rendition of everyone’s favourite crème brûlée.
