529 UPTOWN
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Address: 201 Portage Avenue
Phone: 204-938-8696
Entrees: $20 – $59
Winnipeg’s downtown has a new star, a sophisticated, modern take on a Japanese steak house that focuses less on over-the-top showmanship and more on high-quality ingredients and presentation. 529 Uptown, the much talked about 529 Wellington outpost launched by Doug Stephen and the wow! hospitality team, is living up to its identity at the country’s most iconic intersection – delivering a healthy helping of hospitality, that is indeed successfully “wowing” diners.
This new restaurant located in the grand lobby of the 201 Portage Avenue high rise, launched with top tier service in a less buttoned up atmosphere than its sister. Tables are more simply dressed, but the tuxedo shaped folded napkin tucking in silverware hints to its polish.
The 61 seat bistro serves some classics; an array of cuts of meat and accompaniments – along with superb seafood. This new school steakhouse strikes a balance between proven and modern, even whimsical thinking, where ribeye can be enjoyed with a side of ‘tater tots”. Fancy tots are stacked bars of delicately shredded potato, fried in precious duck fat. The crisp exterior gives way to a light and tender center, winning childlike glee around the table.
À la carte eating lets diners choose a grade of meat (premium or super premium) sides and sauces. This mix and matching eating leads to a number of shareables including lobster potato salad, which is ample for two, though the decision to share might be regretted. The eye-catching plate deliciously marries golden roasted fingerling potatoes with buttery poached seafood, a few dollops of yuzu aioli, shaved pickled shallots and pretty taro chips.
Divine seafood chowder brims with jumbo black tiger prawns, scallops and half a lobster tail in a fennel loaded tomato broth.
For beef critics, nothing is spared. Canadian prime and wagyu, the highest grade Japanese import, is gaining quick favour. Opt for the thick cut wagyu pastrami sandwiched in brioche, and striking taste reinforces the appeal of fine dining. For a truly sublime downtown experience coupled with next level cooking, a table at 529 Uptown is not to be missed.
