PEASANT COOKERY
Neighbourhood: Exchange
Address: 283 Bannatyne Ave
Phone: 204-989-7700
Entrees: $18 – $36
High-class French fare with rural influences shape Peasant Cookery’s evergreen recipe that stands the test of time. Under the guidance of chef Andrew Mihaychuk, the kitchen’s well-honed rhythm transforms underrated ingredients into culinary chef-d’oeuvres.
The interior effortlessly blends sophistication with casual comfort. Vibrant artwork and bistro-style seating create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the sun-drenched space. Scarlet placemats and a simple rose on our table evoke a rare kind of hospitality that feels increasingly special. It’s no wonder this charming setting has become a popular choice for local film shoots.
This hot spot has earned plenty of local fans too, cinching loyalty with a legendary house made charcuterie and wildly popular buck a shuck Wednesdays promoting fresh oysters long before bivalves became the ingredient of the moment.
While weekday lunches draw businesspeople and creatives from the surrounding design district, weekend brunch dishes are a compelling lure, drawing diners from all corners of the city seeking indulgent bites. From tarragon kissed Eggs Benedict highlighting Canadian salmon to French toast stuffed with Manitoba saskatoons, mascarpone cheese and maple syrup, a succinct menu of regional hits keeps the corner hub lively during its peak hours.
If looking for classic, quintessential French specialties, this is the place. Soupe à l’oignon gratinée, steak tartare, escargot, chicken livers, moules frites and the famously Canadian poutine are all stars, as delicious as eye-pleasing.
Perfectly caramelized onions in rich veal stock hide below croutons topped with bubbling Swiss cheese in country style French onion soup full of flavour. Chicken livers swimming in red wine sauce are earthy and rich, complemented by sweet and tart notes of sun-dried tomato.
Tourtière represents rustic comfort food, reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast. Clove and nutmeg pair well with the savoury spiced meat, creating festive flavours. The flaky exterior adds contrasting crunch to this soft and dense dish.
Local ingredients put a few twists on tradition too, like the pickerel fried “lakeshore style”, with a crunchy cornmeal crust. Tender Manitoba lake fish, sitting atop roasted new potatoes flecked with pieces of salty bacon, effortlessly falls apart with a swish of the fork. A medley of peppers and onions round out the hearty plate with savoury crunch.
Traditional French meals rely on simple combinations that enhance the natural flavours of each ingredient. This technique is at play in the hunter’s chicken paillard, a dish that spotlights poultry in all its versatility. Thin cut pieces of breast are coated in earthy mushroom sauce, accompanied by new potatoes, roasted tomatoes and fresh leaves of peppery arugula. Every mouthful is bliss.
With a prime location in Old Market Square and French fare beyond compare, it’s no surprise that the windows into this eatery constantly reveal a lively view of happy gourmands.
