Torque Brewing Co.

http://www.metronews.ca/news/winnipe...to-torque.html

That entire article is such a joyful relief.

Like many who've lived elsewhere, lingering nostalgia of living in BC (and the many cross-country road trips) for me owes something to times with friends in a proper local brewpub with its own damn beer.

That Torque branding is just bad IMO....

I went by La Roca again today and that place is looking damn good now. They're doing a great job with the exterior renovations. Looks very stylish and a nice addition to that area.

Stella's on Sherbrook to reopen May 4:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manito...reet-1.3560270

I got a look inside of Stella's on Saturday evening and the reno looks great!

New bathrooms, new kitchen, tons of natural light, everything bright and clean.

^ I drove by the one on Pembina yesterday and there was a lineup to get inside. It looks very sleek and uptown chic... it stands out amidst the general drabness of Pembina Highway.

I wonder how long Stella's can last on this upward trajectory? Usually local restaurant chain success stories seem to flame out after a while.

Their success is based on their ability to produce delicious food. As long as they continue to do that I don't see them having any problems.

There's a lot more to it than that, I'd say. Making tasty food is the easy part of the equation.

Sage Creek announced it's new restaurant on Facebook Saturday. Rock Wood Tap & grill (sister concept to Rock Creek Tap & Grill).

http://rockcreekgrill.com/menu/

Food looks good. https://www.instagram.com/rockcreeknormanview/

Considering Stella's is essentially a Sal's for people under 50 it has a pretty good chance of sticking around long term assuming they don't do something dumb like launching a BC expansion.

ICYMI, the Round Table's remaining days have been extended to June 3 before it closes for good.

I haven't been a regular there although I've eaten at the RT a number of times through the years and I always enjoyed it. The prime rib is top notch.

I like the retro feel of the place which feels both 1970s and Tudor England at the same time. Even though it's hopelessly out of date, I still like it... there aren't many restaurants like it left.

I'm sure it's been discussed already, but Deseo Bistro is closing. Some of the best food in the country. However, Enoteca continues to be a success, and Maque just opened.

Visited Maque two nights ago. Effing amazing.

la roca opens tonight at 9pm according to their Instagram. they did an mazing job on that building! they even re-did the sidewalk in front of it. if they have the same kind of marketing as the pint, we may have another contender downtown. and what a day to open weather-wise. happy Cinco de mayo!

From what I've heard and by the looks of their website, Clementine, the Princess St. breakfast/lunch place run by the folks behind Segovia, is now open.

http://clementinewinnipeg.com/

Shame about the Round Table, takes me back..way back..

Soft opening was on Tuesday.

Mooyah burgers opened at 1765 Kenaston today. US based chain, third location in Canada. I've never tried it, 5 Guysesque.

http://www.mooyah.com/

Tried Peg Beer Co a few weeks ago.
Really liked it. It was about 4:00 PM-ish on a Saturday so it wasn't exactly hopping yet, but still had a nice vibe. I can definitely see them doing well. We had a flatbread and the faspa. Everything very tasty. We will definitely go back.
This past Saturday we tried La Roca. Just alright for us. The space is nice but the menu is a little sparse. That being said, I don't know that we are the demographic they are aiming at...at any rate, nice to see that building finally occupied and from the money that must have spent they are clearly committed.

There is a rumour going around that the owners of 201 Portage Ave (TD/Canwest/Shaw Building) are trying to woo a big restaurant chain to take over the basement space currently used as their food court. Owners of the current food court kiosks are currently unable to renegotiate their leases as a result of the potential change.

The restaurant in question is a pretty big restaurant/bar chain that might be a perfect fit for the corner of Portage and Main.