Sign up for a tantalizing evening of tea, tastes and tapas.
This is your call to grab your significant other and head on over to Winnipeg's Exchange District for an evening of flavour hopping. There are two small but mighty cocktail bars in the Exchange that I've been meaning to go to for quite some time now. It's one of many spots on 'my list'. It's the master list I have on my phone on literally everything I want do in Manitoba. Trust me when I say there are categories and that list is growing. One chilly weekend in January, the winter blues were sinking in a little too much and I longed to leave the house. I wanted to go out and do something. When in doubt, I always refer to 'the list'. So, I waited until my husband was home from work and I said get ready, we're heading out!
Amsterdam Tea Room
It's a spot that's hard to miss. Illuminating with stark red lights from the exterior, an obvious homage to Amsterdam's infamous red light district. I had heard about this place from many friends and it was time we tried it out ourselves. Now you may we wondering, what is with this lustrous, alluring vibe of a tea room? Well, it's not just any old run o' the mill, classy and classic tea room. Amsterdam Tea Room houses an impressive array of approximately 70 different kinds of tea! All of which you can take home in tea-to-go containers. They're a unique cocktail bar serving up tea with a twist.
Tea & Tea Cocktails
If curating tea based beverages were a sport, Amsterdam Tea Room would win gold. Their bountiful selection of tea is both overwhelming and impressive. Choose from traditional hot tea drinks of fun and fancy tea cocktails. But don't worry, they most certainly have mocktails too; they do not dissapoint! I highly recommend heading over with your significant other or phone a friend. Have a little fun and play cocktail roulette, try something new and out of your comfort zone! Their tea offerings include:
TEA
BLACK, GREEN, HERBAL, FRUIT, MATCHA, MATE, OOLONG, PU-ERH, ROOIBOS, WELLNESS, WHITE
TEA COCKTAILS
EARL GREY, LAPSANG SOUCHONG, PEACH PUNCH, ROOIBOS, JASMINE PEARLS, CHERRY BABY, MINT GREEN, CHAMOMILLE LEMONGRASS, PEACH & MANGO OOLONG, MATCHA
If you can't get enough of the excitement and variety, try their tea flights! And if you're feeling hungry you can order one of their small plates. The Brussels and potatoes were great!
Cordova Tapas & Wine Bar
The art of Spanish dining awaits across the street at Cordova Taps & Wine Bar. Our second stop of the evening wasn't far away. Before you read on, I need you to know how distraught I am. I had some of THE most delicious food and I have no photos to prove it. It was that impressive and that out of this world that it was all gone. Instantly. Would have licked the plates if it were deemed publicly appropriate honestly. The ambiance was beautiful, colourful, fun, and energetic... yet cool, calm and collect. All at the same time.
Tapas are casual small dishes designed for sharing, encouraging conversation; typically served with drinks, they combine the best aspects of Spanish culture.
Eats
Of course we were here for the food and boy did the food deliver. The highlight of it all? Hands down the baked camembert. I've made baked brie cheese at home, but this was next level. It's ooey gooey bit of comfort, the fresh thyme and rosemary and the sweetness of the honey, it was absolute perfection.
$20
BAKED CAMEMBERT - Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary, Honey
Violet Eyes
Aside from the most amazing cheese dish, the highlight of the evening came in the form of a beverage. This could quite possibly be the best cocktail I have ever had. So far anyways... It was light, crisp, soft, aromatic and beautifully crafted. I truly do appreciate attention to detail.
$14
THREE OLIVES VODKA, COCONUT WATER, HOUSE LAVENDER SYRUP, EGG WHITE, FRESH LEMON JUICE
If you're looking for a night out on the town in Winnipeg, consider a postcard perfect date night in Winnipeg's Exchange District. Sign up for a tantalizing evening of tea, tastes and tapas.
