You Gotta Eat ... at Bistro Dansk

My guilty pleasure is The Food Network. Whether be it a post-call day, a weekend off or simply an hour in between duties, I would almost reflexively pop on The Food Network. One of the newer shows was called "You Gotta Eat Here". Based off of a popular American show, it featured a foodie host traveling across Canada trying the local best and brightest. While in medical school in Edmonton, I recalled the host arriving at Bistro Dansk and marveling at their schnitzel and delicious Eastern European fares. Thus with unadulterated excitement and an eager belly, I went off to Bistro Dansk.

Located on Sherbrook Street you will not miss Bistro Dansk. A brightly coloured classy sign with a billboard of their daily specials beckon you come forth. The restaurant itself had an aged feel to it with distressed wood tables and eclectic pictures hanging of local celebrities. I have to commend them on having some of the nicest and most personable hosts I have ever had. Obviously a family run institution, the wait staff enthusiastically greeted you on arrival and meticulously checked in one your meal. I loved how many "regulars" came in for lunch this day and marveled at how the owners would strike up instant conversation with each of them. Lovely!

The menu is simple Eastern European fare. A smartly laid out two pager showcases a variety of soups, sandwiches salads and warm dishes. Displayed prominently on top is their special, the Chicken Schnitzel. In addition, Bistro Dansk also offers ongoing daily specials including two soups and two features.

I started off with their Goulash. A Hungarian stew filled with lean beef and root vegetables in a thick beef and tomato broth. This was an excellent start to a meal. Warm and piping hot, the beef was exquisitely tender and was contrasted nicely by the tartness of tomato.

Getting the Chicken Schnitzel was a no brainer for me. A popular food from Europe, I often use this as a measuring stick for Eastern European restaurants. And the version here did not disappoint! Featuring two large pieces of tenderized thin chicken fried to a crisp, it was served with lemon and a huge side of potato salad. The Schnitzel itself was expertly cooked with a crisp outside and extremely tender inside. The lemon does wonders here by adding sourness and tartness to the dish, delicious! The side of salad was a nice mixture of potato, egg and fresh herbs all in a mayonnaise based dressing.

Overall Bistro Dansk serves delicious European fare and lives up to the expectations set when featured on The Food Network. Not only do they offer amazing food with incredible portion sizes at a very reasonable price, I love the home-y atmosphere and attentive and personable wait staff. Overall it is a definite recommendation for anyone looking for good Eastern European cuisine in Winnipeg.