Mercadito Latino is the place to come to for all things Mexican and Latin American. A shop and restaurant rolled into one, this establishment offers both authentic Mexican dishes as well as produce and packaged food products from Latin America. In fact, this supermarket has one of the most varied collection of Latin food products in the entire city. Each dish prepared in the restaurant section is made according to old family recipes and retain a home-cooked, authentic Mexican taste. Tacos de Pollo, Pupusas, Quesadilla de Pollo and Flans are some of the dishes which are popular with diners here. If you wish to learn a new language, you can also sign up for the Spanish classes which are held here from time to time.
Winnipeg is big on farmers' markets during summers and its not surprising to see every neighborhood have their own. Main Street Farmers' Market takes place in a parking lot and is a bustling spot every Friday from July to mid September. Besides farm fresh goodness, you will also find local artisan craft products which are worth buying as souvenirs.
Osborne Village is located close to the confluence of Assiniboine and Red Rivers, and forms the dream neighborhood of many a Canadian. Winner of the title “Canada's Great Neighbourhood” conferred by the Canadian Institute of Planners, it offers an idiosyncratic mix of historic and modern architecture. Quaint churches stand alongside high rises, and this neighborhood even boasts one of the city's tallest buildings. It is also one of Winnipeg's oldest and most populated localities. Today, it has emerged as a major shopping destination, offering everything from jewelry showrooms and fashion boutiques to music and kitchenware stores. Culturally, it is not far behind either and it usually has violinists strumming popular tunes at street corners during touristy seasons. Its streets don a colorful look and offer a blend of good food, music, shops and architecture. Osborne Village is best known for its annual Canada Day Celebration, where you can find the best local food and art, live music events, and activities for both adults and kids.
If you are bored of following the diktats of recurrent fashion seasons and want to create your own distinctive style, head to Out Of The Blue. This boutique is all about mix-and-match: a trench coat with vintage plaid pants, a golden pleated skirt with a halter top, or a floral dress with a wood button cardigan. This store started as a vintage shop and expanded to curate a selection of rare fashions that have an instant wow factor. Earrings shaped like porcupine quills, a heritage oak wood watch, glittery owl-shaped mugs, vintage plaid skirts and Aztec-print tops are just a few of the wonderful items in its eclectic collection. You will find plenty of quirky decor to brighten your home and stunning accessories than add glam to any outfit.
In an area known for its incredible levels of artistic and creative energy, this contemporary art store stands out. It is not a place for the cutting edge, but it is accessible work that looks great. New Prairie Gallery features many local artists and carries the largest selection of Manitoban pottery, where the clay arts extend to sculpture as well as spun work. Hand crafted jewelery and wonderful original prints add to this shop, making it a place for unique gifts and souvenirs suffused with Winnipeg culture.
The proprietor of this establishment claims to have the largest selection of import teas in the city. Based on the vast array of seeped treasures, his claim could very well be correct. The coffee on offer ranges from inexpensive Columbian to an extremely pricey Bahamian Blue Mountain Blend. This space also offers specialty Godiva chocolate, various flavored syrups and many varieties of hot chocolate along with the supplies necessary to make and the beverages. The owner will also make professional gift baskets. Call for more details.