A Good Idea

By Christine Hanlon

Hey! Want a good idea? Dine at Bonnie Day. It wasn’t until my daughter pointed out the play on words that I got it. “Bonne idée” means good idea in French. By then I was already on the way. When I arrived the place was buzzing, the only empty chair the one across from the friend I was meeting.

We weren’t at one of the black upholstered banquettes but rather at a small rustic table. The upscale hipster hangout, the latest restaurant to occupy this Wolseley space, has put the focus squarely back on character.

That extends to the mismatched plates the waiter jokingly commented were just like his grandma’s. In keeping with the theme, my friend started the evening with an Old Fashioned, while I went with a Valencia G & T, more traditional options among a set that includes Jungle Bird and Cucumber House Fire. We didn’t get to the wine list but it looked well curated.

In fact, there are plenty of bar snacks for anyone who just wants to come for drinks. But we were hungry. Along with a selection of appetizers, the menu includes a burger and several shareable plates, many with vegan and gluten free options. We chose a dish that was both: sumptuous roasted cauliflower plus hummus, a combination of warm comfort and delightful complexity, with a bonus sprinkle of crunchy fried capers.

We also shared one of the gourmet sourdough pizzas. After much deliberation, we went with George, loaded with mushrooms and prosciutto on a delightful whipped feta base, finished with fresh mozzarella and truffle oil. Two of the pizzas (Mrs. Garrett and Natalie) have vegan options and all can be made gluten-free for a nominal fee. If you recognize the names, you’re likely a fan of The Facts of Life Had it not been for my friend’s aversion to blue cheese, Tootie – mutually our favourite character – would have prevailed.

We did manage to squeeze in a dessert, a creamy basque espresso cheesecake, before curtain call. My only criticism of this lovely resto would be the strict two-hour dining time. But then that seems on par these days for establishments that merit this level of popularity.

I passed the couple anxiously waiting for our table on a last-minute visit to the bathroom. Now I rarely write about a restaurant’s facilities but don’t leave without seeing the whimsical mural print of all things Winnipeg by The Royal Art Studio’s Marcel Dzama. Just final confirmation that Bonnie Day truly lives up to its name.