Why Winnipeg

Three years ago, I posted a piece about the best of Newfoundland. (Sorry to any readers who wondered if the espionage police had finally tracked me down and stripped me of my Internet connection.). Not the case. I’ve returned to St. John’s, NL (the province officially known as Newfoundland and Labrador) as well as British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia. Too much material for one blog post, so I’ll fill you in about a province my wife (and professional donut photographer) and I hadn’t visited.

Manitoba: Home to the American Hockey League’s Moose and the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. Other than hockey, why Winnipeg? For nine days? In late November, for crying out loud? These are questions that friends, as well as Winnipeggers at the safehouse, asked us.

We wanted to meet the good people of Winnipeg and learn more about the joys of Canada. Who knew Winnipeg had so much character—and characters?

Those who’ve congregated at the West End Cultural Centre, which in 1987 was transformed from a church into a music venue, could testify to performances from Arlo Guthrie to the Hanson Brothers to Zoo Animal. On this chilly November night, the Reverend Rambler, a.k.a. Matt Colpitts, opened for the Dust Rhinos, who would be celebrating their 25^th anniversary. The Reverend, a bearded blues-inspired guitarist, rocked the former house of God.

After the Rev’s rambunctious set, he told us that he’s a shop teacher by day.

If Colpitts is half as passionate about molding young minds as he is about music, his students must love him. (Further research indicates that the Rev also enjoys hockey.)

My wife and I did, of course, see the Jets play in Bell MTS Place. Friendly people behaving themselves yet alive with the spirit of True North, strong and free. (Warning to first-timers: stay alert during O Canada.) The home team defeated Taylor Hall and the New Jersey Devils, 5 – 2.  

As we approached the arena’s exit, I spied a fellow wearing a Jets sweater; the name on the back was not Wheeler or Perreault but rather Dancing Gabe. (Never heard of him).

Fast forward a few days later to Chapters. A light snow fell outside the bookstore. Inside, in the hockey section, I saw a man sporting Canadian red attire. With his arms extended and his face lit up with joy, it’s as if Gabriel Langlois was about to embrace me. I plucked Daniel Perrons’s biography of Dancing Gabe from the shelf and would later enjoy the heck out of the book about Winnipeg’s most revered and wonderful sports fanatic.

Next time I’m at Jets game, I’ll have to ask Gabe what his favourite donut is and then add him to the list.

I wonder if Gabe has been to Bronuts, in “the Exchange” (district). 

Home Alone
(Image courtesy of YYT Photo and Design)

Brett and Dylan Zahari, the brothers who in 2015 launched the gourmet donut and coffee shop, have created a community centre of sorts. Spacious. Welcoming. Brett served as the frontman during our first visit and explained donut menu: Each of the eight seasonal round darlings has a name based on a fictional character. These donuts have flair for sure, and boy oh boy, is the staff friendly. And the bros, as well as Brett’s wife Meghan, have done their homework. Lots of research, trial and error. And when you get right down to taste, these are the best donuts in Winnipeg.

Yes, yes, it’s cold there in November. But not brutal. And in the summer, I’ve heard of nasty black flies to despise. Keep the faith, fellow travelers. There are lots of reasons to love Winnipeg. This Canadian spy tells you no lies.