Local Flavors: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Getty
Smack in the geographic center of North America, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is a prairie melting pot filled with European flair and far-north culture. In “The Peg,” they hold innumerable festivals and cheer on their beloved sports teams. Best of all for RVers, Winnipeg’s urban fun is never far from the outdoors.
In a city known for its architecture, the inspiring Canadian Museum for Human Rights shines as the emblem of Winnipeg. In addition, the Winnipeg Art Gallery recently opened its Inuit art museum, Qaumajuq, where abundant glass and undulating shapes echo the icy world of the northern indigenous people.
There’s more Arctic chill at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, where giant white polar bears native to Manitoba swim overhead in the zoo’s remarkable “Journey to Churchill” exhibit. In contrast, inside the park’s stunning new building, “The Leaf,” visitors find a large waterfall spilling through tropical and subtropical gardens.
FortWhyte Alive, on Winnipeg’s southwest side, features 640 acres of prairie, lakes, forest, wetlands, and wildlife, including a bison herd. On fall evenings, as many as 35,000 Canada geese arrive at dusk, backlit by brilliant prairie sunsets.
Photo Credit: Wirestock/Getty
On the Menu: Arroz Caldo
Winnipeg has Canada’s largest Filipino population per capita. Try this super-satisfying Filipino chicken-and-rice soup, Arroz Caldo—easy comfort food at its best. Makes six servings.
You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh ginger (not powdered), peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Cooked meat from one chicken or about one pound of rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8–10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- A few threads of saffron, optional
- 4 scallions, finely sliced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Make It
- In a large stockpot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in the oil over medium-low heat until the onion starts to become transparent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add fish sauce, stir to combine, and cook for about two minutes. Add rice and cook for another three minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, chicken, and saffron (if using). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Garnish with scallions, freshly ground black pepper, and half a hard-boiled egg on each serving.
Photo Credit: Hugues de Beauvignac and Château
Doisy-Daëne
Fine Parings
We have two great French white wines to pair with Arroz Caldo. Hugues de Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2022 makes a great won’t-break-the-budget choice. From the Languedoc region of southern France, this crisp and refreshing pale yellow wine has nice hints of citrus. Note the distinctive “Neptune” bottle typical of Picpoul wine. $15
For a date night wine, choose Château Doisy-Daëne Grand Vin Sec 2018. From Bordeaux, this wine is made entirely with sauvignon blanc grapes. It’s medium-bodied with citrus flavors, has a slightly mineral finish, and is great with all types of Asian food. The 2018 is a highly-rated vintage for this wine. $30
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Winnebago Minnie Winnie
Your family will love exploring Winnipeg from the comfort of a Winnebago Minnie Winnie motorhome. Six floorplans round out the Class C lineup built on the Ford F-350 and F-450 chassis. At less than 24 feet, the 22R with no slideouts is the smallest, sleeps five, and sports a U-shaped dinette so the whole clan can gather for mealtimes.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
The largest Minnie Winnies, the 31K, and the bunkhouse 31H, at 32 feet, 9 inches, sleep 7–8 with the overhead beds. The 31K (shown) has a walk-around queen bed, split bath, U-shaped dinette, and three options for living-area seating. Theater seating is available in three of the floorplans, and all have a 32-inch HDTV positioned for easy viewing. Base MSRP: $139,912.
Why We Like It
- Solid-surface countertops
- Contemporary or cabin-look decor
- TPMS and collision warning standard
