I'm excited to bring news about a new restaurant about to open its doors in Regina.
Tangerine, by Chef Aimee Schulhauser of Evolution catering, will be up and running in approximately one month. No word yet on location, but I've noticed some construction happening at Evolution on Lorne Street. Perhaps Tangerine will open in the same spot?
There's a very good chance that Tangerine, like Evolution, will emphasize fresh, local food as much as possible. The restaurant will be a welcome addition to our downtown food scene, especially since Zest closed its doors last month.
I had the brilliant idea of reporting the happenings on Regina's restaurant scene for Valentine's Day this year. After all, Valentine's Day is one of the busiest nights of the year for most restaurants. It's a time when people are actually looking to splurge a little.
As Valentine's falls on a Sunday this year, I thought that many restaurants would have planned something special. So far, the results have been a little disappointing.
Nonetheless, if you are planning a special night out it would be wise to make reservations soon.
Here's what I know so far. Please leave a comment if you know something that's not on this list:
The Abbey 2124 Albert Street 545-8811 Two-course dinner for two, $59; Two-course dinner for two with wine, $79. (This might be the best special I've found yet).
Beer Bros Bakery & Cuisine 1801 Scarth Street 586-2337 Feb. 8-14: celebrate Valentine's Day all week long with a special menu. The four-course "ex-beer-ience" is $40.00 plus tax and tip. Not too bad, methinks. Bitten 1822 Broad Street 586-BITE Open for Valentine's (normally closed on Sundays). Otherwise, I was told it will be a "normal night" with a new fresh sheet coming out on V-day for the rest of the month of February.
Crave 1925 Victoria Avenue 525-8777 Closed on Sundays -- no Valentine's specials here.
Hotel Saskatchewan - Cortlandt Hall Dining Room 2125 Victoria Avenue 337-4311 A three-course menu with your choice of starter, entree, and dessert for $69.00 As Valentine's falls on a Sunday, morning brunch will be served for $32.00 with a few special items in honour of the day. La Bodega 2228 Albert Street 546-3660 Two seatings are planned, one at 5:30 p.m., the other at 8 p.m. Dinner special plus the usual menu are on offer here.
Memories 1717 Victoria Avenue 522-1999 Two seating times: The first for reservations between 5-6 p.m.; the second for reservations between 7-8:30 p.m. Regular menu with a four-course special for two people (price not known at time of calling)
Willow on Wascana 3000 Wascana Drive 585-3663 Two seatings: one at 4:30 p.m.; the other at 7:30 p.m. The 4:30 seating offers a six-course meal; the 7:30 seating is an eight-course meal. Both meals are served with wine flights. $100/$125 respectively. Both seatings were full as of Feb. 4, but a cancellation list is available. (As a former waiter, I know that a number of people always cancel on Valentine's Day, especially on a Sunday. Give the list a try). Zest 2903 Powerhouse Drive 522-5250 A couple's menu will be featured for $75.00 per couple (a four-course meal).