It doesn’t take long to fall in love with the angelic voice and silky strings of talented Canadian singer-songwriter Raine Hamilton.
A classically-trained violinist and musicologist, Hamilton and her string trio offer a string-quartet-like arrangement that fuses the classical tradition of string quartet chamber music with a modern folk sound.
Her forthcoming full-length album, Brave Land, is an ode to mountains, courage, wisdom and the otherworldly connection they represent. Although Hamilton plans to slowly release the album over the course of the next year, fans will have a chance to see her perform Brave Land in its entirety along with a selection of fan favourites during a sneak-peek livestream show on February 5 via Facebook Live.
We recently had a chance to chat with the former Canadian Folk Music Awards’ Emerging Artist of the Year, who took some time from her busy schedule to share some of her favourite food and drink spots in her hometown of Winnipeg.
Breakfast
This is a sincere and loving shout out to Oh Doughnuts, a Winnipeg gourmet doughnut spot that is really something to write home about. The Everything Bagel doughnut is a savoury masterpiece; filled with whipped cream cheese, and topped with this savoury butter situation with Everything Bagel spices on top.
It is one of the best things, and I am considering all things in that statement. It is part of my band’s touring ritual to stop in at Oh Doughnuts for this masterpiece on our way out of town. I have eaten many an Everything Bagel Doughnut on my way to artistic adventures across Canada.
Their threatful doughnuts are also outstanding. My favourites include the London Fog, Spiced Pear, and the classic Vanilla Sprinkles. They are known for elaborate whimsically topped doughnuts, like Lemon Meringue, Dunakroos, Cosmic Brownie, and Peanut Butter Marshmallow Square. I am such a fan.
Lunch
Tallest Poppy has a dynamite kale and poached eggs breakfast, (that I have more often for lunch), with this cheese toast that is out of this world. I'd rate it one million out of ten. I also have deep feelings for the fried chicken sandwich, which also uses that cheese bread. The cheese bread is important. We should all be trying the cheese bread.
Dinner
Oh, how I love Charisma of India. I get takeout from there more than from any other place. They have my favourite naan. My go-to order is Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer, Garlic Naan, and Samosas. It is all off-the-hook fantastic. When they re-opened after an initial pandemic closure, I did a happy dance. And then I ordered food from them immediately.
Another favourite is Sabai Thai's Green Thai Curry; yellow curry with pineapple and prawns. It is glorious and I love it.
Drinks
Arriving at Sous Sol feels like walking into a secret Narnia. It is in a basement (hence sous sol, underground), and it doesn’t make a big deal of itself on the outside. There aren’t any big signs or anything, so knowing about this spot, and its unusual entrance from a back alley parking lot feels like being in-the-know. The drinks are novel and fantastic. There are things that come out lit on fire. It is a great time with great ambiance and a nearby secret door. I am a fan.
