After stirring up significant buzz from the local food scene for her stunning tiered wedding cakes and realistic sugar flowers that she made for friends and family, Winnipeg chef Jenna Hutchinson and twin sister Ashley Kosowan opened the first Jenna Rae Cakes in 2014 to immediate and resounding acclaim.
Since then, the two Winnipeg chefs have gone on to open two more wildly successful storefront locations in Winnipeg, authored a bestselling cookbook, launched a series of online tutorials and classes, and have been recognized in numerous international publications including Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine.
Despite having two more cookbooks in the works while continuing to garner near-endless lineups at each storefront on a daily basis, Hutchinson and Kosowan are also both set to feature as judges alongside some of Canada’s most renowned chefs in the inaugural season of Food Network Canada’s Wall of Bakers.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Hutchinson, who took some time to fill us in on some of her favourite food and drink spots in Winnipeg.
Breakfast
My favourite spot for breakfast in Winnipeg is Stella’s! I have been going there for years and now I love to bring my daughters too. Their food is always amazing and the staff is also very friendly. You can’t go wrong with chorizo hash—my favourite!
Lunch
My favourite spot for lunch is Pizzeria Gusto, sitting on the patio, if weather permitting. There’s nothing like sharing a Waterloo pizza and salad with your company, and maybe even a bottle of rose if you don’t have to go back to work.
Dinner
For dinner, my absolute favourite restaurant is Maque. Their ever-changing menu is always so eclectic and exciting, and is best when shared amongst guests so you can try a little bit of everything. Every time I go, I have to get the pork steamed buns and the Brussels sprouts. It’s a beautiful little spot.
Drinks
My favourite spot to grab original and fun drinks is The Roost. It’s perched atop Corydon Avenue with a cute little patio, and almost feels like you’re in a tree house. The drinks are always very clever and tasty, with an ever-changing menu. They also have oysters and other fun menu items in case you need a little food with your cocktails.
Watch: Wall of Bakers - Food Network Canada
Tune in on March 28 at 10p.m ET/PT on Food Network Canada.
