Michael Redhead Champagne’s Last Manitoba Meal
If you had to leave Manitoba and couldn't come back...what would YOUR last meal be?
LAST MANITOBA MEAL features magical Host Cary Tardi curating a special last meal menu for notable Manitobans based on their favourite local dishes. Manitobans featured include: Michael Redhead Champagne, Dean Gunnarson, Amanda Buhse, Carter Chen, Kal Barteski & Larissa Pagdato!
My name is Michael Redhead Champagne, I am a community organizer, author and public speaker who lives in Winnipeg’s North End. I was adopted as a child and my biological family has roots in the north end of Manitoba, Shamattawa First Nation.
As someone who grew up in the North End and still loves this place with all my heart, I wanted to use my time with Cary and Last Manitoba Meal to highlight some of the tasty reasons folks could have to come and visit us from all of the city and province. Since the North End shaped me into who I am today, I dedicated my first kids book (which I get to share part of in the episode) to this neighbourhood, took us to one of my old schools and then we chomp down on some of my North End favourites!
Modern Coffee & the Mocha Latte: Located at 191 Inkster Blvd, just off of Main Street, Modern Coffee is the best coffee spot in the North End! Featuring the awesome owner Alison, the friendliest staff and tasty neighbourhood delicacies and drinks. My personal favourite is the Mocha Latte, the mix of coffee and chocolate, helps me feel like a grown up and a kid again all at the same time. And, yes, you want whipped cream on that!
Luda’s Deli & the Breakfast Bunwich: Located at 410 Aberdeen Ave (at Salter St), Luda’s Deli is the home-made meal you have been hungering for! Featuring an array of classic breakfast and lunch items, fresh bread from Gunn’s Bakery, its limited seating and hours encourage you to get there before the lunch rush so you can savour the North End goodness. My order is almost always the Brreakfast Bunwich, no matter the time of day, since it is like a breakfast all in one bite and I can put it in my pocket for later! Cash only!
North Star Drive In & the Bacon Cheese Hot Dog: Imagine, the tastiest hot dog you could imagine, with the softest bun, pickles, onions, chili and then you add cheese AND bacon! Your life will be forever changed by the flavour experience. This is but one item (Bacon Cheese Dog) on the iconic greasy spoon menu at North Start Drive Inn, located on the corner of McGregor and Cathedral. It is a walk up location with fun murals on the outside and even funner food (including ice cream) on the inside!
Avril’s Baked Joy & the Strawberry Cake: Avril’s Baked Joy, located at 556 McGregor St, allows us to experience Asian pastries with a modern twist! The cookies, the Korean garlic Buns and other tasty treats are enticing, but nothing more (to me) than the legendary Strawberry Cake. You will find yourself returning to this bakery time and time again to try each flavour, especially if they are new to you. I don’t know what joy actually tastes like, but it’s probably Avril’s Strawberry cake!
