Pauline — Restaurant in Winnipeg

Initial review Went on opening day. It is located inside the Norwood Hotel, but there is an entrance on the outside that will lead you to a foyer where you can open the door to Pauline's (or the wood tavern) Interior: 5 🌟 Beautifully redone interior. Pictures speak louder than words. It was a much darker interior before, but now it is open and bright (on this side) Pauline's is the breakfast/brunch side and the wood is more the lunch/evening side. They are also accessible to each other through the hotel front entrance (just keep walking down the hall) w. It is separated, but you can see into the other depending on where you are sat There are a lot of beautiful details that went into this restaurant. The napkins, the coffee cups with golden spoons, to the pillows in the corner, there are many small touches to this restaurant that gives it a refinement.

We tried the dove (a mocktail). If you like something sour and a bit more bitter this is good. It is not for people who love sweet. It has sugar in it, but not enough for a sweet tooth.

We ordered the Parisian omelette. I was surprised they didn't fold it french style. It was nice and fluffy, served piping hot with generous hashbrowns. 4 🌟 The other item ordered was the Mac and Cheese. It has a cheese sauce that is more soupy. No cheese pull here, but the flavors were on point and it was the preferred item out of the 2 we ordered. I'm not always a fan of mixed greens, but this simple dressing was perfect for it. 5 🌟

Service: 4 🌟 Service has issues, but that was to be expected on their first day as they acquaint themselves.

I inquired about parking. I was told that you can park in the Norwood Hotel parking lot for free and that you do not need to get a validation. You can park on the street as well. As with any initial review, I hopefully will revisit (it's in my neighborhood so good chances) and I will further update to it's consistency. I tend to be a bit more generous with my rating in the beginning as a restaurant will be fixing any hiccups.

If you find this review...

I’ll start with some of the poor qualities.

-service was lack-luster, the hostess was friendly but it was confusing entering the building and reading multiple signs and then being shown to another person and area where we were greeted by someone that seemed grumpy. Then the server met with us in a unfriendly manner. They didn’t do anything bad, I just didn’t appreciate any of their attitude or service.

All around, the atmosphere wasn’t very inviting - everyone seemed not very friendly and most of the clientele was about 40-50+

hot drinks were okay, the quality in drinks was kind of sad and forgetful considering we are in the French area in Winnipeg, I’d expect a higher standard for look and taste at an establishment that looked as beautiful as it was. The matcha we got had lots of excess matcha powder in it and both drinks looked amateurish or carelessly made.

Food was unfortunately also forgettable. I was really, really hoping to like the Croque Madame, but was left with just a plain flavourless bacon sandwich. I was impressed by the menu at first but everything that came out was lacking in any interesting flavours. We also found some hair in our food, it could have been from us tho, so we didn’t say anything.

The dining room was dark and cold, for a place like Winnipeg I think we should always have warm lighting and comfy temperatures - especially in the middle of winter.

GOOD things about Pauline’s: -The bathrooms were very clean, spacious and private. The quality of the food was great, I thought the ingredients were of a good standard. I always like a good homemade crunchy hash brown. The building and decor was in engaging, kind of regal and comfy. I felt like you could come for a date or family affair. there was a good selection of food items for a variety of diets. the food came out quick (but wasn’t as hot as I’d expect)

I did really want to like this place, we were very excited to try it. But...

We came across Pauline's a bit late and unexpectedly and I always try out brunch places everywhere I go, so made a reservation and took the day to be Chez Paulines.

Run by the Sparrow family fame of Norwood hotels and nestled under their banner we expected it to be a good experience. Situated in the French district of Winnipeg a few blocks away from St. Boniface Based on Pauline Boutal erstwhile actor and artist famed for illustrations for Eaton center. Their walls adorn those illustrations and reminisce about French cafes and very stylish, bright and warm and cozy. Not having loud music was the best part for us personally.

Their menu is light, concise and crisp, which makes sense as they seem to share the kitchen with their sister restaurant Wood Tavern and that makes sense about their wait times and why it is important to reserve before you go on seeming busy times and days. Also that's more the reason their food is super tasty, they are not wasting time pleasing, rather making the best for us. Also I suppose why a lot of people have issues with their POACHED EGGS their yolk hardened till it reaches the table, which shouldn't be a reason and I am sure they will listen to the people. The food was fresh and tasty and filling. Very well seasoned and made. Their cocktails are lit and legit 10/10 try them.

Their service was top notch- Our wait times and everything related to waiting for the order to being served food, to making sure we were comfortable was taken care of so very well. Our wait staff was great and courteous.

I got an automated mail after i visited as I had made a reservation and I replied on it hoping it will reach someone as i had positive feedback and getting a reply from GM about our visit was sweet, kind and heart warming.

Thank You...