The monopoly tycoons of the 19th century traditionally did their wheeling and dealing at fine-dining establishments, cleverly concealing the fact that they still lived with their parents. Escape the familial foothold with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of contemporary fare and drinks at The Velvet Glove, nestled comfortably within The Fairmont Winnipeg.

Winnipeg's only Four-Diamond CAA/AAA award-winning restaurant, The Velvet Glove serves contemporary culinary creations using local, seasonal ingredients in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. The list of pedigrees continues with a 2010 Wine Spectator award-winning wine menu and parents that are three-time dog-show champs in the small-breeds category. The menu, created by Chef Eric Lee, reflects a Manitoban influence and starts with steamy appetizers such as the coriander pork belly ($13), cured and braised with a wild-mushroom and white-bean fricassee, and fresh tomato and cilantro sauce. Entrées keep it local with the Lake Winnipeg pickerel ($28), pan seared and served with tasty trappings of local market vegetables, Du Puy lentils, house-made tomato chutney, and fried capers. Carnivorous connoisseurs can sample the grilled AAA Alberta beef tenderloin ($32), which achieves its straight-A GPA with the help of roasted and pureed cauliflower, asparagus, tomato chutney, potato forchette, and red-wine jus. The lunch menu includes a selection of midday munchables such as the Manitoba smoked goldeye Caesar salad ($18) and the Exchange District steak sandwich ($21), whose onion rings make it a well-rounded choice.

The Velvet Glove achieves excellent service through an attentive and welcoming approach, cocooning visitors in savoury flavours and a well-appointed interior decked with warm wood paneling. Guests should arrive in business casual attire.

Reviews

The Velvet Glove at The Fairmont Winnipeg Hotel is a Four-Diamond CAA/AAA Award winner, and has been for seven consecutive years. It has a 76% approval rating on Urbanspoon and a positive review on The Meal Truth blog.

• Overall experience was great. I did not feel rushed, the waitress was friendly and accomodating [sic] and the atmosphere good. – The Meal Truth
• This is a truly a unique dining room - I can't think of a comparable room in the city. The room is traditional in its decor but you can tell it's been updated and renovated as everything feels new. – DineoutGal, Urbanspoon