A pair of well-known restaurateurs is teaming up to offer an authentic Argentinian barbecue feast in Fisher Branch.
On July 27, Hermanos owner Noel Bernier and Corrientes owner chef Alfonso Maury will cook a mouth-watering meal for 700 people. The South American barbecue coincides with the community’s reunion and homecoming festivities, which run from July 26 to 28. All proceeds from the weekend’s activities go towards community amenities such as the hall, arena, golf course and other facilities.
For Bernier, the event represents a homecoming as well since he was born in Fisher Branch and raised on a small family farm.
After graduating from Fisher Branch Collegiate in 1990, he began his career in the agriculture and grain business with Manitoba Pool Elevators in local communities such as Arborg, Warren and Fisher Brach.
“I was a grain buyer for the first few years of my career and worked in various locations,” Bernier said.
“I love grain buying, but at that time I worked in wooden elevators that were closing rapidly and needed choose a different long-term path.”
After a decade of working in the agriculture and energy industries, Bernier opened Hermanos Restaurant at 179 Bannatyne Ave. in Winnipeg on Oct. 1, 2009. The popular restaurant has earned recognition through numerous awards and reviews, including being named one of Canada’s best new restaurants in 2009 by Where Magazine and Winnipeg’s best new restaurant in 2009 by Ciao Magazine.
“Opening Hermanos Restaurant was a chance to use my knowledge of food and business in way that allowed for a lot of creativity and local impact,” Bernier said.
“Hermanos has had a tremendous positive impact on the Exchange District in Winnipeg over the years as well.”
Over the years, Bernier has maintained a close connection to the Interlake, and he continues to buy fresh produce and ingredients from the area whenever possible. He visited Prairie Blossom Hutterite Colony last Friday to buy asparagus for the restaurant.
“Last fall, we did a feature using chokecherry syrup picked in the Interlake as well,” he added.
Tannis Yuzwa, president of the Fisher Branch homecoming committee, said the community is excited to have Bernier and Maury bring the South American barbecue to Fisher Branch.
“Having a truly international twist will be a great opportunity for people to connect and have some cultural learning as part of our celebration,” Yuzwa said.
Maury will lead the culinary team to create an unforgettable menu of racks of beef ribs, rib-eye steak, cilantro lime chicken, argentine chorizo, pork back ribs and blood sausage.
“The asado or Argentine barbecue is a big part of our culture and way of life in Argentina. It is very exciting to share that tradition for the people of Fisher Branch,” said Maury, who was born and raised in Argentina and also owns La Pampa food stores.
“I’ve been to the community and shared recipes in the past. This is a great chance to give back.”
Like Maury, Bernier is looking forward to offering a taste of Argentinian charbroiled goodness — and creating a little buzz in the community.
“I am very honoured to be able to contribute to a memorable meal for my hometown’s reunion celebrations. I love Fisher Branch, and we look forward to making a special event,” Bernier said.
“This barbecue will be an experience and spectacle never done before in my home area of the North Interlake.”
The cost for the barbecue $30 per ticket, and Bernier recommends buying tickets in advance since they will likely sell out. Members of the Fisher Branch homecoming committee are selling tickets, and they are also available by emailing fisherhomecomingtickets@gmail.com.
Learn more by visiting the Facebook page called “Fisher Branch Homecoming 2024,” the RM of Fisher website at rmoffisher.com or by emailing fisherbranchhomecoming@gmail.com
