Manitoba is no small fry when it comes to growing spuds, since many farmers across the province have grown taters since they were tots.
To celebrate the starchy root vegetable, Peak of the Market Ltd. is presenting Potato Week. Starting Friday, March 1, diners can vote for the 2024 Potato Week champion at www.potatoweek.com.
“From March 1 to 10, restaurants throughout Manitoba will transform into potato palaces, crafting mouth-watering dishes that showcase their culinary creativity,” said Taylor Fenn, director of marketing and communications.
“This event is free for restaurants to participate, and restaurants can opt in to receive 100 pounds of complimentary Manitoba-grown potatoes.”
Potato Week began in 2018 in an effort to showcase the versatility of potatoes while also highlighting the creativity of local chefs.
“Potato Week isn’t just about delicious bites, though. It’s also a chance to shine a spotlight on Manitoba growers,” Fenn said.
“By participating, you’re supporting the dedicated individuals who cultivate the potatoes that inspire the innovative dishes crafted by local chefs.”
Many of the growers are rooted in Winkler and surrounding areas. Participating growers this year include Garden Valley Vegetable Growers, Haskett Growers, Hespler Farms, Kroeker Farms Ltd., Schmidt Farms Ltd., Southern Potato Co. and W.J. Siemens Farming Co. Ltd.
In addition, participating restaurants extend beyond city limits — including a couple entries in the Interlake.
Kahleigh’s Brew Barn in Riverton is entering a simple yet delicious dish called “Kahleigh’s Potato Wedges” featuring Italian seasoned and marinated Manitoba-grown potatoes fried to perfection and served with their house ranch.
Located at 40 Main St., Kaleigh’s Brew Barn recently earned accolades during La Poutine Week, ranking No. 1 in Manitoba and No. 3 across all of Canada.
“Potato Week reached out to us this year asking us to participate via social media. I had never heard about Potato Week before, and after looking into it further, it definitely appealed to us,” said owner Kahleigh Dubois.
“We love that this is something for Manitoba restaurants and promoting Manitoba potatoes. It’s exciting to be in the first few years of an event like this as it’s just going to grow and grow each year, I’m sure — and we get to be along for that ride.”
For their first year entering Potato Week, Kahleigh’s Brew Barn will maintain a focus on potatoes only.
“This is something so simple to make, yet so delicious. Hopefully this can promote not only our restaurant but an easy dinnertime recipe as well to get more Manitoba potatoes on Manitoba plates,” Dubois said.
“After the week is done, I plan to share with our customers on our social media pages the way I make these at home with only an air fryer. They are a little more tasty when made in the deep fryer, of course, but the air fryer version are a close second.”
The Riverton restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Meanwhile, in East Selkirk, Taysteez is entering a delectable dish called “Taysteez Poutine” featuring fresh-cut russet potatoes smothered with house-made gravy and tasty cheese curds.
The eatery is currently located at 1145 Strathcona Rd. in the East Selkirk arena and clubhouse building, although plans are in the works to find a new location.
“Our French fries sales are huge and people love our poutines. We get a lot of compliments on them,” said Robert McLean, who co-owns the restaurant with Marlene Sutherland.
“We are expanding our food options in 2024 and changing locations and how we operate.”
He encourages diners to check out the restaurant’s profiles on social media platforms.
At the same time, Fenn encourages everyone to try the tuber creations and vote for their favourite during Potato Week.
“Potatoes are versatile, high in nutrients and affordable. Manitoba is one of the largest producers of table potatoes, meaning these humble vegetables are critical to the province’s agricultural economy,” Fenn said.
“We encourage the public to visit restaurants through social and traditional media and we’re partnering with a number of local food influencers this year. Potato Week is an opportunity for customers to try a new dish and be inspired to create their own spud-tacular potato-based dishes.”
Visit www.potatoweek.com to view a full list of participating restaurants and growers. The list will continue to be updated until March 1.
