Halfway around the world

20. Africa

Holy Cross Gym, 290 Dubuc St.

FOOD: Not a big menu, but tasty. Enjoy a combo plate of spicy chicken, jazzy joloff rice, samosa salad ($7), kebab with plantain ($7) or with plain salad ($5). Tasty samosas ($3 or 2/$5) go fast. Hand snacks/desserts? Chin chin (crispy doughnut chips) sweet dough balls and/or boiled peanuts ($2) in little bags.

DRINK: Delicious non-al punch of mango, passion fruit and peach ($3), imported Castle Beer from South Africa ($4.75) and Tusker suds from Kenya ($7). Three Rivers red and white wines come from South Africa -- $5 a glass, $25 a bottle. Don't miss the refreshing fruit-infused iced-tea drinks ($3).

SHOW & DISPLAY: Huge display of African artifacts and a dozen tables of African gifts, clothing and products for sale from 10 different countries, plus henna tattooing. Come 20 minutes before getting dinner! Dancing was a high-energy, polished combo of traditional and modern moves in brilliantly coloured costumes. The male coming-of-age dance is wild. (This dance could be part of a circumcision ceremony -- enough to make anyone jump.)

CULTURE SHOCK: Dessert is a non-event in Africa, where there's starvation in some countries and a bag of boiled peanuts might be your dinner.

BEST REASON TO GO: Almost a dozen countries perform three or four dance numbers each, so they have to showcase new dance mixtures every night.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Sound system needs tweaking -- some echoing in gym.

-- Maureen Scurfield

 

21. Argentina 'Tango'

Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave.

FOOD: Three different types of empanadas -- you'll want more than one ($3.50). You could opt for a sandwich de Milanesa (breaded beef - $5) or Chorizo sausage ($4.50). The locro (stew) boasts corn, beef, sausage, and bacon, among other things ($4). Desserts were more generous than entrees with the alfajores (shortbread cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche) not to be missed ($3.50).

DRINK: Many Argentinean wines and imported beers to choose from. Argentinean sangria is the perfect summer drink ($4.50)

SHOW AND DISPLAY: Get ready for a fun and upbeat show put on by warm, likeable performers. Flown in from Buenos Aires, the group Malon del Sur performs the malambo with amazing precision, and any relationship will surely benefit from being in the presence of the intoxicating Argentine tango.

BEST REASON TO GO: The dancing will make you want to break out your own poncho and bring the house down.

CULTURE SHOCK: Argentine cowboys, known as gauchos, are notorious for drinking yerba mate, which is thought to have "the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea and the euphoria of chocolate, all in one beverage."

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Nothing to speak of here, other than a few first-night technical glitches. Lots of fun!!

-- Caroline Hunter

 

22. BELGUIM

Le Club Belge, 407 Provencher Blvd.

FOOD: Hungry? Choose stick-to-your-ribs beef stew or a chicken-in-pastry cup (both $6.50). Snacking? Thick Waterzooi turkey soup with a bun ($4.50), the spiced sausage (tasty) or blood sausage (black colour, a little scary) on a bun ($2.50). French fries with mayonnaise -- a national food ($1.50). Best desserts? Thick Belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries ($2.50), cheesecake with fresh fruit and chocolate topping ($3). Hit the road with lacy rum cookies called "lukken" and "speculaas" spice cookies (6/$1) in your hot little hand.

DRINKS: Eighteen kinds of beer, including Hoegaarden, Frulii and startling raspberry beer ($5-$6). White chocolate Godiva liqueur ($3.50) is an excellent slow sipper! "I can die now. Just leave me here," said one woman on first taste.

SHOW & DISPLAY: Smurfs, pole archery, Belgian bowling demo, bobbin lacemaking, home-knitted sweaters, Bernard Callebaut chocolate (mmmm -- nibble on samples upstairs). Then there's Mannequin Pis, the famously naked peeing-boy statue, which visiting royalty have humourously gifted with clothing outfits. Adult dancers step it up in klompen wooden shoes. The Little Waltzers do the smurf dance, stealing peoples' hearts away.

CULTURE SHOCK: Belgians created the potato dish mistakenly called the "french" fry.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Grey costumes may be accurate, but too plain for a party.

BEST REASON TO GO: A "99 bottles of beer on the wall" dream come true!

-- Maureen Scurfield

 

23. Brasil Carnival

Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Ave.

FOOD: A nice selection here. Appetizers include coxinhas -- Portuguese for little chicken thigh, a popular snack of deep-fried breaded chicken and flavourings (three for $5), and coconut shrimp in mango sauce (five for $5). Mains are $8 a plate, either chorizo black-bean stew or picadinho de milho, a chopped-beef and corn dish. Desserts include a $3 coconut cake or brigadeiros -- a chocolate bonbon -- three for $5.

DRINK: Standard beer and shots are $4.50, but don't be shy about trying Brazil's national cocktail, a caipirinha, traditional lime or passion fruit ($5.50), or a Guarana soda, Brazil's favourite pop ($3).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The show is the main draw here. Dancers -- some local talent and some from Toronto -- tell the story of the development of carnival through dance. The costumes are stunning, but it's that Brazilian beat that will really capture you.

BEST REASON TO GO: The music. You won't be able to stop your toes from tapping.

CULTURE SHOCK: Cashew trees are native to northeastern Brazil. The world's largest cashew tree, in the country's state of Natal, covers 7,500 square metres.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: The cultural display is a bit thin. With the popularity of Brazil's carnival, often called the biggest show on Earth, organizers shouldn't be shy about showing it off.

-- Julie Carl

 

24. Caribbean Pavilion

Centre Culturel Franco-Manitoban, 340 Provencher Blvd.

FOOD: If you don't like your food spicy, you're at the wrong pavilion. Try the curry chicken or beef roti ($8.50) if you're hungry. If you're looking for more of a snack, try the Jamaican patties or jerk wings.

DRINK: You can get domestic beers here, but with ice-cold Red Stripe or Carib ($5.25 each) in the fridge, why would you bother? Jamaica is famous for its rum and its rum punch doesn't disappoint.

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The energetic show features Caribbean dancers, bongo players, a steel-drum band, a Jamaican folk ensemble and, of course, limbo. The display features a multitude of souvenirs, jewelry, CDs and Bob Marley-themed artifacts.

BEST REASON TO GO: The show. It's hard not to have fun when so much of the music is calypso.

CULTURE SHOCK: Baseball was brought to the Caribbean by U.S. sailors working in Cuba. The game spread from there to other islands, most notably the Dominican Republic.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: As fun as the limbo show is, particularly the preamble and dancing in between the early limbo stages, the limbo dancers don't have the flexibility and elasticity of Prince Jo Jo, who performed at the Africa/Caribbean pavilion last week.

-- Geoff Kirbyson

 

25. Celtic Ireland

Fort Garry Curling Club, 696 Archibald St.

FOOD: Enjoy a slice of tasty meat pie with a delightfully flaky crust ($3.25) or a creamy cup of smoky-flavoured potato leek soup ($4). For a sweet, cool treat, try the trifle ($2.75) or apple crisp ($3.50).

DRINK: A hearty Guinness beer goes for $6.50 and a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey is $4.50. You can taste an Irish "kneecap" -- Bailey's Irish cream and Guinness on ice -- for $4.50.

SHOW & DISPLAY: This year's pavilion is all about Irish dancing. The show consists of traditional Irish soft-shoe and hard-shoe styles of River Dance, performed by Brady Academy of Irish Dance students. In between the dance numbers are performances of Celtic fiddling, drumming and singing. The display focuses on the history of Irish dancing.

BEST REASON TO GO: The Irish dancing is high-energy and infectious, with the audience clapping and stomping to the beat. If you work up a thirst, you can quickly quench it at not one, but two of the Celtic Irish pavilion's bars.

CULTURE SHOCK: The extravagant, curly Dolly Parton-esque wigs the female dancers wear date back to the 1800s, when women decided they didn't want to spend hours curling their hair.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The pavilion is rather dark. It's a great backdrop for the stage -- a misty, torch-lit castle scene -- but it's too dark around the food area to see what's to eat.

-- Chelsea Sanders

 

26. Chile Lindo

Sargent Park School, Sargent Avenue & Dominion Street

FOOD: Try the sweet-corn pie with chunky-chicken bottom ($8), tasty beef, chicken and seafood empanadas ($4.50), which are great to share. Chile is cowboy country, and hunky, satisfying sandwiches are only $5. Special dessert dulce de leche is a roll cake with carmelized sweet milk. Chilean favourite 1,000-layer cake (OK, maybe there's 10) and barley dessert with suspended peaches ($4) are also offered.

DRINK: Chileans are famous for wine. Enjoy a glass ($4.50) or a bottle ($20). Adventurous? Pisco is a golden brandy with a kick. Try a pisco sour or pisco and cola. Then there's borgonia (red-wine sangria with strawberries) and white wine with peaches.

SHOW & DISPLAY: Easter Island was annexed to Chile in 1888, so the pavilion brings Polynesian dancing into the show with shimmying hips and white-feather hula skirts. Chilean macho-man dancers wear big black boots, tight pants, spurs and cowboy hats, with exotic female partners in sensual costumes. The display in an outside classroom is quite ambitious and best done with a guide.

CULTURE SHOCK: Volcanic Easter Island has 887 statues, some of them buried to the shoulders now, and all facing out to the Pacific Ocean.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The school venue needs more intimate lighting for passionate entertainment.

 

27. Cuba Va! 'Tropicana'

Notre Dame Recreational Centre, 271 Rue de la Cathedrale

FOOD: The roasted-pork loin, roasted chicken or shrimp platters are tasty ($10.50 each). For dessert, try the flan ($4) or rice pudding ($3).

DRINK: Nothing says all-inclusive resort like a Cuba libre or a mojito.

SHOW AND DISPLAY: If it's not hot enough inside the venue before the show, it will be after. There's more hip-shaking on stage from the 15 or so dancers than at a hula-hoop convention.

BEST REASON TO GO: If you've ever been to Cuba, the lively and energetic show will take you back to the entertainment you saw at your hotel. The entertainers' enthusiasm is infectious.

CULTURE SHOCK: Not only is hitchhiking legal in Cuba, but it's obligatory for government officials to pick you up and give you a ride.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: A couple of years ago, the pavilion was able to import Cuban beers, such as Cristal and Bucanero. But because it only wants to import a limited amount, it's prohibitively expensive, so the only beers on the menu are domestic. No mas Budweiser, por favor.

-- Geoff Kirbyson

 

28. Ethiopian Pavilion

Ethiopian Cultural Centre, 215 Selkirk Ave.

FOOD: The options are limited, but the heaping portions won't leave you hanging: a plate full of tangy injera with saucy veggies ($7) can also be ordered in a combo.

DRINK: Ethiopian St. George beer ($6) comes with a combo, or you can sip one on its own.

SHOW AND DISPLAY: A vivacious collection of dances from several of Ethiopia's many cultures, set to bouncy beats. Meanwhile, a display of ornate hand-woven basketry and Ethiopian carvings is set into a small side-room.

BEST REASON TO GO: The smiling faces make it feel like home. The pavilion's well-prepared volunteers are warm, welcoming and eager to field questions.

CULTURE SHOCK: "Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and humanity," the gregarious emcee announced. We approve of mentioning coffee first.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: It's hard to see how this could be solved without a new venue, but the room is tiny, the stage is low and short people (like this reviewer) will struggle to watch from the back row.

-- Melissa Martin

 

29. German Pavilion

German Society of Winnipeg, 121 Charles St.

FOOD: Hearty German comfort food to fill the belly: load up your schnitzel or rouladen (sliced beef) with fixings for $12.50, or grab a bratwurst combo for $8.50. Sweet tooth? Enjoy a vast selection of German tortes, strudels and lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread cookies).

DRINK: Only a small selection of delicate wines. (Just kidding!) There's beer, beer and more beer: Warsteiner, Krombacher, Holsten, Paulaner ($6), as well as some sinus-clearing peppermint schnapps and shots of Jagermeister ($4.50).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: Oh, is it Oktoberfest already? Sure feels like it, what with the live polka band, vivacious yodelling and show-ending dance-along. Downstairs, browse a market full of German crafts and dazzling handmade candles. Need more dancing? Head downstairs for the beer tent, featuring more live polka and, uh, more beer.

BEST REASON TO GO: There are only so many occasions in your life where you get to link arms with strangers and sway boozily to the music. It would be a shame to miss any one of them.

CULTURE SHOCK: The German Society is surely one of the most glorious buildings in all Folklorama, with its well-worn mix of history and kitsch. Spend some time exploring its walls for a trip through the history of Germans in Manitoba.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The show works best when it's at its most interactive. Some of the apparent folk dances aren't delivered with quite the same verve.

-- Melissa Martin

 

30. Greek Pavilion

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave.

FOOD: The Mediterranean menu offers all the Greek staples such as chicken souvlaki ($4.75), gyros ($6.00), chicken in a pita ($4.50), the sinfully delicious moussaka ($5.75) and the flaky, tasty spanakopita ($4.75). For dessert, the baklava ($3.50) is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

DRINK: The refreshing Zorba's Kiss alcoholic punch ($4.50), Mythos Greek beer ($6), Greek wine ($3), the rich Greek coffee ($2.25). For a nightcap, try the Metaxa brandy or ouzo ($4.50).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The KEFI dancers energetically highlight the Greek culture from Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. The dancers are passionate and entertaining, with enough opa-ing to enliven the dullest of crowds. The pavilion's display is an ode to Sparta, an ancient Greek culture of heroes.

BEST REASON TO GO: The popular Zorba's dance, the show's grand finale, will raise you out of your seat to join.

CULTURE SHOCK: Almost 2,500 years ago, the Greek Hellenic civilization was threatened with extinction when a staggering number of Persian forces threatened the nation with war. What's a little economic crisis?

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: In an effort to allow more visitors into this popular pavilion, they've added a spillover room, which streams the show live from one floor above. It doesn't quite have the same effect as seeing the show live, especially when the video feed cuts out five minutes into the action.

-- Katherine Dow

 

31. Hungary-Pannonia

Burton Cummings Community Centre, 960 Arlington St.

FOOD: Hearty portions of great food can be found here. A bowl of gulyas ($5) or kaposzta ($6) are tasty and filling. Langos (deep-fried potato dough) can be either sweet or savory and are big enough to share, although you may not want to ($3.50)

DRINK: Many Hungarian spirits to choose from ($4.50). Tokai aszu (fortified dessert wine) is available by the bottle ($29).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: You are not likely to find a group that loves performing more than the Kapisztran Folk Ensemble. This local group includes performances by all ages. The junior dancers are like living dolls, the audience gets to take a shot at bottle dancing, and the senior dancers perform multiple impressive numbers of boot-slapping fun!

BEST REASON TO GO: The joy of the dancers radiates right off the stage, and you will come away with the feeling of having spent time with friends.

CULTURE SHOCK: The kurtoskalacs ($4), also known as chimney cakes, are one of the oldest forms of dessert and available for the first time this year. You must try this little slice of heaven.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: A true delight -- don't change a thing!

-- Caroline Hunter

 

32. India Pavilion

Heather Curling Club, 120 Youville St.

FOOD: You can enjoy a variety of traditional Indian dishes provided by restaurateur Charisma of India. The mouth-watering butter chicken plate comes with cumin roasted potatoes, Navratan korma, basmati rice, fresh soft naan bread, and salad ($11). A samosa plate includes two spicy samosas with chickpeas and a tamarind sauce ($6). For dessert, try mango ice cream ($4).

DRINK: At the bar, there's Old Monk Rum ($5.50) or Indian brews such as Kingfisher ($5.50). There's also chai tea ($1.50).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The display at this year's pavilion showcases different regions of India, such as the Gujarati and Maharashtra states, and you can try on the individual styles of dress worn in either state. Volunteers will help you drape the beautiful material into a sari if you're a woman, or you can try on a turban if you're a man. The show consists of traditional and contemporary styles of Indian dance.

BEST REASON TO GO: The performances are vibrant and energetic with Bollywood-style dancing in gorgeous, eye-catching costumes. Intricate henna tattoos are available at varying prices.

CULTURE SHOCK: Discovering the diversity of India: how much each region differs in language, dress and culture.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: There was some confusion in the food department. All of it was tasty, however most menu items come mainly in a platter format, so you can't order just one dish if you have a particular favourite.

-- Chelsea Sanders

 

33. Indigenous Mardi Gras

Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, 185 Young St.

FOOD: This new pavilion, which celebrates the indigenous culture of Mardi Gras Indians -- sometimes called black Indians, as the culture finds its roots in the inter-marrying of runaway slaves with tribes around New Orleans -- is catered by Tocabe: an American Indian Eatery from Denver Colo. Offerings include jambalaya gumbo with wild rice ($5), fry bread ($3) and wojapi, a berry dessert ($3). The sampling platter includes all three for $9.

DRINK: Pepsi, bottled water and Gatorade range from $2 to $3.

SHOW AND DISPLAY: It's all about the dancing at this pavilion. The Aboriginal School of Dance, a co-sponsor, presents two numbers. Note the gorgeous eagle costume in the first one. Mardi Gras Indian Show dancers present the final dance number. The costumes will blow you away. Be sure to watch the video, which explains this intriguing culture. And don't miss the directions on how to prepare wild rice in many different ways. Volunteer Olivia's suggestion: get a Kokoom (grandmother) to cook it for you.

BEST REASON TO GO: There's a charming welcoming feel to this brand new pavilion, maybe it's having so many children as volunteers.

CULTURE SHOCK: A Mardi Gras Indian costume can weigh up to 45 kilograms. The largest one in this show is an enormous pink feathered confection that looks like a giant cone of candy floss.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: More. More dishes on the menu. More dancing acts.

-- Julie Carl

 

34. Israel Pavilion

Shalom Square, Asper Jewish Community Campus, 123 Doncaster St.

FOOD: Bring your appetite for matzo ball soup ($4), Israeli salad ($3.50), falafel balls ($9 with a meal). For dessert, the simply perfect carrot cake ($4), the delightful apple cake ($4) and the yummy hamantashen (2 for $2.50).

DRINK: A light, frothy Maccabee Beer ($5).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The impressive show features performances by the Chai Folk Ensemble and Anajnu Veatem, a premier Israeli dance group from Mexico. A fantastic five-piece band and a group of beautiful singers accompany the lively, well-choreographed and entertaining show. The display is a well-crafted ode to Israeli culture and history featuring insightful displays on Jerusalem, notable Israelis and popular culture.

BEST REASON TO GO: Only one? This pavilion is the gold-standard of Folklorama, with its roomy, air conditioned venue, its delicious and generously portioned foods, and its elaborate stage show bursting with talent and energy.

CULTURE SHOCK: Two of the founders of Jerusalem's Hebrew University were Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: At times, the stage microphones' hummed a little bit during the otherwise incredible show.

-- Katherine Dow

 

35. Korean Pavilion

J.B. Mitchell School, 1720 John Brebeuf Place

FOOD: Quite an array to choose from including Japchae (sweet potato noodles and veggies), Bulgogi (marinated BBQ beef and veggies) and Dak-jorim (fried chicken in sweet and sour sauce). Although you can get each dish on its own for around $6, the best deal is one of two combo plates ($12).

DRINK: Try Korean liquor Soju ($4.50)

SHOW AND DISPLAY: Costumes of beautiful colours and fabrics are showcased here. The Kkok-du-gak-shi (puppet dance) may be the sweetest thing you'll ever see. Also impressive is the lovely fan dance, flower dance and drums.

BEST REASON TO GO: No question that the showstopper is the final act in the show. The Tae Kwon Do demonstration by K.S. Cho College is at times adorable, always impressive and its conclusion is breathtaking.

CULTURE SHOCK: All pavilion volunteers are dressed in traditional "hanbok." These gorgeous colours and fabrics used to be every day wear, but have since been relegated to special occasions

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The stage could use a bit more decoration to warm up the school gymnasium feel.

-- Caroline Hunter

 

36. Pabellon de Espana

Casa Du Minho Portuguese Centre, 1080 Wall St.

FOOD: Tasty paella (broth-infused with chicken, shrimp and squid ( $4.75-$7.75), tender pollo a la Espanola (1/4 chicken with tomatoes, onion, spices, zucchini, peppers, $5). Plates of shrimp -- naturally sweet or with garlic ($4), savoury chorizo sausage with buns ($3.50), calamares ($4), gazpacho ($3), and assorted pastries ($3.25).

DRINK: Imported Spanish Estrella Damm beer from Barcelona ($6.25) and Alhambra from Andalucia ($5.25), Sangria (glass, $4.75, pitcher $23). Nice touch -- non-alcoholic beer ($3).

SHOW & DISPLAY: Brilliant stage decor and Sol De Espana dancers dazzle, each in one-of-a kind flamenco dresses created by Spanish dance guru Carmen Cano. Display in outer hallway was small, especially the collage of the many festivals of this country.

CULTURE SHOCK: Spanish painter Pablo Picasso's full name was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomoceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso.

BEST REASON TO GO: Stunning flamenco costumes, lively music, party atmosphere.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: This all female show -- big on flamenco -- could do with some hot male dancers too.

 

37. Pavilion of Portugal

Portuguese Cultural Centre, 659 Young St.

FOOD: Not expensive for lucky pavilion goers, thank goodness! Great dinner choices abound: BBQ dinners (1/4 chicken, ($7), chourico sausage combo ($4.50), octopus plate ($8) springy, not tough; shrimp plate ($7). Just snacking? Chourico sausage plate $4.50, pork loin in a bun ($3.50). Amazing desserts at only $2 - $2.50 -- lemon-cinnamon rice pudding, heavenly tarts, flan and pastries. Experiment: Contrast malatofe, "the rich man's dessert" (meringue and caramel sauce) with coscuroes, "the poor man's dessert" (deep fried lacy pastry).

DRINK: Best suggestion is Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde, a smooth white wine ($5 a glass, $20 a bottle), and test drive the cafè com cheirinho (firewater) after dinner.

SHOW & DISPLAY: Ambitious sports display in the basement with tour guides. Funky good luck roosters at sales table out front. Show of increasingly older and more accomplished folk dancers is fun, Singer Luis Salsa is in great vocal form.

CULTURE SHOCK: The Portuguese Rooster of Good Luck and Happiness is said to have jumped off the dining table and crowed to save an innocent man from the noose.

BEST REASON TO GO: The food... the wonderful food!

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Singer Luis Salsa dances alone between verses. He needs a partner.

-- Maureen Scurfield

 

38. Pavilion of Scotland

Glenwood Community Centre, 27 Overton St.

FOOD: Bring your appetite for a filling dinner combo offering your choice of meat item: Scotch or mincemeat pie, sausage roll or bridie, mashed potatoes with delicious gravy, a vegetable and more ($8.25) or be a Braveheart and try the haggis ($4.55.) Desserts include trifle ($3.50) or Fly Cemetery (fruit slice) at $2.45.

DRINK: Intriguingly named drinks: Ginger Grouse (Scotch and ginger beer) at $4.50 and Hairy Haggis ($8) beg tasting, as does Gaelic coffee made of scotch, coffee, whipped cream and Drambuie ($4.50) Visit the Scotch Glen for a wide variety of single malt scotches.

SHOW AND DISPLAY: Organizers have put together one of the most impressive cultural displays in Folklorama. Visit the beautiful replica of Governor Miles MacDonnell's tent, full of fascinating artifacts in honour of the upcoming commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk Settlers in Manitoba. Friendly volunteers in the children's area offer an educational scavenger hunt, colouring and games.

An impeccably choreographed and refreshingly modern show with the Flying Haggis Show Band and their cracking fiddler, the Ena Sutton Highland Dancers and 402 Squadron Pipes and Drums. Nimble sword dancers display enviable posture and the band's vocal quintet sings heartily. You can't beat the sound of the bagpipes.

BEST REASON TO GO: There is always something happening at this pavilion. You don't have to wait for the mainstage shows to watch dancers or listen to music or storytelling.

CULTURE SHOCK: The expression "the whole nine yards" derives from the amount of material required to make a kilt.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The emcee needs some good filler material between shows -- or should just take a break himself. Background music would suffice.

-- Gwenda Nemerofsky

 

39. Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion

R.B. Russell School - 364 Dufferin Ave.

FOOD: For those who like their portions big and meaty, try chicken adobo ($5.25), barbecued pork ($4.50), pancit ($4.25), egg rolls ($2 each), and empanadas ($3). For dessert, the mango pudding ($1.50), banana fritters ($1.25) and the cassava cake ($2.75).

DRINK: San Miguel beer ($5), coconut juice ($1.75), mango nectar drink ($1.75), tapioca punch ($1.75), and coffee or tea ($1.50).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The show features the pleasingly elaborate folk dances from the Magdaragat Philippines Inc. dance ensemble. The display is a charming ode to Filipino artifacts and includes embroideries, linens, crafts, tools and an authentic bahay kubo hut.

BEST REASON TO GO: The Magdaragat Philippines Inc. dance group is the clear highlight, with a passionately performed and well-choreographed show that will leave you lining up for the next show.

CULTURE SHOCK: Sungka, a Filipino parlor game, is played wherever Philippine immigrants are living as a way of staying connected to their native culture.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Seating is somewhat limited in the cafeteria, leading to some crammed dining at this always popular pavilion.

-- Katherine Dow

 

40. Scandinavian Pavilion

Scandinavian Cultural Centre, 764 Erin St.

FOOD: Swedish meatballs ($10 for the platter) are the most popular item on the menu. The roastpork meal ($10 platter) is delicious. There’s also a pickerel herring plate and Viking vegetable platter for $4 each.

DRINK: Wash down your meatballs with a cold Tuborg ($6 for 500 ml) or a Carlsberg ($4 for 330 ml). If you’re really thirsty, buy the Faxe box set, which includes a 1,000-ml can and a giant beer stein ($16).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: Lots of traditional dancing is interspersed with crowd-friendly demonstrations of glima wrestling, songs (including one sing-a-long) and even sword-fighting, where an audience volunteer challenges an experienced Viking. There are rooms featuring artifacts and souvenirs from each Scandinavian country — Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

BEST REASON TO GO: Accompanying the singer and dancers are live musicians playing the piano, guitar, fiddle and accordion. It makes the show seem more authentic than pavilions that use prerecorded music.

CULTURE SHOCK: A popular souvenir is the road sign for moose crossings. Every year, a huge number of these signs are stolen from Swedish roads.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: You may need to get there early to get a serving of Swedish meatballs. They ran out during the first show on Tuesday. (They were replenished within 20 minutes.)

— By Geoff Kirbyson

 

41. Serbian "Kolo"

St. James Civic Centre, 2055 Ness Ave.

FOOD: Generous helpings of authentic food await you. A good sampler is the Serbian platter, which includes a cabbage roll, sausage, pie, mashed potato and salad ($10).The stuffed pepper ($6) comes with potatoes and bread. Choose from meat, cheese or spinach pies ($3). A variety of Serbian crepes, pastries and cakes will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

DRINK: Many Serbian spirits to choose from ($4.50) including Sokolova (plum/apricot brandy), Manastrika (plum brandy) and Vilmos (pear brandy).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: Performed by the local Kolo Dance Ensemble, the show involves a large number of dancers sporting impressive costumes. The dances are spirited and at times theatrical, although with so many numbers to choose from, it is never the same show twice.

BEST REASON TO GO: Lots of wonderful food offered up by very friendly people.

CULTURE SHOCK: An ethnic food market allows you to take a taste of Serbia home. Ajvar (roasted vegetable spread) looked particularly tempting ($8/jar).

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: A voice-over helped a bit, but an emcee for the evening would have provided guests with a better understanding of the performances.

-- Caroline Hunter

 

42. Slovenija

Daniel MacIntyre High School, 720 Alverstone (west of Arlington and Wellington)

FOOD: This is an eating pavilion -- they've gone big. Big barbecues roasting whole pigs and chickens are cooking outside all evening. The dishes? Hearty, full dinners with a BBQ choice of meat plus coleslaw, and potato salad ($13), juicy stuffed peppers called "filana paprika ($6), juicy smokies with bread ($3.50) sauerkraut ($2). Desserts -- favourites are lemonnova torta and poppyseed cake. Mouth-watering! ($3.50).

DRINK: A refreshing imported pale ale "Lasko" ($5.50), white reisling wine (smell of roses) and merlot-type red wine merlot ($5.50, $24 a bottle). Get "Cockta" cola and "Jupi" orange drink ($2.50) for the kids. Radenska mineral water ($3) will satisfy those west end health nuts.

SHOW & DISPLAY: Enthusiastic tour guides make this little jewel of a country -- part of former Yugoslavia -- come alive through the maps and displays. The show features three local dance groups -- Zvoncek (the little bells); Rozmarin (youth) and Triglav (the grown-ups). The traditional singing group is simply called Zvon (Bell), and they're well-named. The most daring dancers spin in couples with water glasses on their heads.

CULTURE SHOCK: Little Slovenija has only one island, a tiny one called Bled (pronoounced "blade"). Donald Trump's Slovenian wife Milania wanted to get married in its stone church, but there wasn't enough room for her guests. Instead, she married The Donald in Palm Beach, Florida in 2005.

BEST REASON TO GO: The food will please your palate, and one of Slovenija's hottest bands Azalea is flying in to Winnipeg to play Thursday through Saturday night.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Needs more front-of-stage hosting to fully engage the crowd.

 

43. Spirit of Ukraine

West Kildonan Memorial Arena, 346 Perth Ave.

FOOD: The food is provided by Ludwick Catering. Delicious Ukrainian "varenyky," also known as perogies, are three for $3.75 and "holubtsi" (cabbage rolls) are the same price. The kolbasa garlic sausage ($5.95) is served with fried sauerkraut. Try a filling bowl of borscht ($3.95) or a sour, garlicky dill pickle ($1.70).

DRINK: The pavilion has two bars where you can taste some of the country's premium vodkas and beers. I'd recommend the spicy honey & pepper Khortytsa vodka ($5.75). If beer's your beverage of choice, try a crisp, refreshing Lviv'ske or Obolon Lager ($5.75).

SHOW AND DISPLAY: The centrepiece of the show is traditional Ukrainian dancing by the Zoloto Ukrainian Dance Ensemble & Company of Winnipeg, with a comedy set and live polka music by the BMW Trio before and after each show. The display features traditional artistry from different parts of Ukraine: beautiful and ornate hand-painted wooden eggs and tableware, colourful floral motif embroidered textiles on display, reflected in the dancers' clothing.

BEST REASON TO GO: The 12-minute "hopak" dance number finale, which means "jump" in English. The dancers are perfectly synchronized and look like they're having fun. Their jumping and twirling in hot and heavy Ukrainian dance outfits seems effortless. Watch them burn calories while you indulge in scrumptious cabbage rolls topped with bacon, green onions and a bit of sour cream!

CULTURE SHOCK: The earthy humour of Ukrainian comedian Metro. His set includes a kazoo rendition of June Carter Cash's classic song Ring of Fire only his version is Burning Ring On Fire - a song about eating spicy Mexican food and the aftermath.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: This pavilion is well organized with friendly and informative volunteers. The show is entertaining, the food and drinks are good. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

-- Chelsea Sanders

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 15, 2012 D6