Block & Blade is busy despite pandemic

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This article was published 28/07/2020 (1990 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While many Winnipeg restaurants have closed their doors due to COVID-19, Sage Creek’s Block & Blade Restaurant & Bar is a rare success story. Co-owners Craig Young and family, who live in Royalwood, and Chad Corbett, a Sage Creek resident, credit their people and respective communities.

“We opened in early March, right before the lockdown,” Corbett explained. “Our team did a tremendous job transitioning to curbside pickup.”

As pandemic restrictions eased, the pair took advantage of the City of Winnipeg’s temporary patio permits to expand outdoor dining to 60 seats, in addition toe physically-distanced space for 60-70 people inside.

“We’ve been sold out quite a few nights,” Corbett said. “We have a lounge, dining area and patio, so we appeal to seniors during the day, the after-work crowd and families and couples in the evening. Sage Creek and surrounding neighbourhoods, plus Winnipeggers in general have been wonderfully supportive.”

The Block & Blade focuses on locally-sourced food with everything made in-house.

“Our most popular items are our spinach and arugula salad, our veggie burger and our tuna rice bowl,” Corbett said.

“Darnell Banman, our head chef, is a graduate of the Red River College culinary apprenticeship program and is Red Seal certified. With the pandemic, it’s been a challenge not knowing what will be available when but Darnell has done an excellent job of being creative and making it work.”

The Block & Blade maintains strong ties to RRC. Corbett holds a hospitality certificate from the college and the restaurant has taken on six students from the culinary and hospitality programs. The group is leading preparations for a special four-course dinner event on Aug. 30.

“These students were having difficulty finding work placements,” Corbett said. “Their graduation would have been delayed by six months had we not welcomed them. Now they are planning our big event and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and work ethic.”

Corbett invites all readers to visit Block & Blade. Hand sanitizer-use is mandatory upon entry, staff wear masks while serving and tables and booths are cleaned between seatings.

“We are in the business of creating an experience for our guests. We are committed to making our restaurant a safe and fun destination to gather, make memories and celebrate big moments in small groups.”

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.theblockandblade.net, or call 204-256-7625.

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.