Sweat

Sweating.

It feels good. Sometimes.

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of it.

Not the gross, smelly nervous sweat you get before a big presentation. Not the hot, sticky sweat you get lying out in the sun.

The sweat you get from moving around. Running around. Jumping around.

On Saturday, I spent the evening playing trampoline dodgeball. It’s dodgeball. On a trampoline.

What even?

I thought I was pretty slick diving around and bouncing off elastic walls.

I’m sure I wasn’t.

Somehow, the next morning, I ran the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service 10k run. Yeah, yeah, it’s not that long. But it was pretty big for me so can it.

Again, I probably didn’t look too slick.

I definitely didn’t feel too slick.

The best part about sweating, the kind you get from jumping around, is not feeling bad about adding bacon.

When the burly man behind the counter at Grace Cafe asked if I wanted bacon on my grilled cheese, I didn’t hesitate.

“Fuck yes.”

Here’s what I had at Grace Cafe:

Grilled Cheese (with bacon): Rye bread, marble cheese, bacon. ~$6.00

Impression: Crispy and buttery, like a grilled cheese should be. The bacon was thick and smokey. The burly man behind the counter handled the classic sandwich with skill. Thanks, Burly

What made it? Bacon. Whether you played trampoline dodgeball or ran a race or sat on your ass, it doesn’t matter.

Go for the bacon.

Life is better when you go for the bacon.

Big

The Winnipeg Free Press News Café at 237 McDermott Ave. represents a major shift in the way newspapers are funded.  As classified ad revenues continue to decrease, newspapers are looking for new ways to not only generate money, but also reach their audience.

While the News Café offers a (rather small but awesome) menu of appetizers, soups, and sandwiches, it also hosts town halls, book launches, lectures and educational seminars, as well as live interviews with newsmakers.

When I was there, Tim Hague Sr. and Tim Hague Jr., the Winnipeg winners of Amazing Race Canada, were arriving and setting up for a filmed interview in the café.

Here’s what I got from the Winnipeg Free Press News Café

Cuban Sandwich: roasted pork loin and ham with pickles and swiss cheese on baguette.    $10.25

Impressions: The toasted bread balanced out the gooey filling of the sandwich.  It was also easy to get the teeth around which is a bonus for little-mouthed me.  There were generous amounts of tender pork, ham, and cheese.  Thick slices of pickles gave most bites an extra crunch.  I will definitely go back for this again.

What Made it? Mustard Seeds.  A layering of these tasty little buds sweetened up the sandwich in a way the old yellow stuff never could.

Don’t believe me? Here’s what other people are saying.

“The sandwiches are generally stellar” – Sir Omnyvore

“[The Pulled Pork Sandwich] was messy but very tasty. The sandwich came with a fresh green salad with a vinegary salad dressing. I would gladly return here for another meal and to hear an interview. Great idea Winnipeg Free Press!” – blacksadegirl

“I love their Manitoba Club ($9.95) Bothwell aged cheddar, Winkler bacon, chicken breast and vine ripened tomato and includes a mixed green salad or potato salad. Probably one of my favourite club sandwiches in the city – real cheddar, mayo and perfect bacon.” – Dineoutgal

The thin slices of flank steak were grilled perfectly and tasted of a delicious Asian-inspired marinade. [The Vietnamese Sandwich] was topped with a crunchy coleslaw that was dominated by cilantro (luckily I like cilantro).”

– slamb