Lounging on Lilac Street

May 25th, 2010 | Posted by Jacquie Crone
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Lilac Street in Winnipeg

I’ve been writing this blog since January and if you’ve been following the stories, you’ll know that my passion is being active in the great outdoors. I’ve tried to introduce you to all kinds of interesting corners of Manitoba where you can hike, ski, cycle, whatever. I’m happy to tell you that Travel Manitoba has now given me the nod to write about other aspects of this province that I think may appeal to Manitobans and visitors. So occasionally, like today, I’m going to throw you a curve ball. I’ll step out of my comfort zone and maybe we’ll have some fun. Here we go.

Women like shopping. More to the point, women like to look good. Shopping is a necessary step in acquiring the stuff to make them look good. To make this part of the process as painless as possible I start by identifying the need, then I locate the target, deploy, get in and get out. Take no prisoners. A military manoeuvre, as effective as it is sterile.

I have an analytical mind, a bit plodding, but analytical. So finally, after decades of drudgery, I dared to ask myself, “Why is shopping such a drag?” I can sum up my conclusion in four words – malls and big box stores. I mean, what can possibly be engaging about traipsing from one faceless bunker to another? The lights alone in a mall make you want to run for cover.

There are, however, places in Winnipeg where shopping rises above the mundane. Lilac Street is one of them. This is a small area, maybe a block or two long, running perpendicular to Corydon Avenue. It is a concentrated effort – everything you could possibly want and yet, unsurprisingly, you won’t find at Wal-Mart.

The street is lined with 125-year-old American Elm trees, the storefronts are quaint and the skyline is an irregular surprise of angles. Intermingled with the shops are lovely, old, nicely-appointed apartments and condominiums. This is why the area is so vital. Residential intermingled with commerce, all cohabiting, all complimenting and supporting one another.

My pal Terry Lacosse, owner and boss-artist at Gallery Lacosse, set up shop on Lilac Street, a few years ago, giving me an excellent reason to frequent the area. Terry is a fine artist with the astute mind of a Wall Street broker. Most of us function efficiently using the left OR right side of the brain; Terry works both sides with scary efficiency.

"Lilac Storm" painting by Terry Lacosse

His shop will set the tone for anyone’s day of shopping. Gallery Lacosse’s walls are lined with paintings and photographs by the over 30 local artists he represents, and his showcases offer up tasty jewellery, pottery and glasswork.

As much as I love Gallery Lacosse though, I have to admit to an even stronger craving: Cha-Cha’s. The TV series and movie “Sex in the City” is mostly inane, but I agree with one aspect – a good shoe now and again makes up for life’s inadequacies – and Cha-Cha’s is my first choice for a good shoe. Luckily, if they don’t have just what I’m after, a few stores down the street is the boutique Soul. More shoes!

I think the trick to shopping – now pay attention – is mixing up the occasion with lunch or supper, a coffee, or, depending on the position of the sun’s yardarm, a martini. Lilac Street has all of the above.

Bread and Circuses Bakery & Cafe is a popular stop and the coffee is dark and rich tasting. Owner Roy Friesen confirms that their kitchen produces fresh baking 6 days a week. In fact each day has its own specialty bread: Balkan rye, Harvest Home and cinnamon raisin to name a few. As for shopping fatigue, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a Pear Feta Walnut Salad gives you a kick-start should you start to lag.

Bread and Circuses

Occasionally, my girlfriends and I have also been seen at Café Carlos. The menu has been tweaked recently and I can lose myself in the choices. Oh, and their martinis are invigorating.

Back on the street, you’ll find a number of stores carrying clothing that appeals to individuals from “16 years of age to 60 plus”, to quote Francesca, the owner of CHIC clothing. That’s a pretty optimistic range, but hey, 60 is the new 45, Right? Go ahead – try something on. It is fun and you may just feel inspired by the new look.

And finally, as your thoughts turn towards home and the couch that beckons, stop for a bouquet of fresh cut flowers from Beyond Flowers or the Green Scene and a final stop at Whodunit? book store for a take-away mystery.

Beyond Flowers

Now that’s how a day of shopping should always go.

Email me at jacquie.crone@gmail.com or leave a comment for all of us to enjoy.