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포크로라마(Folklorama) 축제 첫 주 각 파빌리온에 대한 평가
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지난 일요일부터 포크로라마(Folklorama) 축제 첫 주가 시작되었습니다.
아래는 위니펙 프리 프레스(Winnipeg Free Press)에서 첫 주에 개설된 각 민족의 전시관(Pavilion)들에 대한 평가입니다.
아래 글을 잘 읽어 보시고 내일로 끝나는 첫 주 각 전시관에 대한 관광 계획을 잘 세우셔서 즐거운 시간을 보내시길 바랍니다.
1. Africa/Caribbean Pavilion
Grant Park High School, 450 Nathaniel St.
FOOD: Great dinner choice with four big platters ($9) that include pigeons peas and salad and your choice of piquant Calypso ribs, "very spicy" jerk chicken, and curry chicken. Then there's goat for the adventurous! Spicy beef patties ($3) and roti (vegatarian and meat) are perfect for multi-pavilion snackers. Yummy banana and coconut desserts, and unusual gizzada tarts with crazy spices. Hint: Buy Festival pastry twists ($1) for the car ride to the next pavilion.
DRINK: Red Stripe, and Carib beers ($5) and rum punch ($4.50) are perfect companions to these Africa/Caribbean foods.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Five high-energy acts! The Nigerian opening dance -- a rooster and his hen house -- is naughty and delightful. If you like reggae, hip hop, dancehall, drumming and folk dancing, you're in luck. Jamaican limbo dancer and fire-eater Prince Jo Jo crowns the night. Displays fill a long school hallway with clothes, jewelry, knick-knacks from many countries. Bonus: The Winnipeg Steel Band gives lessons to all comers.
BEST REASON TO GO: Five-star entertainment show!
CULTURE SHOCK: Ghana's 90 million people speak 42 different dialects. About 200 live in Winnipeg and they get together every Canada Day for a picnic and soccer game.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: None -- smooth operation.
-- Maureen Scurfield
2. Brazilian Pavilion
Heather Curling Club, 120 Youville St.
FOOD: The two entrees -- Brazilian stroganoff or Moqueca fish stew and rice ($8) -- are tasty yet thin. However, the tangy black bean and corn salad ($3), cheese buns ($3) or traditional corn cake ($3) are pure heaven.
DRINK: Satisfy your thirst with either lime or passionfruit Caipirinha derived from sugar cane spirits ($5.50). Or, if you prefer, Guarana soda ($3) is another tart, non-alcoholic option.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The high-octane show, hosted by Toronto's Salviano, includes lithe dancers in sequin-studded costumes as well as crowd-pleasing capoeiristas, who dazzle with high-flying kicks and tricks. The well-organized display highlights Brazil's pride and joy, soccer.
BEST REASON TO GO: Shake your booty like a Brazilian in this loud-and-proud party atmosphere la Rio.
CULTURE SHOCK: Brazil boasts five FIFA World Cup championships and is the only national soccer team to have competed in every series.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Let's face it, many folks are coming for the capoeira. The relatively short demonstration performed midway during the show left the crowd wanting much, much more of this eye-popping fusion of dance, music, acrobatics and martial arts.
-- Holly Harris
3. Casa do Minho Portuguese
1080 Wall St.
FOOD: Fish is the name of the game at this lively Mediterranean pavilion with its delicious codfish cakes (three for $3.50), shrimp (10 for $4) and pork and clams ($15). The pork on a bun is simple and tender ($3.50). The flan is dense and yummy ($2) but the rice pudding is a bit gloopy ($2).
DRINK: The Portuguese wine, beer and vinho verde (green wine) ($5 each) are not to be missed and the Portuguese sodas, available in passion fruit, orange and pineapple ($2.50) are a delicious non-alcoholic choice.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The three-piece band is the highlight of the show, backing up Portuguese crooner Jordan Correia and the many talented dancers. The display is a visual celebration of the many religious festivals that take place year-round in Portugal, complete with a vast array of Portuguese crafts, linens, clothing and ceramic dish wear.
BEST REASON TO GO: The dancers, with their lively movements, infectious passion and colourful costumes, are thrilling to watch.
CULTURE SHOCK: Portugal, a country famous for its stunning fireworks shows, uses sugar cane to create the awe-inducing displays.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The noise level from the kitchen and the audience was a bit overpowering during the performance.
-- Katherine Dow
4. Chilean Pavilion
Notre Dame Rec Club, 271 Ave. de la Cathedrale
FOOD: Fun party food! Taste-test the combo plate of three empanadas -- beef, chicken and cheese $(9) with a pla. The Pastel de Chocio -- a corn pie with meat filling ($8.50) is a larger meal and the choripan or sausage in a bun ($4.50) is a spicy snack. The crazy-looking floating peach and barley dessert (3.50) is a show-stopper and the thousand-layer pastry (so all right, they exaggerate) has an amazing caramel sauce over it ($4.50).
DRINK: Best bets are Chilean borgana, red wine with strawnerries (like sangria) -- and a pisco sour (has a strong margarita taste). Famous Chilean wines are $5 a glass or $25 a bottle. Beers are $4.50.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The men in Toronto group Groupo Chile dance in fancy spurred boots and gaucho wear. Their exotic partners wear chignons, gaucho hats and sexy black and red costumes, making them look like the Addicted to Love video gang. Winnipeg group Chile Lucha Y Canta features leaping cowboys in boots and spurs and Chilean cowboy costumes with talented senoritas twirling.
Display includes gifts and jewellery made of seashells, bone and wood, small pan flutes and toys.
BEST REASON TO GO: You could be in Las Vegas watching the Grupo Chile dance act!
CULTURE SHOCK: The first European to see Easter Island was Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, on Easter Sunday, 1722. In 1888, it was annexed by Chile, which is 3,200 kilometres away.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: This large indoor rink venue required a clearer sound system and more displays to fill its size.
-- Maureen Scurfield
5. DOTC First Nations Pavilion
Riddell Hall, 385 Spence St.
FOOD: You can eat well on the cheap at this pavilion. Six bucks will get you Indian tacos, bison meatballs or bannock pizza. For $8, you're looking at a burger of elk and bison meat. Desserts -- rice pudding with real vanilla and raisins or fruit crumble with berries -- will set you back a mere $5.
DRINK: Soft drinks and juices are $2.50; tea and coffee is $1.25.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: From the moment the honour song ushers in the Walking Wolf Dancers, you will be mesmerized by the show. Band leader Ray "Coco" Stevenson introduces each type of dance -- jingle, fancy shawl, fancy bustle, hoop, and more -- and explains the dancers' amazing regalia of feathers, ribbons, beads, mirrors. The cultural display ranges from the political -- We are all treaty people -- to the artistic. Be sure not to miss the exhibit of Contemporary Indigenous Art.
BEST REASON TO GO: Stevenson's emceeing: part teacher, explaining First Nations rituals and traditions, part musician, drumming with his Walking Wolf Singers, and part jokester: He gets a round of whooping when he asks First Nations people in the crowd to make noise, then responds, "Holy cow, it sounds like you come from a John Wayne movie."
CULTURE SHOCK: An amusing one it is, too. In Europe, when children play cowboys and Indians, the cowboys are the bad guys.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: This pavilion is a great night out and will go a long way to fostering understanding of the First Nations people.
-- Julie Carl
6. Hungaria Pavilion
St. James Civic Centre, 2055 Ness Ave.
FOOD: Don't miss tasty cabbage rolls ($4), langos fried bread, ($3.50), springy Debreceni sausages ($4). The gulash, loaded with meat and veggies ($4.75), was gone after the first performance on Day 2, so they've amped up. Many to-sigh-for desserts at back table, particularly the walnut and poppyseed cake rolls. Most cost $4 or less.
DRINK: Psst! The William's Pear Whiskey is an eye-opener of a drink. Don't ask me how I know ($5). Wine and beers are $4.25.
ENTERTAINMENT: Check out the exuberant Karpat dancers, who sing, shout and whistle while they fly. Single women compete for biggest skirts. ("The wider the load, the bigger the gold" (dowry) in the old days.) Nothing cuter than the tiny-tot Karpat troupe dancing one number -- pushing, giggling, and taking great big bows.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The stage needs better decoration. And the display of famous Hungarians is easily missed behind glass in cases in the foyer. Tour guides, tables and some history of this fascinating country are needed.
CULTURE SHOCK: Journalist Lazlo Biro is credited with the invention of the ballpoint pen. Then there's those three Gabor sisters.
BEST REASON TO GO: The teenage dancers have a blast performing -- and they're of international quality. After Folklorama, they jet off to Budapest, where they will dance at a Hungarian youth conference.
-- Maureen Scurfield
7. Indo Caribbean Paradise
Churchill High School, 510 Hay St.
FOOD: Loads of choices. Choose tasty combo plates, with rice, dahl (to ladle over rice) and your choice of chicken ($9) or curried chick peas ($7).Tasty spiced beef patties are good for snackers ($3), large cloud-like roti curry wraps (veggie $7 and meat $8.50) for medium appetites. Don't miss to-die-for coconut-covered salara or spicy wet cake pone.
DRINK: The non-al "peardrax" drink ($2.50) is yummy, as is the mango rum punch ($4.75). Best bets from the bar -- Mount Gay Eclipse Rum ($4.75) and ice cold Carib beer ($4.75).
SHOW & DISPLAY: Like it hot? Bollywood Chutney dancing -- a marriage of hot and spicy Caribbean and Indian music, with glitzy Bollywood costuming stirs things up on the big stage. On the lower-level display tables, check out the chulha -- a clay oven with two pot-sized holes on top, wood below and a blowpipe to fan the flames. A few tables sell clothing, scarves, jewelry, wooden bowls, and little canoes, spices and specialty foods. Henna tattoos are $5 at an end table.
BEST REASON TO GO: The Bollywood Chutney dance show will transport you instantly to hot,
hot, hot!
CULTURE SHOCK: Hindu men wear dazzling crown headresses and women wear tiaras for traditional weddings, with peek-thru veils of silver and gold foil flowers.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Not enough display from the variety of countries represented by the pavilion.
-- Maureen Scurfield
8. Ireland-Irish Pavilion
Holy Cross Gym, 290 Dubuc St.
FOOD: You won't need the luck of the Irish to enjoy a hearty meal at this popular pavilion. A rich, meaty Irish stew and soda bread ($7), or shepherd's pie (($6) will fill your belly. If undecided, opt for the combo plate that includes Irish stew, sausage, shepherd's pie and soda bread ($10). Finish it off with shamrock cookies ($1.50) or emerald velvet cake ($3).
DRINK: Make mine a Guinness! ($5.50) Or a Harp ($5). Or Kilkenny ($5.50). Or Smithwick's ($5.50), or... If you're thinking there's a lot of beer flowing at this pavilion, you'd be right.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Two alternating main stage shows featuring the lively McConnell Irish Dancers -- now in their 65th year -- and Barefoot Ceili Band celebrate traditional culture as well as chronicling the waves of Irish emigration during the 19th-century potato famine. An extensive display includes curly wigs and costumes, delicate Irish lace, cultural symbols and an interactive world map.
BEST REASON TO GO: The beautifully crafted, multimedia show, Trasna na d'Tonnta, is both moving and educational. Also keep an eye out for the lucky leprechaun who greets ye with a wee kiss at the door.
CULTURE SHOCK: Astonishingly, one in five Irish died while attempting the arduous journey from the Emerald Isle, sailing in disease-ridden vessels dubbed coffin or death ships.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The terrific Irish band downstairs almost felt like an afterthought, squished against the wall.
-- Holly Harris
9. Italian Pavilion
Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave.
FOOD: Standard fare of baked pasta, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs or bruschetta, available with or without a nice-sized salad with a good tangy dressing, ranging in price from $2.50 to $9. A big slice of tiramisu or cool gelato is $3.75.
DRINK: Try the San Pellegrino Chinotto ($2.75), a delightfully different Italian soft drink that is not too sweet. Serviceable red or white Italian wines are $5.50/glass or $24/bottle.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: This year's theme is "Ferragosto," a holiday celebrated in August to mark the end of hard field labour. Stroll down a typical Italian street as shown by hand-painted murals beautifully rendered by young members of the local Italian community. Several groups of attractive, high-energy dancers smile with enjoyment. Bravo to the single brave lad in the troupe! Their live four-piece band is so much better than recorded music you find at some pavilions.
BEST REASON TO GO: Gotta have a cannoli ($4.50) for dessert. It looks as good as it tastes. Great with a cappuccino ($3).
CULTURE SHOCK: The saying on one of the aprons on sale at the Mercato (market): "If you like my meatballs, you're going to love my sausage!"
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The storyline of the show, about Francesco's quest for the lovely Marina, never culminated - we don't know if he ever found her. The performers all just sang Volare and that was it.
-- Gwenda Nemerofsky
10. Japanese Pavilion
Sisler High School, 1360 Redwood Ave.
FOOD: If you love sushi, you'll want to visit this pavilion. A generous serving of (mostly) vegetarian maki rolls is delicious ($7.50), or try a cold bento box with chicken, rice, edamame and fruit ($6). For dessert, kakegori shaved ice ($3.50) is an unusual icy treat, or try melt-in-your-mouth green tea shortbread ($1), or Bundt cake ($2.50).
DRINK: Sake ($5) or hot green tea ($1.50) are both traditional favourites.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The well paced show ranges from the thundering, syncopated rhythms of Hinode Taiko drum group to serenely poised intergenerational dancers. Admire origami, silky kimonos as well as martial arts displays of judo, kendo and karate before or after the show.
BEST REASON TO GO: Powerful, live taiko drums with flawlessly executed movement get the heart pounding like nothing else.
CULTURE SHOCK: Anime - or Japanese animated arts - has a worldwide cult following with loyal fans faithfully donning Pokémon or Sailor Moon costumes to attend annual conferences. Yes, there is one held each year in Winnipeg.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: You'll need to be on your toes to catch demonstrations of sushi making, flower arranging, tea ceremonies or kimono binding. These are fleeting and far between.
-- Holly Harris
11. Nayong Pilipino
Tec Voc High School, 1555 Wall St. East
FOOD: If you like a hearty meal and lots of flavourful, tender meat, the BBQ pork skewers ($9), the chicken adobo ($9) or the beef caldereta ($9) are very tasty choices. As far as dessert goes, the leche flan ($4) is a decadent treat not to be missed, but I'd take a pass on the tasteless sapin-sapin ($4).
DRINK: San Miguel beer ($5 each); Chaokoh coconut juice or the always refreshing mango juice ($2.25).
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The lively, colourful show is a musical trip through the culture of the indigenous Filipino people. The 45-minute show feels short with its well-choreographed dancing, stirring percussion and colourful costumes. The display features the vibrant traditional Filipino clothes, crafts and wood carvings.
BEST REASON TO GO: The incredible food, with its hearty portions, (most dishes come with fried rice, pancit noodles and delicious spring rolls), means you won't leave hungry.
CULTURE SHOCK: The famous Filipino barbecued pork achieves its sweet, succulent flavour by marinating in carbonated soda and brown sugar.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Perhaps not a fault of the pavilion, but you're not able to bring your food into the theatre to munch on during the show.
-- Katherine Dow
12. Pavillion canadien-francais
Centre Culturel de St. Boniface, 340 Provencher
FOOD: What a delightful mélange of French-Canadian foods -- a beautifully-spiced tourtière ($2.75); tasty pea soup with ham ($2). Tangy salmon pie with flaky crust ($2.75) is a nod to east-coast Acadians. And everybody loves the spicy meatballs called "boulettes" ($3). Sucre la crème fudge ($1.25 a piece) tickled kids of all ages around the hall.
DRINKS: Try a fortified wine called Caribou ($4.50) which could thaw out
a frozen heart. Unfortunately, the maple coffee ($4.50) tastes more like
coffee than maple. Beer, spirts and wine will look familiar, and all
cost $4.50.
ENTERTAINMENT: Pépère and Mémère puppets narrate a show about a day in the life of the early settlers in Red River on a big screen. The Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière Rouge are outstanding as they tap dance and interpret the musical story. Talented Montreal dance troupe Zogma provide a modern "day in the life" at the end.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The sepia-toned decor onstage was historic-looking,
but too dark for a jolly party mood.
CULTURE SHOCK: The Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière Rouge is already celebrating 65 years as a dance troupe -- and they give a slide show to
prove it.
BEST REASON TO GO: Mémère and Pépère, who are hilarious and the life of this year's show.
13. Punjab Pavilion
Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Ave.
FOOD: Enjoy an array of appetizers for $6 each, or choose a thali -- Punjabi, chicken masala or vegetarian -- which includes several courses -- for $11. Follow up with a mango lassi for $5 and a dessert, perhaps jalebis or gulab jumans, for $4 each.
DRINK: As you will learn at this pavilion, Punjabi people are known for living life large and bold. Be inspired by that and try something new, perhaps an Indian beer or spirit -- including an Indian single malt whisky -- for $5.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Brace yourself to be blown away by the dancers and singers in bright costumes with sparkly adornments. Don't be too shy to take part in the dance around the room. It's your best shot to feel like you're in a Bollywood production number. Look confused for one moment at the cultural display of garments and jewellery and one of the friendly volunteers in fabulous dress will step up to explain. (Be sure to ask about the tikka many wear, a jewelled adornment that dangles on the forehead. Tikka also means "spicy.")
BEST REASON TO GO: The dancing and music. You won't be able to stop your toes from tapping.
CULTURE SHOCK: The world's oldest marathon runner is Fauja Singh, a 101-year-old Punjabi man who started running marathons at age 81. Known as the Turbaned Tornado, he holds the world record in the 90-plus category, 5.40 hours.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Not much to criticize here. I suppose better signage outside the convention centre would avoid confusion.
-- Julie Carl
14. Romanian Pavilion
Canad Inns Garden City, 2100 McPhillips St.
FOOD: Where else could you feast on Chicken Dracula ($3.75) or Vampire's Ears, made of deep fried dough ($1.50)? Spicy sausage rolls made up of delicious barbequed beef ($1.25) or garlic pork sausage ($1) are other tasty options.
DRINK: Quash your thirst with a Bloody Fang ($5.15) or less-scary sounding imported beers and wines.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: This more traditional program showcases music and dance from Romania's various regions, featuring the youthful Balada dancers. Winnipeg's very own violinist John Racaru performs his own toe-tapping Folklorama Hora. This year's pavilion celebrates famous Romanian Olympians.
BEST REASON TO GO: Food, glorious food as well as a friendly atmosphere.
CULTURE SHOCK: Romanian-born Olympian swimmer Johnny Weissmuller later became a Hollywood actor and is the most famous person -- and only sixth actor -- to play hairy ape-man Tarzan in film.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The display is modest but assembled with pride. However, more labels on some of the showcases -- particularly the ceramics -- would help orient the viewer.
-- Holly Harris
15. Russian Pavilion
Indo-Canadian Arts and Cultural Centre
479 St. Mary's Road
FOOD: Try the combo plate of pelmeni (Russian dumplings made of ground beer, then steamed and sautéed in butter), potato salad, cabbage pie, the always-popular borscht and a glass of Russian punch for $15. The Russian cheesecake is a tasty way to end your meal ($2.50).
DRINK: If you truly want to experience Russia from a liquor perspective, you've got to try the vodka. Russian Standard and Black Stallion ($4.50 each) are the in-house favourites. There is also Baltika, a light beer ($5.50), and Kvas, a non-alcoholic beer that is popular with those not yet old enough to drink liquor legally.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Sit back and enjoy some Russian fairy tales put to song and dance. The characters include an eclectic mix of witches, robbers, bears, snakes, Santa Claus and even Winnie the Pooh. A Russian clown who performs with Cercle du Soleil in Las Vegas is also very entertaining.
BEST REASON TO GO: Vodka-drinking lessons. If you don't know how to drink a shot of vodka, they'll show you. (Exhale forcefully, breathe in, drink the shot, then resume breathing normally.)
CULTURE SHOCK: Ten per cent of Russia's government revenues come from the sale of vodka.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The Indo-Canadian centre is set back off the street so the pavilion is tricky to find if you're not familiar with St. Mary's Road.
-- Geoff Kirbyson
16. Serbian Pavilion "Beograd"
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 580 Talbot Ave.
FOOD: If you are in the mood for something filling, try kobasice (sausage, $3), goulash (pork, spices, onions, $3), or a cheese pita ($3). The meat is flavourful but not spicy. Homemade bread is available, too ($1). If you want something sweet that is not dessert, try a delicious, strawberry-jam-filled crepe ($1.50). When dessert time does come around, there is almost too much to choose from, including a chocolate coconut ball (very sweet, $.50), wafer cookies ($.50), poppy seed strudel ($1.50), lemon squares ($1) or peaches with sugar ($1).
DRINK: Try Slijvovica (plum brandy) or Jelen Pivo, a beer that is being offered for the first time at the pavilion.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The show is high energy the whole time, and features dances from different regions of Serbia. The dancers looked like they were enjoying themselves as much as the crowd and by the final number even the women serving food were clapping and dancing to the beat. There were many costume changes and for all numbers dancers wore traditional Serbian footwear (the story behind the footwear is told during the show). The display includes traditional instruments (gusle), clothing, and paintings of Serbian religious icons, as well as a model of the oldest monastery in Serbia.
BEST REASON TO GO: Upon walking into the pavilion, you will be treated as family rather than as a temporary guest. Volunteers mingle with the crowd at the cultural display and are ready to answer questions.
CULTURE SHOCK: The oldest monastery in Serbia, which is still standing, was built in 1335 AD.
ROOM FOR IMPROVMENT: The venue feels small, especially when watching a lively show and sitting shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the crowd.
-- Kristy Hoffman
17. Tamil Pavilion
Burton Cummings Community Centre, 960 Arlington St.
FOOD: Make sure you order a drink to accompany masala dosa (potato curry in a crepe with coconut chutney, $9) -- it is spicy! For food you may be more familiar with, try a samosa ($2), veggie roll ($3), or chicken roll ($3). Most of the food is made with lentils, including masala vada (a semi-crunchy mix including spices, $2), and uludu vada (fried bread to accompany a meal, $2).
DRINK: For the first time, the pavilion is serving beer (Fort Garry dark and pale ales, $4.50). Other drinks include iced coffee ($1.50), and (very delicious) mango juice ($1).
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Women wore traditional clothing in vibrant colors with head decor including white flowers and brilliant crystals in a variety of dances, which incorporated precisely-choreographed hand and head movement, as well as facial expression. The cultural display features artifacts that help visitors understand the origins of Tamil, a language spoken in India and Sri Lanka. Hindu icons are also featured.
BEST REASON TO GO: Every dancer in the show is beautiful, and the hard work that went into rehearsing and choreographing the numbers is evident.
CULTURE SHOCK: Each hand movement featured in the dances tells a story, and stories can be decoded using a cheat sheet available in the culture display.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The sound system was quiet when the ambassadors spoke, so it was hard to catch all of the interesting information, especially when the ambassadors called a volunteer from the audience and showed her how to tie a sari!
-- Kristy Hoffman
18. Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion
Maples Collegiate, 1330 Jefferson Ave.
FOOD: Enjoy either a mini platter ($5.75) or the deluxe dinner ($8.50) that includes perogies, cabbage rolls and sausages just like your baba used to make. Homemade cheesecake or crepes ($4) made out of cottage cheese are fresh and crumbly.
DRINK: Kalyna Malyna ($4.50) or Hutsul Hammer ($4.50) are refreshing.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The lively variety show features a wide assortment of dance troupes and musicians from across the province, culminating in the high-kicking Hopak or Cossack dance. This year's pavilion showcases iconography as a living tradition with gorgeous paintings, drawings, and a real live iconographer, who demonstrates painting with gooey egg tempera.
BEST REASON TO GO: The museum-quality, extensive display of religious iconography and art is impeccably presented, including impressive 17th century artifacts.
CULTURE SHOCK: It's a toss up: 1) Intricately embroidered towels are traditionally hung over paintings to provide protection for the family members; 2) On their wedding day, a bride and groom are each presented with small icons that becomes the base for their own, personal home altar.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Compared with other pavilions, food portion sizes are skimpy for the relatively high price. A dill pickle for $1.50? Really??
-- Holly Harris
19. Warsaw Poland Pavilion
Glenwood Community Centre, 27 Overton St.
FOOD: If you're new to Polish cuisine, try the "Warsaw Sampler," which includes perogies, kielbasa and hunter's stew (a "hearty, fragrant" cabbage stew) for $10. The Zagloba Special (marinated roasted pork hock with a Polish dill pickle, rye bread and mustard) is also popular ($10).
DRINK: You can wash down your food with a variety of Polish beers, including Zubr, Tyskie and Black Boss Strong. Lech ($4) comes highly recommended by the bartenders. If you prefer drinks that put hair on your chest, try the Wyborowa or Zubrowka vodkas or Nalewka Babuni (cherry, peach or raspberry).
SHOW AND DISPLAY: More than 60 dancers, including 20 kids, put on an entertaining display of cultural dance, complete with colourful costumes and some singing. They're polished, energetic and if you think dancing is easy, witness the heaving chests at the end of each number.
BEST REASON TO GO: The food is excellent and Poland knows its beers.
CULTURE SHOCK: Pizza in Poland doesn't contain tomato sauce. Waiters will bring sauce to the table in a pitcher and you pour it on top. Sometimes, the sauce is ketchup.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: It's difficult to make out the dancers' singing because they're drowned out by the backing music. Some stage microphones could do the trick.
-- Geoff Kirbyson
아래는 위니펙 프리 프레스(Winnipeg Free Press)에서 첫 주에 개설된 각 민족의 전시관(Pavilion)들에 대한 평가입니다.
아래 글을 잘 읽어 보시고 내일로 끝나는 첫 주 각 전시관에 대한 관광 계획을 잘 세우셔서 즐거운 시간을 보내시길 바랍니다.
1. Africa/Caribbean Pavilion
Grant Park High School, 450 Nathaniel St.
FOOD: Great dinner choice with four big platters ($9) that include pigeons peas and salad and your choice of piquant Calypso ribs, "very spicy" jerk chicken, and curry chicken. Then there's goat for the adventurous! Spicy beef patties ($3) and roti (vegatarian and meat) are perfect for multi-pavilion snackers. Yummy banana and coconut desserts, and unusual gizzada tarts with crazy spices. Hint: Buy Festival pastry twists ($1) for the car ride to the next pavilion.
DRINK: Red Stripe, and Carib beers ($5) and rum punch ($4.50) are perfect companions to these Africa/Caribbean foods.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Five high-energy acts! The Nigerian opening dance -- a rooster and his hen house -- is naughty and delightful. If you like reggae, hip hop, dancehall, drumming and folk dancing, you're in luck. Jamaican limbo dancer and fire-eater Prince Jo Jo crowns the night. Displays fill a long school hallway with clothes, jewelry, knick-knacks from many countries. Bonus: The Winnipeg Steel Band gives lessons to all comers.
BEST REASON TO GO: Five-star entertainment show!
CULTURE SHOCK: Ghana's 90 million people speak 42 different dialects. About 200 live in Winnipeg and they get together every Canada Day for a picnic and soccer game.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: None -- smooth operation.
-- Maureen Scurfield
2. Brazilian Pavilion
Heather Curling Club, 120 Youville St.
FOOD: The two entrees -- Brazilian stroganoff or Moqueca fish stew and rice ($8) -- are tasty yet thin. However, the tangy black bean and corn salad ($3), cheese buns ($3) or traditional corn cake ($3) are pure heaven.
DRINK: Satisfy your thirst with either lime or passionfruit Caipirinha derived from sugar cane spirits ($5.50). Or, if you prefer, Guarana soda ($3) is another tart, non-alcoholic option.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The high-octane show, hosted by Toronto's Salviano, includes lithe dancers in sequin-studded costumes as well as crowd-pleasing capoeiristas, who dazzle with high-flying kicks and tricks. The well-organized display highlights Brazil's pride and joy, soccer.
BEST REASON TO GO: Shake your booty like a Brazilian in this loud-and-proud party atmosphere la Rio.
CULTURE SHOCK: Brazil boasts five FIFA World Cup championships and is the only national soccer team to have competed in every series.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Let's face it, many folks are coming for the capoeira. The relatively short demonstration performed midway during the show left the crowd wanting much, much more of this eye-popping fusion of dance, music, acrobatics and martial arts.
-- Holly Harris
3. Casa do Minho Portuguese
1080 Wall St.
FOOD: Fish is the name of the game at this lively Mediterranean pavilion with its delicious codfish cakes (three for $3.50), shrimp (10 for $4) and pork and clams ($15). The pork on a bun is simple and tender ($3.50). The flan is dense and yummy ($2) but the rice pudding is a bit gloopy ($2).
DRINK: The Portuguese wine, beer and vinho verde (green wine) ($5 each) are not to be missed and the Portuguese sodas, available in passion fruit, orange and pineapple ($2.50) are a delicious non-alcoholic choice.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The three-piece band is the highlight of the show, backing up Portuguese crooner Jordan Correia and the many talented dancers. The display is a visual celebration of the many religious festivals that take place year-round in Portugal, complete with a vast array of Portuguese crafts, linens, clothing and ceramic dish wear.
BEST REASON TO GO: The dancers, with their lively movements, infectious passion and colourful costumes, are thrilling to watch.
CULTURE SHOCK: Portugal, a country famous for its stunning fireworks shows, uses sugar cane to create the awe-inducing displays.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The noise level from the kitchen and the audience was a bit overpowering during the performance.
-- Katherine Dow
4. Chilean Pavilion
Notre Dame Rec Club, 271 Ave. de la Cathedrale
FOOD: Fun party food! Taste-test the combo plate of three empanadas -- beef, chicken and cheese $(9) with a pla. The Pastel de Chocio -- a corn pie with meat filling ($8.50) is a larger meal and the choripan or sausage in a bun ($4.50) is a spicy snack. The crazy-looking floating peach and barley dessert (3.50) is a show-stopper and the thousand-layer pastry (so all right, they exaggerate) has an amazing caramel sauce over it ($4.50).
DRINK: Best bets are Chilean borgana, red wine with strawnerries (like sangria) -- and a pisco sour (has a strong margarita taste). Famous Chilean wines are $5 a glass or $25 a bottle. Beers are $4.50.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The men in Toronto group Groupo Chile dance in fancy spurred boots and gaucho wear. Their exotic partners wear chignons, gaucho hats and sexy black and red costumes, making them look like the Addicted to Love video gang. Winnipeg group Chile Lucha Y Canta features leaping cowboys in boots and spurs and Chilean cowboy costumes with talented senoritas twirling.
Display includes gifts and jewellery made of seashells, bone and wood, small pan flutes and toys.
BEST REASON TO GO: You could be in Las Vegas watching the Grupo Chile dance act!
CULTURE SHOCK: The first European to see Easter Island was Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, on Easter Sunday, 1722. In 1888, it was annexed by Chile, which is 3,200 kilometres away.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: This large indoor rink venue required a clearer sound system and more displays to fill its size.
-- Maureen Scurfield
5. DOTC First Nations Pavilion
Riddell Hall, 385 Spence St.
FOOD: You can eat well on the cheap at this pavilion. Six bucks will get you Indian tacos, bison meatballs or bannock pizza. For $8, you're looking at a burger of elk and bison meat. Desserts -- rice pudding with real vanilla and raisins or fruit crumble with berries -- will set you back a mere $5.
DRINK: Soft drinks and juices are $2.50; tea and coffee is $1.25.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: From the moment the honour song ushers in the Walking Wolf Dancers, you will be mesmerized by the show. Band leader Ray "Coco" Stevenson introduces each type of dance -- jingle, fancy shawl, fancy bustle, hoop, and more -- and explains the dancers' amazing regalia of feathers, ribbons, beads, mirrors. The cultural display ranges from the political -- We are all treaty people -- to the artistic. Be sure not to miss the exhibit of Contemporary Indigenous Art.
BEST REASON TO GO: Stevenson's emceeing: part teacher, explaining First Nations rituals and traditions, part musician, drumming with his Walking Wolf Singers, and part jokester: He gets a round of whooping when he asks First Nations people in the crowd to make noise, then responds, "Holy cow, it sounds like you come from a John Wayne movie."
CULTURE SHOCK: An amusing one it is, too. In Europe, when children play cowboys and Indians, the cowboys are the bad guys.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: This pavilion is a great night out and will go a long way to fostering understanding of the First Nations people.
-- Julie Carl
6. Hungaria Pavilion
St. James Civic Centre, 2055 Ness Ave.
FOOD: Don't miss tasty cabbage rolls ($4), langos fried bread, ($3.50), springy Debreceni sausages ($4). The gulash, loaded with meat and veggies ($4.75), was gone after the first performance on Day 2, so they've amped up. Many to-sigh-for desserts at back table, particularly the walnut and poppyseed cake rolls. Most cost $4 or less.
DRINK: Psst! The William's Pear Whiskey is an eye-opener of a drink. Don't ask me how I know ($5). Wine and beers are $4.25.
ENTERTAINMENT: Check out the exuberant Karpat dancers, who sing, shout and whistle while they fly. Single women compete for biggest skirts. ("The wider the load, the bigger the gold" (dowry) in the old days.) Nothing cuter than the tiny-tot Karpat troupe dancing one number -- pushing, giggling, and taking great big bows.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The stage needs better decoration. And the display of famous Hungarians is easily missed behind glass in cases in the foyer. Tour guides, tables and some history of this fascinating country are needed.
CULTURE SHOCK: Journalist Lazlo Biro is credited with the invention of the ballpoint pen. Then there's those three Gabor sisters.
BEST REASON TO GO: The teenage dancers have a blast performing -- and they're of international quality. After Folklorama, they jet off to Budapest, where they will dance at a Hungarian youth conference.
-- Maureen Scurfield
7. Indo Caribbean Paradise
Churchill High School, 510 Hay St.
FOOD: Loads of choices. Choose tasty combo plates, with rice, dahl (to ladle over rice) and your choice of chicken ($9) or curried chick peas ($7).Tasty spiced beef patties are good for snackers ($3), large cloud-like roti curry wraps (veggie $7 and meat $8.50) for medium appetites. Don't miss to-die-for coconut-covered salara or spicy wet cake pone.
DRINK: The non-al "peardrax" drink ($2.50) is yummy, as is the mango rum punch ($4.75). Best bets from the bar -- Mount Gay Eclipse Rum ($4.75) and ice cold Carib beer ($4.75).
SHOW & DISPLAY: Like it hot? Bollywood Chutney dancing -- a marriage of hot and spicy Caribbean and Indian music, with glitzy Bollywood costuming stirs things up on the big stage. On the lower-level display tables, check out the chulha -- a clay oven with two pot-sized holes on top, wood below and a blowpipe to fan the flames. A few tables sell clothing, scarves, jewelry, wooden bowls, and little canoes, spices and specialty foods. Henna tattoos are $5 at an end table.
BEST REASON TO GO: The Bollywood Chutney dance show will transport you instantly to hot,
hot, hot!
CULTURE SHOCK: Hindu men wear dazzling crown headresses and women wear tiaras for traditional weddings, with peek-thru veils of silver and gold foil flowers.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Not enough display from the variety of countries represented by the pavilion.
-- Maureen Scurfield
8. Ireland-Irish Pavilion
Holy Cross Gym, 290 Dubuc St.
FOOD: You won't need the luck of the Irish to enjoy a hearty meal at this popular pavilion. A rich, meaty Irish stew and soda bread ($7), or shepherd's pie (($6) will fill your belly. If undecided, opt for the combo plate that includes Irish stew, sausage, shepherd's pie and soda bread ($10). Finish it off with shamrock cookies ($1.50) or emerald velvet cake ($3).
DRINK: Make mine a Guinness! ($5.50) Or a Harp ($5). Or Kilkenny ($5.50). Or Smithwick's ($5.50), or... If you're thinking there's a lot of beer flowing at this pavilion, you'd be right.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Two alternating main stage shows featuring the lively McConnell Irish Dancers -- now in their 65th year -- and Barefoot Ceili Band celebrate traditional culture as well as chronicling the waves of Irish emigration during the 19th-century potato famine. An extensive display includes curly wigs and costumes, delicate Irish lace, cultural symbols and an interactive world map.
BEST REASON TO GO: The beautifully crafted, multimedia show, Trasna na d'Tonnta, is both moving and educational. Also keep an eye out for the lucky leprechaun who greets ye with a wee kiss at the door.
CULTURE SHOCK: Astonishingly, one in five Irish died while attempting the arduous journey from the Emerald Isle, sailing in disease-ridden vessels dubbed coffin or death ships.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The terrific Irish band downstairs almost felt like an afterthought, squished against the wall.
-- Holly Harris
9. Italian Pavilion
Centro Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave.
FOOD: Standard fare of baked pasta, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs or bruschetta, available with or without a nice-sized salad with a good tangy dressing, ranging in price from $2.50 to $9. A big slice of tiramisu or cool gelato is $3.75.
DRINK: Try the San Pellegrino Chinotto ($2.75), a delightfully different Italian soft drink that is not too sweet. Serviceable red or white Italian wines are $5.50/glass or $24/bottle.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: This year's theme is "Ferragosto," a holiday celebrated in August to mark the end of hard field labour. Stroll down a typical Italian street as shown by hand-painted murals beautifully rendered by young members of the local Italian community. Several groups of attractive, high-energy dancers smile with enjoyment. Bravo to the single brave lad in the troupe! Their live four-piece band is so much better than recorded music you find at some pavilions.
BEST REASON TO GO: Gotta have a cannoli ($4.50) for dessert. It looks as good as it tastes. Great with a cappuccino ($3).
CULTURE SHOCK: The saying on one of the aprons on sale at the Mercato (market): "If you like my meatballs, you're going to love my sausage!"
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The storyline of the show, about Francesco's quest for the lovely Marina, never culminated - we don't know if he ever found her. The performers all just sang Volare and that was it.
-- Gwenda Nemerofsky
10. Japanese Pavilion
Sisler High School, 1360 Redwood Ave.
FOOD: If you love sushi, you'll want to visit this pavilion. A generous serving of (mostly) vegetarian maki rolls is delicious ($7.50), or try a cold bento box with chicken, rice, edamame and fruit ($6). For dessert, kakegori shaved ice ($3.50) is an unusual icy treat, or try melt-in-your-mouth green tea shortbread ($1), or Bundt cake ($2.50).
DRINK: Sake ($5) or hot green tea ($1.50) are both traditional favourites.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The well paced show ranges from the thundering, syncopated rhythms of Hinode Taiko drum group to serenely poised intergenerational dancers. Admire origami, silky kimonos as well as martial arts displays of judo, kendo and karate before or after the show.
BEST REASON TO GO: Powerful, live taiko drums with flawlessly executed movement get the heart pounding like nothing else.
CULTURE SHOCK: Anime - or Japanese animated arts - has a worldwide cult following with loyal fans faithfully donning Pokémon or Sailor Moon costumes to attend annual conferences. Yes, there is one held each year in Winnipeg.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: You'll need to be on your toes to catch demonstrations of sushi making, flower arranging, tea ceremonies or kimono binding. These are fleeting and far between.
-- Holly Harris
11. Nayong Pilipino
Tec Voc High School, 1555 Wall St. East
FOOD: If you like a hearty meal and lots of flavourful, tender meat, the BBQ pork skewers ($9), the chicken adobo ($9) or the beef caldereta ($9) are very tasty choices. As far as dessert goes, the leche flan ($4) is a decadent treat not to be missed, but I'd take a pass on the tasteless sapin-sapin ($4).
DRINK: San Miguel beer ($5 each); Chaokoh coconut juice or the always refreshing mango juice ($2.25).
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The lively, colourful show is a musical trip through the culture of the indigenous Filipino people. The 45-minute show feels short with its well-choreographed dancing, stirring percussion and colourful costumes. The display features the vibrant traditional Filipino clothes, crafts and wood carvings.
BEST REASON TO GO: The incredible food, with its hearty portions, (most dishes come with fried rice, pancit noodles and delicious spring rolls), means you won't leave hungry.
CULTURE SHOCK: The famous Filipino barbecued pork achieves its sweet, succulent flavour by marinating in carbonated soda and brown sugar.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Perhaps not a fault of the pavilion, but you're not able to bring your food into the theatre to munch on during the show.
-- Katherine Dow
12. Pavillion canadien-francais
Centre Culturel de St. Boniface, 340 Provencher
FOOD: What a delightful mélange of French-Canadian foods -- a beautifully-spiced tourtière ($2.75); tasty pea soup with ham ($2). Tangy salmon pie with flaky crust ($2.75) is a nod to east-coast Acadians. And everybody loves the spicy meatballs called "boulettes" ($3). Sucre la crème fudge ($1.25 a piece) tickled kids of all ages around the hall.
DRINKS: Try a fortified wine called Caribou ($4.50) which could thaw out
a frozen heart. Unfortunately, the maple coffee ($4.50) tastes more like
coffee than maple. Beer, spirts and wine will look familiar, and all
cost $4.50.
ENTERTAINMENT: Pépère and Mémère puppets narrate a show about a day in the life of the early settlers in Red River on a big screen. The Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière Rouge are outstanding as they tap dance and interpret the musical story. Talented Montreal dance troupe Zogma provide a modern "day in the life" at the end.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The sepia-toned decor onstage was historic-looking,
but too dark for a jolly party mood.
CULTURE SHOCK: The Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière Rouge is already celebrating 65 years as a dance troupe -- and they give a slide show to
prove it.
BEST REASON TO GO: Mémère and Pépère, who are hilarious and the life of this year's show.
13. Punjab Pavilion
Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Ave.
FOOD: Enjoy an array of appetizers for $6 each, or choose a thali -- Punjabi, chicken masala or vegetarian -- which includes several courses -- for $11. Follow up with a mango lassi for $5 and a dessert, perhaps jalebis or gulab jumans, for $4 each.
DRINK: As you will learn at this pavilion, Punjabi people are known for living life large and bold. Be inspired by that and try something new, perhaps an Indian beer or spirit -- including an Indian single malt whisky -- for $5.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Brace yourself to be blown away by the dancers and singers in bright costumes with sparkly adornments. Don't be too shy to take part in the dance around the room. It's your best shot to feel like you're in a Bollywood production number. Look confused for one moment at the cultural display of garments and jewellery and one of the friendly volunteers in fabulous dress will step up to explain. (Be sure to ask about the tikka many wear, a jewelled adornment that dangles on the forehead. Tikka also means "spicy.")
BEST REASON TO GO: The dancing and music. You won't be able to stop your toes from tapping.
CULTURE SHOCK: The world's oldest marathon runner is Fauja Singh, a 101-year-old Punjabi man who started running marathons at age 81. Known as the Turbaned Tornado, he holds the world record in the 90-plus category, 5.40 hours.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Not much to criticize here. I suppose better signage outside the convention centre would avoid confusion.
-- Julie Carl
14. Romanian Pavilion
Canad Inns Garden City, 2100 McPhillips St.
FOOD: Where else could you feast on Chicken Dracula ($3.75) or Vampire's Ears, made of deep fried dough ($1.50)? Spicy sausage rolls made up of delicious barbequed beef ($1.25) or garlic pork sausage ($1) are other tasty options.
DRINK: Quash your thirst with a Bloody Fang ($5.15) or less-scary sounding imported beers and wines.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: This more traditional program showcases music and dance from Romania's various regions, featuring the youthful Balada dancers. Winnipeg's very own violinist John Racaru performs his own toe-tapping Folklorama Hora. This year's pavilion celebrates famous Romanian Olympians.
BEST REASON TO GO: Food, glorious food as well as a friendly atmosphere.
CULTURE SHOCK: Romanian-born Olympian swimmer Johnny Weissmuller later became a Hollywood actor and is the most famous person -- and only sixth actor -- to play hairy ape-man Tarzan in film.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The display is modest but assembled with pride. However, more labels on some of the showcases -- particularly the ceramics -- would help orient the viewer.
-- Holly Harris
15. Russian Pavilion
Indo-Canadian Arts and Cultural Centre
479 St. Mary's Road
FOOD: Try the combo plate of pelmeni (Russian dumplings made of ground beer, then steamed and sautéed in butter), potato salad, cabbage pie, the always-popular borscht and a glass of Russian punch for $15. The Russian cheesecake is a tasty way to end your meal ($2.50).
DRINK: If you truly want to experience Russia from a liquor perspective, you've got to try the vodka. Russian Standard and Black Stallion ($4.50 each) are the in-house favourites. There is also Baltika, a light beer ($5.50), and Kvas, a non-alcoholic beer that is popular with those not yet old enough to drink liquor legally.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Sit back and enjoy some Russian fairy tales put to song and dance. The characters include an eclectic mix of witches, robbers, bears, snakes, Santa Claus and even Winnie the Pooh. A Russian clown who performs with Cercle du Soleil in Las Vegas is also very entertaining.
BEST REASON TO GO: Vodka-drinking lessons. If you don't know how to drink a shot of vodka, they'll show you. (Exhale forcefully, breathe in, drink the shot, then resume breathing normally.)
CULTURE SHOCK: Ten per cent of Russia's government revenues come from the sale of vodka.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The Indo-Canadian centre is set back off the street so the pavilion is tricky to find if you're not familiar with St. Mary's Road.
-- Geoff Kirbyson
16. Serbian Pavilion "Beograd"
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 580 Talbot Ave.
FOOD: If you are in the mood for something filling, try kobasice (sausage, $3), goulash (pork, spices, onions, $3), or a cheese pita ($3). The meat is flavourful but not spicy. Homemade bread is available, too ($1). If you want something sweet that is not dessert, try a delicious, strawberry-jam-filled crepe ($1.50). When dessert time does come around, there is almost too much to choose from, including a chocolate coconut ball (very sweet, $.50), wafer cookies ($.50), poppy seed strudel ($1.50), lemon squares ($1) or peaches with sugar ($1).
DRINK: Try Slijvovica (plum brandy) or Jelen Pivo, a beer that is being offered for the first time at the pavilion.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The show is high energy the whole time, and features dances from different regions of Serbia. The dancers looked like they were enjoying themselves as much as the crowd and by the final number even the women serving food were clapping and dancing to the beat. There were many costume changes and for all numbers dancers wore traditional Serbian footwear (the story behind the footwear is told during the show). The display includes traditional instruments (gusle), clothing, and paintings of Serbian religious icons, as well as a model of the oldest monastery in Serbia.
BEST REASON TO GO: Upon walking into the pavilion, you will be treated as family rather than as a temporary guest. Volunteers mingle with the crowd at the cultural display and are ready to answer questions.
CULTURE SHOCK: The oldest monastery in Serbia, which is still standing, was built in 1335 AD.
ROOM FOR IMPROVMENT: The venue feels small, especially when watching a lively show and sitting shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the crowd.
-- Kristy Hoffman
17. Tamil Pavilion
Burton Cummings Community Centre, 960 Arlington St.
FOOD: Make sure you order a drink to accompany masala dosa (potato curry in a crepe with coconut chutney, $9) -- it is spicy! For food you may be more familiar with, try a samosa ($2), veggie roll ($3), or chicken roll ($3). Most of the food is made with lentils, including masala vada (a semi-crunchy mix including spices, $2), and uludu vada (fried bread to accompany a meal, $2).
DRINK: For the first time, the pavilion is serving beer (Fort Garry dark and pale ales, $4.50). Other drinks include iced coffee ($1.50), and (very delicious) mango juice ($1).
SHOW AND DISPLAY: Women wore traditional clothing in vibrant colors with head decor including white flowers and brilliant crystals in a variety of dances, which incorporated precisely-choreographed hand and head movement, as well as facial expression. The cultural display features artifacts that help visitors understand the origins of Tamil, a language spoken in India and Sri Lanka. Hindu icons are also featured.
BEST REASON TO GO: Every dancer in the show is beautiful, and the hard work that went into rehearsing and choreographing the numbers is evident.
CULTURE SHOCK: Each hand movement featured in the dances tells a story, and stories can be decoded using a cheat sheet available in the culture display.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The sound system was quiet when the ambassadors spoke, so it was hard to catch all of the interesting information, especially when the ambassadors called a volunteer from the audience and showed her how to tie a sari!
-- Kristy Hoffman
18. Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion
Maples Collegiate, 1330 Jefferson Ave.
FOOD: Enjoy either a mini platter ($5.75) or the deluxe dinner ($8.50) that includes perogies, cabbage rolls and sausages just like your baba used to make. Homemade cheesecake or crepes ($4) made out of cottage cheese are fresh and crumbly.
DRINK: Kalyna Malyna ($4.50) or Hutsul Hammer ($4.50) are refreshing.
SHOW AND DISPLAY: The lively variety show features a wide assortment of dance troupes and musicians from across the province, culminating in the high-kicking Hopak or Cossack dance. This year's pavilion showcases iconography as a living tradition with gorgeous paintings, drawings, and a real live iconographer, who demonstrates painting with gooey egg tempera.
BEST REASON TO GO: The museum-quality, extensive display of religious iconography and art is impeccably presented, including impressive 17th century artifacts.
CULTURE SHOCK: It's a toss up: 1) Intricately embroidered towels are traditionally hung over paintings to provide protection for the family members; 2) On their wedding day, a bride and groom are each presented with small icons that becomes the base for their own, personal home altar.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Compared with other pavilions, food portion sizes are skimpy for the relatively high price. A dill pickle for $1.50? Really??
-- Holly Harris
19. Warsaw Poland Pavilion
Glenwood Community Centre, 27 Overton St.
FOOD: If you're new to Polish cuisine, try the "Warsaw Sampler," which includes perogies, kielbasa and hunter's stew (a "hearty, fragrant" cabbage stew) for $10. The Zagloba Special (marinated roasted pork hock with a Polish dill pickle, rye bread and mustard) is also popular ($10).
DRINK: You can wash down your food with a variety of Polish beers, including Zubr, Tyskie and Black Boss Strong. Lech ($4) comes highly recommended by the bartenders. If you prefer drinks that put hair on your chest, try the Wyborowa or Zubrowka vodkas or Nalewka Babuni (cherry, peach or raspberry).
SHOW AND DISPLAY: More than 60 dancers, including 20 kids, put on an entertaining display of cultural dance, complete with colourful costumes and some singing. They're polished, energetic and if you think dancing is easy, witness the heaving chests at the end of each number.
BEST REASON TO GO: The food is excellent and Poland knows its beers.
CULTURE SHOCK: Pizza in Poland doesn't contain tomato sauce. Waiters will bring sauce to the table in a pitcher and you pour it on top. Sometimes, the sauce is ketchup.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: It's difficult to make out the dancers' singing because they're drowned out by the backing music. Some stage microphones could do the trick.
-- Geoff Kirbyson
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 8, 2012 C6
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