b"Potato Week:FROM MARCH 1 to 10 this year, nearly five dozen restaurants across Manitoba crafted tasty potato-themed dishes showcasing the diversity the tasty tubers Diners Dig In deliver. From Old-Fashioned Glazed Potato Donuts (Chez Angela Bakery And Caf, Brandon) to La Prairie Flapjack Paddy Whack (Tavern United, Portage la Prairie) to Calzone di Patate (Alena Rustic Italian, The votes from this years Potato Week haveWinnipeg), chefs rolled out signature recipes been counted and the winners are(drumroll).from traditional to outrageous, all designed potato producers!BY: MADELEINE BAERG to celebrate the (not so humble) spud. Called Potato Week, the 10-day long initiative is the brainchild of Winnipeg-based Peak of the Market Ltd., a grower-owned produce company. The effort is intended both to drive traffic to restaurants at a usually slow time of year and to support and celebrate Manitobas potato industry. Except for a year off due to the pandemic, Potato Week has been helping build potato fans since 2018.Potato Week showcases the versatility of potatoes and highlights the creativity of local chefs, says Taylor Fenn, Peak of the Market Ltd.s Director of Marketing and Communications. Potato Week isnt just about delicious bites though; its a chance to shine a spotlight on Manitoba growers. By participating, youre supporting the dedicated individuals who cultivate the potatoes that inspire the innovative dishes crafted by local chefs.This years Potato Week winner was the Tiki Tater, a cocktail made with potato vodka, from OneParticipating restaurants get full Great City Brewing Co. in Winnipeg.PHOTO: OGC BREWING creativity and freedom to roll out whatever potato-inspired dish they can dream up. The fun thing about Potato Week is you're working with one ingredient. Restaurants can do whatever they want with potatoes to fit their niche and cater to the tastebuds of their customers, says Fenn.After digging in at participating restaurants, its up to diners to pick a champion based on online votes. Last year, the winner was Therma, a spa and restaurant here in Winnipeg, which put together an experimental dish. This year, our winner was the Tiki Tater, a cocktail made with potato vodka, from One Great City Brewing Co. Its different every year.The much bigger winner? Potatoes Some of the other Potato Week contenders included these tasty treats: Potato Storms fromthemselves, and the producers who grow Brazen Hall and Glazed Potato Fritters from Bronuts. them. 26SPUDSMART.COMSpring 2024"