You may assume, and rightly so, that the Southeast Event Centre will have concessions selling arena favourites such as hot dogs and popcorn. However, culinary offerings, even in the concessions area, will go well beyond – with an onsite restaurant for those seeking a more elevated dining experience.
Led by Hylife Corporate Chef JP Charpentier, Forum & Bistro will be a casual French bistro, where people can come to enjoy a good meal and have a good time.
“The dining option is so neat,” says Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Director of Communications. “But then we bring in a chef like JP – his vision for the restaurant is exciting. And his background is incredible!”
Born and raised in the south of France, Charpentier entered culinary school at age 14.
“I did three years in cooking, then did another year specializing in pastry – of course in France you have to be very good. And then, working in a Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France,” reflects Charpentier. “I kind of did a bit of everything – fine dining, casual restaurant, pizzeria. Then I moved to Canada in 2011 to work in a French restaurant in Calgary. I worked there for ten years before I moved here to Manitoba.”
Charpentier relocated to Manitoba in 2021, drawn by a new opportunity – to become Corporate Chef for HyLife.
“They brought me here to showcase their beautiful product to the community.”
And Forum & Bistro will be all about community, too – serving as a culinary hub where people will gather over truly good food made with locally sourced ingredients.
Charpentier says that when people leave Forum & Bistro and reflect on their experience at the restaurant, he hopes they say only one thing: “I want to go back.”
“Not because it’s fancy,” he clarifies. “But because they feel comfortable, like home. For me, a good experience in a restaurant is when the customer leaves outside worries or stress and just arrive, remove his jacket, and enjoy a good time with friends or family.”
For those in a hurry or facing a time-crunch, Forum & Bistro will offer a grab ‘n’ go location just inside the main entrance of the Southeast Event Centre. You can also order ahead for takeout.
Seating 45 people inside its elegant, mid-century modern dining room, the restaurant’s 60-seat patio is sure to be a popular choice as soon as the snow melts.
Its menu will feature classic, well-loved favourites such as pork steak, fresh fish, chicken, and pasta – all made using French technique for flavours that are unique, yet local.
“We’re so excited to have this restaurant in the center of Steinbach, another great option for people visiting the event centre, or even if you’re just coming for dinner,” shares Sawatzky-Koop. “It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to try something different, have something unique and new, right here.”
Whether gathering inside the restaurant, outside on the sunny patio, or bringing home takeaway for a special night in with the family… Forum & Bistro brings people together.
For hours of service and more information, visit Forum & Bistro on the Southeast Event Centre’s website, here.