Milky way, Gourmet hopping

It’s no surprise to hear that grocery stores across Canada are misidentifying the origins of fruits and vegetables. So much for voting with your dollar. 

This is however by no means the first time grocers have taken such underhanded measures. 

When I lived in Vancouver, the Jim Pattison Group, owner of many BC grocery chains (Save-On, Urban Fare, Choices, Meinhardt are just a few) was charged with falsely declaring the origins of produce. The consequence? Nothing other than “Don’t do it again.”

But they are doing it again as this story shows.

My suggestion, if you feel strongly enough about this, boycott the grocers that practice deception. Then write to them and tell them of your decision. 

We can also elect to make decisions to support local businesses such as the restaurant group and the independent ice cream entrepreneur I highlight for you today.

Let’s dig in and enjoy.

Ralf Joneikies, food and drink editor. [email protected]

ICE CREAM

Make way for Milky Way, your new ice cream sandwich obsession

It was through city councillor Marty Carr’s weekly newsletter that I first came across Amy Forster’s Milky Way ice cream sandwich business. Sometimes it just pays to be open to a variety of sources for your food tips and I also need to recognize that Carr does a terrific job of highlighting local businesses to residents.

Amy and her partner Erik were kind enough to stop by with a variety of treats and we spent a bit of time chatting in the garden.

While she had been studying for her PhD in clinical psychology, it was her lifelong fascination with food that made for a detour. She then married that with her childhood love of the night sky and Milky Way Cosmic Ice Cream was born.

“This little venture of mine has always been about spreading joy and giving back to the community.” It’s a philosophy she breathes each day since her cancer diagnosis in 2014. 

Over the last few years, her business has taken root and she now spends much of her time selling her goods at farmers’ markets, private parties and corporate events. 

At the moment she stocks five core ice cream sandwiches with a new seasonal flavour added almost every week. The strawberry shortcake is her biggest seller and I can confirm that it all makes sense. It’s that strawberries and cream effect that hooks you from the first bite.

I’m also in rapture over her Biscoff Lotus cookie creation that adds the biscuit to caramel and pecans and the thing had me turning into a drooling Homer Simpson.

At the moment, Amy uses Kawartha Dairy ice cream, a product with a long history in Ontario. She takes those flavour profiles and then bakes her cookie recipes to match. It’s a winning strategy as her cookies are very good. Her prices are very fair for the quality with these dessert sandwiches ranging from $6-$8.

Her pink power pedal ice cream cart can hold up to 300 ice cream sandwiches and as the popularity of her products has grown, she now travels with a backup supply stored in a cooler.

I asked her about next steps for Milky Way – “I feel it would be too soon to go into retail but I am thinking about eventually opening my own café.” Who wouldn’t love to take a trip to the Milky Way?

“I’m also interested in partnering with CHEO, dog rescues and metastatic breast cancer initiatives to make an even bigger impact.”

Years ago, her cancer returned and she’s at stage four with the disease having spread to other parts of her body. Since July of 2024, however she has been on a trial drug that has arrested further spread, and that’s a promising sign.

“When I first thought about a business”, she said, “I felt I needed to do something that would make people happy.” A sage sentiment and one we can all practice together.

Amy and her bike will next be at Kiwan Farms (3528 Hawthorne Rd.) on Aug. 9th between the hours of 10-3 pm when she’ll be debuting her next flavour, a cornbread with vanilla ice cream and jalapeno jam. 

Count me in.

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FOOD TOUR

Gourmet hopping

Recently media and a gaggle of influencers were invited to attend a culinary tour of the 18 Hospitality group of restaurants. 

As ever, marketing and event management company KoW Connected did a bang-up job of organizing this gastro-trip, with the team from Grayline expertly chauffeuring us across the river to our final destination.

I’d met 18 Hospitality Group executive chef David Godsoe on many occasions but I’d not dined at any of the venues so this was going to provide a little insight into what I might expect.

Our adventure started at E18hteen Restaurant on York St. It was a warm and sunny evening, the weather perfect for the light fare and cocktails served.

We enjoyed signature Negronis (a curiosity topped with a shot of prosecco) along with tuna tataki and pillowy brioche bites of Matane shrimp.

Next it was on to sister restaurant Sidedoor where I was able to grab executive chef David Godsoe for a few pictures.

Sidedoor’s menu focuses on Asian flavours with a side menu of tacos and margaritas. 

The brilliant surprise came with the pairing of a fried chicken bao bun with a delicious Margarita. The chicken was marinated through and supremely crisp and nestled in a bun dressed with a mildly spicy tomatillo salsa. This combination may have been planned, but if not, it was a happy coincidence. If you find yourself at Sidedoor, do yourself a favour and have this combo.

For vegetarians, there was a tempura-fried enoki mushroom bao that took no backseat to the chicken. It was also very nice with the Margarita, just not as on point.

We arrived at The Hyde for a prosecco cocktail and skewers of pickled veg, cheese and prosciutto.

I imagined that this old English room would be an ideal destination in fall and winter. There was something appealingly cozy about the space but on this occasion, the room was so full that it was difficult to hear what was being said by the person next to me.

We were soon whisked off to the historic  Maison Charron in Gatineau, where we all enjoyed a splendid view across the river of Canada’s capital. 

I was able to secure a comfortable table under a fruit tree to enjoy a live performance by Zachary Martin, a local musician with a wide repertoire of songs. 

The outdoor bar was on autopilot, delivering drinks in various shades of pink for thirsty guests and soon an assortment of pizzas was served.

The crust on the pie was nicely done but could have had a little more crisp for this palate and the sauce had been excessively salted for some reason. Still the flavours were bright and the food was supremely fresh in taste. 

In my inimitable way, I interrupted 18 Hospitality co-owner Caroline Gosselin and PR expert Sylvie Bigras during a serious discussion on homelessness. I’ve known Sylvie for a number of years and her heart is always there for social causes. 

There is much for Ottawans to discover around our city and to get an overview of the 18 Hospitality Group restaurants gives a good insight into just how distinct these venues are.  

Under the direction of executive chef David Godsoe, his teams are producing good food in settings worth enjoying around the year. 

Thank you to Caroline Gosselin and KoW Connected for getting all us media types on the bus.

QUICK BITES

• While I have yet to confirm this, rumour through the grapevine is that Siam Bistro will be opening a second location in the Glebe.

• The NCC continues to charm every citizen in Ottawa with their latest announcements shutting down patios in the ByWard market. [CTV]

• Firefighters battled a 2-alarm restaurant fire at a Kanata strip mall. [CTV]

• We all recycle, but we’re also all suspicious about the realities. This video will shed some light. [YouTube]

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Some of the best Ottawa food is in strip malls. T-Basil is no exception

Admittedly I was a little shy about visiting T-Basil when it was recommended because I was under the impression that this was a restaurant I’d been to and had left a rather unpleasant impression. Sometimes you’re relieved to be wrong. 

Read the review

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