If there’s one thing I hear frequently from readers, it’s how many of you did not know that certain businesses exist. Not just restaurants but international food stores as well.
It’s always a pleasure for me to discover something new and then to share the good news. Such as the little shop that is both a takeaway and has fab pre-made dishes, for vegetarians and omnivores alike, to be cooked at home. Or the terrific little bistro in Old Hull that offers both creative and healthy meals.
As a matter of fact, let’s begin there…
Mousse Buvette
Mousse Buvette winter salad. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
It was chef Yannick LaSalle that first suggested I visit Mousse Buvette (39A Rue Laval, Old Hull). He hadn’t yet eaten there but a friend of his was involved. Then I learned that it was on one of my favourite dining streets in the region so I immediately headed over in anticipation of a better-than-average experience.
I wouldn’t be wrong because the chef at the helm was the talented Stephanie Saumur who had previously worked at Sans Façons.
They have a playful menu with flavours both classic bistro and Asian-inspired and you certainly won’t go wrong with either the duck carpaccio or the devilled eggs to start.
If you’re looking to do something special for both your taste buds and your gut, dig into the chef's vibrant winter salad. It’s a marvel of contrasts in both textures and flavours and the whipped goat cheese with dates was an inspired way to add protein to the dish.
Get this salad while you still can although I hope it stays on the menu.
Bamm’s Snack Shack
Bamm’s Bowie burger. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Bamm’s Snack Shack (74 Cobourg St.) will be closing at the end of April. Those of you that know it, are saddened by the fact, but happy for the owners Ashley and Matt. Their goal is to spend more time with their children.
In the meantime you’ll still have a chance to sample some of the best comfort food Ottawa has to offer. Grab their burger and fries and be wowed. Both the brisket for the burger and the potatoes are first brined before cooking. That’s a flavour-packed step you won’t find in too many other restaurants. Then wash it all down with their fantastic house-made smoked lemonade.
For some regulars, the prize is their ridiculously outsized donuts. I can safely say that their apple fritters, popcorn donuts and cinnamon rolls are first rate. I do however think that the French cruller is likely the finest I’ve ever had.
Naru
Naru pork bulgogi and sprouts. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Naru at 1896 Prince of Wales Dr. is a find for lovers of Korean cuisine.
You can get delicious and hot take-away or you can browse their many fridges for items to cook at home.
The selection of small side dishes (banchan) is plentiful and you can get a variety of dinner options that will take just minutes in a hot pan.
I picked up the items pictured and for under $20 it was substantial enough to feed two. It was also beautifully seasoned and supremely fresh.
Deacon Brodie’s
Deacon Brodie’s bangers and mash. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Deacon Brodies at 247 Elgin St. is known for Ottawa’s largest collection of Scotch (400+ bottles).
Its menu consists of pre-made restaurant service delivery and freshly made items such as burgers.
They also do traditional British bangers and mash that is not so traditional. In fact the “banger” they use is a housemade sausage that is very clearly an Italian sausage with a little heat. It’s also one of the best sausages I’ve had since returning to Ottawa. I was not expecting that from a Scottish pub and it’s the taste that stood out for me.
It’s a warm and comfortable pub that provides value for money and offers daily drink or food specials.
The Manx
Manx Furlonger Club sandwich. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
The Manx at 370 Elgin St., it’s fair to say, is a legend on Ottawa’s pub landscape. The food certainly contributes to its reputation but what makes it unique is that it’s free of music and tv screens. Here you engage in the long lost art of conversation, often with complete strangers who, in some cases, become friends.
They have a decent selection of craft libations and if you’re hungry, there are well made dishes from a modest menu.
On one visit I enjoyed the Furlonger Club sandwich that had freshly grilled chicken breast on house-baked sourdough. With the first bite you could tell that this was a different and completely natural experience.
You may also want to consult the board for daily specials. If you’re lucky they’ll be offering one of their excellent burgers.
St. Brigids Well Pub
Brigid’s Well lamb stew. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
St. Brigid’s Well pub at 310 St. Patrick St. is another one of the most unique pubs in Ottawa. It also has the smallest pub food menu in the city produced by an on-site business called Pine Marten.
It’s all very old world where you order your food and drink at the bar. You wait for your drink at the bar and are given a table marker to identify you for your food order.
You’ll find traditional Irish brews on tap including the hard to find Murphy’s Stout which happens to be a favourite. It was a perfect pour for the lamb stew I’d ordered.
You go for the feeling of tradition and authenticity but it was the lamb stew that convinced me that this place was the real deal in every way.
Pelican Seafood
Pelican Blacks Harbour salmon. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
For more than three decades Pelican at 1500 Bank St. has been putting out fresh and well-loved seafood dishes and the endlessly packed room is a testament to the quality.
You will get perfectly prepared favourites such as fish and chips, shrimp cocktails and seafood towers but they are no slouch in providing creatively turned out mains.
This salmon was completely on point with combinations that came together in harmony for a beautiful, brightly coloured meal.
The food is consistently fine but it’s the service that completes the experience. I ordered a cocktail unfamiliar to them and they managed a very credible version and it was delicious. This is clearly the kind of restaurant that always goes that one extra step to give value to its customers.
Ay Wey Mexican
Ay Wey Tlayudas. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
Ay Wey at 295 McArthur Ave. is a Mexican food destination that goes to some lengths to give you a more traditional experience of Mexican flavours. Nothing leaves this kitchen that hasn’t been made from scratch.
The tacos are excellent and the Tlayudas (aka Mexican pizza) is a robust and intensely flavoured combination of housemade sausage, vegetables , seasoned beef strips, cheese and bean paste.
It’s all very heady stuff best washed down with a Michelada, a savoury cocktail of beer and energetically seasoned clamato.
This is easily amongst the best Mexican food in Ottawa.
Council Oak Brunch
Council Oak brunch buffet. Ralf Joneikies/Ottawa Lookout
A few weeks ago the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at 4837 Albion Rd. put together a media junket to showcase their Sunday Brunch Buffet at their Council Oak restaurant. This was putting a direct two word challenge to any serious food writer: brunch and buffet. The gauntlet had been thrown down.
It promised all you could eat seafood, a carving station with superb roast beef and dozens of vegetable, baked goods and dessert items. It was so good that I could not leave it off my best of the quarter list.
With endless snow crab, jumbo prawns cocktail, New Brunswick oysters, a selection of house-cured and smoked salmon, it was difficult to not be impressed by the quality.
For $65 per person, you’re treated to a bit of luxury in a comfortable and calming environment with excellent and attentive service.
