Bambu

I have a terrible habit of only staying within my bubble when dining out. That bubble thankfully hits all areas of downtown – Westboro, Glebe, Sunnyside, Market, Centretown. It's not until I'm forced to think outside that box that I actually do, and it usually scares me. But why I'm not sure, because I often find gems that would otherwise go unnoticed. One of those is Bambu.

I recently changed jobs, which brought me to the Prince of Wales/Hunt Club end of the city. So in the few months I've been here, I've been to Bambu probably a dozen times, at least. And every single time has been consistently fresh and delicious, even on the busiest of days. From their dim sum and bento boxes, to their pad thai, sushi and lunch specials, all now hold a very special place in my heart. And no, I'm not bored of coming here yet. And I doubt I ever will be. I've now introduced the place to so many people. It's my go-to lunch meeting spot.

Today I had lunch with a former colleague. As we did some business talk, we also chowed down on a bunch of appetizers. Hunan dumplings, mango rice paper rolls with peanut sauce, egg rolls, and crispy, spicy salmon rolls. As usual, all mouthwatering.

The space is beautiful and bright, service always great and prices very reasonable.

Thanks for lunch Scott!

Bambu

3993 Riverside Drive, Ottawa

613-738-8800

Mmmm Beef Short Ribs from HPH

After Riva Soucie of Ottawa Magazine's post on Hintonburg Public House's tender beef short ribs, I couldn't get them out of my mind. I'm not sure if it was the meat that was exciting me about it or the fact it was paired with onion rings. Ok, the onion rings had a lot to do with it. It's just that that, as well as the polenta made for what I would consider a plate full of the best foods all together in one (ok the addition of rice noodles and peanut sauce would have taken me over the edge and straight to heaven and as I write this I can literally hear my husband's eyes roll – just because you love two ingredients doesn't mean they go together! – I beg to differ). Sorry, I got lost there. I must say these ribs did not disappoint. So tender and delicious. The entire plate was better than I expected.

Other highlights at the Hintonburg Public House include a nice new entry way – perfect for those poor guests who end up near the door on a cold winter day. The walls are now filled with art – so much cozier. And yay, they've dimmed the lights and turned up the music. The staff really could smile a little more, it would add that missing warm and fuzzy feeling you get that kind of confirms you're not annoying them to death.

So many other delicious treats that are just begging me to come back. I can't wait.

HPH
1020 Wellington Street West, Ottawa
613-421-5087

Pressed

Wow, I love this place! I went here for lunch expecting to try and soup and salad, until I saw it – gluten-free bun available – yay! So I indulged in the most sinful sandwich on the menu, slow-smoked beef brisket with caramelized onion and aioli. Although that dish with it's side of sweet potato chips and spicy pickled green bean would have been more than enough food, I couldn't help but get the ceasar salad with bacon bits to start. Oh, and a B. Goods  ginger cookie for later (it was made with spelt, how could I leave it behind!?).


My husband had the margherita sandwich, basil, tomato, fresh mozzarella and pesto. Also a winner.

The toughest part was having to go back to the office when I was done eating.  Space is open, airy and bright with church pews and couches. It's the kind of place you just want to stick around and sip lattés all afternoon.

Service was awesome, food delicious but sandwiches pricy. Sandwiches range from $6 to $13.

www.pressed-ottawa.com
750 Gladstone, Ottawa
613-680-9294

Clove Chocolates

A few weeks ago I was invited to an event that was catered by Justin Rogers, an Ottawa-based chocolatier. If you ever want to surprise someone with something special, he can definitely help you with that! He has the most delectable creations. Liquid blood orange mimosa truffle shots, salted caramel with whipped milk chocolate cream, spicy mexican hot chocolate, and if you're not feeling like eating a whole slice of lemon pie but want the taste in your mouth, he's got a chocolate for that too!

Check out Lynne's awesome post for a more in-depth play-by-play of the evening.

http://www.clovechocolatiers.com/

Not Hungry, Just Lazy

The past 6-8 months have not been the busiest for me in terms of posts. They've been few and very far between. I look at the wonderful bloggers out there who keep it up, day after day no matter the circumstance. Seriously, you all deserve an award. It's not always easy!

The other night I was invited to Petit Bill's to try a few dishes off their new spring menu (you must go and order the Jigg's Dinner - sooo good), they've recently renovated their kitchen. In conversation with Terry he said something I'd never thought about – I have a positive outlook on food. I don't waste my time complaining about something I didn't like, more that I make the time to shout-out the people and food that I do and that he enjoys reading my blog for that reason.

Then there's the dinners I look back on and regret not having the photos to remind me of it. I recently had a wonderful dinner at Oz's industry night and it reminded me of a dinner I had last summer that I, to this day, regret not blogging about. This is my food diary and that was probably one of he most unique experiences I had ever had. A 5 course dinner using parts of the animals that normally get discarded. It was amazing. Luckily I can still go back and reminisce through Lynne's blog. She, as always, recounted the night beautifully.

All that said, I'm going to pick up the pace a bit, even if it's a one-liner with a photo. All the mouth-watering dishes I indulge in deserve to be recounted and remembered.