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

Breakfast Gnocchi

If you haven't picked up the new copy of Ottawa Magazine's Interiors Edition, I highly recommend you do. Not only is it filled with images of beautiful local homes, there's also a little food section at the back that's worth checking out.

This delicious breakfast was eaten almost a month ago, but I wasn't allowed to talk about it until the magazine was released. You see, my husband sometimes freelances for Ottawa Magazine and since he worked on the layout of this issue, had a sneak peak at what was coming. The result, his own homemade concoction of the breakfast gnocchi that is available at Art-is-in Bakery. So if you're not lucky enough to have my husband in your home cooking for you, you've got an alternative!

My husband served up two beautifully poached eggs over a toasted fennel and dill baguette and coated them with silky hollandaise. Off to the side, thin slivers of buttery baked potato. The eggs were then surrounded by chopped smoked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, gnocchi and brussels sprout leaves. Probably one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life. (I must confess that mine was modified with my spelt and kamut bread from Wild Oat and rice gnocchi, you see, I have a frustrating wheat intolerance.)

Later this morning my husband will be treating himself though. We'll be heading over to chez Edgar for the Dutch Baby. Since he layed out the image of that golden pancake topped with caramelized slow-cooked pork belly, he hasn't been the same, waking up every Saturday morning from his dream and questioning "Is it time yet!?"

Le Kim Chi

So sorry, no food porn to accompany this post, so you'll just have to trust me on this one.

I had my first visit to Le Kim Chi this weekend and it definitely won't be my last.

The appetizers had me drawn in right away, so many delectable choices. My friend Sue and I managed to narrow it down to the KimChi Twikim Mandoo – 4 homemade, lightly deep fried kimchi dumplings drizzled with a creamy spicy sauce. And the Pa Jeon, a delicious seafood and scallion pancake panfried until golden and edged with crispy bits. The pancake was served sliced like a pizza, perfect for sharing.

Sue suggested the Bulgogi to share for the entrée, but my eyes, being much larger than my stomach, gave me the courage to convince her we needed more. So along with our thinly sliced, oh-so-tender beef (which was served with vegetables, rice, kimchi, seaweed salad and pickled sprouts – somehow I managed to miss that part on the menu), we also ordered the Vegetable Bibimbap. What a beautiful dish. A medley of vegetables and grainy rice arrived in the hotpot (we ordered without the egg yolk). Normally we'd be the ones to mix everything together but I think our server could tell we just had so much on the table and it would just be easier if she did it for us. There's a small dish of hot sauce that comes on the side, it's not that hot so you can add the whole thing. In fact, I would have liked a little more spice. That said, I enjoyed every morsel as it was.

Although we did order a bit too much, I didn't regret it this morning when I served up the leftover bibimbap with some eggs. Yummy!!

Prices at this restaurant are very reasonable. Their wine and drink list is a bit limited but good and fairly priced. Atmosphere cozy and dimly lit with really good service.

Le Kim Chi
420 Preston Street, Ottawa
613-233-2433

The Hintonburg Public House

This new gem describes itself as the type of place where you'll feel right at home, and I have to agree. After our first visit late Saturday for a night cap, it took less than 5 days before we craved a return visit. This time though, we tried the food.

Along with my Malbec (the only non-Ontario wine on the menu – I know-I know, it's not that I'm not a fan! I'm saving the Southbrook Cab Merlot for my next visit) I shared two apps and a main with my husband.

We started off with the deliciously cured trout with Brussels sprout leaves, cubed pickled beets, capers and malt vinaigrette. So delicate and yummy.

And the squash galette, held together by a light and flaky crust. The best part of this dish? Slivers of caramelized fennel sprinkled on top.

I didn't get a shot of the main we shared, so sad, I started into the dish way too fast. What about a picture my husband belted out. Crap! I couldn't respond as my mouth was full of lightly battered crispy cod. It took all of me to share the English curry mayo that was served alongside. And the fries, mmmm, cooked to perfection.

I bet I won't last another 5 days before returning, even if only for the bar snacks (pickled egg, spiced chicken livers, beer nuts, cheeses). It's rare a restaurant this new would get me this excited from the get-go. I can only imagine what this place will be like 6 months from now. I love the atmosphere and the service is fantastic. If I could change one thing (and a friend we ran into made the same comment) – dimmer lights, and louder music. Otherwise, we've got the beginning of and long and beautiful friendship!

Hintonburg Public House

1020 Wellington Street West, Ottawa

613-421-5087

e18hteen

It's menus filled with goodies like these that make going to a place like this with a few friends so fun. The more you are the more you get to try. Although we were only 4, there was enough of us to get through quite a few of the starter entrées. Too bad I only took a couple photos.

We started off with fresh shucked oysters from New Brunswick. Then came the steak tartare with shaved parm, house pickles (amazing), and fresh horseradish. And the BC Albacore tuna tartare with avocado, fingerling potato chips and soya glaze. I point out the pickles because they were the tastiest accompaniments on the plate. Unfortunately I was disappointed with both tartares as they lacked in flavour. Luckily the horseradish on the side helped kick up the steak.

We also ordered the beet salad with apple, walnuts and smoked cheddar foam. And the Ceasar salad, so yummy with pancetta, parmesan, croutons and XV olive oil.

Another winner was the crispy braised octopus with smoked paprika, Portuguese chouriço and burnt honey. And the BC spot prawn with parm and chives on fresh pasta was such a treat, I don't remember the last time I had pasta that good.

And of course, with all these lovely dishes, you need an equally pleasing wine. First we had the 2008 Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust, followed by Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes-du-Rhone.

This restaurant is a great escape for a fun night out. The outstanding interior with their large window and stone walls make you feel like you're in a fairy tale. We were lucky to get a table next to the fireplace as well. And I must say, the people watching is pretty interesting too.

e18hteen

18 York Street, Ottawa

613-244-1897

Back Lane Café

I've been wanting to try this place out since they opened. The rustic and warm decor inside is just so inviting. Although I was thinking my first visit would be for dinner, I'm not disappointed at all that it ended up being for breakfast. In fact, I will probably return again and again for this same dish.

My friend Amy and I started out sharing the poached pear in maple syrup. For some reason, I expected the pear to be warm but it wasn't. It was good cold, but I still think it would have been better heated.

The corned beef hash was the jaw-dropper. Delicious chunks of meat, potato and onion topped with poached eggs and a spicy salsa. I did not want this meal to end. Both Amy and I opted for this after listening to the drool-worthy description our waiter gave us.

Service was great, food very yummy and prices a little higher than I would expect for breakfast. The poached pear was $6 and the hash $14. I had also looked at the eggs benedict at first which was listed at $16. I can't wait to come back for dinner!

Back Lane Café

1087 Wellington Street West, Ottawa

613-695-2999

Les Fougères Menu Dégustation

Les Fougères' tasting menu is worth it for this one dish. Salt cod ravioli and panfried Arctic char served on lobster bisque sauce. Heaven.

Les Fougères

783 route 105, Chelsea QC

819-827-8942

Happy Birthday Edgar!

(Thanks for the photo Rémi!)

Last night I had the pleasure of ringing in Edgar's first year anniversary. Actually when I think about it, it's hard to believe it's ONLY been a year. I feel like this place has been open forever. And if you look at how successful Edgar has been over the past year, it's obvious that the clientèle feel that way too. It took no time for Marysol and her team to build a strong following, and with good reason – the food is absolutely amazing and straight from the heart.

And to celebrate her 1st year of tirelessly serving up the most decadent treats, it didn't surprise me that she would do the same last night – heavenly bites of polenta with pulled pork and tomato chutney, sinful candied pork belly, pogos with a mustard seed dipping sauce, edgar bars, and the most amazing dessert ever – vanilla ice cream with banana fritter and fried chicken skin – AMAZING.

We also picked up her limited edition calendar featuring all the beautiful hard working staff that make our visits so special. Rémi Thériault did the outstanding shots, and Simon (also known as the yummiest cappuccino-maker ever) the unique design. Best of all, money collected from the calendar going to charity.

Congratulations Marysol!!

www.chezedgar.ca

Great Fuschian Article

Ok, it's been a couple weeks since this article was posted but I had to make note of it. It's a fantastic write-up about one of my favourite places in the whole world. An and Tom Trinh have been making my Sunday nights special since they opened. I can't go a week without a meal from here. In fact, some weeks I'll poke my head in even 2 or 3 times! (Usually when my husband is out of town and not cooking for me).

Check it out (if you haven't already):

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/flavour+from+small+kitchen/5569596/story.html

They've even got a sneak peak into the tiny kitchen where all the magic happens. As well as some yummy recipes to try at home. Knowing myself though, I'll just go there to get it. I can't do it the justice that Tom does.

If you've never been, you're missing out on some heartwarming service and delicious food. This is my usual, shrimp vermicelli and spring rolls - drool!

Fuschian

726 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

613-230-6815

Where to Eat Right Now

As if the choices weren't tough enough! But thanks to Ottawa Magazine, at least you can narrow down the choices – somewhat. And Shawna Wagman's delectable descriptions will have you running out the door to one of these culinary havens.

Ideas on the plate is the title that represents—what seems to be—the food places that really matter in this city right now. In saying that though, there's a few restaurants I'm surprised didn't make the list. Then again, if any of the 10 listed didn't, I'd be surprised as well. Sucks when you have to limit things!

Magazine hits the streets next week, (or Britton's in the Glebe right now). I'll bet a droplet of drool will hit the first page. Chris Lalonde's images are truly tantalizing.

Pho Van Van

I love Vietnamese food. And I regularly daydream about rice noodles. Sounds odd I know, I'm just being totally honest here. So on a Tuesday, when a lot Vietnamese restaurants are closed and I'm having a major craving, Pho Van Van is there, ready to please.

I don't blog every time I go out for Vietnamese because I'd be doing it way too often and talking about the same thing every time. I rarely stray from my favourite rice paper shrimp rolls with peanut sauce and bun with either shrimp or spring rolls.

Everything was fresh and delicious. The one thing I do need to point out though was the crispness of the spring rolls. I don't think I've ever had a spring roll so perfectly crispy. Yum!

Pho Van Van

93 Holland Ave, Ottawa

613-722-1663

New Menu at The Whalesbone

This past week a list of heavenly dishes was created. If you've not yet been to the Whalesbone, what the heck are you waiting for!? Not only are Charlotte's delectable creations absolutely amazing and worth the trip alone, it's also the last menu that will ever be put together by this culinary goddess. Yes, it's true, the big city of Toronto has finally come to scoop her up and whisk her away. And I'm super sad.

So for the next few weeks, I will be making my way through these seemingly last suppers of lobster rolls and chips, salmon and smoked mushroom pot pies, seafood paella, white bass ceviche and so many others. The one dish you must have though, the beef tartar with white truffle, toutans and gherkins – TO DIE FOR.

Hintonburg – My New Love

Went for a little walk in Hintonburg today. I normally drive past the eastern portion, or better known as Hintonburg-Mechanicsville, with my eyes closed. But it was obvious to me today that it must have been quite a while since I'd been in this area because the little restaurants and shops lining up the streets felt like I was somewhere else.

My husband and I had set out for a late afternoon snack. The destination? Back Lane Café. Unfortunately they were closed until dinner-time. But after peeking in the window and at the menu, I have a future date with them already planned out in my head. I can't wait!

A little further down was the new Burnt Butter. Another fabulous addition. And although the doors were wide open, I felt saving this one for dinner time was also a must. My husband and I were paired with the owners years ago when we went golfing. At the time Steve Wallace was at Anthony's on Elgin (or the old Ritz). Such a friendly couple. I'm so happy for them and excited to try out their new spot.

Of course Tennessy Willems has been open for a while now and doing great with their yummy pizzas.

Then a little further down in the very beginning stages and not open yet – Isobel's Cupcakes and right next door, the future home of Hintonburg Public House. So exciting!!

But for today, we ended up in a little gem of a place, Alpha Soul Café. The best thing about this place is the adorable little back patio. The perfect spot to hang out on an unusually warm October day. We even had live acoustic music from Amanda Cottreau wafting out the patio doors while we sipped wine.

A little Sauvagine and green grapes.

Also snacked on a mushroom soup and delicious greek orzo salad. YUM! What a great day!

Alpha Soul Café

1015 Wellington West

Ottawa

613-761-8000

DiVino Wine Studio

Our friend Dino was in town this week (yes, the one we recently celebrated his going-away, my guess is he can't live without us for more than a month – awesome!). Not only were we excited to get together with him, it was also his birthday. So a grand celebration was in order.

His wife Keltie arranged an unforgettable evening by combining a reservation at probably one of the most fun places to host a table of 14, and ensuring we were started off with some prosecco and a plate of antipasti before they arrived. The set-up was absolutely perfect – a long island between the kitchen and the restaurant floor served as a perch for all the guests who anxiously awaited their arrival. It was like we were in someone's home kitchen, only much more grandiose. And we were literally in the kitchen, so the culinary entertainment was constant.

Here's the antipasti plate we nibbled at. Olives, eggplant, mushrooms, beets, cauliflower, red onion and carrots, all pickled in-house. Dollops of earthy pea purée decorated the plate. And savoury proscuitto, salami and tapenade just begged to be gobbled up with the thin, crisp baguette toasts. The prosecco this was paired with was one of the best I've ever had – 2010 Bisol Crede Valdobbiadene Brut.

We were all given the table d'hôte menu which we were able to modify slightly if needed. As we grabbed our seats at the island and waited to order, Dino ordered a couple of fresh mozzarella bricks stuffed with gooeyness. If you can picture melting cheese inside the cheese, well, this was pretty much it. So easy to spread on the crostini and oh-so-heavenly. You have to try it. Fresh tomato halves and Sicilian black salt were added bonuses to the dish.

My first table d'hôte plate was the beet and arugula salad with a cherry vinaigrette. Strawberry slices, blueberries and minted goat cheese truffles garnished the outskirt. But the most memorable part of the dish – ribbons of anise-pickled beets. Our apps were paired with a 2009 Castello di Verduno Basadone (100% Pelaverga), a delicious pre-main-course red.

The primi plate was homemade fettuccine pasta with tomato meat ragu and Parmigiano Reggiano. As good as it sounded, I opted for the second choice of the antipasti instead (to save room in my tummy). Fresh tomato basil soup with garlic cheese crostini. It could have used a bit more basil as the flavours were hidden by the intensity on the tomato, but very good nonetheless. The wine we sipped alongside was a 2004 Cantine Madonna Delle Grazie Aglianico del Vulture Bauccio. I'll say it now, one of the best things about going with a large group means getting through the wine bottles faster, thus tasting way more. Although they do offer many wines by the glass.

Our secondi was a choice between spring salmon and market vegetables (above). There was a slice of both pacific and atlantic. Those eating the fish drank a 2007 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella which I believe is 100% Nebbiolo.

Or beef tenderloin with asparagus, roasted brussels sprouts and root veggies. The menu called for roasted fingerling potatoes as well but there were none. Ok though because at this point, I was pretty stuffed and very happy to have them omitted. The beef was a tiny bit overcooked for my liking, but the quality of the meat more than made up for it, melting away in my mouth with every bite. The wine paired with this dish was what I consider a perfect wine, deep ruby and full bodied. 2007 Nero di Troia Paolo Petrilli, Il Guerro from Puglia.

My dessert shot, that I thought was the best one of the night, actually didn't turn out at all. Sad. My husband and I split both of our choices, really, how could you pick one of these over the other!? Chocolate sponge cake with chocolate ganache and fresh mint, and lemon budino (creme brûlée).

I think for this type of atmosphere, I would have expected the service to be a little bit more polished. It was a bit awkward, although the height of the island could be the culprit. Not quite as easy as serving a table. It also took quite a while to get through our meal, which on the weekend I would embrace, but not so much during the week. They did acknowledge that. But the chefs, sommelier and server were all super friendly and extremely attentive to our every need. And really, what more could you ask for. I'd take heartwarming staff over a stiff perfectionist waiter without a personality any day.

DiVino Wine Studio

225 Preston Street

613-221-9760

Play Food & Wine

The original plan for my friend Zoya's birthday was a weekend of wine tasting in Niagara. When that got cancelled I took it upon myself to try and make something similar to that happen here. It would be the perfect gift! But between DiVino, Savvy and the LCBO, no one had any tastings going on this weekend. Totally bummed I went to Holly for help. Being the wine lover she is, I knew she would point me in the right direction. And that she did when she suggested I go to Play.

I checked in at Play to see if their sommelier would be there on Saturday afternoon and made a reservation for 3:30. I figured that going during a not-so-busy time would allow a more in-depth review of the wines we were going to try. Grayson was instrumental in the success of Zoya's birthday gift and I can't thank him enough. He brought us through a flight of some amazing wines and gave us the background for each. It truly was an afternoon to remember.

In the same order we drank them, here's what we had:

White, Tollgate, Stratus, Niagara, 2007

Assyrtiko, Wild Ferment, Gaia, Greece, 2010

Chardonnay, Dean's List, NCT, Niagara, 2008

GSM, Vidal-Fleury, Rhone, France, 2008 (this sparked a new love of French wine for Zoya)

Cabernet Franc, Stratus, Niagara, 2007 (probably my least favourite grape but this one was delicious)

Touriga Nacional, Valmonte, Portugal, 2005

Syrah, Waterstone, Napa, CA, 2008

Contra, Bonny Doon, Central Coast, CA, 2009

Almost all of these are available to taste but we lucked out on a couple because there had been a bottle already opened (yay!).

If you're ever looking for something fun to do on a Saturday afternoon, I highly recommend a little wine tasting at Play.

Play Food & Wine

1 York Street, Ottawa

613-667-9207

Whalesbone Brunch

Had the most awesome breakfast at the Whalesbone.

Pig tongue and apple sauce smeared over his own skull.

Lobster, poached eggs, hollandaise and double smoked bacon.

Ended this mouthwatering meal with an oyster garnished ceasar.

www.thewhalesbone.com

Goodbye Savana

Ok, maybe not quite goodbye yet. They are still open until August 26th. But with the schedule I've got coming up, I figured I'd better get in there fast for one last pad thai indulgence.

That and the scallop ceviche rocked my world tonight. I will miss you. Thank you so much for all the amazing meals.

A little walk down memory lane perhaps...

and more.

www.savanacafe.com

Whalesbone Heaven

Last night my husband and I indulged in a meal straight from heaven – a 5 course meal paying homage to the late Sailor Jerry. Of course, something of this caliber would be what I've come to expect of the Whalesbone – one of my absolute favourite restaurants in the city. But what I love most about this place, is the fact that no matter how often I go, the meals continue to get more and more jaw-droppingly delicious.

We started off with a dish called Norman Collins (aka Sailor Jerry) – red dawn oysters - 3 served fresh on a plank that had been previously used to identify the oysters behind the bar. A shot of house-made tomato juice and Sailor Jerry's sat in the middle of a bed of celery, lovage and horseradish-sprinkled tomatoes. After drizzling the oysters with the shooter, we sipped away at what could easily replace your traditional Bloody Mary.

Next, Tatts Thomas (the man who showed Mr Collins how to use tattoo machines) – my favourite dish of the night. A heart-melting Albacore tuna poke with scallions, dulse, red chilis, soy, lime, sesame cracker and white truffle. My eyes grew wider with each bite as I slowly savoured every morsel on my plate. And just when I thought nothing could possibly get better than this, Evolution, a nine-varietal wine with the most prominent one being Pinot Gris that it was paired with, made the dish even more mouthwatering.

Ed Hardy (a protege of Sailor Jerry), was the dish that came in close second to the Tatts Thomas. Corn leaf wrapped elegantly around perch and cinnamon pork. Sweet corn, garlic scapes, jalapeno, corn cream and zucchini all played a prominent role in this dreamy dish. Ginger beer and Sailor Jerry's were paired beautifully alongside.

And just when you thought you'd had enough, Rollo Banks (aka Mike Malone, another tattoo artist and student of Sailor Jerry) – a dish filled with rich treats of lobster, prawn and yellowfin. Black olive, refreshing watermelon, basil, ricotta, crème fraîche and kale completed this luscious dish, as did the lemonade and Sailor Jerry's.

Last but certainly not least, Sailor Cherry, a velvety Sailor Cherry Ice Cream from Pascale served over chocolate Jerry's ganache, brownie, cherries, and yummy rum caramel.

As usual, service was amazing and atmosphere the best of all.

Whalesbone Oyster House

430 Bank Street, Ottawa

613-231-8569