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

Middle Eastern Bison Meatballs with Cilantro-Yogurt Sauce

If the title of this post doesn't get you drooling, try walking into a house where these have been cooking. One of the most amazing dishes I've ever had, combining 2 of my favourite ingredients – bison and cilantro.

My husband got the recipe from epicurious.com. I love that site. And of course, I love my husband who chooses the best recipes to work from.

Mmm, fennel, cumin and coriander seeds, getting toasted for the cilantro sauce that the bison will eventually bathe in.

Alongside this heavenly concoction my husband served a radish, arugula and mint salad – absolute perfection.

Mother and Child Reunion

I love Saturday mornings because I love breakfast and my husband has all the time in the world to cook it for me! A bed of spinach, leftover ham and cheese stuffed chicken, and poached eggs all doused in a blanket of sinful hollandaise sauce and sprinkled with green onion. THIS is heaven.

Mmmmmm Sausage

As she does every year, one of my coworkers Jenn makes sausages with her family. They've been doing it for a very long time. And this year, for the first time without the help from her grandmother, actually spent a full 8 hours making these delectable, pork-and-garlic-filled tubes of goodness.

A special main ingredient deserves a special recipe, and my husband did not fail on that part! After barbecuing the sausage and slicing them, he mixed them with boiled red potatoes and celery root, mashed into and with green onion, flat leaf parsley and cornichons. For the dressing he mixed together dijon, brine from the cornichons and olive oil.

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