Placeholder Update: Almost Married Edition! Support Local Restaurants
Gah! Has it really been over a month since I posted anything here? Readers (if any of you are still out there), I am so sorry. Life, you know? I’ve been busy with work, taking care of the house and pets and, of course, planning a wedding during a pandemic!
So, let’s not talk about me. I don’t have any hot takes or snappy recipes for you today. If you’re a resident of Ottawa like I am, let’s just talk about some of the fantastic local restaurants you should be visiting until I get back to providing you some home-cooking tips.
A (Former) Chef’s List of Where to Eat in Ottawa:
Fauna Food + Bar
How could I make a list of terrific Ottawa eateries and not include my old stomping grounds? Fauna is, by this point, a centretown staple. The wine list is eclectic and fun, the cocktails always superb and the menu ever-changing. Always keep an eye out for the raw dishes; Fauna has a way with tartars, carpaccios and crudos. With the huge outdoor tent they’ve got on Frank St, outdoor seating is never a problem, if you’re still not a fan of dining in. Plus, I used to work there. What’s not to like?
Cantina Gia
This is the pandemic baby and sister restaurant to North & Navy, another of our favourite spots in town that I’ve mentioned before as having amazing atmosphere, service, wine and a focus on northern Italian cuisine. Little sister Gia has a wider scope when it comes to the dishes of Italy it offers. Liz and I had our first experience a couple weeks ago, and we were blown away. Again, great wine, service and atmosphere, but the food! Perfectly composed salads. Ethereal pastas. Mains served steakhouse style, but with sides so generous and delicious you could almost make a meal out of them alone. Gia is a welcome addition to the Glebe indeed!
Arlo Wine & Restaurant
Okay, yes this local restaurant is owned and staffed by some of my dearest friends, but it is the real deal. The atmosphere is that funky-comfortable vibe you get in the best New York hidden gems. Especially on the back patio, get that seating while you can. The wine list is second to none. The kitchen packs so much flavour into each simple-sounding dish that you’ll wonder if your taste buds had been prior set to low. Arlo is fast becoming our favorite neighborhood spot, and with one visit, I’m sure you’ll feel the same.
Town/Citizen
You want a great time? A great meal with great drinks made and served by great people? Then get ye down to Elgin St. and visit Town and Citizen. The owners are the absolute salt of the Earth, some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. But that’s not the only reason to visit. Town has been (hopefully temporarily) converted into a super-cute bottle shop and pantry due to its small size. While connected sister Citizen is still open for dining, serving a selection of dishes in the style of both restaurants, allowing you to get your Town and Citizen fix off of one menu. Their meatballs are legendary in Ottawa, and chef Marc Doiron once made a panna cotta dessert featuring green apple, cheddar and caramel so good I cried. You need any more info than that?
Two Six {Ate}
If there was an award for hardest working restaurant crew in the known universe, the team at two six (ate) would at least be on the short list. The owners put absolutely everything into their business and it shows. The place is a perfect reflection of Stick and Emily; cool, funky, just a little dark, inviting and friendly. The cocktails here are some of the best you’ll find in town and the kitchen… oh, the kitchen. These guys werk. Everything is made in-house. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free folks are always well taken care of. The takes the kitchen team does on humble favorites always get folks ramped up. I remember racing over, post-service from where I was working, just to try to order a house-made hot dog before they all sold out. I was too late that night… it still haunts me….
So, those are just a few spots I can wholeheartedly recommend to you, dear readers, until my personal life settles down a bit. The next time you hear from me, I’ll be a (former) chef and (current) husband, so wish me luck and see you soon!
P.S. What are YOUR favourite spots in Ottawa for some grub? Leave a comment below or shoot me an e-mail with your top local restaurants!
