I Left My Heart in Capital City: A Love Letter to Ottawa's Culinary Scene
I started writing this piece last month about a week before I left, but was sidetracked with the logistics of moving. As I sit in my empty home here in the Kootenays in BC (waiting on my furniture to arrive still from the long haul movers), I’ve had time to reflect on all of the warm memories and delicious experiences that Ottawa has given me over the years.
So this is a love letter to the city’s often overlooked culinary scene. Being the “Jan Brady” of Toronto and Montreal, we are frequently forgotten or even occasionally used as a joke. Written off as the city that “fun forgot” I’m here to assure you that that is simply not the case. Ottawa has plenty to offer in terms of day and nightlife, if you’re willing to overcome the predispositions.
Please- take the time to eat and shop local in your community. Though the 613 is currently in a shaky Stage 3, so many of these spots have takeout or click and collect programs so you can still support them safely if you have the means to do so.
If you’re reading this and are not a business owner, please- be kind and patient during this unpredictable time. Business owners and staff are terrified of the very real probability of losing everything and need our love and support, whether they’re open or closed. Gossip, online negativity, unsolicited advice and speculation doesn’t help anyone. Be good to our business owners and communities. I emphasize this as many industry folks have been chatting about how “COVID empathy” for culinary businesses/workers seems to have evaporated in the past 6 weeks. These workers and owners still need your understanding. Please keep it in mind.
So here is a small list of my most favourite food places in Ottawa. Show them all of the love and support you can during this trying time. Remember- if you don’t “buy” local, then it’s “bye” local.
One of my dearest friends and “business buddies” Oz has always been there for me as a friend and for some comfort eating. Check out Chef Kristine’s incredible veg-forward creations, and their half price charcuterie on Sundays. Order a Roto cocktail if you get the chance, one of my personal favourites.
Chef Harriet Clunie @ Das Lokal
Chef Harriet has also been a wonderful friend for years, and I’m always impressed with her innovations and passion for community and sustainability. Check out her new cooking channel, Scrap Cooking where she shares her brilliant Chef tips for using all of your food.
This legendary Ottawa event in support of CareFor has done an incredible pivot this year to continue supporting our farmers and Chefs while raising money for a great cause. Check out their upcoming virtual events featuring local farmers and Chefs.
My favourite cheap comfort snack, and the only reason I enjoyed having an appointment at the Broadview Medical Centre. If I could dab Zaatar spice on me as perfume, I would. It is the greatest thing in the whole world. Check out this small shop (cash only!) that runs like a well oiled machine when filled with high schoolers during non COVID times. Enjoy a hot and fresh zaatar bread filled with cheese, and don’t miss out on the spinach pies the size of your head. Everything is well under $5, so this stop is friendly on the wallet too.
My true love. I have celebrated highs and lows alike at the Manx and consider it practically my apartment. Thank you to Servers and Chefs alike for indulging my ritual of my “Alone Brunches”, sitting me near the outlets when I was in to work and enjoy a pint after events, and for just being such a ride or die. I will miss you the most of all.
Some of the best italian inspired desserts in the city. I would order 2 and an espresso every time I was in- I can never choose just one! Also one of the most authentic, organically exciting instagram accounts in the city.
No one, and I mean NO ONE in Ottawa makes a better thin slice pizza. Roasted garlic cloves like candy, katamala olives and homemade sauces and goat cheese make this ‘za a literal slice of heaven.
You’ve probably had it from the Herb and Spice, but it’s worth crossing the bridge for the fresh tourtieres, quiches, salads you’ll actually enjoy, and savoury pastry.
Marisol is a beacon for the Chef scene here. Renowned for her incredible food, excellent business sense and innovation, but also for being wildly supportive of many of us in the culinary scene. One of the first supportive emails I got when I announced my closure came from Marisol herself in the middle of the night and I never forgot the comfort it brought me on such a dark day. Check out her takeout offerings, loads of incredible items veg and non veg, and drool worthy pastries. The best stop across the bridge.
The original artisanal Ice Cream of the city, Pascale never disappoints with her meticulous selection of local, high quality ingredients to work with, and on point branding. My holiday won’t be the same this year without my ice cream Yule Log.
As someone with an anxiety disorder, I've tried a lot of herbal teas seeking relief. Not a single one can hold a candle to the Oatstraw Lavender Lemon balm that Take Charge whips up. Check out the Perth farmers market, or order online directly. It’s a complete lifesaver.
The Ketchup Project
When I had my bakery, we always joked that vegan croissants were the “white whale” of the baking world. Adam has not only brought us vegan croissants, but ones that taste like the real deal. He also has a wide selection of delicious, high quality non-vegan pastries as well like Canneles and Palmiers. These expertly prepared pastries are a must.
Sometimes I like to eat my feelings, and Three Tarts never disappoints with their individual cheesecakes, sticky buns, cream cheese brownies, peanut butter chocolate squares and more. I’m extra sad I’m not there right now for Thanksgiving weekend as I am still fantasizing about their pumpkin cheesecake with a delicate, sugared walnut crust.
Right next to Ottawa institution So Good Restaurant, Shiraz is one of my favourite stops in Chinatown. Huge bulk bins of dried fruits and nuts greet you, and they have some of the best prices on spices I’ve seen in the city. Check out the fridge for the homemade hummus and tabbouleh (the best I’ve had since Bousheys) and in the summer ask for Iranian Ice Cream made with saffron.
It took me a few years in Ottawa to catch on, but the best spot for curry paste, hot sauce, broths, chinese spices and every kind of noodle you could dream of is Kowloon. The prices and selection can't be beat, and I even brought several of the curry paste pints out with me to BC in fear I may not be able to source them here in my mountain village. Stop by the fridge on your way in and grab one of the mini cans of iced coffee made with condensed milk that I am absolutely addicted to.
There is not a better, fresher, falafel sandwich in the city. I’m obsessed with the take out deal- I add a Fattoush salad and head to Patterson Creek to enjoy.
I’m a gal who likes her beer, but it must be dark. Black Lagers, Stouts and Brown Ales rule my world, but nothing and no one has come closer to a perfect stout than Beyond the Pale’s Darkness. I have one can sitting in my fridge here in BC right now that I’m saving for a “special occasion” as it’s my last. I’m currently on the hunt out for my new “go to stout”, but it’s gonna be some big shoes to fill.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend and show some thanks and love to your local food producers and entrepreneurs if you are able to do so. On my end, I’m anticipating seeing Nelson BC tomorrow for the very first time- it’s about an hour from where I live now. Their farmers market is world renowned, award winning and the produce out here is still coming with mild temperatures. Loads of stone fruit, squash, tomatoes and grapes are still being harvested and it’s really neat to be in the middle of it all.
My appointment book will reopen on the 15th of October for calls and new clients, thank you for your patience while I got my move underway. I look forward to bringing you all more exciting content, news, tips and strategies from my new home in the Kootenays.
As I marvel in the natural beauty of my new surroundings, I assure you that Ottawa will always have my heart. And I can’t stay away from my heart for too long.
Xo Mandi