Foodnotes

Here comes another summer! Time to visit the patios, bring home easy meals to eat in the backyard, or enjoy the air-conditioned interiors of our local eateries when the weather gets really hot. While you’re at it, please don’t forget to share your favourite Sandy Hill food experiences with image22@rogers.com

Bamm’s Snack Shack
74 Coburg St.

Now that the warm weather is here, you’ll want to wander by Bamm’s when you’re in the mood for a cold, sweet treat. They have a soft ice cream machine, and they’re not afraid to have fun with it. On a recent visit, we were offered a choice of cherry or lime, both flavours based on Kool-Aid crystals and available separately or in a colourful twist. I have to admit we were a little dubious, but we took a gamble on the cherry and ate it so quickly that we were forced to go back inside immediately for another cone. Check it out some hot day; you won’t be sorry.

In’s Kitchen
65 Templeton St.

If you are looking for fast, fresh, and tasty Korean food on a budget, then In¡¯s Kitchen is for you. The menu is streamlined but with enough variety that you will keep coming back to try each of the flavourful dishes. Pricing is straightforward with every meal costing the same amount, with a soft drink included. Keep in mind that the food choices and the price point change at lunchtime. My go-to dish is the mouth-watering Beef Bulgogi, which is served sizzling hot on a cast iron grill, with three complimentary sides. As well as the excellent food, the staff are friendly, and service is prompt. The food can be very spicy, so the chef will tailor any dish to your desired level of heat. Seating is simple, with playful Korean touches including a bookshelf with English and Korean language books and Korean pop shows playing on a TV in the corner. Located in Sandy Hill across from the Ottawa U gym, prepare to be delighted, surprised, and utterly satisfied. A visit to In’s Kitchen is an absolute must. Susan Green

Melaku Ethiopian Coffee
503 Rideau St.

There’s a new cafe at the east end of Rideau St. It’s not officially open yet, but if you’re passing by and are lucky enough to find the door open, step in to say hello to Mentwab, the friendly proprietor, and inhale the lovely aroma of her imported coffee beans. All your favourite caffeinated beverages are available, along with a few baked goods and some chocolate. Upstairs, a colourful seating area is taking shape where someday breakfast will be served. An iced coffee with milk and a shot of vanilla syrup hit the spot for me one morning recently, and I look forward to watching the cafe get up to speed over the summer.

 

Onua Bakery
151 Chapel St.

How long has the “Opening Soon” sign been in the window of the shiny new space on the ground floor of the apartment building at Chapel and Rideau? Months and months, but lately it’s starting to seem that there might actually be a bakery on Rideau St. again someday soon, as a glance in the window shows some pretty serious kitchen equipment and a counter in place and waiting to be unveiled. According to their website, Onua will be selling sourdough and white bread loaves, pound cake, beignets and African-style meat pies, seven days a week. Here’s hoping those final preparations won’t be taking too much longer!

Vittorio Pizza House
62 Stewart St.

As a long-time resident of Stewart St., it came as quite a surprise to me recently to learn that the manager of a bed and breakfast just down the street had recently placed 19th in the non-traditional pan division at a World Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Sadly for us (though happily for Vittorio), his pizza event space is fully booked for the foreseeable future, but I am looking forward to trying the winning deep-dish pie (a white pizza with spinach, Kalamata olives, ricotta and truffle oil), later this summer when reservations become available. Check out the Pizza House’s website if you’re curious, or if your appetite needs some stimulation! www.vittoriospizzahouseottawa.com