Foodnotes

Did you make any happy gastronomic discoveries in Sandy Hill over the summer? Is there something you’re really looking forward to trying out, now that you’re home from the cottage? Please share your favourite Sandy Hill food experiences with:

editor@imagesandyhill.org

Paula Kelsall

 

AC Lounge, 201 Rideau St.

The restaurant in the new Marriott Hotel west of the Metro doesn’t call attention to itself in any way, although diners near the windows are sitting just feet from passersby on Rideau. We checked it out for breakfast one steamy July morning when we needed an air-conditioned interlude. The friendly young waitress was an IMAGE reader, and the scrambled eggs on grilled sourdough with prosciutto, arugula and manchego cheese were very enjoyable.

 

Dinette Atomique, 321 Somerset St. E.

After a tantalizing wait, it was thrilling to see the new restaurant at the corner of Somerset and Blackburn finally open in late August. Our first forays were most promising; we loved the bento bowl with five-spice roasted pork and an array of corn, lightly pickled onion and other tasty tidbits on rice, as well as the spring rolls (crisp and full of pork, with a succulent sweet chili sauce) and the messy but delicious vegetarian version of the banh mi muffaletta sandwich. Fried chicken had a crisp and flavourful coating and came with an excellent biscuit. There was also a large and beautiful pile of slaw, which we found a bit dry and bland. Perhaps the fish sauce vinaigrette that’s mentioned on the menu didn’t make it onto this serving. Breads and desserts are baked in house and have been universally delicious; check out the rhubarb and strawberry coffee cake if you get a chance.

 

 

 

Jackson Cafe, 10 Daly Ave.

The Germain Hotel next door to the Ottawa Art Gallery has taken over the management of the gallery’s cafe, and it was delightful to discover that Jackson is once again offering food on at least some evenings (Wednesday to Sunday, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.). With a small plates format and an interesting cocktail list, this is a good place for an after-work rendezvous or a full-fledged supper. On a summer evening it’s fun to sit in the courtyard on Daly St. and watch the sky turn indigo with a plate of patatas bravas, a cheese or charcuterie platter, or a salad with some unexpected garnishes and dressing. As for dessert, the donut of the day is a generous portion of two fresh fritters with something sweet and sticky—we’ve enjoyed the caramel-pecan glaze—and the blueberry galette has tender pastry and a filling bursting with flavour.

 

 

 

Mumbai Masala Grill, 319 Rideau St.

So many restaurants have come and gone from the Days Inn at Rideau and King Edward! The hotel’s guests must appreciate having breakfast available just downstairs, but it seems to be tough for restauranteurs to make an impression on the neighbourhood. Maybe Mumbai Masala Grill, which already has an established branch on Albert St., will have the lucky formula. Certainly other Indian restaurants are thriving in the area, and there is no place that’s handier for a meal with friends before or after a movie at the Bytowne. The new owners have taken some trouble with the decor, now a warm and cheerful array of teal blue and salmon pink, and service is kind and quick. We have enjoyed the tender garlic naan, the paneer lababdar and the eggplant bharta, and are looking forward to checking out their breakfast offerings, which include both western and Indian options.

 

 

 

 

Onua Bakery & Cafe, 165 Chapel St.

Let it be said that Onua Bakery makes one of the most delicious BLTs you could hope to find anywhere. With plenty of meaty, well-cooked bacon, a spicy and garlicky sauce, and juicy tomato slices on a fresh and chewy ciabatta bun, these sandwiches have had us murmuring with pleasure on more than one occasion this summer. The chicken sandwiches are darn good too, with lots of solid breast meat, tomato, avocado, lettuce and cheese, making for a well-rounded meal on a focaccia square that’s big enough for two. If you are lucky enough to be at Onua on a day when the bread pudding is available, you shouldn’t miss it. This moist slice of eggy goodness is studded with raisins, pumpkin seeds and the odd chunk of chocolate, probably from leftover chocolate croissants. Topped with a swirl of pink whipped cream and a couple of jaunty strawberry slices, it’s happiness on a plate.