Growing by the minute
We have to be honest with you, when we think of foodie destinations, Ottawa isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But we were pleasantly surprised when returning to Ottawa from Europe last Fall, we found the restaurant scene is alive and well and growing by the minute. Restaurants operated by fresh, enthusiastic faces with great ideas and a sense of camaraderie for their fellow restaurant owners. Imagine that, restaurant owners promoting each other, such a civilized idea.
Union Local 613 business card promotes other restaurants
Stick a fork in me, I’m done
We met Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic at Murray Street Kitchen aka MSK. Chef Steve Mitton had some delightful surprises up his sleeve. One being Hearts and Bones, smoked beef heart served with mustard greens and roasted beef marrow. Delicious!
In addition, we tried the mini oyster po boy, confit of pork, and many other dishes, all well executed.
We were stuffed, but not enough to refuse the s’mores that were brought to the table, served in a little mason jar with a long parfait spoon.
Visit Murray Street Kitchen, menu changes daily.
How’s about some yardbird?
The following night we hit Union Local 613. We felt welcome and comfortable, from the moment we sat down and our server Annika’s excitement for the food she was serving us was infectious.
Union serves Southern-influenced cuisine, think fried chicken, here called buttermilk fried yardbird and served with a bottle of hot sauce. It’s crisp exterior and tender and juicy flesh was everything we expected and more.
The moist cornbread served in little cast iron pans with bourbon brown butter is a perfect accompaniment to any of their dishes.
The food here is homey and simple and if you’ve followed our blog for any length of time you know that with us, simple reigns supreme.
And then there was Liz, the bar wizard, tell her what flavours you like and she’ll create your perfect drink and she did, over and over again.
Try Union Local 613, drink menu changes often.
Liz behind the bar, oh look A Cook Not Mad sticker, cool
Disclosure: We were guests of Ottawa Tourism. They did not ask us for a favourable review of these two restaurants or that we eat and drink like kings. As always, the opinions are our own.
Good friends, good tasties. Go National Capital! Go Outaouais! 🙂
You got that right, thanks Henry!
Sounds so good! Both of those restaurants are on my Ottawa restaurant bucket list! Love your photos and bon appetit!
Thank Anita, I think you will enjoy both places when you get there.
You had me at “moist corn bread with bourbon brown butter.” OH my! That does sound delicious! I think you can find culinary treasures in any city… you just have to look a little harder in some spots!
We agree, there’s always something tasty to be found no matter where you travel.
I have told so many other chefs how the Ottawa food scene is changing and they are working together to promote their restaurants. I was really impressed and looking forward to going back.
Next time we explore Hintonburg!