Ottawa Food

We had some amazing meals in Ottawa which was actually quite surprising since all of my memories of Ottawa (I lived there for 6+ years) do not include food. As mentioned previously, the breakfast at the Mayflower is a tradition since this restaurant has been around since the 70's. Here's a short review, in case you're interested: Mayflower

We had done some research on restaurants before heading to Ottawa and I knew all about the touristy-type places in the Byward Market. I also remember a number of "Mexican" (I put that in quotes because you and I both know my definition of Mexican food has changed somewhat in the last few years) and Tex-Mex places where I might have tasted my first margarita but I wondered whether there was any real Mexican food to be found. I read about the Azteca online and learned it was owned by a Mexican family so I thought that bode well for authentic Mexican food. We were amazed and charmed by this little restaurant.

We arrived for a typical Mexican lunch, at around 2:30PM. The place was not busy but the only table in the window overlooking the busy marketplace was already taken so, when invited to look around by the non-Mexican waitress, we headed upstairs and found a delightful room with a fresh breeze blowing in the second storey through an open window. We grabbed a table in the corner and looked at the menu. Rob was still feeling a little overheated so we ordered tap water and micheladas con Corona. It was nice to see this refreshing libation offered (a Michelada is actually beer, served over ice with lime and hot sauce or salsa) and I thought it was a great start to our lunch!

Despite it being a hot, sunny day, we both decided we wanted soup so I ordered us some Azteca soup. I love tortilla soup when in Mexico and have tried many different varieties there but this soup was sensational! It came steaming to the table in two large bowls containing tortilla chips, chicken, cheese, avocado, and sour cream in a tomato broth and the cost was only $5! We decided to stick with small dishes to share so we could sample more of this delicious food and finally settled on ensalada de nopales (cactus salad), shrimp sopes and mushrooms stuffed with guacamole and coated in melted cheese. Everything was beautifully presented and extremely tasty. This was the real deal! I took some photos of the food and the restaurant (see previous blog). For more information on this great little restaurant, check out their website at Calendario Azteca.

After lunch, we took a much needed walk around the market to help digest lunch and then headed back to the hotel for a much needed siesta. :) Our choices for dinner were numerous but I knew I wanted to stay away from the overly-trendy Byward Market because the Ottawa Senators had just won the Eastern Division final late that afternoon and hockey fans were everywhere (and quite obnoxious too!). I had read about the Metropolitan Brasserie and realized it was kitty corner to our hotel. I figured it was just high-scale enough to thwart most hockey fans and I was right. The patio was coolish and dark so we opted to eat inside. The restaurant is styled after a Parisian brasserie and we were quite impressed with (1) the drinks menu, (2) the wine list and (3) the food menu!

Rob ordered draft beer and I tried a tequila champagne cocktail: ice cold tequila (Sauza Gold, I think) served in a champagne flute with some bubbly and a salted rim. It was an interesting drink but not one I would order again. I settled on a glass of merlot with my steak and frites and Rob ordered the pork tenderloin. The food and service were great. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant was boisterous and there is a separate bar from the eating area which seemed pretty lively when we left around 11PM after our late dinner. I would recommend it but only if you're not on a budget: Metropolitain Brasserie

And here are Rob's photos from our trip.