Saturday, 6 August 2011

town.

Tuesday night at 8:15pm in Ottawa, and the last thing I expected was to be walking into a packed restaurant. Town was just about full, but somehow miraculously we managed to nab two seats left at the chef's bar (we had a nice view into the kitchen and of the busy chefs as the dishes were being prepared).
  • Relish: The options included about 10 smaller dishes, 4 larger dishes (two of which were available in a small size) and a cheese plate. We shared the Mint Cavatelli (a rolled pasta with super tender lamb, mint, pistachios and ricotta - it smelled incredible and was great comfort food, although missing a tad bit of 'oomph'), the Ling cod (absolutely fantastic, a crispy crust with a bit of tangy sweetness, mini asparagus, sweet peas and a couscous - the winner of the dishes by a long shot), and the Tuna Crudo (not the greatest, the chives and prosciutto and oil overpowered the delicate taste of the tuna and somehow gave it an odd aftertaste). We also shared a cheese-plate, 4 quebec cheese and an italian taleggio, accompanied by honey, stewed apricots and crisps. Overall good, but not in the same league as whalesbone or Murray Street. I would order differently if I were to go back - the meatballs and prosciutto salad would be on my list.
  • Quaff: I had a scrumptious Mission Hill (BC Okanagan) pinot noir - 'five vineyards'. Stewed cherries and chinese five spice on the nose, with grippier than expected tannins and a nice balance, it was delicious, although served a tad bit too chilled for my taste (but that is always rectified with some requisite nursing). My dining partner tried two different draught ales - Beau's, that he described as 'india pale ale, not as bitter, light after taste' and a 'good flavour', and  the McAuslan, a st. Ambroise apricot wheat ale.
  • Feel: Dark walls, a natural wood bar and tables, a chalkboard wall displaying the menu and a wall of wines behind the bar gave this cosy-chic feel, very 'ottawa-esque'...based on the similarities with Whalesbone and Murray Street. It made me feel like I found my neighbourhood haunt, and was a perfect spot for a great conversation
Photos: town. facebook page

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