Essential Ottawa Magazine Where Ottawa Essential 2018 | Page 30

Food & drink
BEloW: The dishes at Play Food & Wine are perfect for sharing, and the atmosphere is sophisticated
yet comfortable, with bold artworks and a variety of seating arrangements
piano piano
erling’s Variety
Small Plates
these ottawa restaurants make small plates
their top priority By katie shapiro
belmontottawa.com
Erling’s Variety
A neighbourhood favourite at the
edge of the Glebe, Erling’s beckons
with good food and a warm ambi-
ence. Start noshing from the “graz-
ing” portion of the menu: seasonal
pickles, smelts, or irresistible house-
made fries. There’s an egalitarian
approach to the rest of the dinner
menu, with as many vegetarian
options as there are meat (from
30 where
EssEntial ottawa
the land and sea). Erling’s kitchen
is out in the open: pull up a chair
at the bar to be close to the action.
225 Strathcona Ave., 613-231-8484,
erlingsvariety.com
Play Food & Wine
Play pairs its menu of small plates
with a long wine list. There’s an
abundance of choices by the glass
(both three-ounce and five-ounce
pours are available) and by the bot-
tle for curious wine connoisseurs
and casual drinkers alike. Whether
popping in for a quick drink and
bite or relaxing for an evening of
wining and dining, there are plenty
of delicious pairings to play with.
1 York St., 613-667-9207,
playfood.ca
Sidedoor
Posh but not pretentious, Side-
door’s menu is inspired by South-
east Asian street food. Open for
lunch and dinner, it’s an ideal stop
in the ByWard Market. Take advan-
tage of the courtyard patio in the
summertime, or stay snug in the
sleek atrium and multi-level dining
area indoors. There’s everything
from tacos to tuna tataki to enjoy
— just be sure to save some room
for their doughnuts.
18b York St., 613-562-9331,
sidedoorrestaurant.com
Supply and Demand
This oyster bar and eatery is a
local favourite. Seafood lovers will
delight in the raw bar offerings,
and the house-made pastas are
always crowd-pleasers. The rest of
the menu of inventive small plates
doesn’t shy away from making
vegetables its star: local produce
features heavily, and the kale salad
(with a mountain of grated man-
chego) shouldn’t be overlooked.
1335 Wellington St. W., 613-680-
2949, supplyanddemandfoods.ca
Sutherland Restaurant, Bar,
and Coffeehouse
Located on the ground floor of a
condo building, Sutherland offers
casual fine dining in a bright,
airy space. The decor could be
described as industrial chic; dishes
are simultaneously refined and
comforting, drawing on chef
Warren Sutherland’s experience
with diverse Canadian cuisines
and his Jamaican background. Be
sure to check the ever-changing
back-page menu for specials.
224 Beechwood Ave., 613-741-7980
king);
Belmont
The Belmont’s quirky Canadiana
decor matches its eclectic menu.
Duck into the cozy spot to try their
compact but creative menu of small
plates, which ranges from carpaccio
to cauliflower, tuna tataki to toga-
rashi olives. Check the chalkboard
for featured wines, beers, and craft
cocktails like the warming Joe Ken-
tucky: a bourbon concoction with
coffee, ginger syrup, and Angostura
bitters. 1169 Bank St., 613-979-3663,