Hang 10 - TacoLot (Review)

On a random Tuesday night, my friends and I embarked on a mission to taste the 'best' tacos in Ottawa. We had heard good things about TacoLot and so we decided to give it a try. We drove out to the location at 999 Wellington Street West, but we were sadly disappointed to find that the restaurant was already closed.

We didn't give up on our mission though, and we went straight to our iPhones to find an alternative solution. We came across an article indicating that TacoLot had set up a sister shop at the corner of Bronson and Gladstone....and so we piled back in the car and off we went! 

When we arrived at the sister shop, we had been expecting to see some type of 'TacoLot' sign or logo, but instead, we only saw a large graffiti-style sign, with the words 'Hang 10.' 

We apprehensively entered the restaurant, but we were immediately surrounded by the aroma of fresh tacos! Clearly we had made it to the right spot! 

After perusing the menu, we each decided to go all out and order the taco platter for $12. It consisted of three tacos, salad, rice and slow-cooked beans. We also had the option to choose five different taco fillings, either slow-cooked pork, chicken, spicy beef, shrimp, or vegetarian (which consisted of sweet potato, squash, brown rice, and beans). 

I decided to go with the slow-cooked pork, chicken and spicy beef. My friends all got similar combinations, while no one ventured to try the vegetarian. We also went for an order of homemade tortilla chips, which came with a side of guacamole, pico de galo and mango, blackbean salsa for $5.

As a big fan of tacos, I can confidently say that these tacos were done right! The tacos were made on authentic soft corn tortillas, which were slightly toasted, creating a nice combination of soft and hard. All of the ingredients were fresh and tasty, and topped with a touch of cilantro. 

My favourite taco had to be the slow-cooked pork, which was juicy and flavourful, while my friends all had a different favourite...some favoured the spicy beef, and others the unique taste of freshly grilled shrimp. The homemade tortilla chips were also a big hit, however, we would have preferred a bigger serving of guacamole (you can never have too much guac!)

Overall, we had a great experience, and we would definitely recommend this restaurant for other taco lovers. TacoLot or Hang 10 is a great alternative to your local fast food joint or chip stand.

Verdict: Simple, delicious, freshly prepared tacos

Cost: 1 taco $5, 1 burrito $8, taco platter $12

Hours: Daily noon - 8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m.)

Hang 10, 707 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa ON

Mellos Supper Club (Review)

If you're looking for great food and great service, then Mellos Restaurant is the place to go! My friends and I recently tried it out, as Lola was lucky enough to win a $50 gift certificate at a local charity event.

Well Mellos may be known for its greasy, yet delicious breakfast, it has recently introduced a Supper Club, which features delectable meals created by executive chef Michael Frank! 

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were instantly greeted and seated in a retro-style booth. The soft lighting and casual fixings were very inviting and comfortable...not like the usual stuffy overpriced gourmet restaurants. 

The service was also phenomenal. Even with only a few servers, we were made to feel like the most important clients in the restaurant. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful, and made sure that we had the best dinner experience possible.

We started off the meal with a glass of red wine, which paired nicely with the starter cheese plate. It consisted of various fresh cheeses, pate, dried sausage, pickled onions and an array of crackers ($16). The chef also took the time to come to our table to explain each item on the plate. 

The immediacy of the service was one of the truly unusual qualities of the Supper Club. The chef was practically cooking at our table. Well, not really. But the smallness of the dining area, and the closeness of the kitchen made for food that seemed to be direct from his hand to our table. 

For our main course, it was very difficult to choose, as everything on the menu looked fabulous! I couldn't decide between the sustainable fish dinner and the Pad Thai. In the end, I went with our server's suggestion and ordered the fish, which was seared scallops served with risotto ($18). The scallops were cooked to perfection and practically melted in my mouth. The combination of flavours was also very light and pleasing.

Lola on the other hand went with the Buffalo chicken served with root vegetables, celery and blue cheese ranch ($16). The chicken was coated in a hot sauce, which a tad too spicy for my tastes, however, Lola was a fan! 

Our other dinner mate ordered the beef short rib served with carrot bacon butter, scalloped potatoes and hunter sauce ($25). The beef was extremely tender and the bacon bits, which were drizzled all over the meal, was a delicious indulgence. 

Overall, it was a fabulous dining experience. Each dish was prepared with flare and imagination, using only the freshest of ingredients. The tasty food, along with the personal and friendly service and retro atmosphere, made our night one to remember. We definitely recommend this restaurant to other food lovers! Try it...you will be delightfully surprised!

Verdict: Diner with class; friendly atmosphere and delicious food

Cost: Entrees vary from $10-25

Hours: Mellos Supper Club: Open Thursday to Monday: Happy Hour 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., main menu served from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., late-night menu until 2 a.m.

Mellos Restaurant, 290 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa ON

Murray Street Kitchen / Wine / Charcuterie (Review)

Every once in a while we overindulge in divinely rich and sinful delicacies that can only be justified by a morning run and green tea. Murray Street Kitchen is one of those experiences that still has me craving abundant amounts of cheese and meat disguised as gourmet fare. 

Murray Street is a great place to go on a date or with a group of friends wanting to sample small plates and enjoy great company. The dinner menu features small sharing plates, large plates and an extensive charcuterie section with a selection of meats and cheeses to sample with your favourite wine or cocktail. They also serve lunch and brunch on weekends, which I have yet to try! 

Luckily, my last experience at Murray Street was with a group of friends with hearty appetites, so we were able to have a taste of all the delicious items! The following four small plates are my ultimate favourite!

The Duck Wings are marinated in a homemade espresso BBQ sauce and served with sour cream. They are tender, fall-off the bone and totally delicious. I feel like the Pogos and Poutine don't even need an explanation. They are the adult version of our childhood chip stand favourites!!! The raclette was something totally different, served with decadent melted cheese, potatoes and salami. 

If you're really, really hungry and want to entertain a large group of your best friends, think about ordering the whole smoked, roasted and garnished pig's head....for only 80$. 

Clockwise from top left: Confit Mariposa Duck Wings; Candy Apple Pogo;
Raclette;  Shredded Duck Leg Confit Poutine

Obviously we haven't tasted everything on the extensive menu, but I trust their chefs to produce mouth watering, often pork-inspired dishes to please your hungry palette.

Verdict: Great flavour, great cocktails, and equally great service! Indulge in some cocktails and an appetizer during the summer on their back garden patio!

Cost: small plates range from $11-$18, large plates from $20-30

Murray Street, 110 Murray Street, in the Market, Ottawa, ON. 
http://murraystreet.ca/

Divine Chocolate Mousse (Recipe)

Chocolate mousse is probably my favourite dessert. It's light, fluffy yet totally decadent. I request this dessert at every family holiday as my aunt has definitely mastered this delicacy. This past Thanksgiving dinner she was gracious enough to share the recipe with me and I was lucky enough to make a successful batch even with my average baking skills. 

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
- 4 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup of icing sugar
- 1 cup of whipping cream

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler on medium heat. Make sure the chips don't melt too quickly or they will burn or become clumpy. Remove from heat and add egg yolks and vanilla into the pot and beat well. Transfer to a large bowl.

2. Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This will take about 5 minutes. Gradually add icing sugar while beating.

3. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of whipping cream until stiff.

4. Gently fold the egg white mix into the chocolate mix. Gently fold in the whipping cream.

5. The secret is not to over mix when you are folding the egg white and whipped cream mixtures into the chocolate.

6. Let chill overnight and you have a delicious dessert to serve on its own or with fruit or cake.

Yields: Approximately 6 small servings.

Verdict: Simple recipe, little preparation time. Rich chocolate taste. Highly recommended.

Prep time: Make sure the egg whites and yolks are at room temperature. Separate them in two bowls and let stand for about 1-2 hours. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes.

Rating: 9/10

Apples, Apples, Apples (Recipes)

Apple picking season is slowly coming to a close, but I made sure to take advantage of it before it was over! This past Monday, I headed to the local apple orchard in Orleans. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the apples were calling my name! 

With my apple picking stick in hand, I ventured  throughout the orchard picking apples high and low. Once I had chosen my prize-winning apples, I made my way to the front of the orchard and was greeted with a glass of homemade apple cider. The cider was amazing and it definitely hit the spot! After paying for my bounty, I headed home to begin my apple adventures!

Once I arrived home, I opened my bag of apples and thought about what to make. Since I love all things apple, it was hard to decide on one thing, so I choose five! I decided to make a traditional apple pie, apple crisp, mulled apple cider, soft apple hermit cookies and apple sauce! Also, that night for dinner, I made a special maple-rosemary apple sauce to go with the leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

To begin, I started with the apple pie. I decided to make a traditional, no-frills, pie to allow all of the flavour of the apples to really shine through! I also made the pie crust from scratch, instead of buying a pre-made crust, because let's be honest, it is so much better! But luckily, I have a very handy-dandy apple peeler/corer/slicer, and so the extra time I spent on the crust, I was able to save while prepping the apples. 

Rolling out the pie crust

Assembling the pie

In the end, the pie turned out great....the apples were rich and moist, and the crust was soft and flaky. I used a recipe from the Canadian Living website, entitled 'Grandma Thompson's Prize-Winning Apple Pie.' When I saw 'prize-winning', I knew it had to be good! You can find the recipe at the following link: http://www.canadianliving.com/food/grandma_thompsons_prize_winning_apple_pie.php. 

Next up was the apple crisp. You can never go wrong with apple crisp. Also, it is extremely easy to make and takes very little time. Since my apples were already prepped, all I needed to do was mix the apples with some cinnamon and sugar, and then combine the ingredients for the topping. I also threw in oats and walnuts in the topping, which I think gives it that extra kick! For the exact recipe, you can find it here: http://www.cookingnook.com/apple-crisp-recipe.html. 

While the apple crisp was baking in the oven, I went to work on the mulled apple cider. Again this is very easy recipe to make and requires very little effort. You basically just heat up apple cider in a saucepan and mix in a variety of spices and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. The process may be simple, but the end result is divine. There is nothing better than a cup of hot apple cider! To recreate this heavenly drink, click here: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/hot_mulled_cider/.

After this, I went to work on the Soft Apple Hermit Cookies. These are fairly healthy as far as cookies go, since they call for Splenda instead of sugar. They are also filled with lots of other good stuff, such as raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, molasses, and apples of course! After they are baked, the cookies smell amazing and they taste just as good! The soft texture and spicy flavours are a real treat for the mouth! This recipe can be found on the Splenda website: https://www.splenda.ca/recipes/soft-apple-hermits-cookies.

Finally, the last recipe that I made was good old-fashioned apple sauce. In a saucepan, I combined 4 apples (peeled, cored, chopped), 1/4 cup of sugar, 3/4 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. I covered the pan, and cooked over medium heat for 20 minutes. After I allowed the apples to cool, I mashed them with a fork, stirred the mixture, and voila, I had apple sauce! If you've never made your own apple sauce before, I definitely recommend that you try it. It's simple, fast and easy, and homemade apple sauce is ten times better than store-bought brands!

Now my apple-inspired day was almost over, but I decided to whip up one last apple creation for dinner. Since Thanksgiving dinner was the night before, I had lots of leftover turkey. So instead of eating it with the traditional gravy, I chose to make a maple-rosemary apple glaze. After chopping 2 peeled and cored apples, I heated them up in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the apples were soft, I added in 2 tbsp of maple syrup, 1 tbsp of fresh chopped rosemary and 1/4 tsp of allspice. I cooked this on low heat for 10 minutes, and then served it over my turkey. It was great addition to the meal and paired quite nicely with the turkey. 

I also used the same maple-rosemary garnish for my sweet potatoes, which turned out superbly!

And that brings us to the end of my apple day! As you can tell, I love apples and everything that you can make with them. I hope that I have inspired you to create a new apple-infused dessert or meal!

Memories Restaurant and Bakery (Review)

We're always looking for casual outdoor dining spots in Ottawa during the summer and early fall months. We have such a beautiful Byward Market and we try to take advantage of its beauty and charm as much as possible. Memories Restaurant and Bakery, located on the corner of Clarence and Sussex in the Market, is a really great place to get hearty and home cooked-style meals at a reasonable price. They also serve delicious home-made desserts and a variety of specialty coffee and tea beverages.

I have lunched at Memories a few times now and have experienced fabulous and unique meals with their daily soups and quiches, as well as sandwiches and salads. The only possible negative comment I could make, and others may also agree, is that the service is sometimes slow, but don't mistake that with being unfriendly. I wouldn't recommend Memories for a rushed meal as you may become frustrated with their relaxed demeanor, but I have never been disappointed with their friendly and helpful attitudes. 

The last time we decided to stop in for lunch happened to be on an unexpected warm day in late September and we were lucky enough to sit on the patio; probably for the last time of the season. The broccoli and cheese quiche of the day was very appealing to me and it came with a delicious side salad with raspberry balsamic dressing. The vegetarian chili was equally delicious and came accompanied with fresh warm bread and a side salad. 

Vegetarian Chili

Quiche of the Day - Broccoli and Cheese

Their meals are rather simple with a homemade touch, but with their unique flare and daily specials, I find myself recommending Memories to a lot of locals and tourists alike. It's great for weekend brunches and lunches and long workday lunch breaks.

Memories is most appealing when the outdoor patio is in full swing, but the indoor cafe also has a cute charm and fares well during the winter months with a hot beverage and hearty soup.

Verdict: Great outdoor patio, simple yet unique meals, sometimes slow but friendly service. 8/10. Recommended.

Cost: Entrées vary between $10-$15.

Memories Restaurant, 7 Clarence Street in the Byward Market, Ottawa. 613-241-1882.

Cinnamon Spiced Mini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Ginger (Recipe)

Another party, another dessert! For Lola's birthday celebration, I made Cinnamon Spiced Mini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing and Candied Ginger. I wanted to choose a recipe with bold flavours and unexpected pairings. I choose to make mini cupcakes, as let's be honest...everything is always better when it's mini...plus, you can eat more and not feel as guilty. Mini cupcakes are also a great idea for parties, as most guests do not want to eat a massive cupcake and much prefer a small, enjoyable treat.

In the end, the cupcakes turned out well! The combinaton of rich spices was definitely a palette pleaser, however, they were not quite as moist as I would have wanted. Also, as you can see from the picture below, I had some trouble with the frosting. For some reason, my frosting would not thicken, and as a result, it was quite runny and somewhat difficult to ice the cupcakes. Regardless of the icing troubles, they were still very yummy and the candied ginger was a perfect addition to the spiced cake.

Ingredients:

Spice Cake

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp molasses
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Garnish

• 1 cup candied ginger, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. With the mixer running, add one egg at a time, followed by the molasses and buttermilk and mix until just combined.
5. Whisk the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir until no lumps remain.
6. Line a mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners and fill each liner 2/3 way up with batter.
7. Bake the cupcakes for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when removed from the centre.
8. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
9. For the frosting: Using a hand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and butter. Add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time until fully incorporated. Scraped down the sides of the bowl and stir in the vanilla.
10. To assemble: Spread a layer of frosting onto each cupcake. Pour the candied ginger into a shallow baking dish and dip each frosted cupcake, shaking off any access. Serve.

Yields: 36 cupcakes

Verdict: Deliciously flavoured spice cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Baking Time: 20-25 minutes

Rating: 7/10