Presdelicious Menu 2018

Prix-Fixe RestoFest July 20 - Aug 2, 2018

Eat. Meet.

Toast.

3 set menus to choose from

at participating restaurants in Little Italy

Cheers! You choose the set menu $28, $38 or $48

Prix-Fixe Restofest

July 20 - Aug 2, 2018

Inside! Foodie-favourite Little Italy, choose from Preston Street’s eclectic

collection of cuisines, talented chefs and exciting menus. Enjoy three-course table d’hote dinner menus priced at $28, $38 or $48 for a limited time.

(Based on seasonal availability of items, menus are subject to change without notice.)

It is exciting to operate a business like ours in a neighbourhood that is diverse and welcoming. — Eric Diotte

INSIDE SCOOP Those with dietary restrictions will be right at home at DiVino! From vegan bread to numerous gluten-free options including pasta, there are options for almost everyone.

CONTEMPORARY, FUSION, ITALIAN, MEDITERRANEAN

Modern Italian cuisine served up in a cozy, contemporary environment Founded ten years ago, DiVino Wine Studio has been under the capable stewardship of husband and wife team Eric Diotte and Betty O’Rourke for the past five years. The charming space continues to garner praise as one of the most dynamic elements of the busy Preston Street food and drink scene. Eric, a trained sommelier, says DiVino offers him the perfect opportunity to share his passion for good food and wine in a neighbourhood that is brimming with energy.

225 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-221-9750 www.divinowinestudio.com

Appetizer Scamorza

smoked Italian cheese baked with prosciutto and topped with fresh basil and aged balsamic

Polenta fritte

seasoned polenta cheese mixture made into hand cut fries served with verdeand tomato crème

Gnocchi

handmade potato dumplings in a creamy gorgonzola fondue topped with radicchio

Main Course Pesce

fresh fish of the day served with asparagus, sprouted lentils and caper butter

Porchetta

rolled seasoned roasted pork loin served with shallot mostarda, radish and roasted brussel sprouts

Fettuccine

fresh beet pasta lightly smoked tossed a white wine cream sauce with candied lemon peel and fresh parsley

Dessert Cioccolato

dark chocolate ganache served with homemade flavored gelato

Panna cotta

creamy flavored custard with summer fruit

48

$

“It is exciting to operate a business like ours in a neighbourhood that is diverse and welcoming,” says Eric. “I feel like in the past few years, Preston Street has become a destination neighbourhood in Ottawa.

In the summertime, in particular, it’s always gratifying to have the sidewalks full of people, many of whom walk through our doors for the first time and fall in love with our food and atmosphere. Presdelicious definitely brought a lot of new customers into the studio last year, which is why we are enthusiastic about participating again.”

With well-known Ottawa Chef Ryan Feltmate now in charge in the kitchen, DiVino continues to offer a menu based on the best of Modern Italian cuisine. “We take pride in distinguishing ourselves from what you can find elsewhere in Little Italy and especially from the North American style Italian cuisine that people may be familiar with,” says Eric. “Ryan and the rest of our culinary team excel at preparing everything from scratch which helps us create an authentic dining experience like you would find in Italy.”

Favourites at DiVino include sharing plates, salads, house-made fresh pastas with flavourful sauces, a variety of meat dishes, decadent desserts and cheese plates. For Presdelicious, Eric says their special table d’hote selections will be based on their most popular offerings plus some fresh culinary inspiration. “We are eager to play with local produce and local suppliers to create an innovative, Italian-inspired summer menu which will definitely feature our fresh, house-made pasta as the star of the show. Having just revamped our menus we have lots of new ideas to play with for Presdelicious.”

Eric notes that all dishes are prepared using a blend of the freshest locally-sourced ingredients as well as premium, imported Italian Ingredients. Whether you find yourself relaxing in the private tasting room or soaking up the atmosphere of the bright, spacious enoteca with its open-concept kitchen, you’re sure to have an unforgettable, multisensory experience at DiVino.

Eat. Meet. Toast.

We specialize in preparing and serving the kinds of dishes that my family typically enjoys when we are in Greece. — Elias Theodossiou

INSIDE SCOOP Make sure you save room to enjoy one of the incredible desserts at EVOO, perhaps accompanied by one of their specialty coffees.

AMERICAN, GREEK, SEAFOOD, TAPAS

Authentic Greek cuisine served up in a festive, friendly environment

438 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-695-3860 www.evoogreekkitchen.ca

The neighbourhood may be known as Little Italy, but it’s actually an area that offers a delicious diversity in its food scene, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. When Elias Theodossiou and his team opened EVOO Greek Kitchen nearly five years ago, their flavourful food and festive atmosphere quickly earned a loyal following.

Appetizer Halloumi cheese Sundried tomatoes, olive tapenade Keftedes (2) Meatballs, kefalotiri cheese, mint, lemon yogurt

Zucchini pitaroudia (2) Pan seared cakes, feta, dill, herbs, tzatziki

Main Course Chicken paidakia Spasti kotapatates lemonates, grilled veggies

Moussaka Eggplant, potatoes, ground beef, béchamel sauce, greek salad

Grilled jumbo shrimp (3) Evoo rice, mixed greens

Dessert Baklava Ekmek Galaktobouriko

38

$

Participating in the inaugural edition of Presdelicious brought a lot of new guests to EVOO’s tables last summer, says Elias. “We thought the event was a great idea and were so pleased with the response we got. I’m certain that Presdelicious will just get bigger and better every year.”

EVOO’s menu was crafted with the help of Elias’ mother, who still occasionally lends a hand in the kitchen. The original, rustic recipes are appetizing and satisfying, with many featuring the comforting elements of garlic, lemon, fresh herbs and, of course, touches of the extra-virgin olive oil for which the casual fine dining restaurant is named.

A sure sign of his restaurant’s skillful approach to Greek food is its popularity among the Greek community. “We specialize in preparing and serving the kinds of dishes that my family typically enjoys when we are in Greece,” says Elias. “With an emphasis on meze or small plates, as well as sharing platters or family-style dining, our menu is truly evocative of authentic Greek food. Those who join us during Presdelicious will get to taste a special menu that is reflective of the passion we put into everything we prepare and serve.”

Elias says it is energizing to be a part of the Preston Street scene today. “There are great new spots opening up all the time and helping to draw fresh attention to the area. That was a big incentive for locating our sister restaurant, Mati, in this area last year. It’s a great community where everyone cares about each other and it is the kind of place where it is easy to meet new people and forge new friendships.”

“We owe our continued success at EVOO to the consistency of our food, not to mention the warmth and professionalism of our service.

Presdelicious will once again offer the ideal opportunity for people to enjoy meals that may expose them to new flavours or ingredients while also offering great value. We are excited to have you join us and discover the fresh, flavourful dishes that make Greek cuisine so popular.”

Eat. Meet. Toast.

I am a passionate supporter of locallysourced ingredients. — Patrick Bertram

INSIDE SCOOP To complement its new wine list, Il Primo was one of the first restaurants to embrace the BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) concept; guests enjoy a modest $15 corkage fee.

ITALIAN CUISINE

An inventive kitchen presents the tastes of Northern Italy 371 Corso Italia Book your reservation now 613.234.6858 ilprimo.ca

For over two decades, Il Primo has been one of Preston Street’s most popular Italian restaurants. Owner Craig Pedersen operated a successful trattoria in an Italian alpine village before the Ottawa restaurant scene beckoned. His ongoing love affair with northern Italian cuisine is clearly evident in Il Primo’s appealing menu which offers something for diners of all ages, tastes and dietary preferences.

Appetizer

Chef Patrick Bartram’s skill at preparing a range of interesting, accessible Italian food at Il Primo is a natural offshoot of his love for cooking with the seasons. “I am a passionate supporter of locally-sourced ingredients and take great pride in maintaining a positive kitchen environment which allows younger cooks to learn from those in the brigade with more experience,” he explains.

Primo caprese

tomato, fresh mozzarella, balsamic, virgin olive oilfresh basil on arugula

Clamari or scampi (shrimp) pan seared with fresh garlic or marinated & grilled

Mussels

served hot on the half shell with sauce of the day

Main Course Gnocchi quattro formaggio

four-cheese sauce, grilled tomato with shrimp

Ravioli ai funghi

stuffed with roasted mushrooms, topped with grilled portobello, zgrilled zucchini, mushroom garlic cream sauce

Chicken Parmigiana

with a side of liguini pomodoro

Dessert Choice from dolce menu including: tiramisu, gelato, and cheesecake

28

$

Northern Italian fare tends to emphasize rich, satisfying dishes heavier in meat, cream and cheese than found elsewhere in Italy, giving the kitchen loads of great ingredients to work with. Patrick notes that Craig has a particular fondness for fontina, a cheese popular in the Italian Alps, so he imports it especially for the restaurant. Risottos, pastas and seafood dishes are among the specialities of the house. Il Primo was also one of the first restaurants in Ottawa to offer gluten-free selections including pasta, prepared under strict protocols so even those with Celiac disease to safely enjoy a meal there. The menu at Il Primo is constantly being enhanced and refined and among the newer offerings are delectable thin crust pizzas with unique toppings.

This year, Patrick will be presenting a menu that emphasizes his fondness for seafood, with vegetarian options available as well. Rather than including just a few desserts on the special table d’hôte menu, this year guests will have the opportunity to choose from the restaurant’s entire – and entirely delightful – dolce (sweets) menu, all prepared in-house at their sister restaurant, Union Street Kitchen Café.

Patrick is enthusiastic about the current restaurant scene in Little Italy, which he describes as lively and friendly, with great camaraderie among the staff of all the restaurants. “Presdelicious draws us together as a community and makes the area feel particularly festive. Last year we really enjoyed the opportunity to showcase multiple dishes at once to guests and our menu was very well received.”

Always a favoured summertime destination thanks to its patio, Il Primo offers terrific food, great value and exceptional service. Those visiting Il Primo for the first time during Presdelicious are sure to be impressed, while regular guests will also find tasty surprises in store for them as well.

Eat. Meet. Toast.

My goal is always to make sure the main ingredients are not outshone by other components in a dish. — Ilya Dyagilev

INSIDE SCOOP Hungry for more at La Roma?

Check out their new weekday lunchtime take out window called Mangia e Scappa (@MangiaScappa), offering amazing warm sandwiches and pasta, cannoli and more, all under $10 and ready within 10 minutes!

ITALIAN CUISINE

Something for everyone including new creations and true Italian classics

430 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-234-8244 www.laromaottawa.com

Appetizer

As one of Ottawa’s most successful Italian restaurants, La Roma has been delighting diners since 1962. The Papalia family has worked tirelessly for the past three decades as La Roma’s owners to preserve and promote the proud history of their popular eatery. La Roma is pleased to participate in Presdelicious once again this year, crediting last year’s event with affording them the opportunity to see a lot of new faces that had not been to their restaurant before.

Fazzoletti pasta

stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach in a tomato béchamel sauce, baked with parmigiano and mozzarella cheeses

Arugula salad

with spiced shrimp, pecorino and pomegranate vinaigrette

Chef Ilya Dyagilev has been in the kitchen at La Roma for more than a decade and his flavourful approach in the kitchen will undoubtedly help the restaurant shine during Presdelicious when he will be showcasing dishes composed of simple ingredients, reimagined and reinvented. A fan of cooking with the seasons, Ilya always uses top-quality produce, meat, fish and seasonings, confident that they will always provide the very best results and most delicious meals. “I was born and raised in the south of Russia so the Black Sea influenced what I ate growing up and today I particularly enjoy working with seafood,” notes Ilya. “My goal is always to make sure the main ingredients are not outshone by other components in a dish.”

Duck prosciutto

Main Course Salmone al cartoccio

New Brunswick salmon baked with orange, honeyed rainbow carrots and red quinoa

Pollo al balsamico

sous-vides chicken breast, cremini mushrooms, balsamic demi-glaze over roasted orzo in aglio e olio over greens

Uccelletti

veal stuffed with white Gulf shrimp, capicollo, fontina, mozzarella and parmigiano cheeses baked in a brandy demi-glaze sauce served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes

Dessert Sark chocolate torte Sicilian-style cannoli Affogato al caffe

38

$

Ilya’s fondness for Northern Italian cuisine is readily apparent on La Roma’s diverse menu which changes seasonally. “I like to ensure that there’s something for everyone, both new creations and true Italian classics. Our special Presdelicious table d’hôte menu will cover the whole spectrum.

We saw last year how popular it was – this is a dining event that offers the perfect opportunity to visit a few different places and enjoy some great food at an amazing price.”

Ilya says he is heartened by the fact that Ottawa’s restaurant scene is now vibrant enough to encourage chefs to experiment and continue to improve.

“On Preston Street, we are very supportive of each other, with a strong sense of community. Like everyone here at La Roma, I absolutely love this neighbourhood. Taking a stroll down Preston Street, day or night, to enjoy the patio scene, is definitely one of my favourite things about summertime in Ottawa and Presdelicious offers the perfect opportunity to check out our neighbourhood then enjoy a great meal.”

While he may not be Italian-born or bred, Ilya has embraced both Italian cuisine and the joys of working in Little Italy. “I strive to present food that tastes authentic and hope that it adds to the warm hospitality that embraces everyone who walks through the door at La Roma.”

Eat. Meet. Toast.

Our fare is a combination of Korean and Canadian classics, with a smattering of Southern and other Asian influences, thanks not only to Suzie’s family but also inspired by my own global travels. — Marc Behiels

INSIDE SCOOP marc | kitchen has a stellar lineup of Ontario wines and local craft beer.

ASIAN, BEER CUISINE, BISTRO, FUSION

Korean and Canadian classics inspired by family and travel While it only opened a few months ago, marc | kitchen has quickly earned a reputation for offering a stellar dining experience that delivers great food and top-notch service in warm, comfortable surroundings. Chef/ Owner Marc Behiels spent 18 months scouting for a location for his first restaurant. He says he immediately felt drawn to the sense of community offered by the Preston Street area when the Adeline Street property that is now home to marc | kitchen became available.

40 Adeline St. Book your reservation now 613.695.9739 reservation@marckitchen.ca

Appetizer

Marc is leveraging years of experience in Ottawa’s food industry now that he’s at the helm of his own kitchen. There’s a sense, too, that his background in fine art and design is being brought forward, both in terms of the ambience of the restaurant and the attention to detail evident in his food. “It’s exciting to me to be a part of our local food scene today,” says Marc. “It’s come a long way since I started out as a dishwasher at 14.

Overall I would say Ottawa’s food culture is vibrant, varied and of a much higher quality that it was even just five years ago.”

Mandu

Pork / Beef / Tofu / Chive / Lime Soy Chili Dip

Tteok-bokki

Rice Stick / Caramelized Onion / Bacon / Dragon Sauce

Gochujang Braised Pork Belly Blueberry Compote / Chive / Crostini

Main Course Ssam

Choice of Pork Belly, Spicy Pork Loin or Bulgogi Beef Ssam Sauce / Kim Chi / Pickled Veg / Lettuce Wraps / Rice

[K]Fried Chicken

Bacon Greens / Korean Slaw / Roast Potato

Cold Buckwheat Noodle Salad

Grilled Tofu / Cucumber / Radish / Green Onion / Sesame / Kimchi Sauce / Nori

Dessert Pot au Chocolat Chocolate Cherry Tart Pot au Key Lime Pie

48

$

“This summer’s Presdelicious promotion affords us a terrific opportunity to market and promote our new restaurant in a unique and exciting way,” adds Marc. He is confident guests will easily discern his philosophy as a chef, which is to create complex flavours from simple and clean ingredients. As for the dishes at marc | kitchen, they represent a contemporary interpretation of the food Marc and his wife grew up with. “Our fare is a combination of Korean and Canadian classics, with a smattering of Southern and other Asian influences, thanks not only to Suzie’s family but also inspired by my own global travels.”

At marc | kitchen, the menu changes seasonally with a few favourites carried forward each time. For Presdelicious, diners can expect to see custom items crafted specifically for the special table d’hôte offering, sure to be reflective of Chef Marc’s fondness for both seasonal and local ingredients. Bursts of flavour are customary in his dishes thanks to favoured ingredients like kimchi, lime leaf, sesame, Korean chilies and lemongrass. In addition, his deft hand with vegetarian and vegan fare also ensures the fare appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Whether you dine indoors or on the spacious patio, marc | kitchen is sure to be a favoured destination this summer. Pay a visit during Presdelicious and find out why this gem is considered such an enhancement to Little Italy’s bustling restaurant scene.

Eat. Meet. Toast.

If people come in to Mason-Dixon for the first time during Presdelicious, I’m confident it won’t be their last visit.

— Henry Besser-Rosenberg

INSIDE SCOOP Mason-Dixon kitchen + bar recently updated its cocktail and beer lists. Check them out for enhance summer sipping!

SOUTHERN

424 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-422-7880 www.masondixonottawa.com

Appetizer Kale Caesar salad

Kale, bacon, house caesar dressing and croutons

Seafood chowder

New England style broth, scallops, shrimp, bacon, peas, potatoes, roasted red peppers and BBQ spiced chicharrones

Asparagus 2 ways

Grilled asparagus salad with smoked tomato chutney, roasted red peppers almonds, roasted shallot vinaigrette served with asparagus and smoked cheddar grilled cheese

Main Course Mac and cheese

Elbow macaroni, cheddar and pecorino sauce

BBQ sampler

Smoked brisket and smoked drumsticks served with house BBQ sauce fries and slaw

Chicken and waffles

Spicy chicken thighs, warm maple syrup apple and cilantro

Desserts Bourbon creme brulee Strawberry pannacotta Chocolate and stout ice cream

38

$

Southern smokehouse fare a popular choice in Little Italy Now in its second year in business in Little Italy, Mason-Dixon kitchen + bar has enjoyed a warm welcome from diners and neighbouring eateries alike. Chef and owner Henry Besser-Rosenberg and his team serve up Southern smokehouse fare in a cozy, comfortable 35-seat space. A native of Ottawa, Henry has been in the restaurant business for fifteen years, and in late 2016 finally realized the dream of opening his own place.

Mason-Dixon’s appetizing roster includes both small and large plates as well as a selection of inventive cocktails. The menu changes frequently and Henry takes pride in offering tempting daily specials. For those who enjoy late-night dining in a lively atmosphere, Mason-Dixon’s kitchen is open until 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends.

Henry explains that he opted for Southern-style cuisine at his restaurant because these dishes are among his favourites to cook and to eat, particularly smoked foods and authentic barbeque. A classically-trained chef, Henry applies the precise techniques of his training to preparing traditional Southern foods with local ingredients. “I’ve chosen not to put pulled pork on my menu; instead, I like to focus on different elements such as beef brisket, seasoned with familiar Southern spices. I also like to get creative, offering things like smoked chicken or our popular smoked mushroom tart. We make sure there are always options for vegetarians and vegans here as well and they are by no means an afterthought.”

As someone who enjoyed visiting some of Ottawa’s hippest eateries with his parents while growing up here, Henry says he is continually impressed by today’s restaurant scene across the city. “Looking at our neighbourhood in particular, as a relatively new business owner it has been fantastic to be embraced by the Little Italy community. The first edition of Presdelicious last year really helped us increase our community exposure so we are pleased to participate once again. We love the energy of the neighbourhood and being part of the community and are continually impressed with how supportive and collaborative all the restaurants along Preston Street are. It’s a fantastic place for us to be.”

For this year’s special table d’hôte menu, Henry plans to showcase what Mason-Dixon is best known for, which is local, seasonal, southerninspired food. “Our goal is to offer up the kinds of dishes that have helped us grow in popularity since opening, while offering great value as well. If people come in to Mason-Dixon for the first time during Presdelicious, I’m confident it won’t be their last visit.”

Eat. Meet. Toast.

Our overriding principle is to create an experience which is memorable and which inspires guests to return again and again. — April Miller

INSIDE SCOOP In addition to a fabulous cocktail menu, Mati offers flights of Amari, Italianmade bittersweet liqueurs that are ideal as an aperitivo before dinner, or digestivo afterwards.

CONTEMPORARY, FUSION, GREEK, ITALIAN, MEDITERRANEAN, SEAFOOD, STEAKHOUSE, TAPAS

Memorable, delicious experiences put Mati on the map in Little Italy

428 Preston St. Book your reservation now 613-680-3860 www.matiottawa.ca

Appetizer Arancini (2) Friulano cheese, ricotta whip, spicy bomba Italian Meatballs (2) Waygu beef, pork, herbs, tomato sauce, parmesan Dakos (1) Tomato, basil, garlic aioli, feta, parmesan, olive tapenade, grilled bread

Main Course Charcoal grilled chicken

Mati sauce, house chimichurri, coleslaw, fingerling potatoes

Seafood pasta

P.E.I. mussels, shrimp, smoked lobster butter

Beef short rib

Caramelized mushrooms, pancetta, herb demi, chef’s mash

Dessert Baked brownie (one per couple) Skillet baked, vanilla ice cream, meringue, crushed cannoli, caramel drizzle

48

$

It seems that lightning can happily strike twice. One of Preston Street’s most popular restaurants, EVOO burst onto the scene in late 2013, bringing bold, fresh flavours to Little Italy. Six months ago, the same ownership team launched a sister restaurant, Mati, which is off to a terrific start in the same neighbourhood. To have one successful restaurant is a huge accomplishment; having two is quite remarkable indeed.

“We chose Little Italy for our first restaurant because it has always been an area known for good food,” explains April Miller, one of the co-owners who also serves as Mati’s restaurant’s general manager.

“We quickly fell in love with the neighbourhood so it was only natural that when we were ready to open Mati, we knew it also had to be on Preston Street.”

Named for talismans created to protect against the evil forces of negativity, Mati’s menu is most prominently inspired by popular Mediterranean flavours. The emphasis on crudo and charcoal gives the kitchen a wide spectrum of possibilities. These include delightful preparations of raw fish, seafood, shellfish and beef (the crudo) as well as top quality meat and seafood that is finished on a charcoal grill after first being carefully cooked sous-vide. The attention to detail means that every plate is packed with flavour. Vegetables are by no means overlooked, with delectable grilled offerings and bright, fresh salads available.

Mati’s lively atmosphere is an ideal complement to the friendly, capable service. One gets the sense that the hardworking, talented and passionate staff enjoy their time at Mati as much as guests do. As April notes, “Ottawa’s food culture has evolved and today it’s diverse, current and trending. We feel it is a great city in which to work and live and are especially pleased to be able to serve up memorable meals on Preston Street.” She adds that Presdelicious, now in its second year, is a great idea that offers terrific value for diners while also drawing together Little Italy’s thriving restaurant community.

As April and her team work to craft their Presdelicious menus, they are considering featuring some new creations which might surprise their regular customers while also delighting all who dine with them. “Our overriding principle is to create an experience which is memorable and which inspires guests to return again and again. We are immensely proud of our consistently delicious food and the calibre of our cocktails as well. Whether you’re just looking for a fun night our or want to celebrate a special occasion, Mati is the ideal location.”

Eat. Meet. Toast.

I am excited to showcase the depth of talent in our kitchen and give everyone a chance to flex their creative muscles. — Michael Franz

INSIDE SCOOP Stoneface Dolly’s makes over 100 loaves of incredible homemade bread each week in their rustic oven. The molasses bread is particularly tasty!

BISTRO, CANADIAN, HOMESTYLE GOURMET

International influences make for appealing, homestyle gourmet food

416 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-564-2222 www.stonefacedollys.com

Appetizer Maple mustard chicken drummette with a pear and walnut slaw

Chickpea slider

with in-house BBQ chips and chipotle slaw

Sumac and lemon seared squid over a chopped salad

Main Course Mojo steak medallions

with roasted new potatoes and chimichurri

Pulled jackfruit tacos Braised pork belly with ginger noodles

Dessert Chocolate oasis tartlette Vegan “cheesecake” bites Peach cobbler

28

$

Stoneface Dolly’s remains one of Preston Street’s most eclectic and lively restaurants. It’s a spot where the clever kitchen team applies international influences to delicious homestyle food. Run by father and son duo Bob and Jeff Russell for almost twenty years, the restaurant is named for the original owner’s mother who was legendary for her unshakeable poker face.

Chef Michael Franz explains that he continues to borrow flavours, ingredients and techniques from many different cultures to create new dishes for their menu, which typically features Asian, Italian and South African-inspired fare. He strives to balance creativity with honesty in the kitchen at Stoneface Dolly’s. “My background in science drives me to keep my plates simple and straightforward; I feel it is important to honour the ingredients and let them speak for themselves.”

The Stoneface Dolly’s menu includes familiar fare such as burgers and pasta, sharing space with delights including their famous red Thai soup and South African-inspired Chicken Bobotie. Delicious breads baked daily in their rustic oven are a highlight of any meal there. For Presdelicious, Michael is collaborating with his team to draw from both familiar and new ingredients to offer an innovative approach consisting of two courses of small plates followed by dessert. “Each of our cooks has come up with a dish. I am excited to showcase the depth of talent in our kitchen and give everyone a chance to flex their creative muscles. I’m so happy with what each cook has come up with and, frankly, I can’t wait to eat their food!”

Stoneface Dolly’s is pleased to participate in Presdelicious again this year, noting that last year’s edition brought a lot of new customers to the area. “It’s a great chance for people to check out restaurants they don’t normally visit. When this street is full of people you can really feel the energy; it’s palpable,” says Michael. “Little Italy is great in the summertime, with everyone out and relaxing on patios. It’s such a great neighbourhood and has so much character.”

Stoneface Dolly’s has introduced a few new cocktails for the summer, to complement their wide selection of craft beer on tap and in cans and pleasing wine list. With their recent expansion into Riverside South there will be some great things on the way in the future at both locations. “We have some exciting new elements on the horizon here at Stoneface Dolly’s so we encourage everyone to stay tuned.”

Eat. Meet. Toast.

Our culinary philosophy is to always emphasize simple, rustic, fresh and flavourful ingredients.

— Concetta Bellissima

INSIDE SCOOP Check out Trattoria’s gorgeous rooftop terrace and don’t miss their live piano bar Thursday evenings from 7 – 10 pm.

ITALIAN

Continued passion for excellence after decades of success

254 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-236-1081 www.trattoriaitalia.com

Appetizer Bruschetta

Diced tomatoes, garlic, oregano, extra virgin olive oil and parmigiano cheese served on a thickly sliced crostini

Insalata Alla Cesare

Romaine lettuce, garlic croutons and crumbled bacon tossed in our house Caesar dressing

Salsicce Rosolate

Grilled Italian sausage with sautéed onions, bell pepper and mushrooms

Main Course Manicotti della Casa

Homemade spinach pasta sheets rolled around a house-made ricotta cheese and spinach filling, baked in tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella

Pollo Lombardi

Chicken breast with asparagus, mushroom rose sauce served with potatoes and vegetables

Filetta di Sogiola

Pan-seared lightly floured filet of sole with fresh lemon, white wine and herbs served with potatoes and vegetables

Dessert Gelato

Choice of Bacio (chocolate hazelbut), Giandiua (chocolate), Pistachio, Spumoni, Vanilla

Panna Cotta

Traditional Italian dessert made with cream, milk, sugar, gelatin, topped with mixed berries

38

$

Trattoria Caffé Italia is one of the original restaurants in one of Ottawa’s hottest culinary neighbourhoods. Run by brothers Pasquale and Dominic Carrozza, it serves the exquisite Italian cuisine of their sister, Concetta Bellissimo. Ever since the family took over Trattoria Caffé Italia almost four decades ago, their restaurant has contributed significantly to Little Italy’s reputation for excellent hospitality. It is thanks to the dedication and hard work of Chef Concetta and her brothers that a visit to Trattoria Caffé Italia never disappoints.

The menu at Trattoria Caffé Italia is a perfect blend of the traditional Italian dishes that Concetta enjoyed while growing up, while also acknowledging the popularity of North American interpretations of Italian cuisine. An example is Trattoria’s terrific pollo parmigiana (chicken parmesan) which is not something you would find in Italy, although it’s very delicious. “We serve a good mix of dishes from various regions in Italy and everything is made from scratch. Ours is a kitchen where we take pride in offering tasty meals prepared with care, always striving to keep our menu as affordable as possible.”

Concetta’s passion shines through in every dish at Trattoria Caffé Italia.

She makes everything with love, whether it’s her delicious soups, colourful salads or her famous desserts, including one of the best tiramisus you’ll ever taste. When it comes to crafting special table d’hote menus for Presdelicious, Concetta confirms the selections will be true to Trattoria Caffe Italia’s culinary philosophy, which is to always emphasize simple, rustic, fresh and flavourful ingredients.

Despite decades of success at Trattoria, Concetta and the rest of the team always pay close attention to what’s going on at other venues in Little Italy and across the city. ”It has been exciting to see the growth of more casual food places as well as some new fine dining establishments, with some strong ethnic influences across the spectrum,” she observes.

“Here on Preston Street, we may have been here a long time but it’s fun for us to now be part of a more diverse culinary scene. Having lots of food options plus bars and pubs attracts a lot of different crowds which is good for everyone.”

“Last summer, the first edition of Presdelicious succeeded in bringing new clients into the restaurants in our area,” says Concetta. “I think that the option to enjoy a three course menu at a lower price made trying a few places more affordable and we were pleased to welcome a lot of new people into our Trattoria. I’m once again excited to showcase our great food and fantastic wine list to new and returning customers

Eat. Meet. Toast.

You can be sure to see a lot of fresh, summery, vegetableforward dishes on our table d’hôte this year.

— Steve Harris

INSIDE SCOOP Be sure to check out the newly-launched summer prosecco cocktail menu at two six {ate}.

CANADIAN CUISINE

Contemporary Canadian food served with fun and flair

268 Preston St Book your reservation now 613-695-8200 twosixate.com

Appetizer Arancini

Spinach risotto fritters / walnut butter / provolone / quince jelly / pickled scape mascarpone / watermelon radish

Steak tartare

Enright cattle co. beef / liverwurst mayo / natural dills / fresh yolk / cured yolk / white bread

Sugar snap pea salad

Radish / turnip / puffed wild rice / hazelnuts / house herb dressing

Main Course Pasta

Fresh handmade pasta with seasonal accompaniments, changes daily vegetarian pasta also available

Sausage

Family recipe italian sausage / amarose potatoes / swiss chard / pickled cherry tomatoes

Country fried sweetbreads

Smashed peas / green garlic / mint / pickled favas / black garlic ranch / braised collard greens

Dessert Cannoli

marsala cookie / house ricotta / seasonal flavours

PB + J

fried pound cake / roasted peanut crumble / stick’s jam / peanut butter mousse / pascale’s vanilla ice cream

Strawberry pavlova

meringue / macerated strawberries / whipped cream / strawberry cake bits / roasted buckwheat custard / mint

38

$

two six {ate} is one of the freshest, funkiest spots in Little Italy and it’s also one that works hard to satisfy the appetites of its legions of loyal fans. Excellent food served up in a venue with playful, appealing décor continues to prove a winning formula for this sixyear-old restaurant, according to co-owner Emily Ienzi.

Chef and co-owner Steve Harris says his Nova Scotia roots play a major influence on the restaurant’s contemporary Canadian menu, with seafood, comfort food and fresh, local ingredients all playing starring roles. Having been invited for the second year in a row to participate in Ottawa’s prestigious Gold Medal Plates competition – where he earned the bronze medal in 2017 – is an honour, he says.

“The restaurant and menu has grown over the years and I have been progressing as a chef as well. Gold Medal Plates was a nice reassurance that we’re moving in the right direction. It’s a great creative outlet to prepare something different that we wouldn’t usually serve at the restaurant.”

Steve has lived in or near Little Italy for most of his life and says he loves the vibe of the local community. “Like other local restaurants, we found last year that Presdelicious was a great way to showcase who we are and what our restaurant is all about to people who might not have had the chance to visit us before. It’s a fun, approachable and affordable way to go out and try something new and we’re very excited to participate again.”

At two six {ate}, the Presdelicous table d’hôte menu will include some special items created just for this multi-day dining event.

“Presdelicious takes place right at the height of the summer, so we’re able to use a wide variety of local produce. We feel that it is important to support small, local farmers and there’s such a great selection of ingredients available in July. You can be sure to see a lot of fresh, summery, vegetable-forward dishes on our table d’hôte this year and we are always happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.”

He notes that Preston Street has a great energy in the summer and everyone at two six {ate} loves being a part of that. “We get a great mix of people who live in the area along with tourists coming down to enjoy the eclectic offerings of this unique neighbourhood. It’s also nice that everything is easily accessible by bike. There are so many things to enjoy before you cap off your day with a great dinner in Little Italy.”

Eat. Meet. Toast.

Prix-Fixe Restofest

July 20 - Aug 2, 2018