Resident "Panini Maker" Simmi Dixit, With The El Oaxaca Sandwich And An Iced Tea photo: Ben Welland

In the mornings I'll sometimes indulge in one of their delicious whole-wheat cinnamon buns. As a student I used to grab a quick bowl of vegetarian chili, or a luscious curry between classes, rarely making it past the self-serve steam tray selections. They're priced according to your hunger, starting at $3.95 a bowlful.

I recently decided to branch out from my old habits and give the other side of the Wild Oat a chance, where vegetarian lunch options can be ordered up at the counter and picked up when its ready. Although the crêpes looked exceptional, both my dad and I decided to opt for grilled sandwiches. We had a choice of three types of bread, including spelt, but settled on their hearty multigrain. We often take a loaf home from the bakery side of the restaurant, since it makes some of the very best morning toast, a simple pleasure with a cup of tea and your favourite jam.

My dad had the Apple Ease, filled with caramelized onion, cilantro, brie, apple and green onions. The gooey cheese was in perfect harmony with the apple, and the unexpected hit of cilantro kept it from being run of the mill. I selected the El Oaxaca, layered with black bean spread, sun-dried tomato tapenade, old cheddar, avocado, red onion and chipotle. The smokiness of the chipotle, the sharpness of the cheese and the creaminess of the avocado made for a satisfying combination, along with a glass of not-too-sweet iced tea. For under $20 for two with drinks, I'd say this place is a steal, but judging by the lunch rush crowd, that's no secret.

Wild Oat
817 Bank St.
(613) 232-6232
Self-serve mains: $3.95-$10
Counter service mains: $4.25-$8.25

For those of you who'd rather cook your own healthy food at home, check out Ottawa's Good Food Box program, which offers fresh fruit and veg at wholesale prices. This non-profit initiative delivers boxes of produce to community drop-off locations on a monthly basis. The produce is as local as possible and offers up seasonal treats like strawberries when they are available. The boxes come in three sizes, ranging from $10 for the smallest box to $20 for the largest. For more information, contact www.centretownchc.org/gfb.
 
 

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AMAZING!     Wild Oat is one of THE best restaurants in Ottawa. Food is always amazing whether you eat in or out (and the menu is always varied from take out to eat in), staff are nice and helpful and there is a great little table and chairs/colouring book area for kids. My 2 year old will fuss at home about the simplest of meal time eats, but feed on tofu and lentil dahl at Wild Oat with pleasure!
Alyson Bangay		October 23rd, 2008
Hygiene     I too like the food at the WIld Oat. However, while the regular sandwich maker/chef always looks neat and clean, others on the kitchen staff do not. A shirtless chef is not appropriate. Also, the baked goods set out on the counter need to be covered, perhaps by a glass dome or something. As well, I have heard others mention these concerns.
Anna deVarennes		July 15th, 2008
Wild Oat Rules!     The Wild Oat has the finest food for deli or eat in. This is one of the few clean and delicious purely vegetarian restaurants I will eat in (Table is good too!). Their breakfasts and lunches are great. The bakery is "off the hook", try the tasty pie!
Lola Crumpet		June 5th, 2008
Wild Oat     Every Saturday my daughter and I go to the Glebe area and have breakfast at the Avenue Grill. we have been doing that for years. Last week we went to the Wild Oat. I was really impressed with the food. The beautiful smells of the bread, bakery and all was awesome. My daughter is a vegetarian so this is the perfect place for her and now have made the Wild Oat our weekend breakfast nook.
Louise Lacroix		May 16th, 2008

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