One of the best things about doing the office nine-to-five is lunchtime. And one of the worst things about lunching in Ottawa's tiny Centretown business district is trying to find somewhere decent. During my office stint in the especially godforsaken northwest quadrant of this area there were countless times that I ate mediocre, overpriced food in a ho-hum atmosphere, only to arrive back at work late after waiting FOREVER for a table/the bill/change/whatever (a life just full of hard knocks, I know I know). I don't work around there anymore, but I still tell people who do and complain about it to save money and eat better by brown bagging it instead.
Now I'm saying, go to Caffé Zucchero.
Zucchero is right next door to Barbarella's Diamond's (sic) strip club on Queen Street, which makes for some funny people-watching. When I walked in I was struck by the good smells coming from the open-concept food prep area/espresso bar, and the bright and airy decor. The resulting atmosphere feels energetic yet relaxing. The menu offers homemade soups, panini sandwiches, light entrées, salads, all-day breakfast, and a full array of espresso bar and cold Italian beverages; and almost all of this at $5 or less!
The service was wonderful, and most important of all, the food was amazingly good. Zucchero obviously does not compromise on ingredients. Everything was of the highest grade and super fresh-definitely not the waxen stuff you find at those chain espresso bar/panini joints that are popping up everywhere
The soup of the day was beautiful. A buttery broth with hunks of onion, potato, and leek left unpuréed, a delicious twist on an old favourite. That day's panini special was a mouthwatering combination of thin, tender slices of roast beef with cream cheese, horseradish, and razored Bermuda onions on the freshest of crusty white panini rolls. The prosciutto, bocconcini, and tomato basil panini was equally good, as was the marinated roasted vegetable salad. All of it gorgeously presented.
Dessert was a special treat the owner went out of his way to whip up for us fresh-some zabaglione (a frothy light custard of egg yolks, Marsala, and sugar) crowned by a couple of unseasonably plump and tangy blackberries. We pushed things a bit by accompanying this with an even frothier cappuccino, but the overindulgence was justifiable and one of the best I've ever tasted.
As I sat there in growing awe, enjoying with a lovely friend a wonderful meal that surpassed all expectations, I also started to get a bit angry. Why weren't there more places like this close by? Wow, what a concept: homemade, delicious, healthy, affordable food served to you by beautifully mannered people in a bright and comfortable atmosphere where some thought went into the decor. We should demand this of all eateries! And it works. Zucchero hasn't been open that long and already this small business will be renovating soon to make way for more seating (they can currently seat about two dozen).
I may not miss working in the neighbourhood, but I'll definitely be going back to Zucchero soon and often.
CAFFÉ ZUCCHERO 340 QUEEN STREET 560-5829 Open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast and lunch $1.50 to $8, take out or eat in.
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