Frisbee, food & future plans

One of the greatest joys of life in Ottawa, particularly on a lazy Sunday afternoon, can be found on the front lawn of Parliament Hill. Tourists flock to the Hill every day of the week to snap each other's photo in front of the Peace Tower or get high on the fumes of the eternal flame.

But on weekends, locals descend on the Hill, if only to spread out a blanket, read, toss a frisbee, take a nap, or - in the case of some friends and I today - play a game of pick-up soccer. Considering how fortified other houses of government around the world are (or have become post-9/11), we should consider ourselves lucky that Parliament Hill remains a place where people can gather and play freely.

Ok, enough quasi-hippie babble. I promise there will be no group hug or choruses of Kumbaya. Instead, just a lot of foodie talk.

For whatever reason - call it the charity of others, if you'd like - I've enjoyed a number of local restaurants as of late and felt it was time to report back on three of them. Considering patio season is in full swing, it seems many are putting their best foot forward.

Tucked in the basement of one of the city's prime pieces of urban real estate is the Metropolitan Brasserie (700 Sussex Drive). I've been to Metropolitan numerous times and am continually impressed by both the food and the service. I suppose it doesn't hurt that the restaurant's decor also makes one feel as though they are dining inside the upscale eatery equivalent of Moulin Rouge.

Though I have never been disappointed by the food at Metropolitan, I am particularly enthused about their French fries. Slim, fresh and abundant even as a side, I would go so far as to say they're the best fries I've had here in the Capital.

Up in the Glebe, Flipper's Restaurant (819 Bank Street) caters to the Maritime cravings in all of us. On a recent lunch, I gleefully devoured the Shrimp and Chevre Salad; a summery mix of veggies tossed with a light dressing and topped with a slab of roasted chevre and half a dozen jumbo shrimp. Paired with a glass of dry white wine, the meal made me feel as though I had become one of those Ladies Who Lunch so commonplace in the neighbourhood.

Flipper's also has a fantastic array of desserts and its second floor location at the corner of Bank and 4th boasts several great window seats.

But, if you're more in the mood for brunch, there's always Jak's Kitchen (479 Bronson Avenue). I loved this tiny neighbourhood bistro when it was ground zero of the Stoneface Dolly's empire, and have remained loyal and interested in it since it became Jak's Kitchen. Who doesn't want a happening breakfast spot on their street? It's a whole new plane of brunch convenience.

Recently, the local alternative press heaped some praise on Jak's, which could explain the long line that formed shortly after 10 a.m. this morning.

Sadly, today was not a banner day for Jak's. We arrived early (i.e. - before 10 a.m.) and waited until 11 a.m. to get our food (and I had only ordered a bowl of granola and yogourt!). The restaurant was packed and the new patio seemed to add stress to the entire operation, which they must work out in the coming weeks.

Admittedly, you can't knock the fine service at Jak's. The staff is warm and friendly and very generous with coffee refills, as noted in the Xpress review. But coffee refills on an empty stomach only go so far.

Finally, an honourable mention to the Elmdale House Tavern (1084 Wellington Street) in Wellington Village. I didn't eat a meal there (I'm not even sure if that's possible, though it is the kind of bar with pickled hard-boiled eggs in a huge glass jar on the counter), but I did spend a Saturday night there and enjoyed the unique blend of Mechanicsville/Hintonburg locals and young and funky hipsters.

I should confess here that I have Wellington Village Envy. That, perhaps, deserves some further exploration and a post all its own. Stay tuned.