My third and final trip during winterbites was to Absinthe Cafe on Wellington. I was told that I absolutely had to have their Steak-Frites, and lucky for me that was what they were serving up along with a mushroom soup and mini creme brulée. Miss winterbites?? Not a problem, the soup and dessert are paired with a rotating main for only $19 as part of Absinthe’s regular lunch menu as well.

The Steak-Frites did not disappoint. The most succulent marinated drop filet served medium rare, served with house cut fries, garlic aioli for dipping and a light salad were to die for. Every bite had me making some little noise of pleasure! It’s on the regular lunch menu as well for $15 and well worth the price.

The soup that day was a mushroom that was so creamy and delish that I had no desire to know how much cream and butter were in it… would have just ruined the wonderful experience.  The mini creme brulée was indeed mini – two or three bites and it was finished, but it was the perfect sweet cap on a very lovely meal.  I’m a sucker for a good creme brulée.

Dress is trendy casual – be comfy but look nice… that should be an every day rule.

The restaurant itself is trendy and hip with a very modern sense of style. The afternoon we visited was bright and chilly and the floor to ceiling windows at the front made for some really great people watching. The wait staff is friendly and as attentive as can be, but it can be hard to flag them down when you are looking for something.

The food is wonderful, and proudly local, seasonal and sustainable. Farms the restaurant uses include Mariposa Farm, Rodney’s Organic Garden, Rideau View Farm, Acorn Creek Garden Farm. They are a member of Savour Ottawa, the Endangered Fish Alliance, and all coffee is organic and fair trade. I just love a socially and environmentally responsible restaurant, don’t you?

4 out of 5 stars