Ring a Bell

I headed back to Ottawa on Wednesday for a short stay to celebrate a relative's 93rd birthday on the week-end. Via Rail no longer separated its passengers for social distancing but luckily, there was no one sitting next to me on the train.

Friday morning, I headed back to the intersection at Beechwood Cemetery for lunch. But instead of Indian, I opted to visit an Algerian restaurant called Idriss Mediterranean. They had a patio but since there wasn't really much of an outdoor view in this area, I chose to eat inside.

Its past as Cat's Seafood Fish and Chips remained with a large maritime mural painted on its outside wall. I wasn't sure how much of the interior was also from that time. But it was also decorated with earthen clay pots, painted plates, and other knick-knacks that evoked a bit of the Middle-East.

I ordered 2 vegetarian Bourak ($3.99), a lentil soup ($10.99), and a Kromb Tajine. The lentil soup came with a ground beef Bourak but I preferred the veggie version of this so-called "North African spring roll". The latter's assortment of veggie as well as a sharp cheese was nicely different from any spring roll I've had. The lentil soup was rich and creamy although being completely pureed, my coarse palate couldn't really detect all the ingredients that was listed on the menu. I was a little disappointed with the tajine but only because the combination of cabbage and meatballs was a little bland for my taste. I think the olive or potato tajine would have provided the strong flavour or texture my aging taste buds crave. The spongy bread and hmiss (more dip than salad) rounded out the entrée.

Overall, I like Idriss and their other offerings including shashuka and couscous also seemed appetizing. It had only recently opened so I hope they are growing their clientele.