Before we get started, and if you haven’t already, we recommend reading our previous blog post – which features local restaurants and must-tries in the Ottawa/Gatineau food scene!

Now that you’ve explored some local restaurants, cafés and tasted delicious treats around your neighbourhoods, you’re ready to try some recipes at home. Nothing beats the warmth of a home-cooked meal, right? Within our communities across the city, we’re so lucky to have a variety of specialty shops featuring high-quality ingredients and foods, including meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and different spices and flavours, all perfect for experimenting with for your next night in!

In this blog, we feature a few of our favourite #OsgoodeLovesLocal specialty shops. For each spot, we’ve included a recipe for you to try at home that is sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends.

Athena Gourmet Greek Imports

Athena Gourmet Green Imports is nestled in the heart of our city on Bank Street and conveniently located a short drive from The Juliana and Riverton Park apartments. Described on their website as a “fine food emporium”, this locally owned shop curates their products with your health in mind. With a massive selection of extra virgin olive oils and exotic kinds of honey, their mission is to share high-quality Greek products with the rest of the world.

In the mood for some Greek? This 15-minute Greek Pasta recipe by The Midwest Foodie is a must. After filling up your cart with some of the Athena Gourmet Greek herbs, spices, and pasta sauces, head home to put together this quick recipe that will satisfy your craving!
 

Sourced from The Midwest Foodie blog

Seed to Sausage

If you love artisanal meats, look no further than Seed to Sausage, a brief drive from Lakeview Apartments and Lincoln Park Tower. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering and searching for quality charcuterie items or are hoping to take your cooking to the next level with their hand-crafted selection of meats, you’ve found the perfect place! Here’s what one of their loyal customers have to say:

“Seed to Sausage is a truly ethical company that contributes to our knowledge of good, wholesome food that is raised ethically and produced locally. They are true pioneers in the pursuit of an honest approach to good food. Thanks for all you do!”

The team at Seed to Sausage has put together a simple guide to curating the perfect charcuterie platter. It only takes 2-3 kinds of their artisanal meats, combined with a soft cheese and a hard cheese, and 1 or 2 of your favourite condiments. Yes, it’s that simple – and don’t forget a nice wooden board to display your charcuterie creation!
 

Photo by @themarketat100kmfoods on Instagram

Bienvenidos Latin Market

Bienvenidos Latin Market is located on St. Laurent Boulevard, close to Brittany Drive Apartments and Eastwood Park Apartments. Here you’ll find quality ingredients sourced from Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and everywhere in between! And you’ll be supporting a female locally owned business with a team that is always excited to share their culture with you.

Shared on the Ottawa-based Taste and Tipple blog, this recipe for Mexican Potato Salad is one you don’t want to miss. The authentic Latin-American ingredients from Bienvenidos Latin Market will make you feel like you’ve travelled to Mexico. Fill up your cart with the essentials and give this recipe a try!
 

Sourced from Taste and Tipple

Solfarmers

Capture a little taste of Spain in your own neighbourhood! A short commute away from Richlin Apartments and The Oaks Apartments, Solfarmers is your destination for traditional Spanish products – described on their website as products that tell a story deeply rooted in Spanish history and tradition. Solfarmers has everything you could ever need to create a delicious Spain-inspired feast from wine and seafood to paella and olive oil.

Speaking of paella – our next recipe is from Tastes Better Than Scratch. This tasty Spanish Paella doesn't require any special equipment and results in the dish's same, genuine Spanish taste. This recipe is also adaptable, meaning that you can make any changes you'd like without taking away any of its taste or authenticity.
 

Sourced from Tastes Better from Scratch

La Trappe A Fromage

After a short drive from Le Salaberry Apartments and Le Faubourg De L’île you’ll find the Gatineau gem that is La Trappe A Fromage. Not only does this locally-owned chain of Québécois specialty shops offer high-quality cheeses and deli meats, but also regularly works with a variety of organizations, including the Gatineau Health Foundation and United Way. They are passionate not only about their artisanal treats but about helping their community and the people around them!

Pizza is one of the easiest recipes to make. Featured in Ottawa’s Kitchissippi Times, this Homemade Pizza Dough recipe is a great place to start, including how to make the dough and topping recommendations to inspire you! What better way to top your pizza than with some fine cheeses and meats from La Trappe A Fromage?
 

Sourced from Unsplash

We hope this blog has inspired you to step out of your comfort zone next time you decide to cook a meal from scratch, and that you will consider supporting the locally-owned specialty shops we are so lucky to have!

From Ottawa West to Gatineau and everywhere in between, it’s time for your next food adventure to begin, so if you’re reading this, it’s a sign – go out right now, explore your neighbourhood and indulge in all of the authentic treats it has to offer!