Oh! Canada
815 7th Ave SW
403-266-1551
www.ohcanadarestaurant.com
Hours of operation: Mon – Wed (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.), Thu – Fri (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Rating: ****
Price range: $$$
Reservations: Available
Client negotiations: Yes
Lunch w/co-workers: Yes
Social Lunch: Yes
Quick solo lunch: Yes
Time in: 12:34 p.m.
Ordered: 12:42 p.m.
Food arrived: 12:47 p.m.
Time out: 1:15 p.m.
Total time: 41 minutes
Low $: Tossed/Caesar Salad, $10
High $: The Wrangler (steak), $25
Lunch menu: No
Licensed: Yes
Inspired by team Canada winning the gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Tournament, I was feeling a little patriotic so where better to take the Lunch Rush than to Oh! Canada Restaurant & Bar?
It is hard to pinpoint what Canadian cuisine is, so I was intrigued by what they had to offer. Upon entering the doors my first thought was relief. While a lesser establishment might have opted to take the Canadian theme to a cheesy level, Oh! Canada does not. The decor is classy and conventional. The menu does name its items with a Canadian theme but it’s done in a fun and witty way.
Speaking of the menu, it might have been average in size but it successfully made up for it in variety with a little bit of something to cover all cravings.
My runner up choices from the “Canadian Hero Sandwich” section of the menu included the appropriately named Gretzky smoked meat sandwich and the Tragically Hip beef sandwich. But in the end I opted for Mom’s Meatloaf ($17). It wasn’t quite like my mom used to make (it was wrapped with a slice of bacon) but it was substantial in size still did taste home-cooked. One thing to note was the food arrived faster than a flame-broiled Whopper at Burger King.
So what is Canadian cuisine? Besides the obvious food aspect, like poutine and Alberta beef, I concluded eating Canadian is more than a just meal, it is an experience. It is friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere, good food and good times … much like living in Canada, really.
Oh! Canada is a wise choice for whatever lunch situation you might be looking for without the clichés and corniness.
