Ahora
307 Dalhousie St.
www.ahora.ca
613-562-2081
Rating: ** 1/2
Signature Drink: Sangria and Jarritos
Signature Dish: Burrrito de Pollo
Dinner & drinks for 2: $30
Tucked away, below the bustle of the Byward Market, is a brightly-painted Mexican cafeteria-style restaurant called Ahora.
On my first visit, I ordered the Burrito de Pollo ($7), which came with a healthy portion of Spanish rice on a colourful fiesta-blue plate. The burrito was filled with a delicious blend of chicken, salsa, cheese and guacamole.
When I visited a second time, we ordered the Tortilla Soup ($4). Although my friend thought it was great, I found the soup peppery. The Enchilada de Pollo ($12) sounded promising but ended up tasting bland. My friend enjoyed the Quesadilla de Pollo ($7), which was crispy on the outside and filled with a blend of chicken, cheese and guacamole. For extra flavour, there’s a salsa bar that includes cilantro, salsa verde and their signature Ahora sauce.
On my first visit, the Alfajores ($3) enticed me. Two layers of cake sandwiched with Dulce de Leche and coated with coconut was my kind of dessert. Disappointingly, Ahora didn’t offer any desserts on my second visit.
Although my first experience at this restaurant was pleasant, I was disenchanted when I returned. However, I will visit again to enjoy their Chicken Burrito, indulge in a glass of Sangria ($5) and hope that dessert will be available.
Dining out
A’roma Meze
Imagine yourself in Greece when you dine at A’roma Meze. At lunch, you can order a meze flight, designed to give you the opportunity create your own small plate platter. 239 Nepean St. (613) 232-1377.
Metropolitan Brasserie
Enjoy a slice of Paris along with oysters, mussels, and shrimp at the city’s largest raw bar. Hill Hour specials are offered Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. 700 Sussex Dr. (613) 562-1160.
Gourmet Session
Get?saucy at a Gourmet Session held at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa this Saturday. Demo from 10 to 1 p.m. and Kitchen Time from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. $245 per person.
