Diner Week Critique: Rideau Inn B&B (…and Ottawa, ON)

Review | Written and photographed by Nathan Mattise

Directions | Web site

I had never been to a Bed & Breakfast before but I certainly felt equally comfortable with both parts. Beds have been a staple of my (and every other mid-20s human being’s) life for years with increased importance during college. Breakfast has become an increasing passion through the Diners Without Frosted Tips project.  Together, this concept couldn’t lose.

What made the Rideau Inn B&B even better was it’s location – Ottawa, ON. It’s cool in its own right to spend a weekend in Canada (yet another new experience) but I stumbled on something better. Ottawa may not have been featured in any Man V. Food,  [Food] Paradise or the like yet, but it’s definitely a food town. One hell of food town at that.

Old Forge Pizza means home for the holidays

Food Essay and Links | Compiled by Nathan Mattise

The holidays season is quickly approaching which means travel plans are quickly arriving. “Home for the Holidays” is a concept that seems to resonate no matter who you are or where you’re from. The concept incorporates friends, families,  unique traditions… and food.

My December always means a visit to the greater Scranton, Pa. area.  Northeastern Pennsylvania subtly offers strong cuisine like wings, Sheetz, coneys,  etc.  The undisputed king of my hometown food scene is Old Forge-style pizza however.

Every time I’m there I need a “tray” (that’s right, not “pie”) of either Lou’s or Andy’s. I can settle for Duke’s, Barrett’s or even a grab-and-go from the “Archbald Express Mart” (a.k.a. Propst’s)  as well.  It’s a distinct approach only available in NEPA – typically square cuts, sweet sauce, multiple cheese blend, softer crust and as good cold as it is hot. A slice of it feels like home as much as (or probably more so at this point) sleeping on mt parents’ couch.

With Holidays 2010 already underway or just days away, what food makes you feel at home in your area?

Diner Critique: Classen Grill (Oklahoma City, OK)

Review | Written and photographed by Nathan Mattise

Directions | Web site | Overall Rating: 4

Oklahoma City doesn’t get the credit it deserves.  Too many people take it solely on face value – vast flatlands, megachurches, whatever “Sooners” are. Underneath all that, OKC quietly hosts a hip culture on par with anything you’d find along either coast. The main aspects of that might be The Flaming Lips and/or Kevin Durant, but places like the Classen Grill will put midwest diner culture on your radar fast.

Diner Critique: Bar Linda (London, UK)

Review | Written and photographed by Nathan Mattise

Directions | Web site | Overall Rating: 4

When presented with the opportunity to travel, eating locally is just as important as seeing the most historic and culturally unique local landmarks. It’s representative of local tradition, geography/agriculture and also creative (specifically culinary) trends. Anthony Bourdain reinvented himself as a writer and even found fame off this exploration of culture through cuisine.

So when I finally had the chance to visit Europe this month, exploring the local food was a must. I spent nearly a week in London and crossed off meat pies, true teas, haggis and various beverages from my to-do list. My meal preferences, however, ultimately needed to lead me to a true English breakfast. Luckily I was staying on historic Baker Street with Bar Linda nearby.