If you live in Ottawa, as I do, you know there is no shortage of soup or sandwiches in the downtown core. Whatever you do, and wherever you do it, there is a small to medium shop that sells the basics, and a few that even go far above and beyond the minestrone and ham sandwich. And then there are the ones that are delicious and varied enough that going back every day doesn’t seem so bad at all.
Last week, I tucked in out of the snow and into the warm and inviting lobby of the Westin Ottawa to try out a new lunch offering at Daly’s at the Westin. Typically I would shy from grabbing lunch at a hotel because I prefer to get more for less, and that doesn’t ever seem to be the case with hotel food. I was assured, by someone whose opinion I wholeheartedly trust, that this was not the case with Daly’s. And I was glad that I trusted her in the end, because my meal was filled with so many delicious things.
A little over a month ago, Daly’s decided to start a new lunch venture that would offer quick and simple options to both it’s guests and the general public. It was an opportunity to offer something slightly less posh than their dining room menu, and something they could offer up to shoppers in the Rideau Centre that wanted something healthy, fast and under $15.
Westin (Starwood) hotels are the first to offer a signature “superfoods” menu, which consists of carefully paired ingredients that cultivates “food synergy”. All the things your body needs, teamed up so you can get the most out of them.
Now as much as I appreciate the science behind healthy eating and why it does what it does for our bodies, I can’t get down with it unless it tastes good. Really good, preferably. And Daly’s Express absolutely came through there. I sat down to a veritable feast of sandwiches, soups, an amazing green tea granola parfait, Starbucks latté (all the coffee at Daly’s is Starbucks! Bonus!) and impeccably iced and colourful cupcakes. I left worried that I might have to take a 15 minute catnap on a bench in the mall, but out of fear of having my leftover cupcakes stolen, I trucked on, full up to my chin with delicious fare.
Before I could even see Chef Matt Bedard coming out with plate upon plate of scrumptious, lightly toasted paninis and sandwiches, I could smell the herbs and spices from the toasted bread wafting into the dining room. And then, right before me, was a mountain of sandwich heaven. Each one served on carefully chosen artisan bread, crafted specifically to pair with the ingredients of the sandwiches. From a beautiful tender roast beef sandwich with gooey, melted Swiss cheese, to a smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich, a toasty club with a wonderful creamy guacamole, impeccably spiced roasted chicken with prosciutto and brie, and even a vegetarian sandwich stuffed with blanched asparagus, tofu, and tender mushrooms. Between bites, I sipped on a creamy, balanced Coconut Chicken Curry soup, which I instantly fell in love with, and a comforting beef and barley soup. We finished off the gut-busting lunch with a granola green tea parfait, and very pretty cupcakes.
If you don’t find something that strikes your fancy on the menu, executive Chef Kenton Leier & Chef Matt Bedard said they don’t mind helping you create something just the way you’d like it!
Daly’s Express is open from 6:30am-2pm 7 days a week. If you go into the Westin Ottawa front door, you just head up the escalator to the 3rd level, and you’re there! Because I want you to know just how tasty everything from Daly’s Express was, we want to give away a gift certificate that will get you and a guest (or two meals for you!) soup, sandwich and a drink, valued at $25.
To enter:
Tell me in the comments which sandwich you think looks most delicious!
For extra entries:
1. “Like” Westin Ottawa on Facebook (1 extra entry)
2. Follow them on Twitter (1 extra entry)
Leave an extra comment below for each Twitter and Facebook follow letting me know you’ve followed/liked.
Winner will be chosen at random Monday, December 10th by 11am.
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The Westin Ottawa sponsored it and compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend restaurants or products I use/enjoy personally and believe will be good for my readers.