#42. Buddha Bowl at Choux-Choux,

42 buddha BOWL

At Choux-Choux, diners can build their own bowl, choosing from a base of different greens (arugula or kale) and/or grains (barley or farro) and a rainbow of freshly chopped veggies and fruits (everything from tomatoes to grapes to pickles). Protein options include tempeh, tofu, eggs, or meat. Finally, top it off with a variety of crunchy bits (such as pepitas or hemp hearts) and one of their homemade vinaigrettes (try the lemon and fresh basil). Owner Gabbie Sexton says they don’t charge by weight but simply fill up your bowl; portions are generous. $9–$10.50 98, rue l’Hotel de Ville, Gatineau. KS

46 Chicken Hakka Noodles

At Guru’s Inspired Food Bar, Chinese condiments meet Indian spices in this most mouth-watering of fusion dishes. Chicken hakka noodles sees noodles coated with a heavenly dressing of soy, chilies, ginger, garlic, and other Indian spices — then stir-fried with slivers of veggies and tender chicken breast. You’ll never go back to chow mein. $14.50. 1123 Wellington St. W. SB

47. nashville hot chicken

It’s a way of life in Nashville and a burgeoning North American trend. Now pastry chef Holly Laham is bringing the Nashville hot chicken sandwich to the capital in a series of pop-ups at local breweries and restaurants. Take the perfect piece of fried chicken, dip it into an oil bath of seven carefully blended spices, and throw it into a basic white bun. Add iceberg lettuce, bread-and-butter pickles, and homemade ranch dressing to cut the heat. Perfection. Check her Instagram @hollyshotchicken for upcoming pop-ups. $8. SB

48. duck drumsticks

Tender, meaty, moist, and all-around delicious, the duck drumsticks at Nikosi BistroPub are worth a road trip to Wakefield. Though the menu changes regularly, the plateful of three rich and sticky drumsticks has become an untouchable mainstay. Ask for extra napkins — you’ll need them. $17. 721, ch. Riverside, Wakefield. SB

49. Croissant aux abricots

Don’t be distracted by the more famous pastries at Macarons et Madeleines. Take a chance on the oft-overlooked croissant aux abricots (or abricotine). Pastry chef Stephan Éthier’s version is brilliant, the mild sweetness of his smooth pastry cream a sublime counterfoil to the slight tartness of the apricots. And that flaky pastry! Pure luxury. $3.60. 1323 Wellington St. W. SB

50. St. Zotique Grilled Cheese

Sometimes a sandwich is more than the sum of its parts. And that’s saying something when those parts include aged cheddar, St. Albert curd, calabrese salami, and honey-sriracha roasted tomato. It’s our top lunch pick at Red Door Provisions, a relaxed neighbourhood spot known for its sandwiches, pastries, preserves, and flavourful house-made sodas. $10.50. 117 Beechwood Ave. SB

51. StrawberryRhubarb Jam With Vanilla Bean and Spiced Rum

Summer in Ontario meets a Caribbean vibe. Natasha LeBlanc of Tasha’s Table has combined strawberries, rhubarb, rum, and vanilla bean to create a delectable jam. We could spread it on toast, but it’s so good you can eat it with a spoon straight from the jar or stir it into warm custard. A former cook at Beckta, LeBlanc now lives on a farm, cooking up preserves using her own produce. Many are enhanced with local spirits and craft beers (we recommend the grainy Dr. Feelgood Maple Chipotle Mustard featuring Stalwart Brewing’s Dr. Feelgood IPA). $9/250 mL. Carp Farmers’ Market. SB

52. ketchup

The Ketchup Project — tagline “Playing Ketchup Since 2017” — is fresh, juicy, and good. But what’s its secret? Is it the apple cider vinegar? The hint of cinnamon? The cloves? Regardless, the mix is genius. Go highbrow and take it as a condiment to your next hipster barbecue or lowbrow as a dip for your kids’ chicken fingers. $9.79. At Seed to Sausage and other independent food retailers. SB

53. fresh pretzels

A good pretzel is addictive. Warm from the oven, bready but chewy, liberally sprinkled with kosher salt. Are you salivating yet? The answer to your craving is at Le Twist Bakery Café in Chinatown. Pair it with some sweet honey mustard and a good German-style beer. $2.75. 640 Somerset St. W. SB

54. If This Dip Could Talk…

Jules Harrison of Spread Delivers is the queen of dips with her line of If This Dip Could Talk… finding its way into dozens of local food shops. Her original recipe — with caramelized onion, chives, and sour cream — is a rich companion to chips and crackers. The latest version sees jalapenos added to the mix, with sublime results. Look for the lime-green label! $7.25. At independent food retailers. SB

55. bubble cone

Moo Shu’s ever-creative Liz Mok has been an ice cream innovator since she burst onto the capital scene a few years ago with brilliant flavours inspired by her Hong Kong roots. Those roots are also evident in her signature bubble waffle cones, an homage to the island’s most popular street snack. Crispy on the outside, spongy inside, these bubbles are almost as good as the ice cream. A plain batter cone is delicious, the subtle Earl Grey tea version even better. Bubble cones are available only on Wednesdays. $5 plus cost of ice cream. 477 Bank St. SB

56. Caper Vinaigrette

Perk up your greens with a drizzle of Pure Kitchen’s caper vinaigrette. Vegan and glutenfree, it’s also creamy and garlicky with just the subtlest piquant hit of Dijon. Eating healthy salads just became exponentially easier. Get your bottle at the front counter. $5. 357 Richmond Rd. and 340 Elgin St. SB

57 Portuguese Buns (medium-size). Six for $3.50. Portuguese Bakery and Syrian Kitchen. 48 Nelson St. 58 Dynamite Dill and Potato. $6. Art-Is-In Bakery. 250 City Centre Ave., #112 59 Classic Baguette. $2.95. The French Baker. 119 Murray St. 60 Fig and Hazelnut Loaf. $5.75. Le Moulin de Provence. 55 ByWard Market Sq. 61 Seedy Kamut Loaf. $6. Bridgehead Roastery and Coffee House. 130 Anderson St.