Ottawa Foodies

It's most likely just salt making you thirsty. MSG isn't very common in Portuguese (or Italian) cooking. The Portuguese have quite a salty taste for food and Bacalhau is salt cod. I had a bacalhau dish (na telha) at Cafe Spiga and I remember it being quite salty.

Chinese food (especially the North American style) is usually salty too, so I'm guessing that's your connection. :-)

Went there last Tuesday with my friend for dinner. Both of us had the Special - I had Bacalhau Spiga and my friend had Chicken Principesa. We exchanged so that we can try each dish. We enjoyed the food and won't mind going there again to try other dishes.

Tuesday night was a quiet night for them. Probably only 3 tables were occupied when we were there.

I do have one concern. When I went home after the dinner, I felt very thirsty. I always feel thirsty after eating Chinese food. This leads me to think that the chef must have put some MSG to the food? Is this a common practice now?

Hadn't been back there in years. Used to love it. What has changed? Our server was unfriendly and unattentive. We, and the next table, had to stand and wave before she would actually acknowledge us...
Started with the mista salad: nice variety of lettuces but no discernable taste of dressing or vinaigrette. My date had the ceasar which he enjoyed: garlicky dressing and lots of croutons.
I then had the veal picata which was flavoured more with lemon juice then zest; so much that it was too tart instead of delicate. My date had the chicken breast with figs: I tried it and it was very good. Perfect balance between the sweetness and the herbs. Dessert: 1 praline ice cream and 1 crème brulé (terrible: thick, lumpy custard barely "bruléd" so no candied shell). 2 table d'hôte, 1 bottle mid-priced wine, 2 espresso: $160 plus tip. Overall: disappointing

I really enjoy Cafe Spiga. There are so many items on the menu that look delicious; however, my boyfriend and I always get the Caldeirada Da Marisco. Needless to say, I'm trying to recreate this delicious Portuguese seafood stew at home. In fact, I received a cook book filled with authentic Portuguese recipes from my boyfriend's mother upon her return from Portugal last month - but I can't read one of them!

The copper vessel is called "cataplana" and is most often used to cook a yummy dish with pork and clams (Carne de porco à Alentejana). Although the food at Spiga is not strictly authentic(the way a grandma would make), it's tasty! Great cosy place with friendly service.

Valentine's Day here was very special back in 2004. The Bacalhau was as good or better than any of the stuff I've tried made by Portugese people at home. The mix of Italian and Portugese cuisine is a real winner. Great owners, great environment.

Nice atmosphere, though can be little drafty near the door.

I particulary enjoyed the portuguese seafood dish, 'cooking in a copper vessel'. Sorry can't remember the name off hand.