With a recent change in its menu, we knew we had to head over to OMAW and try it out. OMAW is an American eatery by MBA Group & one of our faves – The Food Dudes. It features a killer fusion style menu perfect for sharing and the space has got an intimate, rustic and lively feel to it.
THE VIBE
The space itself has a casual, rustic feel with exposed brick throughout. The restaurant, which was once a club, features a good mix of tables and bar style seating. There’s an over-sized main bar where you can perch yourself next to the regulars and enjoy cocktails and witty banter with the friendly bartenders.
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The ambiance of the space depends on the time you visit. If you’re looking to woo a date we suggest going earlier in the evening for something a more quiet. Planning to have a night out with friends? After 8 p.m. is best to get that lively, energetic vibe. The music is on point too – we happened to catch it on a Thursday night where ol’ school hip hop was playing in the background.
THE FOOD
Chef David Schwartz is the man behind the food. The dishes are carefully thought out and executed. Using local ingredients and innovative ways to harvest them, the food at OMAW is something to experience. They’re an Oceanwise partner, so all their seafood is sustainable and the menu offers a variety of shareables. If you’re not the sharing type, however, the items can also be perfect to eat by your lonesome or experience their $60/pp chef’s tasting menu and just sit back and enjoy.
Our personal fave off of the hands category (and yes, you’ll want to use your hands for these) was the Trout Tartare w/ Seed Crackers ($14). Chewy beets which are cooked, dehydrated and then steeped in an aromatic oil and fennel aioili and diced trout over top a crunchy seed cracker. It’s a fresh bite that packs bold flavours. Perfect to get the night and the appetite started.
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For our vegetarian friends or if you’re just in the mood for something healthy, the Chopped Salad with Kale, Pimento Cheese and Almond ($15) really works. The kale is grown locally (in a freight container to be exact) and the ingredients really worked well together.
The Sunchoke Poutine with Butternut Squash and Colby ($13) is a great twist on your typical poutine. Also vegetarian, it was easily another one of our favourites. The colby cheddar worked really well with the sunchoke and really surprised us with the combination of crispiness and creaminess you’d want out of any poutine.
Now for the main event – The Fried Chicken Sandwich w/ Parmesan and Jalapeño ($15). A perfect blend of sweet & spicy (ask for extra jalepeños if you lean more towards the spicy side) fried chicken, pickles, lettuce nestled between a soft buttery milk bun.
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Last but not least was dessert. Below you’ll see the Banana cake with Jasmine Tea, Citrus Caramel and Cocoa Nib ($10). This is a yummy dessert – if you like banana bread, you’re going to love this.
THE DRINKS AT OMAW
All the cocktails at OMAW are well priced at $13. There’s a variety of modern iterations of lesser known classics. Our favourite was the Corpse Reviver No. 2 made with gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, absinthe. This cocktail has a citrus like taste with a strong kick. Below that is their signature cocktail, The Lizard King made with the same basil yogurt from the rutabaga dish.
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PRIVATE PARTIES
Wanna keep the night going? There’s a cool lounge/bar space in the back open to the public from Thurs – Sat as of June 8th, called Backspace and can also be booked for private events. In between the restaurant and the back room, lies a private dining room option for 8-12 ppl that offers complete privacy and different set menu options.
To make reservations check out their website.
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