Nice and Spicy

This is the best time of year to shake the old taste buds out of complacency and familiar routines. Why? Because we found Octogon Catering & Meals to Go, where they specialize in Spanish and Moroccan cuisine. It’s centrally located in Centretown and is the perfect place to give those buds a jolt with something new.

Aliza Hutmann (chef, owner, and mom of two) cooks up an array of affordable, healthy take-home meals made from good ingredients (many of which are gluten-free). They’re smartly packaged in oven-safe containers, which makes them super convenient for immediate heating and serving.

This food has heart. It’s about tomatoes, lemon, chickpeas and mouthwatering tagines. The dishes range in spiciness (think paprika, saffron, cumin, nutmeg, and cinnamon).

If your kids are new to this kind of cuisine, you might want to start with one of their delicious dips, which include variations of roasted eggplant and hummus. Octogon also makes their own crispy pita chips.

Soups might be a good starting point as well: we sampled a belly-warming White Bean and Tomato soup with Spicy Chorizo ($4.89 for 1/2 litre container). Moroccan meatballs, couscous with dried fruit and nuts, quinoa salads with vegetables and beans…these are the kinds of items you’ll find on the menu. (Pardon us while we wipe away the drool.)

The take-home menu changes monthly, so it’s smart to keep tabs on it or subscribe to their weekly menu. Aliza cooks in small batches, so call ahead if you’re ordering in larger quantities. 

Your mouth will be glad you did.

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