Meebs 'N' Quarts - More Ottawa Fast Food Tradition

Up in the Nation's Capital yesterday just for the day and by 11:00 the team was throwing lunch ideas around.

"NO". Sheena said.

"I'm only here for one day and I miss The Prescott.

"OK". They said

Friday lunch at the Prescott Hotel on Preston, right in Little Italy, is something any visitor to Ottawa must experience. It's the same menu any other day, but there is something special about the Friday lunch. It is not unlike those African savannah watering holes where species of all sizes, makes and models come together - warily, carefully - to drink the same cooling waters. The Prescott is also one of the last holdouts in Ottawa still serving quart bottles. Usually it's a Quebec thing. Nice to order a communal beer and share, or just feel classy like you're drinking wine and just pour a few ounces into the miniature draft glasses in front of you.

The propeller heads sit at the tables next to the government middle managers. And sometimes the head snaps are audible as they endeavour to keep corporate secrets from their customers 2 feet away. The blue collar dirty fingernail staple clientele mix readily with the suits and ties, all eyes together as one on the big screen watching highlights of last night's game.

The old guys often sit solo. They got there at 11. Working on their second quart, little glass half full. They'll be there on Monday too.

Sheena recalls seeing a menu once, and there is usually a great range of daily specials, but when my time is limited, I default to the comfort zone. Most people rave about the square pizzas, which are good, but not my thing.

My thing? The Meatball Platter with Cheese. I usually only get through about 10% of the fries, and never eat the cole slaw, but the Meebs are divine. One of the very few sandwiches actually best eaten with a spoon.