Photography:
Slideshow Sweet and savoury, together at last Amy Smithers
Slideshow I think that may be Adrienne Clarkson on the left Amy Smithers
Slideshow A colourful brunch for three Amy Smithers
Slideshow Lazy Sunday morning Amy Smithers
Slideshow Man on a scone-y mission Amy Smithers
Slideshow Just in case you lose a few crumbs Amy Smithers
Slideshow British influence Amy Smithers
Slideshow One of these things is not like the other Amy Smithers
August 5 2010
Eat & Drink

The Scone Witch

By Amy Smithers

North America, Canada, Ottawa

CityFood & Wine

We still have Queen Elizabeth's surprisingly youthful head on all of our coins. Is it really all that surprising that Canada's capital city has a restaurant entirely dedicated to scones?

There's no stiff upper lip here, however. The Scone Witch is a relaxed cafe, home to toddler-wrangling parents and hung over grad students alike, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning when you can order the almighty weekend brunch special.

Eggs (with your choice of fillings—goat cheese anyone?) that are somehow both creamy and fluffy, a perfectly dressed green salad, fresh fruit, and of course the famous scone with locally made jam. What's not to love? There is a wide selection of scone flavours, from the sweet (vanilla, orange, currant) to the savoury (cheddar, feta). And if you happen to be stopping by on a weekday, fear not; the Scone Witch "sconewitch" is available seven days a week. It's exactly what you think: ordinary bread gets the boot and your sandwich is held together by a scone instead. Delightful.

The best part of any of these dishes, however, is that perfect "crunch-to-squish" ratio. I wasn't even a big scone fan prior to this meal—but this isn't your grocery store, Tim Horton-ified affair. This is a bona fide, British recipe scone. Whatever that witch is putting in there, she can keep up the magic.

Amy Smithers is a converted scone fan. If you'd like to know where to drop off your freshly baked scones for her taste test evaluation, email her, or find our offices. And if you're looking for more great pit stops on your travels, join our Facebook fan page and follow us on Twitter.