"Food is music to the body and music is food to the heart"

Anyone who knows me personally is sure of two things: I have an obscure taste in music and I love food. Luckily, attending the Folk Fest allows me to fulfill both of these tastes.

The Ottawa Folk Festival has a variety of food vendors to satisfy a plethora of appetites, tastes, and dietary concerns.

Do you dig West Indian food? If so, why not try Mugena? Their goat roti and jerk chicken will give you a taste of the islands right here at home. For those who may like more traditional Ottawa fare, Fadi’s has the fries, hot dogs, and shwarma to satiate your craving!

Stone Soup Foodworks has also diversified their menu this summer, serving up fresh and tasty tacos (a personal favourite). Hot Potato Company also offers up flavorsome, baked potatoes, which hit the spot after an evening of dancing in the Falls tent.

If a pulled-pork sandwich sounds appetizing to you, I’ve heard some great feedback from The Piggy Market’s customers. Strata Pizza often draws large crowds, and if you try their margherita pizza, you’ll find out why (they even have a cheeseless option).

Personally, after a nice summer dinner, I like to enjoy a sweet treat. Fortunately, there are a few scrumptious options at Hog’s Back Park: The Chocolate Fondue with Fresh Fruit offers up fruity treats and smoothies that make the mouth water when fellow-folkers walk by with them, and Iceco has frozen treats that can cool you down in the heat.

Another favourite of mine is B. Good’s Bakery. As someone that tries to stay away from dairy (lactose and I have parted ways many moons ago), B.Goods has vegan and gluten free options, which can lighten the heart of many festival-goers. Oh, and be sure to try their coffee cake.

It only seems fitting that my favourite music festival in Ottawa should offer up some of the most appetizing culinary options. It's just as Gregory David Roberts said, "Food is music to the body and music is food to the heart." 

Michelle N