The Garlic Press

Address: 1426 Scott St, Ottawa
Hours: 4 – 7pm (Tu – W), 11am – 7pm (Th – Sat), closed Sun – Mon
Website: https://thegarlicpress.ca/
Green factor: Mix of compostable/recyclable/regular trash containers; garbage and recycling bins on site

Earlier this year, The Garlic Press – a brand-new food truck – opened on Scott Street where trucks have been setting up shop the past couple of years.

Their vibe seems be an assortment of comfort foods that get chef’ed up, on a menu that changes up frequently.

Earlier in the summer, my wife and I swung by on a Saturday afternoon shortly after opening and they were already doing a steady business.

It may have been a hot summer day, but it’s hard to turn down the allure of a Thanksgiving all in one sandwich! The Thanksgiving sub ($17) was a hot mess – turkey meatballs, candied carrots, black currant jam, and stuffing-esque croutons, all in a sub bun and slathered with gravy. The sandwich had tons of flavour, from the big, tender meatballs, to the black currant jam, which added a nice hit of sweetness to relieve my taste buds from all of the richness.

A side order of parm fries ($10), were super crisp and topped with parmesan (duh) – what’s not to like? Interestingly, all orders come with a choice of salad or a bag of chips – even these fries. I doubt people expect a side dish with a side dish and it could be trimmed from items like this – as well as a couple bucks off the price.

My wife’s Caprese sandwich ($15) was comprised of thick slices of bright, in-season tomatoes, the herby punch of basil, and salty goat cheese standing in for fresh mozzarella. It was a simple but tasty showcase of summer flavours.

A tip of my digital cap for the handful of chocolates in generous acknowledgement of the wait during the lunch rush.

The Garlic Press is a nice addition to the city’s food truck scene, and the menu’s state of flux and the execution will keep you coming back for more.