Lemon Meringue Pie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NCI_Visuals_Food_Pie.jpg

I am saddened by the closing of the Café Bon Appetit, formerly the Buffet Rideau Restaurant, on the fifth floor at the Bay on Rideau Street in Ottawa. It closed at the end of January for a number of reasons: the two-month bus strike, economic circumstances and new management. It was a casualty of circumstance.

I discovered the restaurant during the multicultural events held last May when they served samples of poutine, mini-burgers, dirty rice and curry soup. I kept returning for the late afternoon $5 hot meal specials. It was a simple room in light-coloured wood with mirrored and windowed walls dividing the cafeteria section from the dining section. There were wicker chairs, a green patterned carpet and alcoves. I think it was supposed to be reminiscent of a refined quaint era with a garden feel. It was the sort of place where one could leave one’s shopping on a table, go to the counter to order (it was a semi-self-service restaurant) and the shopping would not walk away. The Café Bon Appetit had just put up new red and white signage to list what was on offer: hot meals, burger bar, salads, desserts, rich soups and massive cinnamon rolls. The hot meal consisted of meat, rice or potatoes, vegetables, bread roll and drink. The roasts were always freshly cooked and there was enough variety on offer to choose from.

Naturally, I went for the last day. I sat in my usual alcove with my ham, scalloped potatoes, ratatouille, bread roll, tea and lemon meringue pie and watched. The last day had more diners than I had seen before, but of the usual varieties. Mostly elderly women for that final bowl of soup or coffee and pastry. An older couple, she in a wheelchair. Four middle-aged women laden with shopping bags. A few fellows who I suspect came daily for the proverbial square meal – perhaps it was their only hot meal of the day. Young staff having a bite and a chat. Pogos made especially for a little boy there with his grandmother.