A dash of new street food added to the mix this spring

Beginning in May, Ottawa will welcome some new food options to the city’s streets.

Five new vendors – four trucks and one cart – will join the existing roster of more than 50 street food vendors on Ottawa’s street this spring.

A total of 28 vendors applied in December for nine spaces available in 2015. An impartial volunteer selection panel evaluated proposals based on criteria to encourage innovation and diversity in menu offerings as well as business plans, levels of vendor experience and overall contributions to Ottawa’s food scene.

“The addition of street food to Vanier and Hintonburg will provide excellent opportunities for more people to discover Ottawa’s exciting street food culture,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “While bringing more variety and vitality to our streets, the Street Food Vending Program also delivers on the City’s commitment to promote small business opportunities in Ottawa.”

Ottawa’s 2015 street food vending season will be officially “lunched” on Wednesday May 13 at Marion Dewar Plaza in front of City Hall. The City will partner with the Capital Street Food Association for this Street Food Showcase.

“Today’s announcement builds on the success of the 2013 Council-approved Street Food Vending Program, which added 17 new vendors for the first time in 16 years,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the City’s Community and Protective Services Committee. “These new food carts and trucks will complement the diverse mix of existing vendors to satisfy the appetites of residents and tourists alike.”

The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the following successful applicants: ** Cart **

 * 
Stella Luna Gelato Café

Tammy Giuliani Artisanal gelato handcrafted daily from scratch using old-world recipes West side of Bank Street, south of Sparks Street

** Trucks **

 * 
**
 Bytown Bayou Louisiana Smokehouse
**
Richard Hash

Authentic southern smoked barbecue and sides East side of Spadina Avenue, between Somerset Street and Wellington Street

 * 
**
 Nacho Cartel
**
Leonardo Alvarenga

Small truck, big dreams North side of Argyle Avenue, east of O’Connor Street

 * 
**
 Rico Peru
**
Katherin Yparraguirre

Fresh and traditional Peruvian cuisine made from scratch East side of Olmstead Street, south of Montreal Road

 * 
**
 Mobile Mayflower
**
Bob Jones

Fresh, made from scratch, up-to-date comfort food West side of Courtwood Crescent south of Woodward Drive