How about some spruce tips for dinner?

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Spruce tips.  Photo by [ Mark Lepine ](http://lockerz.com/s/102421419) , used by permission.

We're in the middle of prime spruce tip picking time in Ottawa, according to [ Marc Lepine ](http://twitter.com/#!/marclepine) , the chef/owner of [ Atelier Restaurant ](http://www.atelierrestaurant.ca/team/) .  I've never had spruce tips before, but Marc tells me that "they taste the way they smell, it's really quite unique, I can't say I could compare it to anything."

You should check out Marc’s photo stream , where he’s been posting photos of all kinds of plants that he’s been using in his recipes lately. Plans like cattails, lilac, wild nettle flowers, and more.

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** See also: ** Ottawa Food Guide