by SARAH MUSGRAVE

Verdun has its own vibe, a kind of small-town charm somewhere between Coronation Street and Balconville. On the eating scene, it’s a diamond in the rough, with several low-priced gems to make your own. These three places are a short walk from de L’Église metro.

Les Délices de l’Île Maurice

This inexpensive tropical oasis showcases all things delicious from Mauritius. An island country in the Indian Ocean, it can boast an incredible mix of ethnicities in the melting pot of its cuisine: Portuguese, Dutch and French colonization mixed with Chinese, Indian and African residents makes for a spicy mélange of flavours. Business here is often brisk, overseen by the effervescent proprietor who mans the steamy open kitchen. Meals start with chewy/crunchy cabbage fried in a light batter, accompanied by mint, tomato, garlic or chilli pepper dips. That’s followed by dahl soup. The main course is a mix and match affair of different meats and seafoods, lamb and scallops among them to be paired with Creole, Cajun, curry, tomato or saffron seasonings. The aromatic results are served with rice and salad topped with a raita-like dressing. A no-frills spot for armchair travellers, and BYOB to boot, it’s one of my favourite restaurants anywhere in the city.

Address: 272 Hickson, Phone: 768-6023, Hours: 5–10pm, Price: $10/person including tax, without drinks & tip

Nu Art Café

This comfortable, quirky eatery is the kind of joint that every neighbourhood should have. It serves healthy food at affordable prices, with a strong selection of meatless dishes and only two carnivorous options on the menu. The soup of the day is not to be missed, especially if it’s the amazingly fresh and zesty gazpacho. For a taste of all sorts of house specialties, the Composition is the way to go, featuring a savoury spinach terrine, homemade veggie pâté with a hint of curry, nutty hummus, Brie, salsa, and a thick pesto spread. It’s all held together by one of Nu Art’s amazing salads, handcrafted eye-catchers consisting of fluffy lettuce, carrots, kiwi, mango, cantaloupe and strawberry in a light balsamic dressing. Other entries are named for famous artsy types, such as Piaf ratatouille and the Chagall sandwich with marinated eggplant, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and olives on a bagel.

Address: 3780 Wellington, Phone: 762-1310, Hours: Wed–Thurs 11:30am–midnight; Fri 11am–10pm; Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–3pm (breakfast only); closed Mon & Tues, Price: $10/person before tax, drinks or tip

El Patio

Situated on a quiet residential street, El Patio’s Mediterranean sensations exceed its surroundings. Offerings straddle fare from France and Spain, starting with the soups, a refreshing gazpacho right alongside a hot, cheesy French onion. There’s the same duality in the main courses, confit de canard or veal with sauce share space with paella or grilled turbot. A list of tapas includes garlic shrimp or mushrooms, rice and seafood croquettes, fried calamari and sardines. The affordable table d’hôte might include herbed lamb chops or a duo du pêcheur with two types of fish cooked with a mild pink sauce of beets and cream. Where the chef really charms is with incredible accompaniments like expertly prepared French beans, carved zucchini pockets filled with something wonderful, buttery purple cabbage, divine mashed potatoes and delectable sautéed onions marinated in pink peppercorns and raspberry vinegar. For dessert, there’s a huge and creamy crème brûlée. When the patio it’s named for reopens, sample the sangria made with magical cinnamon syrup. :

Address: 425 Hickson, Phone: 766-5888, Hours: 11:30am–2:30pm; 5:30–10pm (later on weekends), Price: $17/person before tax, drinks or tip