My dad has been talking about trying Otto, the new Norwood neighborhood restaurant since it opened in December.  Located at 11405-95 Street, next to La Favorite pastry shop, the 50 seat restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere.  In fact, we were greeted by the owner when we arrived (former co-owner of Culina Mill Creek), who took the time to sit down and talk to us, and offer us some suggestions.

To say the menu at Otto focuses on sausage would be an understatement; it is the only entrée on the menu, along with some sides.  Customers can order a variety of sausages – pork, beef, chicken, vegan, served with, sauerkraut, pickles, and mustard (yellow, Dijon, or hopped). Some of the sides include fries, coleslaw, mac ‘n’ cheese and sausage buns, which are ordered separately.

The menu is complemented by an extensive list of bottled craft beer, which is appropriate considering the menu.  The selection includes everything from Alley Kat, Blindman, Ribstone, Yellowhead and Big Rock.  Almost all of the beers are exclusive to Alberta.  They also offer a selection of wines and cocktails.

 

 

We started by ordering three sausages, and ended up ordering a fourth, the Thai green curry cod special, one of the special features, out of sheer curiosity.  All were exceptional, big in flavor and cooked to perfection. Sausages are ordered individually ($7 each) and served family style on a wooden platter lined with butcher paper.  If you are not someone who like to share, there is the New York Style sausage ($9) option which is served on bun, or currywurst with fries ($12).  I actually ordered the New York style sausage to-go for my boyfriend; I couldn’t let him miss out on the fun while he worked late.

OTTO Dog (smoked gouda bratwurst with caraway and fresh garlic), Andouille (braised pork and red wine, mildly spiced), Merguez (beef and lamb, spiced with Harissa paste), fries

Thai Green Curry Cod (Icelandic cod, cilantro, coconut milk)

New York Style Andouille Sausage (to-go)

 

The service was pleasant and decent enough to keep up with the evening rush – and there was a rush, no sooner after we got there the place filled up.  The short, simple menu also probably helped keep things flowing.   Unless you have heard about it, Otto is pretty hard to track down unless you live nearby, there is no website. Another hitch is that it is only open from 5 to 10 p.m., however with the patio coming in the summer, rumor has it that these hours could be extended.

 

Sincerely,

Chrissy