JOHN TAYLOR’S MENU at Domus (613-241-6007; domuscafe.ca) culls ingredients from the surrounding neighbourhood. Lucky for him, it’s Ottawa’s popular, perennial Byward Market.

“I’ve seen this space up close for a long time,” says owner/chef Taylor. “I know exactly who brings what and from where.”

A woman named Madame Rochon is a must-see for the season’s first strawberries, and then for corn, peppers and melon as the summer heat rises.

Orient Farm, a biodynamic farm in the area (613-488-2097), brings in “some fantastic produce,” says Taylor, such as calvo nero, ratte potatoes and very tiny mixed greens. Mrs. Robinson’s “old school” herbs and Anne Cadotte’s “fantastic tomatillos” are worth seeking out, too.

Open year-round with various store hours, mostly closed Sundays.

byward-market.com