Ottawa-Gatineau Restaurant News

[Policy Wonk]

I want to buy a gift card for some friends in Ottawa for Christmas - what is popular these days?

Budget is $100

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Well restaurant's that I know people frequent a fair bit and praise are Fratelli, e18hteen(eighteen), Black Tomato, and just about anything in the Byward Market because it's trendy there... :haha:

[Mille Sabords]

Luxe in the Market
The Eclectic Noodle in Sandy Hill
Paradiso on Bank

[AuxTown]

I really like Fratelli, good suggestion! And there are 3 locations I think so they can have some choice. Baton Rouge is always amazing as well.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Prime 360 is also good.

[Mille Sabords]

Aroma, on Nepean St. across from Beckta, was a nice discovery.

I'm also curious about trying Eri Café on Somerset West, between Preston and the O-Train, on a second floor. It's Eritrean cuisine and from the menu it looks pretty tasty: www.ericafe.ca

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Ethiopian food is pretty tasty. For Ethiopian I usually go to Horn of Africa on Rideau or Blue Nile on Gladstone.

[Proof Sheet]

Prime 360 is also good.

I was there last September and I'm glad it wasn't me footing the bill....a bit too stuffy and old boys network place for me.

Despite this the steaks are huge

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

I was there last September and I'm glad it wasn't me footing the bill....a bit too stuffy and old boys network place for me.

Despite this the steaks are huge

Try Baton Rouge then. Supposedly a little less pricey and still pretty good and not as stuffy.

[Yroc]

http://ottawafoodies.com/forum

http://www.restaurantthing.com/ca/on/ottawa/index.php

[Canadian Mind]

Girlfriend will be visiting me around the beggining of October, and we're going to spend a few days in Ottawa. Being I'm almost never down there myself, I'm not familiar with places to go to for grub. Not planning on setting anything in stone, but I'm looking for reccomendations of places to go. Also wanna know places to avoid, so that if a place looks nice we don't go in and have a bad time.

We're staying at the Sheraton in downtown, so I'm hoping for spots that are within a short walk of that. Looking for both places that are casual dining and those more suited to her getting into a dress for. Being we're from the west coast I'd like to avoid foods that are common out there, namely places that specialise in east, SE, and south Asian foods, aswell as fish.

Hope it isn't too tall of an order. Thanks guys.

[Rathgrith]

If you like Burgers you should make it out to The Works at some point.

[Zach6668]

If you like Burgers you should make it out to The Works at some point.

Am I the only one REALLY underwhelmed by the taste of their beef?

Sure, they dress it up in fancy and sometimes retarded toppings, but the beef is sooooo bland.

[Ottawade]

Am I the only one REALLY underwhelmed by the taste of their beef?

Sure, they dress it up in fancy and sometimes retarded toppings, but the beef is sooooo bland.

That's because you should be ordering the elk

[Canadian Mind]

That's because you should be ordering the elk

Whats this about Elk? :D

[Rathgrith]

Go The Works as soon as you get here and order a elk meat burger. You'll have no time to make it to your hotel, just get to that place post haste.

[Yroc]

Sides at the works are ... lacking

I suggest you ask this question at Ottawa Foodies.

[AuxTown]

I'm not into gourmet food, but tend to frequent the higher end steakhouses and grills. Here's a few of my favorites:

Baton Rouge- Yes, it's a large chain from Quebec, but the ribs are seriously to die for, your girlfriend (from BC) has probably never heard of it, and it's really close to where you are staying (Albert @ Lyon).

http://www.dine.to/DineTOimages/pic_batonrouge.jpg

Empire Grill- A bit on the pricey side. Steaks are excellent, decor is unique, and the wine list is second to none IMO. Try the Marynissen Estates Lot 66 (Mick Jagger's favorite Canadian wine). It's on Clarence Street in the market.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4074/empiregrill2.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2911/empiregrill3.jpg

Stella- Another Clarence St. restaurant with probably the best location in the city for nightlife. Really good Italian cuisine with yet another great wine list. Try the chicken parmasean.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/RonEade/IMG_4885copy.jpg

If she starts to miss Vancouver, try either the Mekong or Hot Peppers (both in Chinatown on Somerset). They are my favorite restaurants for Asian food.

Finally, I have to stand up for my good friend The Works! I love that place and think their burgers are perfect (even the beef ones). Try the Smokey Mountain for a classic taste and add a few sweet potato fries to ensure you get your veggies in.

[canadave]

Girlfriend will be visiting me around the beggining of October, and we're going to spend a few days in Ottawa...

A good spot to go is Mama Grazzi's in the Market, at Sussex and George. Fantastic Italian food (made to order), and a nice cozy atmosphere. Won't break the bank, either, it's surprisingly affordable even with a glass of wine.

[AuxTown]

A good spot to go is Mama Grazzi's in the Market, at Sussex and George. Fantastic Italian food (made to order), and a nice cozy atmosphere. Won't break the bank, either, it's surprisingly affordable even with a glass of wine.

I also like Mama Grazzi's. It's interesting because the building is sinking (it's like 100 years old) so the entire restaurant is on a slight angle.

[Canadian Mind]

She doesn't handle steaks very well. Liking the idea of dropping into Stella for Italian, thinkin Grazzi's will give us to much of a sinking feeling. :P Thanks for the pics O-town. Helps give a feel of the place.

[Zach6668]

Well... fine then. I've tried the Works at least twice now, two different locations already and felt the same way about the beef, but I'll give it another try. :)

My favorite burger in Ottawa right now is from Fulton Market at the Trainyards. I think it's just a chain, but I'd never heard of it until moving here.

[m0nkyman]

Play.

'nuff said.

[harls]

I tried the Works recently and it did seem a bit expensive for what you got, but I think you're paying more for the atmosphere than anything (drinking out of a measuring cup was a little eclectic... reminded me of my old university buddy who stocked his cupboard with mason jars).

[kwoldtimer]

I've seen various comments about spots in the Market, but nobody seems to have mentioned Murray St - what with Domus (long may it reign!), Murray St Cafe (meat-lover's paradise) and Navarra, it has become the best street for foodies in Ottawa. :cheers: I would add Le Boulanger Francais to the list, but I'm off carbs these days :(

[Ottawade]

Beckta is the standard on the higher end, but if you don't mind paying ~$75 person for the full experience I really think the Urban Pear on Second is under rated compared to beckta. I've never had anything less than a great meal at the Urban Pear.

[Canadian Mind]

Beckta is the standard on the higher end, but if you don't mind paying ~$75 person for the full experience I really think the Urban Pear on Second is under rated compared to beckta. I've never had anything less than a great meal at the Urban Pear.

What they serve, and what are the dress regs for the place?

[AuxTown]

Beckta is the standard on the higher end, but if you don't mind paying ~$75 person for the full experience I really think the Urban Pear on Second is under rated compared to beckta. I've never had anything less than a great meal at the Urban Pear.

Good call Wade! The Urban Pear is a great restaurant in a great location (though it faces the wrong direction unfortunately). I think it tends to get overlooked since it doesn't face right onto Bank Street.

[canadave]

I also like Mama Grazzi's. It's interesting because the building is sinking (it's like 100 years old) so the entire restaurant is on a slight angle.

I didn't actually know that. I'll have to keep an eye out for that next time I'm there.

[niwell]

Sides at the works are ... lacking



Really? Unless it's changed since I lived in Ottawa the sweet potato fries were amazing. Granted that was over 2 years ago but they remain the 2nd best sweet potato fries I've ever had.

Never had the meat burgers there either, but they had some of the best veggie burgers I've ever had as well. Probably better than anything I've paid more for in Toronto. And on that point I never thought they were overpriced but again, 2 years might have changed things.

[Yroc]

2 years might have changed things.

Their sucess created competition. I can recommend play as well for a nice nite out. Again your at the wrong web site. Restaurant Thing or Ottawa Foodies is the place to look and ask about food.

[niwell]

^Thanks, but I'm not really all that interested in food in Ottawa at this point. Just a bit incredulous (and dissapointed) that the works isn't that great anymore. Unless of course it's still on par and other places have gotten better that is. In which case, great for Ottawa.

I will leave the proviso that I was primarily interested in the place as a veg restaurant at the time. I am no longer vegetarian (although I very rarely eat meat) and have discovered that food ratings outside of the veg world are much, much different. And for good reason.

[Zach6668]

So I took the advice in this thread and re-tried the Works yesterday for lunch.

I had the Smokey Mountain burger, with Cheddar instead of Jack, and I added goat cheese.

It was so good that I went back for a second time today. Heh.

Thanks for setting me straight. :)

[kwoldtimer]

I walked over to my neighbourhood Works today and also had the Smokey Mountain (sans goat cheese, I'll have to keep that in mind). I thought it was great, although the very lean beef they use might not be everybody's thing. :cheers:

[Ottawade]

Elk people! Elk! I'm telling you: you won't go back to beef!

[Ottawade]

What they serve, and what are the dress regs for the place?

The menu is on their website, but like beckta i think it cycles monthly. Essentially they have a soup, salad, seafood and one other appetizer, then there is a beef, duck, fish, pork, and veggie entree.

I wore jeans and an untucked button up shirt last time I went so I'm pretty sure there isn't a dress code... In fact I don't think I've ever been to an Ottawa restaurant that has one...

[kwoldtimer]

... I wore jeans and an untucked button up shirt last time I went so I'm pretty sure there isn't a dress code... In fact I don't think I've ever been to an Ottawa restaurant that has one...

Dressy in an Ottawa restaurant seems to mean nobody is sitting to eat with their baseball cap on (I HATE that!!!). At the risk of straying from the topic of the thread, where would one be obliged to dress for an evening out in public in Ottawa? In my experience, jeans seem acceptable even at the NAC and, with exceptions, the club patrons in the Market tend more to sleaze/tack than sophistication. Ottawans are some of the most casual/informal people anywhere, and I don't mean that in a negative way. My theory is that practically everyone is so solidly middle class that appearances just matter less than many places in the world where the way you look and dress affects your place in the social hierarchy.

[Zach6668]

I didn't want to start a new thread for this stupid question, but I can't find anything using search.

Was I dreaming, or did someone mention somewhere that there was an Arby's open or opening in Ottawa recently? Help? I want a damn Beef and Cheddar ASAP.

[Ottawan]

I didn't want to start a new thread for this stupid question, but I can't find anything using search.

Was I dreaming, or did someone mention somewhere that there was an Arby's open or opening in Ottawa recently? Help? I want a damn Beef and Cheddar ASAP.

No, you weren't dreaming (unless it was of sinking your teeth into an Arby's sandwich). Here's the Arby's thread:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=176385

[MolsonExport]

belle province? :D

[Zach6668]

No, you weren't dreaming (unless it was of sinking your teeth into an Arby's sandwich). Here's the Arby's thread:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=176385

Thank you sir/madam. No idea how I couldn't find that.

[Ottawan]

Thank you sir/madam. No idea how I couldn't find that.

Sir. Most glad to be of service!

[Acajack]

belle province? :D

They had a short-lived location in Gatineau not too far from my place but it has since been replaced by a Thai. Sign of the times...

[Zach6668]

Are there any good southern style BBQ places in this city?

I know it's a chain, but something like Famous Dave's which are all over the USA would be perfect for what I'm currently craving.

[Zach6668]

Eh, found this place (http://dsbbq.ca/), and went for a late lunch today. It was pretty decent. The beef brisket was good, and I took a pulled pork platter home for whenever my next meal is. :)

A little (lots) out of the way, though.

[Acajack]

Eh, found this place (http://dsbbq.ca/), and went for a late lunch today. It was pretty decent. The beef brisket was good, and I took a pulled pork platter home for whenever my next meal is. :)

A little (lots) out of the way, though.

This place used to be the Jacques' Trap. Never went there - but the tacky name stuck in my mind since I first heard it.

[m0nkyman]

Neat article:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/food/menu+2010/2413172/story.html

[rakerman]

http://www.capitaldining.ca/ has good restaurant coverage. There are a couple other blogs as well

Rachel Eats Food (http://rachelleeatsfood.blogspot.com/)

Nooschi (http://www.nooschi.com/2008/09/ottawa-post-index.html)

[Davis137]

Are there any good southern style BBQ places in this city?

I know it's a chain, but something like Famous Dave's which are all over the USA would be perfect for what I'm currently craving.

Yep, The Foolish Chicken on Holland. Some of the best chicken and ribs you'll eat anywhere. And some of the best sweet potato fries you'll ever have around here too.

[Zach6668]

Thanks.

Still not 100% what I'm looking for. I really want beef brisket. :)

Definitely feeling the pulled pork sandwich though.

[Cntrtwnr]

Jean Alberts just opened on Somerset by Lyon....southern soul food.

mmmmmm pulled pork.

http://communities.canada.com/OTTAWACITIZEN/blogs/omnivore/archive/2010/04/01/jean-albert-s-opens-with-a-taste-of-soul-on-somerset.aspx

[Proof Sheet]

Jean Alberts just opened on Somerset by Lyon....southern soul food.

mmmmmm pulled pork.

http://communities.canada.com/OTTAWACITIZEN/blogs/omnivore/archive/2010/04/01/jean-albert-s-opens-with-a-taste-of-soul-on-somerset.aspx

I went to the place in Hallville once..it was very quiet..the food was OK but as the article says it wasn't the healthiest in the world.

[Cntrtwnr]

Agreed it's not the healthiest food around...I resisted the pork smothered fries app, but maybe next time. Pork Rib Chop was meh, but my wife loved her chicken. They ran out of ribs as they weren't expecting to be so busy so quickly...they were jammed. Ribs next time for sure..it's what there known for.

[AuxTown]

Agreed it's not the healthiest food around...I resisted the pork smothered fries app, but maybe next time. Pork Rib Chop was meh, but my wife loved her chicken. They ran out of ribs as they weren't expecting to be so busy so quickly...they were jammed. Ribs next time for sure..it's what there known for.

You're the third different person I've heard who went to this restaurant only to find out that they're out of ribs. I love ribs and it would be really disappointing to sit down for dinner and find out they didn't have any. I will have to try this place sometime though; maybe I'll call ahead.

[rakerman]

This is a pretty good list of some of the best places: Ottawa au-delà des clichés (http://www.cyberpresse.ca/voyage/canada/201005/12/01-4279670-ottawa-au-dela-des-cliches.php).

[Harley613]

Has anyone tried El Camino yet? It's the new take-out window/dining lounge taco place on Elgin and it's always so damned busy! I keep hearing about how amazing it is!

[bartlebooth]

Has anyone tried El Camino yet? It's the new take-out window/dining lounge taco place on Elgin and it's always so damned busy! I keep hearing about how amazing it is!

Yes, it is excellent. I have been many times (both the take out window and for a sit down meal) and I definitely recommend it. I really enjoy the pork and ox tounge tacos. Matthew Carmichael, the guy behind El Camino is planning on opening another restaurant on Somerset (December 2013/early 2014) where the short lived Burgers on Main used to be. That part of Somerset seems to have a lot of turn over for restaurants but has so much potential to be a nice, vibrant block. Hopefully Carmichael's new place adds some more life to that area and compliments places like the always busy Centretown Pub and Union 613.

[gjhall]

yes, it is excellent. I have been many times (both the take out window and for a sit down meal) and i definitely recommend it. I really enjoy the pork and ox tounge tacos. Matthew carmichael, the guy behind el camino is planning on opening another restaurant on somerset (december 2013/early 2014) where the short lived burgers on main used to be. That part of somerset seems to have a lot of turn over for restaurants but has so much potential to be a nice, vibrant block. Hopefully carmichael's new place adds some more life to that area and compliments places like the always busy centretown pub and union 613.

+1

[Norman Bates]

I ate a Jaeger Schnitzel Platter yesterday at Schnitzelworks on Cyrville Road.

Best German I've had since Lindenhof.

Problem is the last seating at Schnitzelworks is 3:30 Monday to Friday and 2:30 on Saturday. No evening or Sunday openings.

[OttawaJosh]

Smoque shack is pretty good. On york across from whiskey bar

[Harley613]

I ate a Jaeger Schnitzel Platter yesterday at Schnitzelworks on Cyrville Road.

Best German I've had since Lindenhof.

Problem is the last seating at Schnitzelworks is 3:30 Monday to Friday and 2:30 on Saturday. No evening or Sunday openings.

Was that because of my recent recommendation by chance? I eat there all the time. The Jaeger is my fav, but the greek and italian are amazing as well!

[bartlebooth]

Supply and Demand on Wellington Street W. was selected as the 4th best new restaurant in Canada for 2013 by enRoute Magazine (Air Canada). I have not had the chance to eat there yet but I have heard good things. Has anyone here had a chance to try it? I think the last time an Ottawa restaurant placed in the top ten was 2009 when both Atelier (4th) and Murray Street (5th) placed. Is this a sign of an improving food scene in the city? Any opinions?

http://enroute.aircanada.com/canadas-best-new-restaurants-2013/supply-and-demand/

[gjhall]

Supply and Demand on Wellington Street W. was selected as the 4th best new restaurant in Canada for 2013 by enRoute Magazine (Air Canada). I have not had the chance to eat there yet but I have heard good things. Has anyone here had a chance to try it? I think the last time an Ottawa restaurant placed in the top ten was 2009 when both Atelier (4th) and Murray Street (5th) placed. Is this a sign of an improving food scene in the city? Any opinions?

http://enroute.aircanada.com/canadas-best-new-restaurants-2013/supply-and-demand/

I had a lobster and creme fraiche tarte there once, it was very good.

[harls]

Ekko (http://ekkorestaurantaylmer.com/) at Chateau Cartier is supposed to be good, if you love MEAT.

If you love French cuisine.. go to L'Orée du bois (http://www.oreeduboisrestaurant.com/en) in Chelsea. Those people treat you right.

[Acajack]

Ekko (http://ekkorestaurantaylmer.com/) at Chateau Cartier is supposed to be good, if you love MEAT.

If you love French cuisine.. go to L'Orée du bois (http://www.oreeduboisrestaurant.com/en) in Chelsea. Those people treat you right.

Ekko do Brasil now has a second location on Gréber in the old Vieux Duluth. You can bring your own wine there.

Agree about L'Orée du Bois - it never disappoints.

[waterloowarrior]

El Camino is good... very busy! Also enjoying Hooch - the Horse on Brioche is great (my family has a European background so I didn't get all the fuss when they opened :D). My wallet is not enjoying all the $10-15 drinks at these places, but they are tasty.

[teej1984]

New restaurant alert by the same guys who do Grounded... Backdrop.

They don't seem to have a website yet but it's @ Metcalfe/Gloucester and looks pretty hip (minus their outdoor sign which I think looks kinda tacky).

https://twitter.com/BackdropOttawa

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1803333/restaurant/Centretown-Downtown/Backdrop-Food-Drink-Ottawa

[S-Man]

Ekko at Chateau Cartier is supposed to be good, if you love MEAT.

Oh, baby, do I EVER!

[gjhall]

New restaurant alert by the same guys who do Grounded... Backdrop.

They don't seem to have a website yet but it's @ Metcalfe/Gloucester and looks pretty hip (minus their outdoor sign which I think looks kinda tacky).

https://twitter.com/BackdropOttawa

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1803333/restaurant/Centretown-Downtown/Backdrop-Food-Drink-Ottawa

I went there last night, as luck would have it. It was ... interesting. They've got some growing pains yet, such as the harsh lighting from the kitchen affected the feel in the dining room, there was a to do list written on the back of my menu (including the item "Finalize Menu")

[McC]

there was a to do list written on the back of my menu (including the item "Finalize Menu")
shut UP! that's too much...

[teej1984]

I went there last night, as luck would have it. It was ... interesting. They've got some growing pains yet, such as the harsh lighting from the kitchen affected the feel in the dining room, there was a to do list written on the back of my menu (including the item "Finalize Menu")

Ya, I noticed the harsh kitchen lighting from outside... no doubt they'll fix that in the next little while.

What did you think of the décor? I couldn't really tell from the outside, but it looked kinda interesting.

[gjhall]

Ya, I noticed the harsh kitchen lighting from outside... no doubt they'll fix that in the next little while.

What did you think of the décor? I couldn't really tell from the outside, but it looked kinda interesting.

It's kind of like an indie band's CD art exploded into a restaurant. I don't think they did a very good job, to be honest. The flow is weird and the elements don't really tie in together. Menu is a bit weird too (Pasta is "Market Price" for instance.)

Just sort of awkward for now, hopefully they're taking some time to consider it all.

[Acajack]

http://www.lapresse.ca/vins/actualites/201402/11/01-4737854-le-bar-a-vin-de-veronique-rivest-a-maintenant-un-nom-soif.php

Not sure if this has been mentioned on here but Véronique Rivest, who is the second-best sommelier in the world, will be opening her own wine bar probably sometime in April.

It will be at 88 Montcalm in the former location of burger joint Le Twist. On Montcalm, this is about halfway between the hotel at Terrasses de la Chaudière, and the Brasseurs du Temps/Eiffel Tower Bridge.

This will be a big plus for the area. Rivest is the former sommelier of Les Fougères in Chelsea, and is one of the world's foremost wine experts.

The Twist location should be pretty cool, and has a gorgeous terrasse in behind that was a shame to see unused.

[McC]

not "sommelière"?

;-)

[Acajack]

not "sommelière"?

;-)

You're right. I was trying to respect English grammar where nouns are supposed to be neutral. Guess I goofed!

[bikegypsy]

Navarra's business up 30% thanks to the show; it's probably been full everyday for the past month.

"
Ottawa chef Rene Rodriguez wins Top Chef Canada

BY PETER HUM, OTTAWA CITIZEN MAY 13, 2014

Ottawa chef Rene Rodriguez wins Top Chef Canada

Chef Rene Rodriguez.
Photograph by: Brigitte Bouvier , Ottawa Citizen
Rene Rodriguez, chef and owner of Navarra on Murray Street, prevailed over two other finalists and took home the $100,000 prize for winning Top Chef Canada on Monday night.

“I’m very happy to have won this not just for me, but for the city,” the Ottawa-born Rodriguez, 42, said in an interview. “I think that Ottawa needs a good uplift to be one of the best cities in the country for food, so I’m very happy.”

Rodriguez, who has cooked in various high-end Ottawa restaurants since the early 2000s, bested 13 other competitors from across Canada on the fourth season of Food Network Canada’s top-rated show.

He said that he will use his winnings to save for his young son’s education, to buy a motorcycle that he will take on a cross-Canada trip and to open another restaurant in Ottawa — a small eatery of a dozen or so seats that will be dedicated to the authentic cuisine of Oaxaca, a southeastern state in Mexico.

While Rodriguez was born in Ottawa, he lived in Oaxaca from the ages of five to 19 after his parents returned to their homeland. Much of Rodriguez’s innovative and complex cooking at Navarra is grounded in his Mexican heritage, and on the TV show competition, Rodriguez frequently relied on Mexican dishes and ingredients.

“I was able to reconnect with my roots of who I am as a chef,” Rodriguez said. “It was one of those things where you can actually go back to your roots and cook with pride.”

Rodriguez’s multi-course meal that wowed a judge’s panel on Monday night’s program included versions of two dishes served at Navarra — a signature beef tartare appetizer; and a braised lamb shank in a traditional Mexican mole sauce with parsnip puree, topped with crispy mealworms.

Rodriguez has competed several times in Ottawa’s Gold Medal Plates competition over the years, but has never won that event’s top prize. The chef said that the comparison was “night and day” between Gold Medal Plates and Top Chef Canada.

“Top Chef Canada is way, way, way more demanding and challenging,” Rodriguez said. “Gold Medal Plates is just one day. You just have to cook for one day, you go there for two hours.

“Top Chef is incredibly hard. I’m not just saying this because of the outcome. I’m saying this because every day you have to get up at six in the morning and you go to bed at midnight. For seven weeks. You don’t see your family, you don’t see your friends. All of a sudden, you’re in a bubble, you have to be creative, you have to be excited about food every day. You’re tired, you’re exhausted. There’s no comparison.

“Any chef that really wants to prove themselves, they should do it.”

Rodriguez’s exposure on the TV show over the last few months has boosted business at his restaurant by about 30 per cent, the chef added. ” It’s crazy. It’s amazing. We’re almost turning people away on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, we’re so busy.”

Rodriguez added that he while he lived fairly anonymously in the past, since the new season of Top Chef Canada began March 10, he is now recognized and approached in public.

The newfound attention does not bother him, he said. “Absolutely not. I’m glad that you support me as a local chef. You want to come to me and say can I have an autograph, I really, really, really appreciate it. I’m a humble guy. To me, that’s awesome. That’s amazing. It’s very special.”

"As Top Chef Canada’s champion, Rodriguez won not only a $100,000 grand prize sponsored by SpongeTowels but also a $30,000 GE Monogram Kitchen, and a $25,000 Caesarstone Quartz Installation.

Two years ago, during the second season of Top Chef Canada, chef Jonathan Korecki of Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen and Bar on York Street was one of the series’ three finalists.

phum@ottawacitizen.com

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen"


http://www.ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/Ottawa+chef+Rene+Rodriguez+wins+Chef+Canada/9832154/story.html

[YOWflier]

I tried Gezellig in Westboro last weekend. Beckta's done a fine job ... again ... with this one.

[rocketphish]

Apparently not popular enough...

ZenKitchen, Ottawa's fine-dining refuge for vegans, has suddenly closed

by Peter Hum
Published on: May 24, 2014 Last Updated: May 24, 2014 10:21 AM EDT

Friday night at 9:36 p.m, ZenKitchen’s owner Dave Loan succinctly posted on his personal Facebook page: “ZenKitchen, July 26, 2009 – May 23, 2014. I’ll always remember you.”

That’s terrible and even shocking news for Ottawa foodies and in particular, for vegans in the city and beyond.

During its five years, ZenKitchen had the unique mandate of serving vegan fine dining, and it was widely acclaimed. It blazed a trail in this regard under its first chef, Caroline Ishii. She and Loan were husband-and-wife as well as restaurateurs, and their initial exploits were documented in the reality TV show The Restaurant Adventures of Dave and Caroline. Ishii’s food was a revelation, and she gained prominence at Ottawa culinary events such as the Gold Medal Plates competition. Ishii left ZenKitchen in April 2013, and the couple’s marriage ended around the same time.

As carnivorous as I am, I always enjoyed the food at ZenKitchen. (Many other carnivores did too.) I spent a New Year’s Eve there some years ago — I can’t remember which. In the last few years, my evil twin who plays jazz piano performed there on occasion, usually during the restaurant’s Sunday night live jazz evenings. There was always a free meal thrown in with the payment, and I would invariably order the gnocchi.

In fact, I was there last Sunday. I had this gnocchi, with ramps, fiddleheads, almond pesto and sage.

I also had a little casserole of earthy morels, fiddleheads and asparagus.

Both were delicious, as was everything that I’d eaten from Ishii and her successor, chef Kyle Proulx.

I spoke to Proulx last Sunday. He was in good spirits and proud of his food. He made a point of talking up his most recent dessert creation, a vegan sundae with “ice cream” made from nuts, if I recall correctly, and a coconut-based component. It was a great meal-ender that put many a conventional dessert that I’ve recently to shame.

Last Sunday, (when, by the way, the place was packed and staff were turning walk-ins away) I had no reason to think from Proulx that ZenKitchen would suddenly close days later. I also saw Loan, but had even less contact with him, as he was sick and went home early.

I’ll try to reach Loan and/or Proulx later today. (But first, some breakfast.) If I’m able to get more details, I’ll post again.

Rest in peace, ZenKitchen. My condolences to Loan, Proulx, and the restaurant’s fine staff.

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/food/zenkitchen-ottawas-fine-dining-refuge-for-vegans-has-suddenly-closed

[rocketphish]

Follow-up...

Revenue agency “killed” ZenKitchen, restaurant owner says

Peter Hum More from Peter Hum
Published on: May 24, 2014Last Updated: May 24, 2014 6:26 PM EDT

The Canada Revenue Agency seized the bank account of the acclaimed Ottawa vegan restaurant ZenKitchen last week, forcing the restaurant, which owed on its HST remittances, to close, its owner said Saturday.

“It was quite a surprise to me,” Dave Loan said.

Soon after it opened on Somerset Street West in 2009, ZenKitchen became renowned for its high-end vegan fare. Its first chef, Caroline Ishii, competed in Ottawa’s Gold Medal Plates competition.

However, Loan says the restaurant had run afoul of the CRA, having fallen behind in its HST remittances. He declined to quantify his tax debt to the agency.

Matters worsened last fall when sales dropped 30 per cent at ZenKitchen. “That burnt through savings,” Loan said.

In March this year, Loan and the CRA reached a new deal, involving monthly payments. But that deal was made retroactive to January, and from a $3,000-a-month payment, Loan went to a $20,000 bill. “That was beyond my ability to pay,” he said.

Loan said he discreetly put his business up for sale, hoping to use the proceeds to pay the CRA and his suppliers. The CRA was informed, he said.

But last Thursday, the CRA, after obtaining a court order, seized the business’s bank account. It took the $4,000 there, leaving Loan with no money to pay staff. The restaurant was forced to close.

“That’s the stupid thing,” Loan said.

“We absolutely agreed we owed the money, we also negotiated a payment plan and made those payments without fail,” Loan said.

“Despite this, they simply killed us, they killed the business.”

A spokesman for the agency could not be reached for comment Saturday.

The sudden shuttering of the restaurant resulted in the laying off of 16 employees, Loan said.

As well, Ottawa-area farms that supplied the restaurant will not see money owed, nor have business from the restaurant through the summer, he added.

In the hours since word of the restaurant’s closure went out late Friday, Loan has received a “tremendous” outpouring of support, he said.

As well, he has been approached by people who expressed interest in taking over the restaurant as a new business, leaving current debts with Loan.

If such a deal could be struck, it would be up to any new owners as to whether ZenKitchen would live on in name or concept, he said.

“That’s all up in the air,” Loan said.

“Whether ZenKitchen will continue on in some form I don’t know, but as far as I’m concerned, the ZenKitchen that I knew and loved, that’s gone.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/food/revenue-agency-killed-zenkitchen-restaurant-owner-says

[acottawa]

So the guy was taking money from his customers, telling them it was "HST" and then pocketing the money himself.

Headline should read "Local Fraudster Finally Shut Down"

[1overcosc]

so the guy was taking money from his customers, telling them it was "hst" and then pocketing the money himself.

Headline should read "local fraudster finally shut down"

+1.

[rocketphish]

Save ZenKitchen! movement gathers support

Blair Crawford & Peter Hum
Published on: May 26, 2014, Last Updated: May 26, 2014 7:54 PM EDT

ZenKitchen fans have rallied in support of their favourite restaurant, sending messages of encouragement and, in one case, launching a fundraising campaign to try to keep the popular Somerset Street West spot open.

“It is incredibly heartwarming and incredibly touching,” ZenKitchen owner Dave Loan said Monday, after the surprise shutdown of the vegan restaurant because of tax trouble.

“We’re a small business that has failed, whether temporarily or permanently. It never occurred to me that we were so important to so many people. We had customers in tears — literally. They were coming to me and saying, ‘Tell us what we can do’.”

Loan shut down ZenKitchen on Saturday, a few days after Canada Revenue Agency seized $4,000 from his business bank account over unpaid Harmonized Sales Tax. Loan admits falling behind on the HST payments, but he says he had worked out a deal with the CRA to repay the amount owed in instalments. He hadn’t missed a payment, but when CRA made the deal retroactive to January and seized the bank account, he had no option but to close.

Still it might be too early to write the restaurant’s obituary.

“I haven’t thrown in the towel,” Loan said. “I mean, I had. But I’ve been told by people knowledgeable about Canada Revenue Agency that I shouldn’t.”

Loan is considering launching an appeal to the CRA and has also had an offer of help from Ottawa Centre MPP Paul Dewar’s constituency office.

Meanwhile, ZenKitchen’s chef, Kyle Mortimer-Proulx, says he is also exploring the possibility of keeping the business going if financial backers can be found.

Mortimer-Proulx told the Citizen’s Peter Hum on the weekend that he and one of his senior cooks, David Gick, are considering buying the restaurant.

“The sudden closure of Zen, while it is crushing, is offering up a very interesting opportunity for us,” Mortimer-Proulx said, adding it would be “silly” not to consider reviving the restaurant.

“There is a huge clientele of ZenKitchen that is dedicated and supported us from the start — even before my time there,” Mortimer-Proulx said. “Dave and Caroline (Ishii, ZenKitchen’s first chef) did a tremendous job of tapping into a void in Ottawa and providing something that was long-overdue and obviously welcomed.”

On Monday, one customer started the Save ZenKitchen! crowdfunding campaign on gofundme.com (Twitter.com/#SaveZenKitchen)

“ZK is a real gem in Ottawa,” said Luis Miguel Huapaya, who with his wife, Kim, has been a regular customer for the past two years. “You don’t usually find a restaurant of that calibre in Ottawa.”

Huapaya, who is neither a vegetarian nor affiliated with the restaurant, hopes the campaign can raise $20,000. He was contacted by Loan on Monday and agreed that if the money raised can’t save the restaurant, it will be used to pay staff and suppliers who are out money because of the closing.

“We hope that enough people can come together, we can raise enough money to get ZK back on its feet,” Huapaya said. “It just seems kind of silly to have all these people out of work, just so (CRA) can seize $4,000. I’m not privy to any details, but it doesn’t seem like forcing the restaurant is in the best interest of anyone.”

The support has Loan feeling hopeful, but he cautions that resurrecting the restaurant is far from certain.

“I’m just so unbelievably touched,” he said. “I’ve never felt more a part of my community.”

bcrawford@ottawacitizen.com

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/food/save-zenkitchen-movement-gathers-support

[McC]

Domus Café, owned by John Taylor, abruptly closes for good
CBC News Posted: May 27, 2014 3:19 PM ET Last Updated: May 27, 2014 3:19 PM ET
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/domus-caf%C3%A9-owned-by-john-taylor-abruptly-closes-for-good-1.2655506


Domus ​Café closed its doors for good abruptly on Monday after nearly two decades of business on Murray Street in the ByWard Market.

The restaurant opened in 1995 and chef John Taylor took over ownership in 1997. The restaurant was co-owned by his wife, sommelier Sylvia Taylor.

Domus focused on regional, seasonal cuisine.

Taylor announced the closure on Twitter at lunchtime on Monday.

"John Taylor @domuscafe
Yep were done thanks to everyone for the last 18 years it was a blast ! But time to move on. Cheers to all !
12:34 PM - 26 May 2014"

A call to the restaurant is met with this voicemail message.

"Thank you for calling Domus ​Café. We are closed permanently, effective today, May the 26th, 2014. We thank everyone for their past patronage and wish everybody a happy and healthy future. And we will not be returning messages. Thank you and goodbye."

[Radster]

Lets change the title of this thread to:

What restaurants are closing these days? :uhh:

[canabiz]

Could there be too many restaurants in Ottawa?

http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/deachman-into-every-life-a-little-quinoa-should-fall

I don't know the ins and outs of Domus Cafe and why they closed (I have never eaten there, sadly) but the owner John Taylor touched on the financial part. If a successful restaurant (18 years) in a prime location (Byward Market) couldn't get things in order, that doesn't bode well for many others vying for consumers' budget.

I don't know about you guys but I used to eat out steadily for quite a bit, at least twice a week before and I stopped doing so a few years ago for a few reasons (health, budget, time). Not that I suddenly turn into a gourmet chef or anything but I realize a healthy, affordable meal does not need a ton of time and ingredients.

[acottawa]

I don't know the ins and outs of Domus Cafe and why they closed (I have never eaten there, sadly) but the owner John Taylor touched on the financial part. If a successful restaurant (18 years) in a prime location (Byward Market) couldn't get things in order, that doesn't bode well for many others vying for consumers' budget.

I don't know about you guys but I used to eat out steadily for quite a bit, at least twice a week before and I stopped doing so a few years ago for a few reasons (health, budget, time). Not that I suddenly turn into a gourmet chef or anything but I realize a healthy, affordable meal does not need a ton of time and ingredients.

There's certainly more competition than there was in 1997: from other neighbourhoods like Wellington Village, from quick service type places that have upped their game, from places like the Red Apron and Farm Boy selling pretty good quality prepared foods, from pubs that serve better food now, from people cooking at home, etc. But then again there always seem to be news stories about some longstanding local landmark closing, so maybe this is a year like any other (although winter from hell probably didn't help anyone).

[rocketphish]

More details:

Ottawa chef John Taylor closes Domus Cafe after 18 years

Laura Robin
Published on: May 27, 2014, Last Updated: May 27, 2014 5:07 PM EDT

One of Ottawa’s oldest and most respected restaurants, John Taylor’s Domus Cafe in the ByWard Market, has closed after 18 years.

Taylor told his staff on Friday, served his last meal on Saturday and posted a note on the Murray Street door on Tuesday saying, “We are closed forever”.

“I’m tired, tired, tired,” Taylor said Tuesday, but he acknowledges that a big part of his fatigue is financial. “It’s been a rough couple of years and the finance end of it sucks,” he said.

“My resources ran out. This is a cash flow business. The stress of finances really affects your health. I could see it in my wife and I didn’t want that.”

Taylor says he has debts to pay, but he struck a favourable deal with his landlord and he will be able to walk away from the 55-seat restaurant “while the damage is still minimal and can I hold my head high and have some dignity.”

The restaurant’s staff of 18 is out of work, but Taylor said the cooks, at least, will have no trouble finding other work.

With his wife, Sylvia Taylor, he also owns the 30-seat Taylor’s Genuine Food and Wine Bar in Old Ottawa South, which will continue.

“Taylor’s is alive and well,” he said. “Ryan Edwards is the chef and he’s doing a great job. I’ll work there part of the time, too. I still have mortgage to pay.”

Taylor, who moved to Ottawa from St. Marys, near Stratford, Ont., 18 years ago, has been credited with bringing the local food movement to Ottawa restaurants, training dozens of chefs along the way.

“He was such a trailblazer in farm-to-table cooking — I was devastated when I heard the news,” said Stephen Beckta, owner of three Ottawa restaurants. “He’s added so much to our culinary landscape in Ottawa. I had some of my greatest meals and have some of best memories of eating at Domus.”

Former Ottawa Citizen food critic Anne DesBrisay said the Taylors’ commitment to local producers “set a standard for Ottawa long before it became de rigueur to dangle the local carrot as marketing ploy.

“At John Taylor’s Domus Cafe the cooking was innovative, but it honoured intrinsic flavours and left a very strong sense of where you were. Domus tasted like Ottawa. It will be enormously missed.”

Taylor was modest about his accomplishments on Tuesday.

“I didn’t do it alone, that’s for sure,” Taylor said. “We were lucky enough to attract good people. I’ve always been trying to use local producers, but I told my staff to create what they want.”

Domus Housewares, an adjoining but separate business that sold kitchenware, closed April 30. Taylor had planned to expand into part of that space, adding another 75 seats and rebranding his restaurant.

“I would have gone downscale a bit, made it a little bit funkier to attract that new generation. But I decided last week to close instead. It really came down to money. I’m out of it. I also don’t think it’s fair to keep going if the passion has gone out of it. I need to recharge.”

Taylor agreed with other local restaurateurs that Ottawa now has too many restaurants for the population. ZenKitchen, a well-regarded vegan restaurant on Somerset Street West, also closed on Saturday after falling behind on tax payments.

“The last couple of years were hard, but last winter was brutal,” said Taylor. “It used to be that tax margins were five to 10 per cent. Now you’re lucky to break even. I literally worked in the kitchen all by myself some nights.”

Beckta agrees that it’s not easy for restaurants in Ottawa right now, and especially hard for fine dining ones.

“Fine dining has suffered a lot in Ottawa,” said the owner of the top-rated Beckta, which is to expand this winter, reopening in the former Friday’s Roast Beef House on Elgin Street. “We in Ottawa feel recessions later and longer than in other places, and we’re feeling it now.”

Taylor says that with the Food Network and similar shows, people have unrealistic perceptions about chefs and restaurants.

“It’s created this aura, this hipster idea, but it’s hard, hard work,” he said as he dumped plastic file trays into a waste bin in front of his former restaurant. “I admire what the young guys are doing, the new places like Town and Supply and Demand. I hope they’re not wondering what they’ve got themselves into.”

He also said the ByWard Market has changed drastically over the last 18 years.

“It was a real farmers’ market when I came here. It isn’t any more.

“There are a lot of factors for closing, but I just want to thank people for a long run. Thanks for believing in us and supporting us all those years.”

lrobin@ottawacitizen.com

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-chef-john-taylor-closes-domus-cafe-after-18-years

[canabiz]

There's certainly more competition than there was in 1997: from other neighbourhoods like Wellington Village, from quick service type places that have upped their game, from places like the Red Apron and Farm Boy selling pretty good quality prepared foods, from pubs that serve better food now, from people cooking at home, etc. But then again there always seem to be news stories about some longstanding local landmark closing, so maybe this is a year like any other (although winter from hell probably didn't help anyone).

Don't forget to add the food trucks (and I am not talking about your typical dog n burger stands) which were virtually non-existent in Ottawa just 10 years ago.

I also think the Food Network and other food shows like Top Chef Canada, MasterChef Canada have inspired people to get more into cooking.

[Harley613]

I'm still in shock about Domus. I have business dealings with them and never saw it coming. It was one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. I wish the Taylor's the best, and I hope to see Domus rise again!

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Damn, I don't think I've ever eaten at Domus... :(

[rocketphish]

ZenKitchen could re-open if it pays taxes and debts in 30 days

Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: May 30, 2014, Last Updated: May 30, 2014 1:24 PM EDT

After striking a deal Friday morning with the Canada Revenue Agency, the owner of ZenKitchen, an acclaimed but tax-beleaguered Ottawa restaurant, hopes he’ll be able to re-open if he can raise “a very large sum” of money in the next month.

“I’m very optimistic,” David Loan said. “This is great news. This is all being done because of the support of the community.”

His five-year-old business, which offered vegan fine dining, closed suddenly a week ago after the CRA seized its bank account. The business was behind in remitting Harmonized Sales Tax that it had collected.

Loan thought his days of running ZenKitchen were over. But Friday, Loan said that he can continue with the restaurant if he can pay the CRA a sum “in the tens of thousands of dollars” before July 1. He must also pay debts to suppliers and staff. “That is a barrier to a quick opening as well,” Loan said.

Buoying Loan in the last week has been an outpouring of support from the restaurant’s customers, including an online crowd-funding campaign that since Monday has raised more than $5,500 toward a $20,000 goal.

“We just want ZenKitchen to remain in business and continue adding their world-class service to Ottawa’s tapestry. ZenKitchen is a rare gem!” the campaign’s creator, Luis Miguel Huapaya, wrote on its webpage.

In addition to this web-based effort, Loan is working with potential investors. As well, a June 10 fundraiser is planned to take place at the Korean Palace restaurant, another Somerset Street West business.

The $100-a-person event was pitched to Loan by Ottawa chef Tarek Hassan, who operates the Gongfu Bao food cart beside Confederation Park. Hassan, who said he was shaken up by the ZenKitchen closure, hopes to enlist a half-dozen Ottawa chefs to cook vegan dishes in support of ZenKitchen re-opening under Loan.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/zenkitchen-could-re-open-if-it-pays-taxes-and-debts-in-30-days

[flar]

It's hard times in Ottawa right now. Public service is not growing, but more importantly, the public service has restructured in a way that there will be fewer people getting promotion after promotion. A lot of people will be stuck at their current payscale for the foreseeable future. Combine that with massively overpriced housing and you have a lot of people who are housepoor and can't afford to eat out. Or they can only afford to live in the far reaches of Barrhaven or Orleans and never come into the city for dinner at a nice restaurant.

[Radster]

Good for Chinatown and all the PHO places!

[canabiz]

It's hard times in Ottawa right now. Public service is not growing, but more importantly, the public service has restructured in a way that there will be fewer people getting promotion after promotion. A lot of people will be stuck at their current payscale for the foreseeable future. Combine that with massively overpriced housing and you have a lot of people who are housepoor and can't afford to eat out. Or they can only afford to live in the far reaches of Barrhaven or Orleans and never come into the city for dinner at a nice restaurant.

I can't speak about Orleans as I have never lived in that neck o' the woods but as a Barrhaven resident for the past 7 years, I can confidently say there are enough nice restaurants here and surrounding areas (Manotick, Kanata, Nepean) to make downtown trips for good eats optional rather than mandatory.

I do agree with you on your first point regarding the public service. You could argue the same thing for the private sectors and when you factor in increasing cost of gas, utilities and other essentials, people will have no choice but to cut down their expenses and dining out falls into that category. Yes everybody needs to eat but not everybody needs to pay other people to make food for them :)

[YOWflier]

... as a Barrhaven resident for the past 7 years, I can confidently say there are enough nice restaurants here ...La Porto a Casa in Barrhaven, for example, serves up incredible Italian eats.

[hwy418]

Or they can only afford to live in the far reaches of Barrhaven or Orleans and never come into the city for dinner at a nice restaurant.

I always get a chuckle when I hear stuff like that. I'm in Orleans (still part of the City and is nearly as populated as Kingston) and it's a 10-15 minute drive from my place to downtown. I could afford to live just about anywhere in Ottawa, but it really comes down to what you get for your $$$, where you go to work, and what your priorities are.

[canabiz]

La Porto a Casa in Barrhaven, for example, serves up incredible Italian eats.

Absolutely! I am very partial to their veal parmiggina (sp?). Definitely on the higher side, price-wise, but it's always a treat to go there for special occasions!

I don't eat out as much I used to but I wouldn't mind seeing a Thai and/or a Korean restaurant in Barrhaven. A real restaurant serving Thai/Korean food and not those fusion joints.

[flar]

I always get a chuckle when I hear stuff like that. I'm in Orleans (still part of the City and is nearly as populated as Kingston) and it's a 10-15 minute drive from my place to downtown. I could afford to live just about anywhere in Ottawa, but it really comes down to what you get for your $$$, where you go to work, and what your priorities are.

I've seen it a hundred times. People decide to buy a house, start looking in Ottawa, end up in Kanata/Orleans/etc. Then the rationalizations start, and soon after I only see them once or twice a year.

[harls]

It's hard times in Ottawa right now. Public service is not growing, but more importantly, the public service has restructured in a way that there will be fewer people getting promotion after promotion. A lot of people will be stuck at their current payscale for the foreseeable future. Combine that with massively overpriced housing and you have a lot of people who are housepoor and can't afford to eat out. Or they can only afford to live in the far reaches of Barrhaven or Orleans and never come into the city for dinner at a nice restaurant.

I might be reading between the lines here.. but I hope you're not thinking of moving back to balmy S. Ontario?

[flar]

I might be reading between the lines here.. but I hope you're not thinking of moving back to balmy S. Ontario?

Always in the back of my mind, but gets harder and harder because it would disrupt my daughter's social life.