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Year: 2015

On the Shore of the Rideau Canal

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I was invited to a dinner meeting at the Shore Club, located in the Westin Ottawa, right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The restaurant decor is meant to remind us of an art deco ocean liners with contemporary lines.  5 million dollars were invested by the owners into this space.  It is large and spacious, with a high ceiling and a glassed front on the Rideau Canal. They are going for a very chic and elegant look.. The owners were ambitious about the spot.  “We’re trying to create a night-out atmosphere where people come, have fun and feel invigorated —  laughing and talking … It will be more like a New York restaurant, with a bit of a buzz to it,” principal David Aisenstat told the Ottawa Citizen before the opening. But be warned, this steakhouse is not what you might think: “Our market is upscale, the 30-something-plus age group. This will not be…

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An underwhelming National Sandwich Day

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As planned, I headed to Subway on Sparks Street for National Sandwich Day. I expected a busy restaurant, but if there was a lot of customers, it didn’t feel like a special day. Indeed, there was no real signage or advertising for National Sandwich Day at this Sparks Street outlet. Where is the pride? Now, many had seen the TV ad, or read about it online. But many in lines weren’t aware. Subway is the world’s largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 42,000 restaurants in over 100 countries and more than 3,000 restaurants in Canada. Yet, they can’t promote their own Holiday! That said, the Sandwich Artist at the order counter was pointing out the promotion to some puzzled customers. Buy a sandwich, get another one free! (Or, buy a footlong for the price of a 6 inch. Not as good of a deal.) I took their currently featured sandwich,…

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It’s National Sandwich Day!

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So it’s National Sandwich Day, a Holiday created by Subway and celebrated by its customers. Here is the deal: Today, buy a sub and a drink and get the second sub of equal or lesser value for free at Subway restaurants in Canada and the United States. Here is Subway’s sandwich selection so you can think about your decision. Which 2 of the 19 will you get? More importantly, which will I get?

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California Swissing

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I showed up for my lunch meeting at the 3 Brewers, as suggested by Richard. The place was busy but not overcrowded. The server informed us that unfortunately, they were down a deep fryer and that some items were not available, specifically the fish and chips – no fish frying today in order to avoid cross-contamination to protect their fish-allergic customers. I was totally taken aback by the news because, obviously, the Fish and Chips is totally what one should get at a French Brewery. I peered at the menu carefully. I regularly get the Flammekueche, but I didn’t feel like it today. I considered the Cassoulet, but thought it would be too heavy. I ignored the Burgers and the Poutine section, because as usual I was focused on my health. Our server came back to take our orders. I selected the Santa Fe Chicken, a salad with Grilled chicken,…

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Le Savoy’s special lunch

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The Savoy opened about two years ago The Savoy opened about two years ago and has been a popular destination in Westboro. It is the brasserie-soeur of The Metropolitain. Owned by the same group, along with the Empire Grill and The Grand Pizzeria and Bar, it is located where the Westboro iconic, Moe’s World Famous Newport Restaurant (and Ottawa’s Elvis Sighting Society) was established for 25 years. With big windows, high ceilings and ceramic floors, the spot has undergone significant renovations to become a French Brasserie. It also now showcases a mile-long zinc-topped bar. Large mirrors around the room make the space look even more spacious. It was quiet during lunch time which made for a great, personalized and efficient service. The menu is quite similar to The Met, but somewhat less expensive. Of course, The Savoy’s executive chef is Mike Poliquin – same as its brasserie-soeur, so the logic…

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