Ottawa Foodies

We were here on Easter Monday for dinner. As previously mentioned, a Preston Street Landmark. Not much has changed in terms of decor or menu over the years. This was a last minute decision to go out for dinner (around 8pm) we were dressed very casually, however received the warmest welcoming. The service is extremely attentive, for some I can see this could be on the verge of obstructing (our water glasses were needlessly refilled too many times). However on this particular night, I welcomed the "pampering" after a long Easter weekend of cooking, the attention was nice.

We opted for a half litre of Chianti. It paired very well with our meal.

My spouse chose the trio; it consisted of lasagna, veal and cannelloni (sp?) It was excellent! I had my heart set on the stuffed gnocchi or the fettuccini Alfredo but they were out of those gnocchi. Our server suggested half a serving of regular gnocchi with basil tomato sauce, and half fettuccini. How nice of him. I am glad I got to try both; the gnocchi on their own were soft and light, perfect. However the tomato sauce was overly strong for such delicate pasta... The Alfredo was very good and buttery.

Now, here is a funny story and a lesson perhaps to young inexperienced wait staff. Note that this did not in anyway ruin our experience, we still loved our meal:

When our meals were served, a young server came over to offer the ridiculous pepper mill (that you know I love so much) argg. Anyway, I asked to have it grinded only on my fettuccini. The server then remarked: "oh, just like your dad". At first I was perplexed, I have never been here with my dad... Then it dawned on me! He meant my husband! I still laugh about it, there is a 10 yr difference btwn us and I do look young... But one should never assume the status of their customers... Embarrassing.

Went out for dinner to Giovanni's with two of my friends and it was a wonderful experience.

We each ordered a glass of wine since none of us are big drinkers. They have quite an extensive wine list.

For appetizers we ordered the fried zucchini, which were probably the most flavourful zucchini sticks in all of Ottawa. We also ordered a dish that I forget the name of - cold eggplant with buffalo mozzarella and roasted red peppers (I think) rolled up in between. I did not enjoy this dish, but that is probably because I am not fond of cold eggplant. However, my friend who chose to order this dish loved it.

For my meal, I ordered the manicotti (stuffed with ricotta and spinach) and it was absolutely DELICIOUS! Still thinking about it. Definitely the most authentic and tastiest I have had so far in Ottawa. This is my dish of choice in Italian restaurants. If it is on the menu, I am most likely going to order it.

My friends ordered the gnocchi and the pasta primavera and they both thoroughly enjoyed their dish.

I have no complaints about this restaurant. The service is excellent and they really take care of their customers.

I would visit this restaurant more often, however it is a little pricey, but worth it for a good meal.

Great dinner experience.

The atmosphere here is excellent.this is the place to go for atmosphere but the food is rather average. I had the old standby spaghetti with meatballs my first visit it was ok. My next visit I had a trio of lasagna canelloni and veal I thik it was not so memorable sinc I cannot remember what the trio really consisted of. If you want really exceptional Italian food try Leonardos possibly the best food in little Italy

A Preston Street landmark. This restaurant must house one of the largest wine cellars in the city. Their wine list is impressive, especially if you have a few hundred (or few thousand!) you'd like to drop.

Nice free bruschetta amuse. I had stuffed veal with a side of gnocchi which was excellent, they offer a wide seafood selection here as well. They were very accommodating in that fact the chef didn't mind mixing and matching sides if you wanted to substitute another type of pasta as a side, or try two types. Service was very traditional and attentive (taking jackets as you enter, laying the napkins on your lap, and offering complimentary shots at the end of the meal). Price is steep but I found the outstanding service warranted it. I haven't been here in a few years but would definitely return...