Ottawa Foodies

I was back here tonight for a late meal after watching a movie. Having forgotten my previous bad experience with the oreo milkshake I ordered it again this time. It was quite good! Not too much oreo and not too salty (I'm guessing the salt is in the oreo cookie crumbs they use). My wife thought her hot chocolate was pretty okay too.

On the other hand, the calamari we shared were a little rubbery and greasy although the portion was generous. Not worth a repeat.

We also shared a slice of their Skor cheesecake. We're always disappointed with restaurant cheesecakes, especially the flavoured ones, and this was no exception. Also not worth a repeat. The baked to order apple pie looks quite awesome but we didn't have time to wait for it so couldn't try it.

Went to Jack Astor's with friends on a weekend afternoon. We ordered the buffalo chicken fingers. Usually my favourite, however, the vinegar was overpowering. I could barely eat them. I have gone to many Jack Astor's and the truth is, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET! Sometimes, the buffalo chicken fingers are awesome, can't stop thinking about them days after having them, but sometimes, I can't finish even one of them. There is no consistency at any of the Jack Astor's.

Too bad that the pan bread was underwhelming. Maybe they've changed the recipe, or maybe it's been so long since I had them that I'd forgotten that they weren't that special! ;)

I was here for a work lunch today and wanted to try the garlic pan bread and milkshakes after hearing good things. To allow this I had to order a salad, as anything else would be too heavy.

Anyway, I was underwhelmed with the pan bread (sorry Momomoto) -- it's just bland white rolls with garlic butter melted over the top and sides. The milkshake (oreo for me) was not good at all -- too much oreo and quite salty. A far cry from the awesome oreo milkshake I had at the Works a week ago (for about the same price).

On the other hand, my California Grilled Chicken Salad was really very good. Unusually tasty chicken, nice greens, balsamic dressing, and even some pine nuts. I recommend this one, but will probably have fish and chips next time. :-)

It's been a while since I've been to Jack Astor's, but I have enjoyed their burgers in the past. Smokey Jack's = pretty darn good.

And the heart-attack-in-cast-iron that is the garlic pan bread is nummy.

I had reason to go to Jack Astor's in Kanata last week. I very rarely go to "big box" spots(my 1st ever in J.A's) but went for a different reason. My friend is quite unable to get around at the best of times and all the snow & ice this winter has been tricky. We chose our dining destination because of the handicapped parking--it it as close to the door as you can get anywhere in Ottawa & the service was incredible! We made very basic food choices but they were fresh, salad arrived as ordered--off the menu--digestive stuff too was involved. Food was hot , fresh, service very friendly without being obtrusive. Pointed out restroom location tastefully. Like I said, I don't usually hit these spots but Jack Astor's impressed with kind, cordial service, help(to the car under very icy conditions)and ok food--especially worth it for the parking and extended service. I may come back on my own--I love kindness! Note--its quite loud but seniors or the "traditionalists" may find lots on the menu.

Wifey had the Beer-Battered Fish and Chips at my recommendation. She was as impressed as I was. Here is the description:
"An old fashioned English recipe. White fish fillets, dipped in a beer batter. Served crispy with tartar sauce made from scratch, fresh lemon and fries. Malt vinegar highly recommended!"

My only complaint is that if they recommend malt vinegar, they should serve it or at least offer it! You need to ask for it if you want it.

This picture is out of focus but you get the idea. It's just a really well done very normal looking plate of fish and chips. The fries are good, the batter is tasty, and the fish is not overcooked.

Very good here! The fish is nicely cooked and beer-battered. The fries are golden, crispy, and relatively thin. Slightly overpriced for what you get but then so is everything else on the menu.

I went here today for lunch with colleagues. I would not return unless it was a group event. I also had the hot buffalo chicken fingers - they were a bit soggy, although the heat level was what I was expecting. The worst part were the fries! cold and absolutely covered in salt. I couldn't eat them - this is a first for me. I told the waitress when she came to pick up the plate, and she peered them and said - they don't look too salty.

Work was footing the bill so I didn't care, but be warned!

We also shared the nacho platter and the hot crab and lobster dip. Neither was particular spectacular. The Nacho plate was big, but they only provided one tiny container of salsa - more was brought on request.

A colleague had the beef salad and it looked pretty good - I'd go with that the next time. Generally it's better to stay away from these places.

Having heard that the chicken strips here are prepared fresh to order (not frozen) I opted to try their Buffalo Chicken Fingers. I asked for the hot buffalo wing sauce, but on the side because I don't like soggy fried stuff. When it arrived, it appeared that the sauce was missing altogether. I pointed it out to the server and she said that they'd already tossed the chicken in the sauce and she'd take it away and bring me a new one (kudos for that). Not wanting to waste food, and seeing that the chicken wasn't soggy, I chose to keep what I got.

In retrospect, I should have sent it back because this was so spicy that I couldn't really taste the chicken and batter to notice any benefit from its fresh preparation. They offer mild, medium, or hot. Anyway, I can't say much about it except that the hot is pretty hot! :-)