Ottawa Magazine - Chris Knight's Top Ten [General]
2008 Oct 27
Even if they opened mid-year, not including Murray St. and Frasier Cafe in there is an obvious oversight IMO. And also I really do not know if Benitz, Allium and ei8theen deserve being in the top 10...
As far as Perspective (and Brookstreet catering) goes, I've been sorely disappointed every single time I've experienced it.
As far as Perspective (and Brookstreet catering) goes, I've been sorely disappointed every single time I've experienced it.
2008 Oct 27
Daft_diner - Your experience with Perspectives could reflect why Chris didn't want to evaluate it? I've eaten there four, maybe five times over the last couple of years and have found that there are things that have been supremely awesome, as well as things that haven't been so good (foie gras terrine, I'm looking in your direction). Consistency isn't there like it should be for a "top-ten-in-Ottawa" joint.
Which makes me wonder about Les Fougères. I *loved* the one meal I had there, but people in their reviews here have said that things can be inconsistent.
Also: I wonder if the price has been factored into the rating scheme at all? Most reviews of the Urban Pear on this site have run along the lines of "Great food, but far too expensive." I'm reluctant to go there for a full meal because of that (that, and I'm not too smitten by their wine offerings by the glass). And I'm bad with my money, so this is saying a lot! ;)
Which makes me wonder about Les Fougères. I *loved* the one meal I had there, but people in their reviews here have said that things can be inconsistent.
Also: I wonder if the price has been factored into the rating scheme at all? Most reviews of the Urban Pear on this site have run along the lines of "Great food, but far too expensive." I'm reluctant to go there for a full meal because of that (that, and I'm not too smitten by their wine offerings by the glass). And I'm bad with my money, so this is saying a lot! ;)
2008 Oct 28
I hate to be pedantic (heh), but it's Fraser, not Frasier. I haven't actually dined there yet... the one time I tried, they were full and turning people away (spur of the moment thing, silly me showing up at the latest trendy spot with no reservation).
Getting back to The List, I'm surprised it hasn't sparked more debate. Here's a question: why does Juniper seem to get so little respect? They never seem to make it in these lists (or listed in Where to Eat in Canada, etc.), but they're certainly in my personal Top Ten. I'd rank them higher than, for example, The Urban Pear. Any thoughts?
Getting back to The List, I'm surprised it hasn't sparked more debate. Here's a question: why does Juniper seem to get so little respect? They never seem to make it in these lists (or listed in Where to Eat in Canada, etc.), but they're certainly in my personal Top Ten. I'd rank them higher than, for example, The Urban Pear. Any thoughts?
2008 Oct 29
Well it's hard for me to comment, because technically I'm still making my way thru the list... hence why I asked for other OF's feedback.
Momomoto - As for Les Fougeres I can see why they made the list... according to a recent issue of the Ottawa Citizen Executive Chef / Owner Charles Part won the 4th Annual Gold Medal Plates Competition on October 15th... so he must be doing something right. He'll be competing in the Canada wide (6 Regions) event in Banff at the end of February.
The Silver went to Executive Chef Matthew Carmichael (2nd consecutive year). Chef Carmichael oversees the kitchens at both Social and Ei8hteen. The Bronze went to Executive Chef / Owner Stev George of Olivea in Kingston.
Momomoto - As for Les Fougeres I can see why they made the list... according to a recent issue of the Ottawa Citizen Executive Chef / Owner Charles Part won the 4th Annual Gold Medal Plates Competition on October 15th... so he must be doing something right. He'll be competing in the Canada wide (6 Regions) event in Banff at the end of February.
The Silver went to Executive Chef Matthew Carmichael (2nd consecutive year). Chef Carmichael oversees the kitchens at both Social and Ei8hteen. The Bronze went to Executive Chef / Owner Stev George of Olivea in Kingston.
2008 Oct 30
My bad bdm, I could say I just copied Frasier from above, but to tell the truth, I wouldn't have noticed the spelling mistake. I will sheepishly avert my gaze down to my feet.. which of course would make me podantic! I have to agree that I'm mystified why Juniper seems to get ignored these days. I would say that more strongly, but I've only been to 5 of the places on Knight's list, so I don't feel I can automagically declare Juniper should be on the list. I can however say the following about EVERY time I've been at Juniper (which is more than 10 times)
1. Excellent food. Appetizers were tasty. The pastas were decent. The meats were well prepared (no shoeleather here). The desserts I had were quite good, and well presented.
2. Excellent service. The servers have never made me regret bringing a guest here... which unfortunately happens at other places (not on the list) more than I'd like.
3. Not crazy expensive like some others on the list.
1. Excellent food. Appetizers were tasty. The pastas were decent. The meats were well prepared (no shoeleather here). The desserts I had were quite good, and well presented.
2. Excellent service. The servers have never made me regret bringing a guest here... which unfortunately happens at other places (not on the list) more than I'd like.
3. Not crazy expensive like some others on the list.
2008 Oct 30
I'm not in a position to challenge the accuracy of the list either, having been to only 6 out of the 10. Lists like this are obviously highly subjective, and shouldn't be taken too seriously anyway. I just thought I'd use the occasion to pose the rhetorical question of why Juniper is seldom mentioned in the same breath as Domus et al. In my book, it ranks amongst the better places in town, and is more consistent than many of them.
2008 Oct 30
this discussion begs ... erm, sorry Zym ... begets the question -- what are the criteria that went into the selection (for us non-subscribers)? Were there honorable (i.e., affordable) mentions for the unwashed masses?
In any case, echoing BDM, lists of this sort can be nothing but subjective. An Ottawa Foodies generated top 10 would (likely) be much different and no less valid / defensible than Mr. Knight's.
for the record, i like Juniper, but i'd put the Whalesbone higher (prefer the ambience more) probably on par w/ Gastropub. And, i'd have to put all three of those ahead of the others on the list simply because they (J, Wh and GP) were my splurges in the past year. (Fraser Cafe and Murray St. are on my to-do list.)
In any case, echoing BDM, lists of this sort can be nothing but subjective. An Ottawa Foodies generated top 10 would (likely) be much different and no less valid / defensible than Mr. Knight's.
for the record, i like Juniper, but i'd put the Whalesbone higher (prefer the ambience more) probably on par w/ Gastropub. And, i'd have to put all three of those ahead of the others on the list simply because they (J, Wh and GP) were my splurges in the past year. (Fraser Cafe and Murray St. are on my to-do list.)
2008 Oct 31
Well said, itchy. I wish I had the wherewithal to try 'em all, frequently! Fraser Cafe and Murray St. are on my to-do list too, and Whalesbone is up there near the top of my list. I've mentioned before that I (and my wife) have been strongly influenced in our seafood buying/dining habits by the book Bottomfeeder, by Taras Grescoe. When I had a chat with the author last month, he singled out Whalesbone as a place to go locally. I hope to do that Real Soon Now...
Food&Think
Chris Knight (Ottawa Tv Food Guy) has developed his annual list of the Top Ten Restaurants in Ottawa... they are:
1. Beckta Dining & Wine
2. Domus Cafe
3. Le Baccara
4. Restaurant ei8theen
5. The Wellington Gastropub
6. Benitz Bistro
7. Allium
8. The Urban Pear
9. Les Fougeres
10. Signatures by Le Cordon Bleu
As a postscript... Chris Knight mentions the two missing notables... first Ambiente, and Michael Guy who packed up and left the city unexpectedly. The other is Perspectives at the Brookstreet Hotel. Long story short, Chris Knight sums it up in one sentence "...I just did not feel comfortable dining out at and evaluating Perspectives this year."
Any thoughts?