The "Meeting of Parents" Dinner Destination [General]
2013 Mar 12
Shawarma Palace.
...what? it's a brilliant suggestion... not fancy, not expensive, only as spicy as you want, serves chicken and beef, lots of conversation starters and if all else fails you pretend the music was too loud for you to hear what anyone was saying. Done!
Oh, okay, fine...
Jak's on Bronson. Casual but nice, small/comfortable. will run about $40pp (table dhote plus one drink, more or less), not ethnic or spcy and will adjust for whatever, always has a steaky thing on the menu.
Taylor's or Carmen's Veranda, both on Bank. Slightly fancier/pricier but not majorly, probably closer to $50pp and more pants than jeans.
...what? it's a brilliant suggestion... not fancy, not expensive, only as spicy as you want, serves chicken and beef, lots of conversation starters and if all else fails you pretend the music was too loud for you to hear what anyone was saying. Done!
Oh, okay, fine...
Jak's on Bronson. Casual but nice, small/comfortable. will run about $40pp (table dhote plus one drink, more or less), not ethnic or spcy and will adjust for whatever, always has a steaky thing on the menu.
Taylor's or Carmen's Veranda, both on Bank. Slightly fancier/pricier but not majorly, probably closer to $50pp and more pants than jeans.
2013 Mar 12
Qster It sounds like you and I have the same families-;) So I will add my suggestions for what it's worth. I live downtown so it's the neighbourhood I am most familiar with.
Would the parents like a steak house like The Keg or Al's? Althought it might be a little more than what you were aiming at...
There is always Tuckers. The price is reasonable, there is lots of plain food to pick from and they usually have a roast beef out for the meat-and-potatoes customers.
The Black Bear Pub has a good fish and chips platter as well as burgers and the like.
The Mayflower has alot of dishes like burgers, steak, etc.
There is always Mama Teresa. They have lots of pasta dishes but also veal, chicken and steak if they would prefer something like that.
Good luck with your dinner!
Would the parents like a steak house like The Keg or Al's? Althought it might be a little more than what you were aiming at...
There is always Tuckers. The price is reasonable, there is lots of plain food to pick from and they usually have a roast beef out for the meat-and-potatoes customers.
The Black Bear Pub has a good fish and chips platter as well as burgers and the like.
The Mayflower has alot of dishes like burgers, steak, etc.
There is always Mama Teresa. They have lots of pasta dishes but also veal, chicken and steak if they would prefer something like that.
Good luck with your dinner!
2013 Mar 12
My vote would be Italian. Usually something for everyone. We love Pizzaro's in Overbrook. Here is a review I did some time ago. VERY reasonable prices, warm, family friendly, Great pizza, house made pasta.
Here is the link:
ottawafoodies.com
Here is the link:
ottawafoodies.com
2013 Mar 12
Al's is a totally safe bet, but LOUD.
If you're thinking Italian, we did a similar circumstances meet the family thing at La Roma on Preston a while ago to great success... big round table so everyone sees/hears everyone, all the traditional Italian goodness, nice looking place without being over-the-top, great service. Likely around $50pp.
If you're thinking Italian, we did a similar circumstances meet the family thing at La Roma on Preston a while ago to great success... big round table so everyone sees/hears everyone, all the traditional Italian goodness, nice looking place without being over-the-top, great service. Likely around $50pp.
2013 Mar 12
I second Petit Bill's. My parents are quite meat-and-potatoes and they both liked it. It's the right balance of down-to-earth atmosphere/service and great food.
Some other thoughts:
There's a quaint little Italian place on Preston that for some reason I equate with bringing people there that aren't too keen on fancy-schmancy. Il Piccolino.
What about Gezellig or Play? (Disclosure: haven't actually been to Gezellig yet myself) but it seems like it would be less formal than Beckta yet you'd still be guaranteed top notch grub and treatment. And at Play, well, there's bound to be something for everyone.
Courtyard maybe? It's been getting some great reviews, especially lately.
Might come back with a few more once I mull it over...
Some other thoughts:
There's a quaint little Italian place on Preston that for some reason I equate with bringing people there that aren't too keen on fancy-schmancy. Il Piccolino.
What about Gezellig or Play? (Disclosure: haven't actually been to Gezellig yet myself) but it seems like it would be less formal than Beckta yet you'd still be guaranteed top notch grub and treatment. And at Play, well, there's bound to be something for everyone.
Courtyard maybe? It's been getting some great reviews, especially lately.
Might come back with a few more once I mull it over...
2013 Mar 12
Petit Bill is very nice! I would take my paretns for sure.
I also recommend L'Orée du bois if you prefer French cuisine.
www.oreeduboisrestaurant.com/
Very tasty, reasonable price too. Table d'hôte is only $40.75!!
I also recommend L'Orée du bois if you prefer French cuisine.
www.oreeduboisrestaurant.com/
Very tasty, reasonable price too. Table d'hôte is only $40.75!!
2013 Mar 13
Fifth for Petit Bill's.
Solid food, unreal tact of service. This dinner has an agenda, and isn't just about the food, it's about the conversation and building ties. The service there is unobtrusive, not at all snotty or hipper-than-thou, yet totally personable.
I've only eaten there a few times, but my wife and I held the rehearsal dinner for our wedding there and it was perfect.
Food is interesting enough for those who care about it, but accessible enough for those who won't stray far from meat & potatoes.
Solid food, unreal tact of service. This dinner has an agenda, and isn't just about the food, it's about the conversation and building ties. The service there is unobtrusive, not at all snotty or hipper-than-thou, yet totally personable.
I've only eaten there a few times, but my wife and I held the rehearsal dinner for our wedding there and it was perfect.
Food is interesting enough for those who care about it, but accessible enough for those who won't stray far from meat & potatoes.
2013 Mar 16
I'm probably close to your parents age, so recommend Mama Theresa's also. We go there for family celebrations. Reasonable prices, big portions, great service and most importantly QUIET! compared to many restaurants in town & both sets of parents will probably appreciate that, honest. The daily special is usually very good. I know it's not gourmet italian fare, but the atmosphere is good for the type of evening you're planning.
2013 Mar 16
Doesn't seem to be mentioned often here but I had a very nice meal at Big Easy's on Preston a few weeks ago and the menu would be varied enough to suit different tastes with steak and potatoes but also nicely done fish (any way you want it) and well made veggies. I'd say the atmosphere is comfortable like Petit Bills. Service like Milestones (staff know the menu well and can explain every dish). Not overly expensive.
I would recommend Petit Bills too for many of the same reasons.
I would recommend Petit Bills too for many of the same reasons.
Qster
This is a restaurant recommendations request! The parents of my better-half are in town to visit on Easter weekend and we're finally gathering all the parents together for their first meeting :) We had a few initial ideas for dinner restaurants, which were quickly dashed, so we're coming to you for some alternatives!
This is the hard part, there are a few restrictions that we have to work around; the restaurant is preferably:
- not fancy AT ALL (we have previously taken them to Murray Street, and even that was a little too uptight for them)
- not too expensive (so they don't have the feeling that we're spending a fortune to take them all out or try to fight over the bill)
- not predominantly spicy (we had wanted to do an Indian buffet, but one parent is a firmly no-spice eater)
- not too exotic/ethnic/fusion-y (unfortunately, one parent is also generally meat-&-potatoes and gags at the sight of whole fish :( )
There are unfortunately a lot of negatives, but hopefully you guys will pull through for me and suggest a wonderful family-friendly, warm & comfortable, little hidden gem with great food for our highly anticipated gathering :) I have faith in you OFs!
PS. We've already done Smoque Shack with the visiting parents and it was a hit! If nothing else, we could go back there and get huge sharing platters of delicious, delicious meat :D