unreserved

Does anyone know what happened to the "Good Morning Saigon Restaurant" located on Rideau next door to the Theatre (the name escapes me)?

Ottawa: Ma Cuisine in the Market, but it is not as "industrial" as Paradis. I find it a bit pricey and more for the week-end chef - but it's okay to browse before heading for the farmer's market.

Thanks for the leads. So far, I have tested Colonnade and Johnny Pizza. The latter being more to my taste.

Wondering if anyone knows where to get good take out pizza in Ottawa. I am just about ready to give up. Although I am sure it goes without saying, please no "pizza chain" suggestions. Thanks so much.

The goodwill that Brunoise has fostered over its short existence is not only remarkable, but also very well deserved. While I do not believe that Zach needs anyone (least of all me) to vouch for his professionalism, your indiscriminate word-selection would offend any self-respecting individual especially when written on a public forum and by a stranger. Surely, you can understand that cheekycook? Let’s be honest, your admission that the word may have been “harsh” was hardly sincere considering the four sentences that followed your admission. Montrealers who have had the pleasure to dine at Brunoise will likely not be affected by this thread, but in consideration of out-of-towners, I feel compelled to add my own experience of Zach’s friendly and professional character – actually the compliment is from my mother. I took my mother to Brunoise and after our meal Zach came by our table (as is his habit), spoke with us for a few minutes and when he left my mother said, “What a pleasant young man. His mother should be very proud.” For the record, I had no trouble making reservations. In fact, we arrived early and Zach did not flinch and even asked us which of the remaining three tables we would prefer. Very welcoming. Anthony

Salomon, you are a better person than me. If a restaurant only values my business when it is not busy, I could never bring myself to give them my money. Call it stubborn pride, but I think I have ended relationships for less than that

Milos restaurant has now opened in Athens. Although I have not eaten at the Athens location, I have had the pleasure of dining at the original restaurant in Montreal and I know the New York location is a town favourite. The food is authentic Greek, which does not mean souvlaki! I include the website for your benefit: www.milos.ca If this kind of thing is important to you, then you may be interested to know that when in Montreal, most Hollywood types frequent the restaurant.

It absolutely is worth going out of your way. Only when they are closed do I buy elsewhere and I regret it each time.

Yes it does, just a small one, but thanks for asking. We have even added some more simple plates that might better accompany a terrace.

Unless I am losing my mind, I am pretty sure I enjoyed great lamb at DaEmma’s street level (well, sunken garden style) covered terrace.

lol that's funny!

Greek (not Turkish) baklava and Arabic baklawa are entirely different breeds. Although I must admit that I have not tried the ones at Le Petit Milos, I doubt they would be the same you would find at Adonis (which is not the best place to get baklawa IMO). As for Gelato, I returned from Vienna last week and I am devastated to report that Montreal really does not know Gelato. I sampled (every day) unbelievably delicious Gelato from a place named Zannoni – if someone can get the recipe to that stuff and bring it Montreal, they would rule the Gelato scene hands down.

...but the best smarties are sold inthe U.K. in tubes.

I’m a bit confused. You state that Montreal lacks “big spenders” and that Montrealers are “frugal”, but you seem to agree that you do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a great meal in Montreal. Does that make Montrealers frugal or shrewd? What exactly IS a big spender? Is it someone who overpays for the sake of overpaying? I suspect it would not be someone who eats in Ville St. Laurent and pays half what they would pay at Milos. Does that make you frugal or shrewd? Or, does it mean that despite what you write, your actions support what just about everyone else is saying on this thread. That is, Montreal has a diverse, exciting and unique restaurant scene and its dining crowd need not overspend to enjoy great meals.

I don’t mean to drag this thread, but I am not sure that the matter should be about chef-ownership as much as chef-direction. Realistically, not many chefs can afford to open a restaurant in the downtown core. Usually, this requires a large investment. This is why most chefs work for other people. The trick is to work for someone that recognises a chef’s talent and respects the fact that a restaurant is, ultimately, only as good as its chef. This is also a good time to distinguish an “investor” from an entrepreneur. Investors are usually concerned only with profits, whereas entrepreneurs commit to activities they are passionate about as they invest much more than their money. Good entrepreneurs recognise the value of a good chef, but understand that bills need to be paid and money is required to purchase top quality products, which in turn, allows the chef to shine. There are a number of these “collaborations” in Montreal, many of which have resulted in fine restaurants. To disregard these restaurants on the basis of ownership, would be the equivalent of disregarding an entire group of journalists simply because you disagree with the current concentration of newspaper ownership, which includes the paper they write for. Thank you for making this thread interesting again.