Ottawa/Gatineau Mother's Day Gift

[maggiethecat]

My Mum is pretty well set up for flowers, perfume, Georgian sterling dinnerware, fine art, theatre tickets, etc. Good for her! But it does make a daughter pause.

I'd like to give her a restaurant gift certificate so she and Daddy can go out for a bangup lunch. Suggestions, please? They lunched at Urban Pear and Les Fougeres last week, so I'm taking them out of the rotation. My usual MO is the calling the concierge at the Chateau Laurier for info on spas, florists, etc. but eGullet is more reliable for dining recs. (The 'rents live in the Glebe, but they get around.)

Edited to add: I'm not looking for a Mother's Day Brunch thing, just a nice lunch at a later date.

[Vinfidel]

Bekta

[Jake]

I, too, would suggest Bekta.

[shrek]

Bekta is no longer open for lunch, only dinner. I would suggest El Meson on Beechwood.

[Safran]

Oh, Maggie, how about Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro??? They're on Murray, can be found at sweetgrassbistro.ca. Their aim is the same as Les Fougères'...fresh, local, beautifully put together. The entrance is non-descript. A new condo is being built next to it and...well, construction is construction. However, once inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. The walls are adorned with native artwork which changes monthly. The chefs (who are also the owners) know what they are doing...and, believe it or not, the price is really ok! Wine list: interestingly, no French or Italian here...you will find interesting Australian, New-Zealand, Californian, Canadian.... Enjoy! I have, again and again....

edited to add: oh, and they do lunch beautifully!

Edited May 8, 2006 by Safran (log)

[francois]

If you want to go all out, bring them to the Baccarat (at the Casino in Gatineau). It is in a class of its own - 5 diamonds by the CAA. Apparently, Signature (in Sandy Hill, not far from Ottawa U.) is also excellent. (I must say that I have never been there). L'Orée du bois is excellent, oriented toward the cuisine du terroir, in Chelsey. Much less expensive than the other 2.

[maggiethecat]

Thanks for all your ideas, and thanks, francois, for mentioning Le Baccara, where I had one of the best meals of my adult life a few years ago.

I like the idea of L'Oree du Bois for lunch.

Any other ideas? I'd better get on the phone, credit card in hand, tomorrow.