We can never get enough of the fabulous Métropolitain Brasserie in Ottawa, conveniently located next to the Byward Market at 700 Sussex and providing a taste of Paris just steps away from Parliament Hill. Each summer we make a reservation the moment we know the date of our trip.
Home to Ottawa’s largest oyster bar, the restaurant is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. While we have enjoyed their sprawling patio in recent years, it was quite warm out on the evening we arrived, so we asked for a table in the dining room. The covered patio can accommodate 125 people while the capacity inside is 300.
The Brasserie presents a Hill Hour every day from 4 pm to 7 pm for discounted oysters and shrimp, and every Thursday for Buck a Shuck. There is an award-winning wine list, and this is considered a prime place for a large event or a romantic dinner for two, adding that certain Parisian flavor.
We started off the evening with some cocktails, two French Rivieras (Strawberry vodka, melon, Chambord, lime) and a glass of Riesling wine. It was then time to take a good hard look at all the options available among the appetizers. The small size seafood tower was more than enough for three of us to share. It contained shrimp, oysters, mussels, snow crab, cod croquettes, scallop crudo and ceviche. This was just fine to share among the three of us; and we had some leftovers. There is also a larger platter for four or five people available.
The burrito toast for two was another treat for the three of us to share. It includes sunflower seed and beetroot pesto, avocado, fried sourdough, sprouts and chili oil.
There is a nice selection of main courses. I have traditionally feasted upon the Duck Confit here. It is an item I only see available at a few restaurants I frequent. Crispy Duck Confit is a sumptuous dish that combines the rich flavors of duck with a delightful texture. The term “confit” refers to a cooking method where the duck is slowly simmered in its fat until it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. In this process, the meat is seasoned, cooked at a low temperature for several hours, and then stored in fat, which preserves and enhances its taste. To achieve a crispy exterior, the confit duck is typically finished in a hot oven or under a broiler to crisp up the skin. The result is a beautifully crisp, golden-brown skin contrasting with the tender, succulent meat underneath. As for the others, one opted for the duck as well while there was also the selection of the petit steak frites, a classic French dish known for its simplicity and deliciousness. The term “petit” means “small,” so the dish features a smaller portion of steak. The steak was seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled to achieve a perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
For dessert, we shared a decadent piece of flourless chocolate cake, a recommendation from our server Michael.
Other items on the menu include burgers bouillabaisse, steak, fish & chips, cauliflower steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled mackerel, steelhead trout, lobster ravioli, coquille St. Jacques, whole wheat penne, lobster & matane shrimp roll, sandwiches, salads, omelets, beef and tuna tartare, poutine and a charcuterie and cheese board.
Weekend brunch is available from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays.
The restaurant is co-owned by John Borsten and Sarah Chown, with Mike Poliquin as chef de cuisine. Hours of operation are 11:30 am to 11 pm Monday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to midnight Thursday and Friday, 10 am to midnight Saturday and 10 am to 11 pm Sunday Take-out and delivery service is in place each day from 11:30 am to 9 pm. For more details log on to www.metropolitainbrasserie.com or call 613-562-1160.