Readers of my stories on Ottawa will be very familiar with the fact Zak’s Diner has become a true “go-to” stop in the Nation’s capital. Established in 1986 by John Borsten and some partners, one of whom had a son named Zak, there are now five separate locations for this ’50s-themed eatery: the happening Byward Market, Elgin Street, Carleton Place, Kanata and now the Westboro Village area at the spot that previously housed the once popular Savoy Brasserie.
Read MoreCategory: Ottawa
Zak’s serves up the classic diner experience at four Ottawa locations
Zak’s Diner was established in 1986 by John Borsten and some partners, one of whom had a son named Zak, there are four locations for this ’50s-themed eatery.
Read MoreMétropolitain Brasserie in Ottawa serves up appetizing lunch, dinner and weekend brunch
Métropolitain Brasserie is home to Ottawa’s largest raw bar. Open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends, we had a wonderful summer Saturday evening dinner on their spacious patio.
Read MoreThe iconic Al’s Steakhouse is still thriving more than five decades after it opened
Montreal is known for some iconic steakhouses, such as Moishes (soon to reopen), Rib ‘N Reef and Gibbys. On my most recent trip to Ottawa, I got to experience the legendary Al’s Steakhouse.
Read MoreFor some of the best Japanese cuisine in Ottawa, Shinka Sushi Bar fits the bill
Shinka Sushi Bar (previously known as New Generation Sushi) is located on Laurier Avenue West near Elgin. It has been around since 2004. When the COVID-19 pandemic, it pivoted exclusively to take-out and delivery. Their clientele responded in strong numbers so they have stuck to this format. A second location will open later this year at a location to be determined.
Read MoreSuffering from Red Lobster withdrawal? A trip to Ottawa will do the trick
Red Lobster still operates in four Canadian provinces – Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. There are two locations in Ottawa. The one at 1499 St. Laurent Blvd., just as you enter the city, has always been our “go-to” spot. Twenty years ago, I did a few reviews for my newspapers and connected with General Manager Ian Forrester. When I went there for a curbside pickup back in December, Ian was still on the job. It turns out he has been there for an incredible 36 years.
Read MoreMontreal-owned chain The Works serves up some of the best burgers in Ontario
As a foodie, I love the Ottawa restaurant scene. High on my list is The Works Craft Burgers & Beer (www.worksburger.com). Open since 2001, this wildly popular and award winning full-service neighbourhood bistro is known for its more than 30 different, hand-prepared gourmet burgers, bottomless fresh hand-cut fries, cool classic shakes and ice-cold beer, which are all 100 percent Canadian. The Works offers guests eight different patty options as well as gluten-free and vegetarian combinations to choose from.
Read MoreKettlemans Bagel set to open its first Montreal location across from the Bell Centre
Kettlemans hand-rolled Montreal style bagels, unique spreads, fresh salads, and sandwiches make the perfect breakfast-to-go, boardroom power lunch or late-night indulgence. Founder and Montreal native Craig Buckley opened the first store in August of 1993. When he started the business, he simply wanted to make the best bagels you could find. By rolling, “kettling,” and baking traditional Montreal Bagel in a wood burning-oven using handpicked hardwood, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the traditional quality of the food, Kettlemans has become a food institution — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year — for 28 years.
Read MoreAppetite for Ottawa: With Milestones Grill + Bar headed to Quebec, Mike Cohen provides a sneak peek
When Montreal-based Foodtastic purchased the Milestones Grill + Bar restaurant chain (https://www.milestonesrestaurants.com) last summer, with plans to finally debut franchises in Quebec, I got pretty excited.
Foodtastic, a highly successful multi-brand restaurant company, is owned by brothers Lawrence and Peter Mammas.