{"id":708,"date":"2010-10-15T17:06:16","date_gmt":"2010-10-15T21:06:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/justrw.net\/blog\/?p=708"},"modified":"2016-08-17T18:01:58","modified_gmt":"2016-08-17T22:01:58","slug":"wellington-gastropub-doesnt-disappoint-nor-does-it-really-shine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/justrw.net\/blog\/2010\/10\/15\/wellington-gastropub-doesnt-disappoint-nor-does-it-really-shine\/","title":{"rendered":"Wellington GastroPub doesn’t disappoint – nor does it really shine!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Ottawa's<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Pretty Good Grub at Wellington Gastropub!<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

A gastropub is about gourmet food and great beer,
\nAnd if that’s the case, you’ll find both are right here.
\nThe decor is quite cozy and the food’s above par
\nThough to find one that’s better you won’t have to go far
\nBut still\u00a0I conclude that this one is Top Tier. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Within the last couple of months, we have frequented three of Ottawa’s most highly regarded eating spots: Fraser Caf\u00e9, Petit Bills Bistro and Wellington GastroPub. In our opinion, all three are deserving of their reputation but we would probably have to rank Wellington GastroPub behind the other two based on our personal experience and taste.<\/p>\n

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In case you are wondering exactly what a gastropub might be, you are in good company. I took the trouble to look the term up and found out that it is an establishment that serves specialty beverages along with gourmet food.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Where we went<\/span><\/span><\/strong>: The Wellington Gastropub, located on Wellington in Westboro Village,\u00a0had been on my wish-list for quite some time now. Often having had the intention to sample their wares, something always seemed to intervene to prevent it from becoming a reality. The most recent occasion had been for Dorothy’s birthday and we had invited friends to join us. Unfortunately, but in line with our previous contention, they were unable to attend, so we decided to have a romantic supper at home instead. However, as luck would have it, Dorothy had to be in the West End of Ottawa the very next day and\u00a0decided that we should take advantage of the situation. Although it may look somewhat sparsely\u00a0populated in the picture above as Dorothy enters the establishment, in fact it was completely full and of course we had no prior reservation. Fortune was smiling down upon us and we were told that there was a final table for two available provided we agreed to be finished by 7:30 (it was now 5:30).\u00a0We acquiesced with alacrity!\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Waupoos<\/a>What we ordered<\/span><\/span><\/strong>: It seems only right that in a gastropub one should order some special kind of brew. As I was perusing the ‘specials’ board, I happened to notice a locally-brewed cider on offer. Over the last few years, I have taken a distinct liking to cider in its many iterations and Waupoos Premium Cider is now added to the list of my preferred beverages. It compares very favourably with England’s Strongbow probably the international front-runner.\u00a0Dorothy ordered the broccoli, cheddar and ale soup\u00a0 with apple butter to start and then Lamb Sirloin\u00a0and\u00a0belly pork with Fingerlings. Personally, I was happy with my cider to start along with the local artisan bread with dipping oil, so I went straight for the main and ordered the sea scallops with butternut squash puree and saut\u00e9ed kale.<\/p>\n

\"Broccoli<\/a>\"Lamb<\/a>\"sea<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

What we got<\/span><\/span><\/strong>: Dorothy allowed me to sample her soup and although I am not a huge fan of soup as a starter, this was really good and the touch of apple butter was a nice addition. The lamb and pork belly was an unusual combination and Dorothy did not rave about it although she had no specific complaint. On the other hand, my scallops were plump, tender and beautifully caramelised on top giving them a slight crunch. I still had room for dessert so I finished off with a Black Pepper Panna Cotta with fresh strawberries. It was delicious but a little runnier than it would normally be, almost more like a cr\u00e8me anglaise. I don’t know if this was deliberate but it did not detract from the experience.<\/p>\n

Worthy of note<\/span><\/span><\/strong>: Our bill for two with only a single drink topped $100, so it is not inexpensive. The lamb was a substitution not\u00a0 on posted on\u00a0the online\u00a0menu. Shortly after our arrival\u00a0a couple were shown to the love-seat beside us and \u00a0ate their entire meal there, presumably because there were no more tables available!<\/p>\n

Summary<\/span><\/p>\n