Wellington GastroPub doesn’t disappoint – nor does it really shine!

Within the last couple of months, we have frequented three of Ottawa’s most highly regarded eating spots: Fraser Café, 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.

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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. 

Where we went: The Wellington Gastropub, located on Wellington in Westboro Village, had 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 decided that we should take advantage of the situation. Although it may look somewhat sparsely populated 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). We acquiesced with alacrity! 

What we ordered: 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. Dorothy ordered the broccoli, cheddar and ale soup  with apple butter to start and then Lamb Sirloin and belly 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 sautéed kale.

What we got: 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 crème anglaise. I don’t know if this was deliberate but it did not detract from the experience.

Worthy of note: Our bill for two with only a single drink topped $100, so it is not inexpensive. The lamb was a substitution not  on posted on the online menu. Shortly after our arrival a couple were shown to the love-seat beside us and  ate their entire meal there, presumably because there were no more tables available!

Summary

• Positives: Good food, good ambiance. Daily online Menu available
• Negatives: No mint sauce available! Quite pricey
• Recommendation: If you can afford it or want somewhere to take that someone special, Wellington Gastropub should probably be on your list!

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