Gourmet hopping your way through Ottawa

Recently media and a gaggle of influencers were invited to attend a culinary tour of the 18 Hospitality group of restaurants. 

As ever, marketing and event management company KoW Connected did a bang-up job of organizing this gastro-trip, with the team from Grayline expertly chauffeuring us across the river to our final destination.

I’d met 18 Hospitality Group executive chef David Godsoe on many occasions but I’d not dined at any of the venues so this was going to provide a little insight into what I might expect.

Our adventure started at E18hteen Restaurant on York St. It was a warm and sunny evening, the weather perfect for the light fare and cocktails served.

We enjoyed signature Negronis (a curiosity topped with a shot of prosecco) along with tuna tataki and pillowy brioche bites of Matane shrimp.

Next it was on to sister restaurant Sidedoor where I was able to grab executive chef David Godsoe for a few pictures.

Sidedoor’s menu focuses on Asian flavours with a side menu of tacos and margaritas. 

The brilliant surprise came with the pairing of a fried chicken bao bun with a delicious Margarita. The chicken was marinated through and supremely crisp and nestled in a bun dressed with a mildly spicy tomatillo salsa. This combination may have been planned, but if not, it was a happy coincidence. If you find yourself at Sidedoor, do yourself a favour and have this combo.

For vegetarians, there was a tempura-fried enoki mushroom bao that took no backseat to the chicken. It was also very nice with the Margarita, just not as on point.

We arrived at The Hyde for a prosecco cocktail and skewers of pickled veg, cheese and prosciutto.

I imagined that this old English room would be an ideal destination in fall and winter. There was something appealingly cozy about the space but on this occasion, the room was so full that it was difficult to hear what was being said by the person next to me.

We were soon whisked off to the historic  Maison Charron in Gatineau, where we all enjoyed a splendid view across the river of Canada’s capital. 

I was able to secure a comfortable table under a fruit tree to enjoy a live performance by Zachary Martin, a local musician with a wide repertoire of songs. 

The outdoor bar was on autopilot, delivering drinks in various shades of pink for thirsty guests and soon an assortment of pizzas was served.

The crust on the pie was nicely done but could have had a little more crisp for this palate and the sauce had been excessively salted for some reason. Still the flavours were bright and the food was supremely fresh in taste. 

In my inimitable way, I interrupted 18 Hospitality co-owner Caroline Gosselin and PR expert Sylvie Bigras during a serious discussion on homelessness. I’ve known Sylvie for a number of years and her heart is always there for social causes. 

There is much for Ottawans to discover around our city and to get an overview of the 18 Hospitality Group restaurants gives a good insight into just how distinct these venues are.  

Under the direction of executive chef David Godsoe, his teams are producing good food in settings worth enjoying around the year. 

Thank you to Caroline Gosselin and KoW Connected for getting all us media types on the bus.