It’s a question that challenges assumptions and calls restaurateurs to make their pitch, which is exactly what Shawna Wagman was trying to do when she invited five insiders from the city’s foodie scene to gather at Urban Element earlier this year. As Shawna wrote in her introduction, cooking for chefs — and probing them with questions about the industry — was an exhilarating and frightening experiment. In fact, the same words might be used to describe running a restaurant. This past year was a particularly tough one for the industry, but hard economic times don’t appear to be stifling the creativity in our city’s kitchens. While many were saddened to see the end of Domus, this year also saw the opening of five new restaurants on Bank Street alone. So it would seem Ottawans have plenty of answers to the question on our cover.
This food feature also celebrates the first year of Anne DesBrisay’s tenure as Ottawa Magazine’s restaurant critic. Of course, Anne has been writing about Ottawa restaurants for decades, but having one person serve as chief taster for a publication is a unique treasure. Check out her “Dish List” — it’s both a summary of her most memorable meals and a guidebook for those who wrestle with menu decisions. (Who doesn’t?)
Speaking of guidebooks, we tossed some fun bits into “The Encyclopedia of Eating Now.” Perplexed by small plates? Looking to perfect your reservation-making technique? Questioning the allure of brunch? Shawna Wagman offers informative and witty remarks for all this and more.
Also in this issue is “Northern Contact,” a series of articles on Ottawa’s connections to the Far North. Like Leslie Reid, my father travelled to the Arctic and was amazed by what he saw there; my sister, too, felt the call of the North and is now living in Yellowknife. I have yet to visit the land of the midnight sun, but I have been watching this aspect of our city’s culture since I settled here. I have grown to appreciate the Inuit population as a remarkable treasure that contributes much to our identity. And as a society, I believe we are beginning to recognize the North as a thriving, dynamic area from which we can draw knowledge and inspiration.
Coming up: We are already well into the planning of our annual Interiors issue. Once again, we’re working with Great Space guru Sarah Brown to bring the most spectacular homes to our 2015 edition. This time around, we’re visiting a glamorous condo, an artist’s home with a breathtaking view, and a classic mid-century modern abode, among others. As Interiors becomes a celebrated part of the local design scene, it allows for unique opportunities for partnerships among editors, art directors, photographers, writers, and subjects. Without giving away too much, I will simply say that we are having a whole lot of fun, which can only lead to great things.
This City
Reason to Love Ottawa: Because a geodesic dome in Brewer Park is extending our growing season
By Matt Harrison
Photo by Luther Caverly
FOUND: Hockey Night in Addis
By David McDonald
Photo by Samuel Taye
The Jester | by Chris Lackner
Neighbourhood Watch | by Matt Harrison
Camera | Angela Gordon at Feast of Fields
Columns
CITY: Judy Trinh visits Ottawa’s gangland
illustrations by Michael George Haddad
CULTURE: The city’s emerging film industry by Di Golding
Northern Contact: Exploring Ottawa’s connection to the Far North in words and pictures
Michelle Valberg‘s Arctic Awakening | by Dayanti Karunaratne
Nature in the North | by Kate Jaimet
ShoeBox is a perfect fit in the North | by Kylie Taggart
Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre ignites cultural pride | by Dan Rubinstein
Arctic Attraction: Leslie Reid reveals the sublime, fragile nature of the North in new series
By Paul Gessell
Photography by Dwayne Brown
The Encyclopedia
of Eating Now
Including…
The Dish List of 2014. If you’re here, order that. Anne DesBrisay offers an index of memorable meals from her inaugural year as Ottawa Magazine restaurant critic.
Photography by Christian Lalonde – PhotluxStudio.com
Dining With Chefs: Shawna Wagman treats five insiders from the city’s restaurant scene to a family-style dinner and learns why eating out is about more than what’s on the plate. Photography by Miv Fournier
The New Rules for Eating Out by Shawna Wagman
It’s a Small Plates World by Shawna Wagman
Brunch: the New Sunday Ritual by Shawna Wagman
Great Taste
Most Wanted: Living large with pricey pork
By Ashleigh van Houten
Photo by Luther Caverly
My Look: Kate Klenavic on staying chic in the kitchen
Photo by Andrew Carson
Great Space: A sleek kitchen celebrates colour
By Sarah Brown
Photography by Gordon King
Shop Talk: Made-in-Ottawa gifts to wrap up this Christmas
Photography by Marc Fowler – Metropolis Studio
Quest: Crepes and dosas
By Cindy Deachman
City Bites: Notable restaurant and food happenings
By Shawna Wagman
Tasting Notes: Award-winning wines
by David Lawrason
Going Out
• Spotlight on Clover Food and Drink
• New reviews for Mariposa Farms and Segue
Calendar
• Celebrate the season with The Good Lovelies • See, Hear, Read by Paul Gessell • Inuit-Japanese art
Ottawa Journal
Jamieson Findlay is spirited away by the kite-skiing experience
illustrations by Michael George Haddad