High-End Deals
13. Thursday nights at Village House It’s a pretty rare deal — three courses for 30 bucks — and though these are listed as small plates, we find they add up to a deliciously filling dinner. From the very effective team of chef Michael Houle and front-ofhouse charmer Sarah Swan, Thursday nights in Wakefield’s Village House are affordable pleasures. $60 for two. 759, ch. Riverside, Wakefield, 819-4591445. ~AD 14. Wednesday nights at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro at Signatures For those very keen on the idea of dinner at Le Cordon Bleu’s famed Signatures restaurant (helmed by chef Yannick Anton) but less keen on the price tag, either save up or consider the Anton Wednesday-night meal deal. Four-course prix fixe, complete with a remarkably drinkable bottle of wine. $110 for two. 453 Laurier Ave. E., 613-236-2499. ~AD 15. Table d’hôte de midi at Le Tartuffe Le Tartuffe may be the last of a dying breed of formal French restaurants in the region. There’s something to be said for tradition, though. One is the table d’hôte, even at noontime. Why not? Order three courses (always varying) that balance together well. “We try to be as simple as possible,” owner/ chef Gérard Fischer says. “But that doesn’t mean we’re not innovative.” For instance, instead of the usual bone-in fish soup, his superb Provençalinspired bouillabaisse is based on good fish broth in which fillets, scallops, and shrimp are poached. Meanwhile, Fischer’s crème brûlée is brightened with red raspberries. Why not, indeed? $15–$25. Le Tartuffe, 133, rue, Notre-Damede-l’Île, Gatineau (Hull sector), 819-776-6424. ~AD
crisps, the Indians their spicy-sweet chevda. Meanwhile, in any Ethiopian merkato, find paper cones of this roasted barley and peanut mix. Nutty and crunchy, with just a touch of salt. $2.50. Royal Variety, 260 Bank St., 613-235-7797. ~CD 16. Ratatouille There’s ratatouille and there’s ratatouille. And then there’s Marius Bistro’s ratatouille. Owner Raphaël Chauvin comes from Nice, where everyone has a favourite recipe. His variation, made with herbes de Provence, is rich with the history of southern France. Rich with flavour too. $8.50. Marius, 175, prom. du Portage, Gatineau (Hull sector), 819-205-7123. ~CD 18. Baby octopus What’s Japanese-style octopus doing in a Vietnamese restaurant? Being offered along with the rest of Quán Viêt’s fusion dishes, that’s what. Here’s a beautiful little appetizer of glistening baby octopus, ruddycoloured with the tips blackened through grilling. The meat is tender, sweet. “We make food for people who appreciate food,” says co-owner Andy Vu. And we certainly appreciate that. $6. Quán Viêt Fusion, 424 Preston St., 613-680-6638. ~CD