Graduate
school deadlines regularly made me break into stress related health
crises (real or imagined). I had yet to defend or even submit the
final draft of my thesis but still, celebrating my looming graduation
with an expensive dinner – a little taste of what the glorified
(but never achieved) post-graduate lifestyle would regularly allow
seemed like a good idea. The reservation for Atelier was made.
I
arrived at the romantically lit, elegantly decorated dining
establishment wearing jeans and my “cereal killer” t-shirt.
Graduate student. The staff took no notice of my improper attire as
we were warmly greeted. The course of the evening was explained –
twelve molecular gastronomy dishes would be presented. We decided to
go balls-to-the-walls and signed on for the accompanying wine list.
The
first course was set before us, and the waiter issues forth a stream
of words with very little independent meaning but I understood his
language. Sous-vide. Anti-griddle. Dust. Dirt. As I picked apart the
first few courses I complained that this dish finishes too acidic and
that the mouth feel is off on that dish. My husband queries me,
concerned, was I really complaining or was I fun complaining? I was
having fun. A lot of fun.
The
staff's love for food and for molecular gastronomy translates into
the consumer's experience of the restaurant. Atelier is staffed by
foodies and as foodies, they clearly appreciate when a customer
appreciates the detail of their plates. Between courses, I was
explaining to my husband the basis and motivation behind sous-vide.
The server overheard me and allowed me to continue. Apparently my
knowledge of molecular gastronomy was up to snuff!
Atelier
is a splurge at $95 per person with an additional $65 for the wine
pairing but the food and the experience are worth every penny. The
courses were interesting, complex, and fun to eat. They readily
accommodated my vegetarianism and my husband's dislike of fish. The
12 courses took us over four hours to complete. We were the last
customers in the restaurant and the wait staff offered us coffee, and
a tour of the kitchen. It was the perfect way to complete a fabulous
meal and to celebrate completing my masters degree.
Atelier:
540
Rochester Street, Ottawa ON http://www.atelierrestaurant.ca/
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