I was trying to find a new place to enjoy dinner while my wife and kids were out of town. What was I after you ask? Steak. As some of you may know steak is by far my largest food group but, being a professional home chef, finding a great steak to please my taste buds is no small feat.
I hopped on to the OpenTable app to see what options I could find for steak near me. Several options appeared but then The Shore Club popped-up with one reservation remaining. I hadn’t been but during my numerous travels to Toronto, The Shore Club had often peaked my interest but time was never on my side.
Conveniently located on the edge of the ByWard Market and attached to the Rideau centre, The Shore Club is in The Westin Ottawa hotel. Accessed from the lobby, the entrance is very modern and classy. Upon entering the hostess is on your left and straight ahead is the bar and lounge. The lighting is dim and everyone was very welcoming. As I was dining by myself I was offered the lounge or the dining room. I chose the dining room.
I was seated at a table for two. I took at look at the menu which offered numerous options including seafood towers to steaks, fish and poultry. At a glance the menu was very appealing and offered several options but not overloaded like your normal chain restaurant. That is a sign of a restaurant that cares about the food they create.
After hearing the day’s specials, I opted for the items presented on the menu. I don’t often stray from the menu offerings for reviews like these so I can feature dishes my readers can try. To start I ordered the Pork Belly & Seared Scallop.
The pork belly was braised flawlessly and then seared to perfection, offering a great crisp exterior but a beautiful fatty and tender center. The scallop was also cooked to precision with a beautiful sear and glossy shimmer inside. Both were served over a celery root purée and apple chutney.
All the components of the app were seasoned perfectly, I just couldn’t wait for my main!
Although I wanted a steak, one menu item trumped my decision, Beef Wellington! It arrived, cut into 3 portions exposing the perfectly cooked medium-rare beef tenderloin and grilled mushrooms marinated in herb oil with reduced chicken stock, butter and lemon. The puffed pastry offered layers upon layers of fluffy pastry and a golden brown crisp exterior. Once again perfectly seasoned edge to edge.
For a side, I opted for the Creamed Corn with Double Smoked Bacon. The subtle sweetness of the corn offered great contrast with the deep salty and smoky flavour of the bacon.
In true traditional New York City steakhouse fashion, the desert menu offered Baked Alaska. This desert was created when the United States acquired Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 10, 1867.
The desert arrived to my table and some Grand Marnier was poured over the soft meringue peaks and ignited, caramelizing the meringue. I cut it in half to expose a firm vanilla ice cream centre and a base of cake in keeping with the traditional recipe.
The dining experience from A to Z was pure perfection. Not one aspect had a flaw. I give The Shore Club a whopping 5/5.
There is no doubt in my mind that this restaurant will please your culinary desires! Book your reservation today, because it will become a hot spot to say the least.