Until around noon this afternoon, I was completely unaware that the Ottawa Citizen, a local newspaper, published an annual dining guide. It is written by Anne DesBrisay, a 15 year veteran restaurant critic of the newspaper. According to her slightly abridged profile on the canada.com website, she is a graduate of the LaVarenne culinary school, which is situated in Paris, France. She is also the author of Capital Dining and has been publishing her annual dining guide since May 2004.

In Capital Dining, Anne reviews 150 restaurants located in the national capital region. Part 1 of the 2008 Dining Guide includes slightly less restaurants. The guide covers both ethnic and domestic cuisines.

I enjoy reading dining guides because I get to compare notes for restaurants that I've visited, my being a lowly foodie and Ms. DesBrisay being a classically trained and experienced critic. Besides, any insight into the service, menu, or workings of a restaurant tends to be valuable when you're in search of your next culinary outing.

Go have a look!