For those who don't know, Ottawa hosts a restaurant that is actively pushing the frontiers of food. It is located on Rochester Street and, as of today (for the 5th consecutive month), the foodie community at OpenTable.com feels it is the best overall restaurant in Ontario. Of course, I am referring to Atelier.

Me, I haven't tried it, but I like to encourage innovation. Just look at what the chefs at this restaurant have been up to:

Source: "The Ride So Far" from Atelier's YouTube Channel

This video was released shortly after the 6 month anniversary of Atelier's opening.

Not impressed yet? Click here for images of recent dishes from their latest photo shoot. They are hosted on Atelier's website. Apparently, the restaurant will even be featured in the August 2009 edition of Elle magazine.

I promised myself that I'd give the restaurant's 12 course tasting menu ($75) a try before Atelier celebrated its 1 year anniversary. Several weeks ago, I decided June 29, 2009 will be the date. There are two reasons:

1. I like to pack a lot of activities into the days surrounding Canada Day.
2. A foodie friend from Toronto may drop by Ottawa that evening specifically to dine at Atelier.

Because this will be the first time I have ever tried food so avant garde, I invite 16-20 other food enthusiasts to join me. Foodies, gastronomes, gourmets, or simply adventurous eaters, I want to hear from all of you!

Here are some ground rules that I've worked out with Atelier's Executive Chef/Owner, Marc Lepine:

• There are limited seats in Atelier's dining room so reservations are a must (June 29, 2009 @6:30 pm). Please mention you are with foodiePrints.
• Reservations need to be made with the restaurant ((613)321-3537) and must include a credit card number.

Unlike other tweet-up/foodie meet venues, please bear in mind that Atelier is a fine food establishment and no shows are very costly to their bottom line. No shows on June 29, 2009 will be charged 50% of the value of the tasting menu.

For those who follow Ottawa Citizen's Food Editor, Ron Eade, these are the same rules that were arranged for the Omnivore's Ottawa's first Supper Club. Like those arrangements, if more than 16 people reserve, we can get a discount on the 12 course tasting menu.

I will check back with Atelier weekly to see how numbers are and update this blog. I look forward to meeting everyone who wishes to join me for dinner on June 29th.

Particulars:
Atelier Restaurant
540 Rochester Street
(613)321-3537



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