I don’t care about the view — I care about the food
Baton Rouge is a well-known Canadian restaurant chain recognized for its steaks, ribs, and upscale casual dining atmosphere. We visited the Hunt Club location, which is situated in a plaza with plenty of free parking. We had been here a number of times, so we expected it to be pretty good again.
Supply and Demand is a popular, upscale restaurant that’s been around for quite some time. They’re known for their housemade pasta, seafood dishes, and stylish interior, and it’s a place that tends to stay busy — for good reason.
The one we went to was located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) on the West Island of Montreal, Petinos is a very popular breakfast and brunch spot that’s part of a well-known Quebec-based chain. The restaurant has a loyal following, and it’s easy to see why — the portions are large, the menu is extensive, and the atmosphere is cheerful and family-friendly.
Located in Montreal, Burger de Ville is a very casual burger joint known for its fresh beef patties and build-your-own burger experience. You order at the counter, choose your toppings, sides, and how you want your burger cooked, and then they bring the food to your table. It’s a simple, no-frills setup, but it works well for the type of food they serve.
Located in Montreal, Orange Julep is a city landmark and one of its most recognizable fast-food destinations. The massive orange-shaped building is hard to miss and has has been serving locals and tourists for decades and continues to be a popular hangout spot, especially during the summer months. The restaurant operates entirely with outdoor seating, which adds to its casual, roadside charm.
Located in Hintonburg, Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner has earned a strong reputation as one of Ottawa’s most popular brunch destinations — and after visiting, it’s easy to see why. The restaurant is known for its creative menu, friendly staff, and consistently high-quality dishes that show real care from the kitchen.
Located in Hintonburg, the Hintonburg Public House is a neighbourhood spot that offers a casual atmostphere with a mix of pub staples and rotating specials. Like many restaurants in the area, there’s no dedicated parking, so you’ll need to find a street spot nearby. It’s expected for the neighbourhood, but something to plan for if you’re driving.
Located on Merivale Road, Sea King Seafood Restaurant is one of the few dim sum restaurants in the Ottawa area that still uses push carts. This makes for a nostalgic and efficient experience — as soon as you’re seated, food is already circulating around the room, so you don’t have to wait long before eating.
Astoria, located in Gatineau, is one of our favourite vegan restaurants in the area. From the moment you walk in, you notice how nice the space looks, with a modern and comfortable atmosphere. The staff are very friendly, and service comes with the added bonus of being highly attentive to allergies, which shows real care for their patrons.
Located on Merivale Road, Red Lobster is a chain that many are familiar with, though in recent years there has been talk about the company facing financial troubles. With that in mind, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when we walked in.
The first impression was positive: the restaurant has a large dining room with plenty of seating. It wasn’t overly busy when we visited, and service was friendly and attentive. Our server made the experience enjoyable and ensured dishes arrived fairly quickly. Lots of free parking in the large parking lot of the plaza.