Well, it’s been a hectic week, but in a good way. Work is trucking along well, our landscaper has started in our backyard on my rockgarden (so thrilled!) and Ryan and I have booked our trip out west to visit his family. Life is good.
I hadn’t seen my two girlfriends for cocktails and dinner in a while, and Lucie thought it was about time to hit up a patio and enjoy a few laughs together.

We all decided to head to Metropolitain Brasserie Restaurant. When we got there, the patio was bustling. Overrun with a group of Parliament Hill-types in tailored suits, the energy was fun and lively. I was seated immediately in the centre of the patio with a great view of the Rideau Centre, Sussex Drive and Rideau Street – ideal for people watching. Our server was Josh, a young man who seemed all business at first, and then had us all laughing by the time we left. Definitely a warm and inviting atmosphere mixed with some lively energy. By the way, are you interested in checking out some great menswear styles? Sit on the patio during Hill Hour. Some of the nicest suits I’ve ever seen!
This brasserie-style restaurant is located at 700 Sussex Drive, right in the heart of the downtown core. Occupying some prime real estate, it is located within walking distance of Canada’s beautiful Parliament Buildings, the main reason Metropolitain features “Hill Hour” – a happy hour offered Monday to Friday from 4pm – 7pm, serving mainly Ottawa’s politicos who’ve descended from Parliament Hill for a little bite to eat and drinks. Among other things, the Hill Hour menu consisted of $1.50 oysters and jumbo shrimp, two of our favourites. We gladly ordered up oysters and a round of drinks.
I ordered their grilled beef salad consisting of sliced steak served rare on a bed of arugula with blistered cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, tossed in a shallot vinaigrette and topped off with a soft poached egg. The steak was cooked perfectly and complemented the peppery arugula and blistered tomatoes beautifully. While I have had this salad many times before at various restaurants, I had never had it topped with a poached egg. Really quite nice.

Vanessa ordered the tuna ceviche and six oysters. The tuna ceviche was served in a bowl made of radicchio, set in ice-covered metal servingware. Surrounding the ceviche were six oysters. A+ for presentation! Vanessa enjoyed the ceviche, describing it as light and tasty with nice, big chunks of halibut…but not coming quite close to the ceviche perfection we had on a daily basis in Costa Rica. She mentioned that the halibut was slightly too chewy, as if it was marinated for a little too long.

Lucie ordered the grilled chicken salad which looked incredible. Grilled chicken was served on a bed of mixed greens tossed in raspberry vinagrette, fresh fruit, spiced almonds, topped with herbed goat cheese.

For drinks, Vanessa and I split a half-litre of their light and crisp Marie-Justine Chinon rosé…a perfectly dry, pale pink. After dinner, I followed that up with a tasty French Riviera martini…a delicious mix of strawberry vodka, melon, Chambord and lime. Lucie ordered the Metropolitain Lemonade consisting of Jack Daniels, triple sec lemon juice, simple syrup and Sprite. This particular drink looked so tasty and is Lucie-approved, so it is definitely my drink pick for my next visit!



Thanks for reading! I enjoyed my dinner and drinks greatly and feel Metropolitain is well worth a visit, even if you only plan on enjoying a couple of cocktails on their spacious patio!
xo!
Great story it made me hungry. Your pictures are so crisp, what kind of camera do you use?
Author
Thank you! Those were taken with my iPhone 6+. I also use a Canon Rebel EOS T5i. ;o)
I LOVE A GOOD BRASSERIE! I wish I could collect all the fantastic ones and make a book out of them – IDEAS… I am loving the food pics though, too hungry all of a sudden, and the drinks photos too, looks like you had an awesome time! Would love to visit this little place.
Anyway chica, wishing you an awesome day, xx
Dana | http://booquepress.com
Author
We really enjoyed it! If you ever come visit Canada, stop by Ottawa and I’ll treat you to a cocktail or two at this lovely restaurant, Dana!! So glad you like the post and my pictures! xoxoxox Have yourself a wonderful day!