Ottawa, Canada
It was a cold and wet day in Ottawa when Nathalie and I started looking for food markets in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism had given us pointers on one in a neighbourhood outside the downtown core but to be honest it was mediocre with everyone selling the same five vegetables. Unfortunately we have both be spoiled with visiting so many vibrant markets around the world that we were jaded and bored.
Calling it a day we headed to Chinatown where Nathalie knew a great place for Chinese food. It ended up being the highlight of the day, not because of the food but because we laughed through the entire experience.
Royal Treasure is a very small restaurant and when we arrived we noticed that everyone was Chinese, except a small table in the corner almost tucked away out of sight. With only one woman serving the entire restaurant she sharply told us to wait by the door, despite there being other tables open. While waiting a larger group came in but she barked at them to wait outside.
After ten minutes or so the white people left and she pointedly told us to sit in the corner where they were. Nathalie laughed remembering that the last time she ate there she was hidden behind a column but while the service was questionable the food was great.
When taking our order we asked what she recommended and she said everything was good, Nathalie tried to probe again and ask what she liked but of course she liked everything. But after we ordered the first dish she smiled and said “Oh that’s one of my favourite dishes.”
Why didn’t you say that?
Needless to say Nathalie was right. The food was fantastic and the service amusing.
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Even though that dish is deep-fried, it still looks fantastic. My experience in Chinatown is similar: the demeanor of the wait staff isn’t what you’re there for and recommendations aren’t often possible, but the interesting environment and the food often makes the visit very worthwhile.
EarthDrifter recently posted..A Taste of Thailand
I know it’s strange but I don’t need servers to be nice to me. I come for the food not the smiles!
100% Agreed!
Ron | Active Planet Travels recently posted..Explore the Mighty Yangtze River
Haha…this is our experience in almost all of SE Asia as well. All waiters will say “Everything is good!”
Regina @ aNomad’sDream recently posted..Spending a Cold Night Locked Out in Chiang Mai
Well in South East Asia that is often true, unless you are ordering pizza.
nom nom. that is all.
Agreed.
Yuuuuum!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..A Photographic Look At My Thanksgiving In 2012 + Giveaway
Good food and great company, you can’t beat that.
That cracks me up.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes the places with the worst service have great food?
Krista recently posted..A Cozy Weekend and Homemade Brioche with Dark Chocolate Chunks
Isn’t that the truth!
Ron | Active Planet Travels recently posted..Whole Snapper | Food
In Buenos Aires they treat you like you are inconveniencing them at coffee shops – and they do have great coffee.
Did you get the chance to go to Suzy Q Doughnuts – http://suzyq.ca/ or the Tacolot – https://www.facebook.com/theTacoLot – next door to Suzy Q? The doughnuts look incredible and everyone raves about them. There are some great restuarants in the Hintonburg area. I love your blog and pictures.
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I didn’t get to go but I really want to go back to Ottawa in a few months to eat again. Things are really changing in the city.
So many places to try, you have to come back, maybe 72 hours this time
A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted..The “Make Me Happy” Dessert
Ha ha! What is it with waiters in China towns being so grumpy?
TammyOnTheMove recently posted..Flashback Friday: That time I knocked back coke with a Brazilian druglord
It is a weird thing isn’t it. Must be cultural.
Lol. You can always expect the food to be good or at least what the locals like when it’s only filled with locals. Yum.
Lauren @ roamingtheworld recently posted..Jet-lag, a hostel stay and an unexpected friendship
So true.
I totally agree with Krista…from my experience the places with the worst (and more so questionable) service always have the best food. It makes me wonder if this is something they know and figured they can get away with..?
Ron | Active Planet Travels recently posted..Whole Snapper | Food
I guess we all have different expectations of service although I do find more and more people are slowing focusing more on the American view of service in tourism and hospitality.
Yeah I guess I can see that coming into play…kind of sad though. I actually would prefer the original way of things as it gives us a more “authentic” experience of what it’s really like.
Ron | Active Planet Travels recently posted..Inspirational Photo of the Week | A Traveler Can See
The dish looks lovely. I am a big fan of Chinese cuisine. I am currently living in China having a proper traditional Chinese food every day.
Agness recently posted..Culinary Journey Around South-East Asia in Pictures
I bet they don’t have chicken balls there
Super delicious … yummiee.
I am also wondering why most Chinese food stalls or restaurants have a ‘less polite’ service. Maybe they’re just banking on the good quality of the food so they dont really need to exert more effort in being nice lol
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