Hey there, food enthusiasts and music lovers! If you’re a fan of farm-to-table feasts, culinary creations, and toe-tapping melodies, mark your calendars for the most delectable event of the summer: The Chef’s Table!
Presented by the Ontario Festival of Small Halls and the National Arts Centre’s Resident Chefs Program, this gastronomic extravaganza promises to be a feast for all your senses.
Picture this: a beautiful summer night, the gentle breeze from the Rideau Canal caressing your face, and a table set right on the terrace of the NAC’s 1 Elgin Restaurant in Ottawa. It’s the perfect setting to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an unforgettable evening with your closest friends. And did I mention the mouthwatering menus curated by some of Canada’s finest chefs? Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other!
Let’s take a sneak peek at the star-studded lineup for this year’s Chef’s Table.
August 10 – 12, 2023:
The first weekend kicks off with Chef David Vinoya, an award-winning culinary genius known for his modern twist on traditional dishes. Prepare your palate for an Adobo pork terrine, served with pickled turnip, black olive crumbs, and crostini. Vegetarian? Fear not! Chef Vinoya has got you covered with an equally tantalizing Adobo mushroom terrine. And the musical accompaniment? The Angelique Francis Quartet, a multi-genre sensation that will have you grooving to their soulful tunes.
August 17 – 19, 2023:
Next up, we have the talented Chef Carmen Ingham, who hails from beautiful coastal British Columbia. He’ll be serving up an exquisite Albacore tuna crudo featuring chilled spruce Tom Yum, tomatoes, and pickled jalapeño. Vegetarians, rejoice! There’s a citrus-infused melon crudo just for you. And to add a musical flavor to the evening, get ready to be serenaded by the soulful voice of Jeff Rogers, who will transport you back in time with his R&B classics.
August 31 – September 2, 2023:
Calling all spice lovers! Chef Joe Thottungal, an award-winning master of South Indian cuisine, will be delighting your taste buds with his pickled shrimps and mouthwatering Beef Peralan. Vegetarians need not feel left out because there’s a Paneer Tikka Masala that will make your heart skip a beat. And guess what? The Dueling Pianos will be in the house, tickling the ivories and creating a lively atmosphere that will have you singing along all night.
September 7 – 9, 2023:
Chef Siobhan Detkavich, a rising star from Vancouver Island and the first indigenous woman to compete on Top Chef Canada, will take you on a culinary journey with her cedar-smoked bison and seared Pacific halibut. Vegetarian options include a cedar-smoked squash that will leave you craving more. And as you savour each bite, let The Retrogrades transport you back to the ’80s and ’90s with their infectious hits.
Credit: 1 Elgin Restaurant
Tickets are available for $146.90, which includes a three-course meal, entertainment, and a private table. Small group bookings are available, so gather your food-loving tribe and reserve a table for an unforgettable night of gastronomic delights.