“Mother Nature is the true artist and our job as cooks is to allow hero shine.”
— Marco Pierre White
When winter creeps up, even in its mild approach, we find it hard to muster up the courage to leave the coziness of our nested wooly warmness. However, each time I stroll past the subtle door to The Pomeroy House while witnessing the warm faces through steamy windows with their expressions of gabby light fullness about them, I thought I would let go of my jogging pants for one night.
First entering the humble entrance of The Pomeroy House my eyes were greeted with the swanky allure of a modern day speakeasy. Bold timbre planks framed the back of the bar and vintage crystal bottles hung dim lit which brought an ease with the elegance. Between the bar, a social high top, and the individual tables; The Pomeroy House has all angles of comfort covered. Clean, sophisticated and intimate with a friendly upbeat vibe would best fit the scene.
Floating in past the entrance I was approached by a gentleman (Pat) with a warm smile and friendly confidence who asked me where I’d like to sit. Trying not to indicate with excited jazz hands my table of preference; I kindly considered. I chose the social high top table beside the bar as my vantage point. Pat took my coat and guided me past some Ottawa famous faces while relaxing a drink menu into my hand. The night had begun…
Striking up casual, but comfortable conversation Pat also took the time to help me pair drinks with each food option, if I was so inclined. I was so inclined. The owner (Lindsay Gordon) manned the bar like the Captain of a ship, or perhaps it was the great wooden beams surrounding the bar that gave that impression. Either way, it was done so with grace while the staff flowed with courtesy and integrity in their duty.
The Head Chef, co-owner, and first mate, Richard Wilson, on occasion would drift through the aisle with a smile observing the pleasantly pleased faces of his satisfied guests. He even stopped to chat briefly to see how I was enjoying the evening. From the music to the menu, nothing was too much or too little at The Pomeroy House.
I’d describe the food in delectable detail, but it would take the length of a manuscript to show the true appreciation and flavor sensations that go into the cooks creations. However, I will tell you what I tried for the tease and temptation.
Oysters, roasted carrots, albacore tuna, baby back ribs, beef striploin, roasted duck breast, and a dessert that would melt the keyboard if I dared to write it out. The wine, cocktails, scotch, and coffee all paired remarkably with each food that fell before me.
I was caught. Hook, line and sinker. Next time you’re weathering the winter, batten down the hatches at The Pomeroy House.
A special thanks to all the staff for making me feel welcome.
The Pomeroy House is at 749 Bank St. Check their website for hours and reservations, or cal 613-237-1658.
