East Ottawa Star
Published: Friday, May 1, 2009 Final call for favourite eatery nominatons Okay, I give up. For the better part of three weeks I have been asking for your votes for the first-annual Orly (as in Orléans) awards. The 2009 categories were originally for best poutine, best pizza and best fish and chips. A few votes trickled in and I thank those readers for faithfully following the voting instructions. But something funny happened between someone’s second and, shall we say, sixth pint at the local bar. All of sudden I was getting people telling me who had the best shawarma … and then which establishment makes the best wings. So since the Orlys are being run by that reputable yet not-world-renowned firm of me, myself and I – better known as Robinson not incorporated – anything goes. So bring it on. Who has the best breakfast? So far Broadway is winning hands down. It must be those extra-saucy home fries which are great on the tongue and not so good for the arteries and waistline. Which local watering hole is the most friendly? The type of place where everybody knows your name? And for you youngsters out there, it’s not a Kelsey’s commercial. Ask mom and dad about a place and TV show called Cheers with Sam, Woody, Diane, Carla, Cliff, Fraser, Lilith and, of course, Norm. So we are now up to best poutine, fish & chips, pizza, bar, shawarma, breakfast and wings. Alas, spring is in the air so let’s move on. I’m also looking for the best ribs, best service, best burger and, best variety of draft beer and best wine list. Alright now we are up to 12 – count ‘em – 12 Orlys and this will be an added expenditure for yours truly when I get those cheap gold-plated plastic trophies at the dollar store. And no comments from the peanut gallery on this one, my last name may start with “R,” but it doesn’t stand for Rockefeller. As a reminder, I will announce the winners in my May long weekend column so you have less than three weeks to get your nominations into me at the e-mail address below. The sampling of your nominees has begun in earnest, as has my Sunday long run, which will soon stretch into Beacon Hill and Vanier given the amount of calories that are being consumed for this noble cause. So get your local pub or restaurant spirit in gear and submit your votes. This is the last call, so to speak, for nominations as the esteemed judging panel of my three favourite people (see above) take their taste buds tantalizing duties very seriously. Unlike the lottery, this game won’t cost you a penny, just an e-mail. As always, please vote early and eat often. Sincerely yours, in the pursuit of good eats and great friendly ambience. = = = = = Comments and votes can be sent to Walter at orleansouttakes@transcontinental.ca. |