I recently had the opportunity to go to a new vegetarian restaurant that I had never been to before, The Table, an organic joint in the west end of Ottawa. The restaurant has a Commensal type business model, buffet style food and pay based on its weight . I actually like this concept, it costs the customer less since there is no obligatory tip! But it does have drawbacks. I always end up with an odd mish mash mix of foods on my plate, because I want a little sampler of everything that is offered, and that does not really settle in my tummy too well.
The Table is definitely very fairly priced, considering it is fresh, organic food, but unfortunately, they really need to do some work on the food itself. The lasagna was on the overcooked side, in particular the noodles, and the cheese was a little gummy. I am also not a huge fan of celery in my lasagna. The tikka flavored tempeh had a nice rich red color to the sauce, but did not have much depth in terms of flavor that indian sauces usually have. The salad bar just did not look super appetizing to me, a lot of cole slaw type salads, that I am not really into. The desserts were....healthy. A little too healthy for my liking. The vegan coconut cream pie tasted like tofu with bits of coconut. The cakes were all very dense and mushy. I did really like the carob chip cookies, they were soft and chewy.
It seems that this restaurant must be doing something right because it does have a huge following. It looked like many people visit The Table on a regular basis and get take out for their families - or maybe it is just the only choice available in the area? Hmmmmm..do I sniff a business opportunity?
Anyhow, I don't think I will be going back to this place, but it was worth a try, and from the busyness of the restaurant, it looks like there are many people out there who may think differently than I do.
The Table owners, if you are reading this, I am willing to consult :) Oh, and my sister is requesting change tables in the washrooms. It's kind of funny how you have high chairs and booster chairs, but no change table in the washrooms?
The Table Restaurant
1230 Wellington St.
Ottawa, Ontario
613-729-5973
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