L'Ouvrier

L'Ouvrier is French for worker and is an homage to Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London, where the following passage can be found: “The cook does not look upon himself as a servant, but as a skilled workman; he is generally called ‘UN OUVRIER’

This new resto on the Dundas west strip, in a former dingy after-hours space is simply transformed into a minimalist large open white room with a mishmash of tables of different shapes and sizes.  We are seated in a circular table meant for a large party but we are just a party of 2 however there were no tables that were size appropriate for us as the resto was completely full and bustling with activity.

The menu has hints of different worldy dishes and we settle for a smattering of items like a platter of P.E.I oysters, roasted beet and maple glaze salad and a tuna tartare appetizer (which was their seafood du jour).   They come and go and to be honest, while the dishes were good, there was nothing too memorable about them.
We order duck as one of our entrees which has crispy skin but is a little on the dry side which was a bit disappointing.  The portion size was big and the compliments of kale and potatoes tossed in duck fat (mmm) on the plate were nice.  Our other entree was seared scallops which are tender and flavourful on a bed of coucous
Again with all new restaurants, I always come back to try them again a few months down the road when more of their growing pains have been sorted.  I was also distracted by good company so unfortunately my memory of the food is distant and not very specific.
Definitely one of the new hotspots, lots of people, busy and noisy but a fun place for a cocktail and catch up!


*** 1/2 stars
L’Ouvrier, 
791 Dundas St. W, (Palmerston and Dundas)
416-901-9581, louvrier.ca.