French Delights at Chez Lucien & Peruvian Flavors at Raphaël 🇫🇷🇵🇪

📍 Chez Lucien A beloved, well-known French bistro that never disappoints! We visited without a reservation, but there were plenty of tables available. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, the service is prompt and friendly, and the food? Delicious and great value for money—total perfection! 😋 1️⃣ Scallops (Starter) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely 惊艳 (stunning)! I’d even say it’s better than the main courses. The scallops are tender and juicy, but the sauce steals the show—creamy, sweet, and salty in all the right ways. We scraped every last drop off the plate, it was that good! 🍴 2️⃣ Duck Confit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ When we ordered, they mentioned the usual accompanying sauce was unavailable—but honestly, it didn’t need it! The duck leg is crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, with that classic rich flavor. It’s served over creamy mashed potatoes, and while the side veggies are mild on their own, they’re perfect for sopping up leftover scallop sauce (genius hack!). 🦆 3️⃣ Seafood Pasta ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Generous with the seafood: plump mussels, tender salmon, and juicy scallops, all tossed in a velvety white sauce. Every bite is creamy, briny, and satisfying—seafood lovers, this one’s for you! 🍝 4️⃣ Ginger Ale ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My first time trying it, and I’m hooked! The ginger flavor is subtle, making it taste like a milder, less fizzy Sprite—refreshing and the perfect palate cleanser. 🥤 📍 Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine A beautiful spot with a warm atmosphere! We didn’t have a reservation, so we opted for bar seating—and it was surprisingly comfortable. The staff was wonderful, taking time to explain the dishes with friendly smiles all around. 🌟 1️⃣ Chicha Morada ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is why I came! I’d been craving chicha morada for ages—the last time I had it was at a Peruvian chicken spot in North Carolina called Alpaca (where my love for it began). This version was just as delicious: a sweet, fruity purple corn drink that’s uniquely refreshing. 🥤 2️⃣ Soursop Mint ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Their non-alcoholic drinks are a hit! This one is bright and fresh with a lovely minty kick—light, crisp, and perfect for pairing with bold Peruvian flavors. 3️⃣ Lomo Saltado ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The complimentary appetizer—zucchini, tomato, and bell pepper—was a tasty little bite, gone in seconds! The main dish? A star. The beef is coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce that’s amazing on everything. The meat is large, tender, and cooked almost fully through (a plus for some!). The 配菜 (sides) shine too: potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions, all soaking up that delicious sauce. The rice is mixed with choclo—Peruvian giant corn kernels—addinga fun, crispy crunch. We asked the server, and they confirmed it’s a classic Peruvian touch! 🌽 4️⃣ Pulpo Al Grill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The squid ink risotto here is incredible—so flavorful, I could eat a bowl of just that! The octopus is cooked to a unique texture: tender but with a slight, pleasant chew (not the fully soft texture of tapas-style octopus), with a satisfyingly springy bite. A small note: the connective bits between the tentacles can get a little stuck in your teeth, but it’s a minor detail in an otherwise fantastic dish. To top it off, they sent over a complimentary dessert that was lovely, and even gave us a cute postcard as a souvenir—such a nice touch! 🎁 From cozy French classics to vibrant Peruvian flavors, these two spots showcase Ottawa’s diverse dining scene. Whether you’re in the mood for buttery scallops or zesty lomo saltado, both are absolute must-tries! #FrenchCuisine #PeruvianFood #Ottawa #OttawaEats #OttawaFrenchFood #DuckConfit #FoodieAdventures #HiddenGems