Pure Kitchen Elgin — Restaurant in Ottawa

So, my impression of this place is very mixed. On one hand all the female servers we had were so friendly and awesome, and we were given free cauliflower wings, which were amazing (I much prefer the Korean wings) because we waited so long for a table. The 2 stars I gave this place are for these reasons. Also, while we waited upstairs I ordered a London fog which was sooooo good. Now the negative... So we waited over an hour and a half to get a table, a bit long, but whatever, I figured good things are worth waiting for. During that time I ordered the amaaaazing London fog {$4} and decided to get another one... So a different server comes around (says he's the owner) and I ask for a repeat. What he brought me was half the size, and instead of the amazing thing I got the first time it was literally an early grey tea in milk. I joked with him about how it really wasn't what I ordered, I wanted the same thing I just had. He just laughed and left. When he came around again I more forcefully asked if I could have the same as last time instead he said sure, took my tea, and never came back (with ample time). Once we got downstairs the food was pretty good overall except my friends falafels were soo over the top salty they were almost inedible. She got us to try it just in case she was being sensitive, and no, they were intensely salty. I also found them gooey although my other friend was ok with the consistency. I'm sure our lovely server would have rectified that for her had she spoken up about it unlike the rude guy upstairs. I should also mention the fried tofu in my meal was really really good. The whole thing about the London fog thing really annoyed me and would probably prevent me from going back. I realize it's not a big ticket item like booze, but the people who are staying sober to drive are enabling everyone else to drink. When I was drinking the first one I was raving about it and how I was going to come back just to have that and enjoy the atmosphere with friends. I suppose it's a good thing I learned that I am not guaranteed a repeat experience, even if I order the same thing 20 minutes later. The picture I posted is the place above...

I took a glance at the menu prior to arriving. Although expensive, the food actually looked pretty good, with the ingredients I like. I showed up on a Monday and there was a sign that said "closed for private event". A bit irritating, but forgivable and understandable. So I came back the next day. I will now list my problems with this establishment, all while reminding you that this is a fairly expensive place. Décor: Almost non existent, reminded me of an unfinished basement with some drywall covering the insulation. Comfort: Non existent, aluminum chairs with no support. Dress code/Uniform: There was a time were you would see signs in front of restaurants saying "no shoes, no shirt, no service". At this place it would say "Shoes and shirts optional... for staff". My server looked unwashed, wearing cropped pajamas, inappropriately pierced and missing some undergarments' I would normally not associate this with an establishment charging $20 for a sandwich.. or any establishment serving food. Service: Not very trained or professional. Similar service to the McDonalds down the street, but if I remember correctly, I got a smile at that McDonalds. Tipping: This place makes me wish I was in Europe. There are five options on the pad, STARTING at 18%, 20%, 23% 25% and custom. In my mind "12% is pretty generous for the service I was provided"... this made me give 10%.

The fact that this place has an average rating of 4.5 is proof of how low peoples standards are now a days. I would say this is more of a political or "social activist" organization then a restaurant. Although pride is part of the Canadian culture, I feel like after five pride flags you might want to think of adding a Canada flag in the mix.. its the capital after all. If I wanted an unwashed hippy serving me food I would go to the soup kitchen, it...

Definitely, the place to be for the breakfast - especially if you are vegan. Interestingly, in our 2.5 days stay in Ottawa, this was the only restaurant that we had a great experience with, in Ottawa, - even after checking out many highly rated restaurants (on Google and Yelp).

Food: We went for an Espresso and a Golden Milk to start with. Espresso - I must say was heavenly. One of the best I had till date. Golden milk was quite homely and very well made. For the breakfast, we went for Almond Butter Banana Toast and Cheerful BLT. Almond Butter Banana Toast was great in taste - the only problem, the almond butter was very sticky. But I liked the overall feel of the toast. We even replicated it at home the next weekend. Cheerful BLT was quite amazing, They did try to replicate the meat, probably even in terms of smell, which wasn't necessary. But having said that, the sandwich was still very good in taste. I loved the bread that they used.

Ambiance: There is a huge variety of seating available - high chairs, table-chairs, booths etc. The best seats would be the street facing - the ones at the end where they remove the glass to not just give the street view but also a street feel. Plenty of space inside. We actually preferred the table in the front section of the restaurant which had natural sunlight coming in - the one with the street feel were all occupied. There are booths and a few tables inside as well but that is all artificial light - not something we have in mind for a breakfast.

Staff: The lady attending us- Katelyn - was good and friendly. The service was good and decently fast.

Overall, would definitely recommend this place for breakfast. We were just minutes early from their lunch service to start but would definitely come back for that next time we...