We’ve all been there. Either on the receiving end or the giving end of the Dreaded Gift Card.
If you were receiving, you may have thought: Gift cards are impersonal. They are thoughtless. They are rushed. (Hopefully you’re not THAT much of an asshole, but you never know).
If you were on the giving end you may have thought: This is totally legit…Right? I mean its for 100 bucks, what more could they want?! RIGHT?! …at least the card is funny…
…
Whatever it is you may think about giving or receiving a gift card this holiday season, I’m here to tell you that gift cards … well.. they ain’t so bad. Especially if they are from a stellar restaurant.
Why a gift card to a restaurant is so awesome:
1) It gives the gift of experience. If you receive a gift card to a restaurant that you’ve never tried before…BOOM: a new experience in your pocket and hopefully a new restaurant to add to your favourites list.
2) It gives the gift of “treat yo’self”. Sometimes, when life gets in the way, people will forget what it’s like to enjoy a nice night out and will often forget how important it is to simply enjoy and treat yourself to something nice.
3) It gives the gift of food. Food is meant to be enjoyed – with friends, with family, with loved ones. It’s a social experience. It’s delicious. And you’ve wrapped it up in a nice little plastic card. Bravo. You’ve won Christmas.
But of course, you don’t want to grab a GC from any old food joint. To help you on your quest to master the art of gift card giving, we’ve compiled a list of restaurants in Ottawa and Toronto that will banish any and all gift card woes.
1. Lee: small dishes with Asian and French influences.
Average Check (for two): $200
2. Play: small plates with emphasis on wine pairings.
Average Check (for two): $140
3. Supply and Demand: love of local meets oyster bar.
Average Check (for two): $130
4. Absinthe: Food and wine pairings, with exceptional service.
Average Check (for two):$150
5. Fraser Cafe: a seasonally inspired menu.
Average Check (for two): $140
6.Oyster Boy: A go-to for great oysters, friendly service and an affordable wine list.
Average Check (for two): $120
7. Elmdale Tavern: Oyster house with great music and atmosphere.
Average Check (for two): $150
8. El Camino: tacos and other Mexican inspired creations.
Average Check (for two):$75
9. Momofuku Daisho: created with local fare, inspired by Asian cuisine.
Average Check (for two): $200
10. Murray Street: charcuterie, gamey meats and classic cocktails.
Average Check (for two): $120
So this year, when the thought of giving a gift card rears its ugly head, consult this list in advance of purchase and give a gift certificate worth giving.
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