A Glebe restaurant that drew raves when it opened three years ago has closed, saying it couldn’t attract enough diners to stay in business.
The Pomeroy House was at 749 Bank Street near First Avenue.
“We all tried so hard, and yet we were not able to fill the needs of this wonderful community,” it says an announcement on the restaurant’s website.
“Exactly three years ago we opened this beautiful restaurant. We had some successes, cherished guests, delightful parties, and the response was overwhelmingly positive in regards to food, atmosphere and service. The harsh facts are simply that we didn’t serve enough of you.”
Its Facebook page still carries the menus. Roast duck featured Brussels sprouts, cippolini, turnips, beets, hazelnut butter and spicy lime. Albacore tuna appeared with fingerling potato, oyster mushroom, pickled red onion, hemp, spinach and gribiche.
Our food reviewer, Peter Hum, gave the restaurant top marks soon after it opened, starting with a different version of duck.
“Pomeroy’s chef and co-owner Rich Wilson, formerly the sous chef at Beckta Dining and Wine, had taken the bistro staple and made it sparkle. The duck’s taste and texture were just as it should be, while creamed corn, kale, spiced walnuts and slices of apple made the dish beautiful and doubly delicious,” he wrote.
“That duck of one’s dreams was no fluke. Over my two visits to Pomeroy House, many dishes were deeply satisfying and even the betters of similar dishes in Ottawa …
“Meanwhile, the room’s classy but relaxed vibe and its servers’ exceptional attention have made for special nights out …
“Whatever they’re doing, they should keep at it, because what they do vaults Pomeroy House onto my very short list of Ottawa’s top new restaurants.”
The restaurant’s farewell announcement thanks its staff, customers and suppliers.
“Our amazing staff were the backbone of the concept … ever smiling, so knowledgeable of the wines, full of pairing suggestions, so proud of the foods they cooked & served, and fully engaged in the community. For that, and so much more we thank them, we commend them, we applaud them…along with the suppliers, the farmers, the brewers, the delivery people, the neighbors, and the competitors!!
“As for Lindsay (Gordon) and Rich, they did their best to make PH successful … her graceful elegance, his culinary skills, they will be present in Ottawa for many years to come I know!”