September 10 & 11, 2021
New Date Added: September 9, 2021
The 2021 Chef’s Table Series partners with the National Arts Centre to present an outdoor dining experience on a terrace in the heart of the city, with live music performed on a unique floating stage on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Chef Joe Thottungal (‘Coconut Lagoon’, Ottawa ON)
Joe Thottungal is chef/owner of both the Coconut Lagoon restaurant and Thali Coconut Lagoon, in Ottawa.
For five years, he worked in hotel kitchens in Toronto and Windsor, as well as the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ottawa, where he earned his Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) designation. In 2008, Joe was named Ottawa Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation. In 2016, he won top prize at Ottawa’s Gold Medal Plates competition, followed by a silver medal at the 2017 Canadian Culinary Championships. In 2019, he published ‘Coconut Lagoon, Recipes from South Indian Kitchen,’ and went on to win Gold in Taste Canada 2020.
Joe lives in Ottawa with his wife and three children.
Chef Kenton Leier (National Arts Centre)
Executive Chef Kenton Leier brings enthusiasm, passion, and creativity to the kitchens at Canada’s National Arts Center.
He is a second-generation chef, born and raised in Saskatoon, in the heart of the prairies. His culinary philosophy relies on the use of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality and letting their inherent qualities stand out in his dishes.
Chef Leier led teams in Ottawa’s finest hotel kitchens before moving to the NAC in 2017. He has cooked for celebrities, politicians and dignitaries, won numerous medals nationally and internationally, and taught young cooks at Ottawa’s Algonquin College.
He is committed to promoting growth and excellence in his team at the NAC and leads them in their mission to represent the best in Canadian cuisine.
Assorted Chutney & Pappadums
***
Kashmiri Chili Seared Scallops
Mango Coconut Sauce – Black Chickpeas
***
Qulion Lamb Masala
Woodland Mushroom Aviyal – Lentil & Spinach
(Jeera Rice to serve on the side)
***
Carrot Halwa
Ginger Ice Cream – Raspberry Coulis
Music: Dueling Pianos (Dave Kalil, Tyler Kealey, Todd Huckabone)
Dave Kalil, Tyler Kealey, and Todd Huckabone have been a staple of the music scene in Ottawa known as the Duelling Pianos. Their musical ability and interactive personalities have captivated audiences since they formed the group in 2002.
With both Dave and Tyler at the keyboards, they are held together by Todd on guitar to form a solid show of endless classic hits spanning several decades of music. Playing a blend of requests from the audience, blistering guitar and piano solos, three-part harmonies, and random comedic impromptu moments, their show has won over the crowds they perform for time after time.
