August 31-September 2, 2023

World-class Chefs, innovative cuisine, reconnecting with friends, and the beauty of a summer evening by the Rideau Canal…

Chef Joe Thottungal (Coconut Lagoon, Thali)

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.

Pickled shrimps
eggplant chutney + curry leaf aioli + plantain chips

Vegetarian Option
Pickled Cauliflower
eggplant chutney + curry leaf aioli + plantain chips

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Beef Peralan
woodland mushroom curry + ghee rice

Vegetarian Option
Paneer Tikka Masala
woodland mushroom curry + ghee rice

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Coconut Mango Mousse
nougatine + berries

Downloadable Menu

Music: Dueling Pianos

Dave Kalil, Tyler Kealey and Todd Huckabone have been a staple of the music scene in Ottawa known as the Dueling 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.