Reviews

	Brix Magazine- July 2010
	by Nicole Vallée OWNER STEPHEN BECKTA WANTED A COUNTERPOINT TO HIS FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT, Beckta Dining & Wine: a more informal experience, not that BDW is at all solemn; a more affordable restaurant, perhaps; but also a spot that upholds his practice of catering to intellectual wine and food enthusiasts in the nation's capital. I hope Beckta is happy with Play Food & Wine. Casual and comfortable, Play is located at the corner of York and Sussex in Ottawa's historic Byward market. Thae small-plates format emphasizes charcuterie and craft cheeses; wine pairings are available in three- or five- ounce tasting sizes. My favorite match, hands down, was the JSM Grenache-Mouvèdre from Fox Creek Wines with quail in pomegranate sauce. "Our philosophy is simple," explained sommelier Grayson McDiarmid. "We choose delicious wines that deliver great value. We also look for wines that are honest and truly represent their terroir." His favorites on the list of more than 80 wines include the 2009 Cabernet-rosé from Southbrook, and the 2008 Fielding Estates Pinot Gris- a gold medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships. The list changes two to three times a week to match chef Michael Moffatt's modular menu. Moffatt regularly rotates in dishes such as house-smoked beef brisket with strawberry carraway chutney, pork rillette with Dijon and apple mostarda, and lobster salad roll with pickled water chestnuts and vanilla sbayon. Most plates- savoury or sweet- are under $15. You can also bring your own wine for a $15 corkage fee.

	Ottawa Citizen Review- July 31st 2009

	Ottawa Xpress - February 19th, 2009

	National Post- July 15th 2009

	Ottawa Magazine - 2009
	4 STARS

Last Updated: Wednesday, July 28, 2010