Photographing Chef Jesse Bell
I recently made a return visit to one of my favorite spots in Ottawa, The Albion Rooms, nestled at the base of Ottawa's Novotel Hotel on Nicholast St. The Albion Rooms prides itself as being anything but your typical hotel restaurant has been a go-to hot spot for many locals and visitors alike. My first visit was back in 2015 when then-Chef Stephen La Salle was at the helm. The food was great - often made with locally sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere was spot on - a perfect mixture of equal parts casual and class.
Today when you visit The Albion Rooms, you still find that same great flavour and service we've come to expect, but when you peak in the back room you'll notice a new Captain steering the ship. Enter Chef Jesse Bell.
Though his youthful looks may deceive you, Jesse isn't new to the restaurant game. Like many in this city, he is a graduate of Algonquin College's successful Culinary Management program and cut his teeth by working his way up throughout the Capital. Jesse assumed the Head Chef position at The Albion Rooms a little over a year ago, after colleague and close friend Stephen La Salle moved to his new role down the street.
A perfectionist by nature, Jesse takes immense pride in keeping his mouth watering menu new and fresh. And his passion for sustainability and shopping local are a testament to his core values. If you're looking for that perfect location for a date, or need to grab a satisfying bite before catching a show at the NAC, I highly recommend paying Jesse and his team at The Albion Rooms a visit.
