Although I’ve enjoyed a great meal at other restaurants, it is not often I feel compelled to share the experience. This evening’s meal at Westwind’s in Pembroke (“The heart of the Ottawa Valley “) is the exception.

Pembroke is a city in Renfrew County, Ontario at the confluence of the Muskrat River and the Ottawa River in the Ottawa Valley, located 145 kilometres (90 mi) northwest of Ottawa.

The first clue to our fortuitous evening meal was the reception by our server Melissa. Welcoming with the added touch of unique Valley familiarity and hospitality. She knows her craft. Nothing was overlooked; nothing needed asking twice. Melissa, when she materialized at table to enquire about our appraisal of the meal, and upon hearing our raves, disclosed the cook was the apprentice Mikayla to Chef John. This evening was reportedly Mikayla’s third full-time production as sous-chef.  Félicitations!

It warms me, dear Reader, to share this dining success with you. It capped similar luck throughout the day: a refreshing swim in the saltwater pool, a fluke performance on the Yamaha grand piano in the lobby. All told, not a bad way to wind down the year 2025.