Introducing: Windows by Jamie Kennedy, the locavore chef’s new Niagara Falls venture

By Karolyne Ellacott | May 9, 2012

By Karolyne Ellacott | 05/09/2012

The man with his name on the place (Image: Karolyne Ellacott)

Jamie Kennedy (Gilead Café, formerly of Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar and JK Rom, etc.), describes his new venture, Windows by Jamie Kennedy, as “a taste of Niagara and a feast for the eyes.” Given his commitment to local and seasonal food, it’s fitting that dining at Kennedy’s latest restaurant will require a journey to one of the world’s natural wonders. We took a trip down to Niagara Falls to check the place out.

The restaurant is housed on the dining floor of the Sheraton on the Falls, with panes of glass—some frosted, others with a wood grain—separating Windows from the Fallsview Restaurant that occupies the main eating area (the two restaurants share a kitchen, but have separate fridges, stoves and staffs). The decor at Windows is fairly simple; complementary shades of brown accent the room, while candle-filled Mason jars—a classic Kennedy touch—light up the tables. One wall is lined with booths, while the opposite one is devoted to the restaurant’s namesake windows, offering a spectacular view of the falls (though unfortunately the weather was a tad gloomy during our visit). There’s also a wine wall that shows off the expansive array of bottles selected by Tony Aspler and Bruce Wallner.

The kitchen is helmed by chef de cuisine Ross Midgley, whose seasonal menu is intended to show off the bounty of the Niagara region, paired with a wine list that will ebb and flow over the course of the year. Starters include a salad of Soiled Reputation greens matched with Easter radishes and a sorrel vinaigrette ($12), while a minestrone soup features braised rabbit and arugula and black walnut pesto ($17). Currently, mains are very meat-heavy; a confit and roast of duck is served on a bed of duck schmaltz–roasted potatoes and drizzled in a sour cherry glaze ($32). For dessert, a chamomile panna cotta is topped with a rhubarb gelée ($12). Last but not least, Kennedy’s famous twice-cooked frites are indeed available, served with a house-made chili and a cider vinegar mayo ($7). Those keen on tightrope walking best make reservations now—we’re pretty sure this spot will offer a bird’s eye view of daredevil Nik Wallenda’s upcoming stunt.

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Chamomile panna cotta with rhubarb gelée ($12) paired with amaretto-infused chamomile tea

Pan-seared perch fillet with fresh pea shoots and blue and white potatoes, drizzled in a beet sauce

Confit and roast of Ontario duck with duck schmaltz–roasted potatoes and a sour cherry glaze ($32)

Smoked whitefish on house-made sourdough with an onion and radish salad and a dollop of crème fraîche

Pork belly on crisp Pink Lady apple topped with shallots

Vegetable ceviche with beets, sweet potatoes, shallots and chives on a tiny potato latke

Spring minestrone soup with braised rabbit and arugula and black walnut pesto ($17)

Fresh spring greens with Easter radishes and a sorrel vinaigrette ($12)

The wines, selected by Tony Aspler and Bruce Wallner, prominently on display

The tables were specially arranged for the event, but they’re normally arranged in a more typical fashion

Jamie Kennedy and chef de cuisine Ross Midgley with Tony Aspler and others listening on

Glass panes divide Windows from the main Sheraton restaurant

Jamie Kennedy at a launch event for his new restaurant

Windows by Jamie Kennedy, Sheraton on the Falls, 5875 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, 1-866-374-4408, windowsbyjamiekennedy.com, @WindowsbyJK

3 thoughts on “Introducing: Windows by Jamie Kennedy, the locavore chef’s new Niagara Falls venture”

mmm says:

May 16, 2012 at 5:29 pm

I’m not that excited.
Chris Macdonald says:

June 6, 2012 at 6:58 am

Famous for sourcing organic produce…not much good after that. He should probably trade in the chef jacket and stove for a a tractor and pair of overalls
Aminat says:

July 12, 2012 at 7:29 am

B12 can help depression, pshctoyic illnesses and improve a poor memory.Folic acid [B9] can help with anxiety, pshctoyic illnesses and depression.Magnesium can help stress, anxiety, irritability and depression.Vitamin BI [thiamin] can help poor concentration.It is especially needed in people who drink a lot of caffeine, because that depletes B1.Omega 3 can help poor memory, depression and acts as a mood stabilizer.Vitamin B6 can help depression, irritability, stress and improve a poor memory.Vitamin B5 can help improve a poor memory.Selenium can help depression and irritability.Vitamin B3 [niacin] can help depression and stress.Vitamin C, zinc, tryptophan [an amino acid], tyrosine [an amino acid] and GABA [an amino acid and a neurotransmitter] can all help depression.chromium helps reduces the atypical subtype of depression and helps reduce carbohydrate cravings.google the supplement and you’ll easily find lists of food high in it.

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Introducing: Windows by Jamie Kennedy, the locavore chef’s new Niagara Falls venture

3 thoughts on “Introducing: Windows by Jamie Kennedy, the locavore chef’s new Niagara Falls venture”

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