Poutine?

What is poutine and where can I try it ? This is a question that is asked constantly. Tourist and locals alike are drawn to this cheese curd, thick-cut potato fries, and gravy oozing treat. Head to Quebec, its origin, to try it.  A short distance from downtown, you can find a local hot spot for poutine called La Pataterie Hulloise in Hull/Gatineau, Quebec. It has great poutine and was recommended by friends from Quebec.

Happy Poutine eating!

Where can I buy dumplings?

Ottawa,Canada has a specialty dumpling shoppe in the heart of Chinatown on Somerset street. Yen Fung Ding Dumpling Shoppe is one-of-a-kind. You cannot find another store in the city that only sells this product. 
You may have already had one of their dumplings in a local restaurant and didn't even know it.



Happy 'dumpling' eating!

High Tea

Where could I have English style High Tea? Head to Zoe's at the Chateau Laurier Hotel on Wellington street, Ottawa, Canada. The actual lounge/restaurant is nestled beside the front lobby. High Tea is served  only on the weekends and reservations are a must. It is definetly a special ocassion locale. They offer three courses to choose from and many specialty teas.  A 'Tea Cart' comes around with various loose leaf teas. 

The pictures above were taken at Zoe's. Check out the pastry chef's creations!!!

Another location that offers High Tea is the Billings Estate off of Riverside drive. This historical building is found in a residential neighbourhood between Bank st. and Pleasant Park. I am not sure if it is only available during the summer months, so give them a call. You can have a casual lunch in the garden. The grounds are lovely and very serene.

Doc Martens

Where can I buy Doc Martens?

    There are several stores around the city that carry them, and as you know, the quality of the shoe sells itself ! Where can you find the most styles and availability? Head downtown to 151 Rideau Street. The store is called Rock Junction and it has been an Ottawa establishment for over 25 years or so. This store also has great t-shirts.
      Go check it out...

Happy 'Doc' shopping!

Pizza-thick crust

Where to find good pizza?  Hmm.....that would depend on what kind?
Are you talking thin crust, foccacia style or North American style? 
     Unfortunately, I have yet to find my favourite pizza in this city unless it was made at home by me. My favourite is a foccaccia style/ baker pan pizza with thinly sliced potatoes, rosemary with no sauce. Simply...delicious! It can be found in some take-out deli locations in Italy. If you ever travel to Italy...look for it and you will be happy you tried it.
    Don't get me wrong though, I do have a place in the city that I crave on occasion. If you are looking for that North American thick style crust with all the fixins then try....The Louie's Special at Louie's pizza in Vanier. It is located at the corner of McArthur and the Vanier Parkway. Doesn't the picture look great!!!
They don't deliver...so make the trek! You'll be backkkkkkkkkkkkkk and will travel across the city to get a slice!!!!!

Continued...Any cool non-commercial Cafes?

     If you are an Ottawa local, you would recall of a quaint Cafe called Cafe Whim. It was located where The Social is currently on Susssex drive. It was a Scandanavian-run family buisness, if I recall correctly. Any Ottawa University student in the early nineties probably studied or hung out there. You could sit there and play cards, chess and read the day away into your own adventure. If Hemmingway ever visited Ottawa, this would have probably been on his list of local hangouts...
     Well, today I headed to Raw Sugar Cafe...and the nostalgia of Cafe Whim all came back. This locale is artsy and hip. The decor was eclectic: seventies & eighties furniture. On one side of Cafe is mini-library where one can read and place a name card in their book as a page keeper....for their next visit.
 I ordered a coffee and sat down.The place was packed on a Sunday afternoon. What a great vibe...

     Apparently the evening before was one of the busiest evenings they have ever had. They have special performances and events there on some evenings. On the door I saw some advertisements for Folkfestival auditions. Sounds like this place will be part of some evening venues as well.... 

Right away...... I knew that I would definetly be returning.

Looking for a non-commercial coffee shop?

Well...you have definetly asked the right person. I am by no means an expert in coffee,however I do like my espresso coffee. Coffee at home was always made in an Espresso"cafetiera' pot and drip coffee was never a choice. A daily dose of espresso coffee to get my veins pumping in the morning and as an after dinner retreat of sorts to calm me at night. To find that outside the household is indeed a task.
Depending where you are craving your java in the city....

1. Morala Specialty Coffee ( 734 Bank st. in the Glebe)

2. Planet Coffee (24A York st. situated in the walkway beside Eighteen restaurant in The Market)

 Both of these locations make their own desserts: cookies and squares. They make everything fresh on the premises....need I say more...The artwork on display in Planet Coffee is also impressive.

     I have noticed a new place that opened on 692 Somerset st. in Chinatown called RAW SUGAR CAFE...  I have driven past it several times and it has a cool 70's vibe with retro chairs. My next adventure will be to check it out...