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Events :: Ottawa

bon appetit!

   
    oh yes. you read that right., originally uploaded by mintyfresh.

    I am extremely late in writing about this, but I suppose that's what happens when you go way overboard at a "small plates" food event, and then immediately go on a holiday. It takes a while for things to digest.

This year's Bon Appetit Ottawa event took place on May 6th at Ottawa's Aberdeen Pavilion, otherwise known to the locals as the cattle castle at Lansdowne park. A $75 ticket gave visitors access to over 90 food, wine, beer and spirits vendors, including some of Ottawa's top eateries, like Social, the Urban Pear, Soupcon, Whalesbone, Kinki and more.

Having never attended a Bon Appetit event before, and being the sort to obsessively research things to death on the internet, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to expect - what kind of food could we expect? Was it veg-friendly? Were the crowds totally insane?

After reading about "horrendous lineups", "people stuffing truffles and smoked salmon into ziploc bags to take home with them" and "more waiting than eating" from previous years comments, I was almost ready to throw in the towel. I'm all for good food, but the ziploc hoarding crowd? Not my thing (see also: how rude!). And I'm not about to wait twenty minutes in line for a tiny nibble, even of the tastiest dish. But we were hearing positive things about how this event was different and way more sensible than those in years past. And it was!

   
    mill street booth, originally uploaded by mintyfresh.

The event itself ran from 5 - 9, and slowpokes that we are, we arrived around 6:30. The crowd was still hopping, and the pavilion FULL of vendors was great to see. The food covered all sorts of ground - Sam Jakes Inn was serving Frites with Duck Confit, while Thyme and Again catering served Elk Meatloaf. Leaning more towards the veggie side of things, I stuck to empanadas from Mambo, and Ginger Buttermilk Panna Cotta in chocolate cups from Thyme & Again. Epicuria (one of our favourite little gourmet shops in New Edinburgh) was serving *the* cutest mini burgers, and I couldn't resist trying out Bacon Chip Cookies with Lobster Ice Cream from The Courtyard Restaurant. Not my favourite cookie ever, but the process - wow!

   
    lobster ice cream, originally uploaded by mintyfresh.

We tried all manner of beer wine and spirits, too, including cassis diluted with sparkling wine, tasty stout, red and white wines.

All in all it was a great evening - though there were so many food and drink vendors it almost felt overwhelming at times. And those small plates add up - we were ready to roll ourselves home shortly after 8 pm, and I'm sure I didn't think about food again for days.

From what I understand, this event will be back next year - and it's also nice to note that the $75 admission also comes with a $45 charitable donation receipt, since a portion of the proceeds goes to these charities. If you're looking to see what sorts of eclectic food and drink Ottawa establishments have to offer, this is a way to do it with a wallet-friendly price tag.

Quick Reminder - Taste For Life

Just a quick reminder, as you consider your dinner plans for tonight that today is (note the new link).

On Wednesday, April 23rd, you can dine out to help fight the impact of HIV/AIDS in our community.

It's simple!

  1. Book a table at one of the on April 23rd.
  2. Go out for dinner with your friends and family and have a great evening!
  3. The restaurant will donate 25% of the cost of your meal to Bruce House and Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation.

Five restaurants are participating, so you can make a difference and still keep your dinner price under $15.  But why not splurge a little and you'll have great justification. 

Newport Restaurant   613-722-9322 - 334 Richmond Road
(check their profile on page 72 of CheapEats Ottawa)

Siam Bistro   613-728-3111 - 1268 Wellington Street West
(check their profile on page 90 of CheapEats Ottawa)

Thyme and Again  613-722-0093
(check their profile on page 94 of CheapEats Ottawa)
1255 Wellington Street West

The Clock Tower Brew Pub
(check their profile on page 42 of
CheapEats Ottawa)
422 MacKay Street 613-744-4788
575 Bank Street 613-233-7849

Trattoria Caffe Italia  613-236-1081
(check their profile on page 94 of CheapEats Ottawa)
254 Preston Street

Check out the other restaurants participating in "A Taste For Life - April 23" »

A Taste For Life - April 23

On April 23rd, select restaurants across Ottawa are participating in by  donating 25% of the cost of meals sold to and the .

With 5 CheapEats Ottawa restaurants participating, you can get a great meal without breaking the bank and still support these great organisations. But why not splurge a little, it's for a good cause.

   613-722-9322 - 334 Richmond Road
(check their profile on page 72 of )

Siam Bistro   613-728-3111 - 1268 Wellington Street West
(check their profile on page 90 of )

Thyme and Again  613-722-0093
(check their profile on page 94 of )The Clocktower Brewpub
1255 Wellington Street West

The Clock Tower Brew Pub  
(check their profile on page 42 of
)
422 MacKay Street 613-744-4788
575 Bank Street 613-233-7849

Trattoria Caffe Italia  613-236-1081
(check their profile on page 94 of )
254 Preston Street

Reservations are strongly recommended!!

Check out the other participating restaurants below:

Continue reading "A Taste For Life - April 23" »

You Are Invited!

Finally, and we're having a party! 

Join us at East African Restaurant on Wed. Feb. 13th and help us celebrate the latest edition of CheapEats Ottawa.  Talk about restaurants, food and Ottawa while you sample some of 's great appetizers and sip Beau's with our contributors, celebrities, friends and restaurateurs. 

It's going to be a blast, and you're invited. So come!

Sponsor: Beau's All Natural Brewery
Sponsor: East African Restaurant
Sponsor: East African Restaurant
RSVP via Facebook
RSVP via Evite
RSVP via email to rsvp [at] cheapeatsottawa [dot] com RSVP via Evite
Invite a friend
 

Continue reading "You Are Invited!" »

This Food That Wine Book Launch

We've been talking a lot about wine on the CEOTblog.com, and I'm doing it again. Well... sort of.

CheapEats Ottawa celeb , of FoodTV's & , just announced the launch of her first book -  written with her FoodTV co-host Angie MacRae.This Food That Wine

You might also remember Stacey from the last CheapEats Ottawa book launch where she & Sean of were hosting a mini-wine tasting.

I'm a big fan of Stacey's personally and professionally, and I'm eager to get my hands on a copy of this book. 

Stacey told me recently that "Angie and I will be holding 2 book signings & tastings to officially "launch" our book - one in Toronto, one in Ottawa"

Ottawa's launch will be on Wednesday at the Sparks Street Smithbooks. If you are interested in attending, here are the details:

OTTAWA - Sparks St. Smithbooks
Date: Thursday, Dec. 6th
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Smithbooks- 56 Sparks Street
Details: come for a nibble and a sip, and get some holiday shopping done at the same time
RSVP: info [at] McArthur-co [dot] com or 416-408- 4007

 is available now and you can order your copies online

FestivASIA - September 8-9, 2007

Yes, Alexa, there is an Asian festival on this weekend (September 8 and 9). FestivAsia - Ottawa

FestivASIA
Saturday September 8 11am-6pm
Sunday September 9 11am-6pm
Cambridge Park (the corner of Somerset & Cambridge

Various Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants will be participating. The food vendors that will be participating in this festival include , & Hanbo, Burmese foods, Ben Ben Restaurant, Dining Lounge. Cost per plate of food served ranges from $2 to about $5.

Festivasia PosterThere will also be a mini three-course meal that will include fine wines from , a delicious grilled beef, fried calamari and sushi by ; quail breast by Par-fyme Bistro, and general tao's chicken and fried dumplings by . Tickets will be $20 per person. Each of the 3 courses will be accompanied by fine wines from . There will also be fresh oysters served by .

This is a multicultural event including Cambodian, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Burmese, Indian, etc. communities showcasing their culture. There will be entertainment provided by the Federation of Ottawa Chinese-Canadian Community Organization and lots of ethnic foods and Asian specialty vendors. The festival begins at 11am until 6pm.

Stop by and try the exotic foods and enjoy the unique cultural performances!

The festival is organized by the .

SuperEx Treats

SuperEx Candy Apples
Photo by hasemeister.

I'm already hearing tales of people hitting the to ride the Polar Express and fill up on fries and cotton candy. And hasemeister obviously got distracted by the Candy Apples. But, sadly, I'm going to have to miss it this year because I'm out of town. 

Maybe you'll help me live vicariously through your taste buds and childhood (or second childhood) memories by telling me about your favourite Treats?

Vovici Online Survey Software

(I tried to reach the SuperEx organisers to get a list of this year's Food Vendors, but they didn't reply.  So if I'm missing your favourite treat, just tell me in the comments below and I'll get it added to the poll)

Feast of Fields

Sunday, September 16, 2007
Vincent Massey Park
12-4 pm

Tickets are now on sale!

This is an outdoor event, subject to the usual concerns about rain, but if you get a nice day, Feast of Fields is one of the best ways around to sample some amazing and creative food.

Technically it’s not a cheap eat (at $40 for an adult ticket) but keep in mind that you do get a $15 tax receipt for that price.

This is a unique opportunity to sample the best of the fall harvest prepared by about 20 chefs from across the region, all of whom have been paired with farmers from the region who embrace local and organic production methods.

The event runs from noon until 4pm, but food is served for the first two hours only. So get there on time. For more information check out the Canadian Organic Growers' website.

A few words about Westfest

[this post is written by Andrea T. in Ottawa.]

We live walking-distance from Westfest. There were six of us, child-free (WOOT!), drinking wine on the front steps. We laughed. We talked. We drank. And before we knew it, it was 8 p.m. We hadn't eaten. The plan was to go down to Milagro Grill for dinner. We've had some pretty good meals there before. Their menu leans toward Mexican, with fajitas and the like, and they have some kind of stew a friend of mine raves about.

I am sad to say that our lovely meal wasn't going to happen. Upon arrival we were informed they had run out of food and were only serving drinks. Oh. Okay.

The Works, which has been known to serve up a very good hamburger, did the same thing they did last year: slashed their menu down to two styles of burgers. You could purchase a cheeseburger or Westfest-burger (something with fried onions). They were busy too. Despite the fact they'd extended their patio right onto the road, there was no room to eat.

That left us with Newport. Guess what? It was going to be a 45-minute wait. So we phoned in our order, picked it up, and ate our pizzas in front of All-Saints church. 

Newport makes these wonderful gourmet pizzas … thin crusts, fresh ingredients … they're delicious. One of the pizzas we ordered was one of these. I think it was a supposed to be a chicken/thai pizza. But instead of the lovely thin crust it was on regular thick/doughy crust and all of those fresh, delicious ingredients were buried under their trademark pile of mozzarella. *sigh*

Continue reading "A few words about Westfest" »

Taste of Winterlude

Winter is finally here and Ottawa is about to start it's Winterlude celebrations with .  

Starting today, January 19th,2007,  and running until February 1,2007, restaurants across the National Capital Region are offering Prix fixe dinner menus of $20, $30 or $45 per person.  The menus include appetizer or soup or salad, entrée and dessert, and reservations are advisable.

We've broken the list of participating restaurants into 4 categories:

Where possible we've include a link to the prix fixe menu, the restaurant's website and the restaurant's promotional blurb.

Most restaurants are offering 2 or 3 entrée options.  We've taken the liberty of highlighting one to give you a feel for what they are offering on their menu. 

If you check out , we'd love to hear what you think of this year's offering.  Just post a comment here or do a trackback from your review on your own blog.


Restaurants and Menus

Almost CheapEats ($20 prix fixe or less)

 - 160 Bay Street, Ottawa 613-234-1111

$20 Prix Fixe Menu - Chicken Amaretto

 - 44 Sparks Street, Ottawa 613-230-4433

  - Grilled Salmon with Maple Citrus Glaze
(Okay, they said $20, $30 or $45... what gives?)

[More details in on pg. 29]

Ottawa’s authentic Irish pub offers a wide array of Irish beer and whiskeys, real Irish fare and  live music four nights a week. 

La Dolce Vita  - 180 Preston Street, Ottawa 613-233-6239

 - gourmet medium pizzas to share
Ristorante La Dolce Vita has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Ottawa’s finest gourmet pizza restaurants.We offer casual fine dining showcasing a fresh, consistent, quality-driven, seasonal and unique fare including pastas, calzones and small and large plates but the pizzas are where the Chef's imagination shines.

- 25 George Street, Ottawa 613-241-8656

$20 Prix Fixe Menu - Gemelli Pasta with Ground Beef and Brandy Tomato Cream Sauce

[More details in on pg. 49]

Mamma Grazzi’s Kitchen is located in the heart of the Byward Market. Old world Italian cuisine is featured, with a wide variety of fresh pastas made daily. Our menu also offers hand-rolled thin-crust pizzas and chicken and veal dishes. Our cooking philosophy is ‘al momento’, meaning that each pasta sauce and pizza is prepared to order. Mamma Grazzi’s has been voted “Best Italian” numerous times by the Ottawa Xpress, and recently was listed as a “Great Date Spot” by Cheap Eats Ottawa. Come and join us for fantastic Italian food at reasonable prices.


Not So CheapEats ($30 prix fixe)

 - 110 Murray Street, Ottawa 613-562-7244

 - Crisp leaf of confit of duck, with a cranberry orange glaze

A wonderful French restaurant located in Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market. Bistro 115 is one of Ottawa’s top restaurants and among the best in Canada.

- 100 Elgin Street, Ottawa 613-569-2126

 - Char grilled breast of Duck on Summer Squash risotto with tart Cherry essence and herb winter vegetables
Situated right in the hub of the Capital, with a full view of Elgin Street, the Elgin Café is an elegant, understated venue, infused with warmth.

 - 73 York Street, Ottawa 613-241-2442

 - Famous shrimp fajitas

 - 371 Preston Street, Ottawa 613-234-6858

 - Cheese filled Tortellini with Prosciutto and Mushrooms in a Nutmeg Cream Sauce

 - 41 York Street, Ottawa  613-789-7559

 - Kontiki Gnocchi Tossed with a roasted red pepper and coconut sauce, with blackened scallops, shrimp and mixed vegetables

This Asian fusion sushi restaurant in the ByWard Market offers a wide range of appetizers and entrees. Sip on a famous Kinki martini while checking out the chef’s artistic creations.

 - 700 Sussex Drive, Ottawa 613-789-5432

$30 Prix Fixe Menu - Slow-roasted 8oz. Prime Rib,cCrusted with our special blend of signature seasonings, served with au jus & our savoury bread pudding
At Milestone's, we are passionate about great food. Globally inspired cuisine, enticing signature entrees, as well as familiar creations prepared with a twist, adorn the menu.

Prime 360 - 407 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa 613-782-2422

$30 Prix Fixe Menu - Stuffed Roasted Pepper, roasted red pepper stuffed with spinach & creamy herbed ricotta cheese with sweet basil & lemon on a bed of rice, sprinkled with black olives & basil olive oil

Located in the Minto Suites Hotel, Prime 360 is one of Ottawa’s best choices for steak and seafood. Lunch and dinner are culinary adventures and the Sunday brunch buffet is not to be missed.

 - 431 Gilmour Street, Ottawa 613-233-915

$30 Prix Fixe Menu - Phad Thai Noodles

 - 404 Queen Street, Ottawa 613-230-0400

 $30 Prix Fixe Menu - Baked Red Snapper Vera Cruz - topped with diced tomatoes, black olives and capers. Served with Mexican rice and fresh vegetables

[More details in on pg. 81]
Sizzling fajitas, mouth watering ribs, Mexican favourites, charbroiled steaks, fish dishes, Louisiana fare and deep-fried ice cream dominate the menu at Ottawa's downtown tex-mex headquarters.

 - 41 Clarence Street, Ottawa 613-241-3636

$30 Prix Fixe Menu - Sushi Dinner (assorted sushi, shrimp tempura roll)
Sip on martinis, cocktails or hot sake. Relax in our charming split-level dining room, offering hot dishes from the kitchen or specialty dishes from the sushi bar, made right before your eyes.


Splurging ($45 prix fixe)

 - 361 Queen Street, Ottawa 613-238-2582

- Black olive roasted veal tenderloin with chorizo and figs, tawny port and veal stock reduction

The Capital Dining Room offers a wide selection of sophisticated fare enhanced by classic vintage wines. Your dining experience is carefully orchestrated by our knowledgeable Maitre d’ Robert Hughes and celebrated Executive Chef Kenton Leier. Impress your associates, clients, or loved ones with our discreet ambiance and the elegant atmosphere of the Capital Dining Room; a perfect venue to accommodate business lunches and dinners, weddings, receptions and corporate affairs. Whether it is a special anniversary for two or a larger event, let the Capital Dining Room provide you with attentive, sophisticated service and the ultimate dining experience.

 - 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa 613-241-1414

 - Citrus Marmalade Glazed Striped Bass, Sundried Cranberry and Almond Basmati Rice, Champagne Chervil Essence

(I don't know why they included the "++" but I'm sure it's not because you'll walk out the door with extra change from a $50.)

- 1 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa 613-560-7000

 - Slow braised duck leg and beef short rib duo, cracked new potato fondante, cider spiked pan juices
(Another "++", I'm sensing a trend away from Prix Fixe)

 - 47 Clarence Street, Ottawa 613-241-1343

 - Atlantic Salmon pan seared & topped with a sweet onion, orange chipotle salsa served with basmati rice pilaf

Empire Grill has become the city’s most dynamic meeting and eating place. Superb service and a lively atmosphere. Specializing in steaks, wines and great martinis.

(Ottawa Marriot) - 100 Kent Street, Ottawa 613-783-4212

 - Maple ginger glazed Atlantic salmon, Pan flashed greens, Asian pear and baby cress slaw, Organic carrot and shado beni infused jus 
(though I have to add their Bananas 3-styles with rum butter sound pretty good too!)

 - 700 Sussex Drive, Ottawa 613-562-1160

$45 Prix Fixe Menu - Grain Fed Chicken Coq au Vin with pearl onions smoked bacon and a red wine reduction
We invite you to share in the Parisian brasserie experience with us at Metropolitain.

 - 525 Leget Drive, Ottawa 613-271-3555

$45 Prix Fixe  -  Create your own prix fixe menu with selections from our weekly Table d'hôte offerings — or get a $45 credit towards our six-course blind tasting menu.

At Brookstreet’s Perspectives Restaurant, gourmets enjoy world-class fine dining. Let internationally-renowned Executive Chef Michael Blackie surprise your senses with his innovative, award-winning culinary creations where exciting flavours of the Orient meet top-quality ingredients from the Ottawa region. Dine amidst birch tree branches and original artwork by Canterbury High School students overlooking The Marshes Golf Club. The style is upscale, the dress code casual and the atmosphere relaxed. Since opening in 2003 and for four consecutive years, Perspectives Restaurant is the proud recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as the Four-Diamond Award from CAA/AAA.

 - 21 George Street, Ottawa 613-241-1516

$45 Prix Fixe Menu - Butter Poached Lobster Tail, Grilled Gulf Shrimp, Espelette Pepper Crusted Scallop, Black Rice Galette, Jicama Slaw, Avocado Salsa, Fried Parsnip

The Courtyard Restaurant, which celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary in 2005, is renowned for it’s superb contemporary cuisine and charming atmosphere.  Executive Chef Marc Lepine who was named Regional Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation in 2006 keeps things fresh and innovative in the kitchen.  The contemporary menu draws raves from the loyal clientele who enjoy his creative tasting menus.  Reservations recommended. 


Indecisive

(aka the restaurants who didn't have their Taste of Winterlude menu pulled together in time to promote it.)

Al's Steak House - 327 Elgin Street, Ottawa 613-233-7111

- 140 Slater Street, Ottawa 613-233-2888

ARC Lounge & Restaurant in keeping with the hotel is a unique dining experience. The ARC's Executive Chef's food philosophy is to use only the freshest regional and Canadian ingredients, combined with international cooking methods.The ARC Lounge and Restaurant is a combination of intimate and soothing interiors that marry the rich hues of burgundy red on the walls with luxurious fabrics and warm dark woods to create the same sensual aesthetics and sublime comfort as the rest of the hotel.

- Seafood and Grill (Hilton Lac-Leamy) - 3 Casino Boulevard, Gatineau 819-790-6410

Opt for an evening of gourmet delights in a jazzy, casual ambiance. On the menu: rib roast, seafood, undercut, selection of delicious grilled dishes and all-you-can-eat sweets! In addition, enjoy a wide array of wines by the glass and the Port & Cigar room.

- 339 Elgin Street, Ottawa 613-569-5200

Enjoy the lively New Orleans atmosphere and sample some of the best Cajun seafood in the city — fresh oysters, live lobsters, king crab, blackened gator and catfish.

 - 375 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa 613-238-8998

Frescocielo Bistro Italiano - 354 Elgin Street, Ottawa 613-235-7541

  (all 3 locations)

 [More details in on pg. 36]

246 Queen Street, Ottawa 613-238-8424
256 Preston Street, Ottawa 613-231-8424, 
 - 69 Laurier Street, Gatineau 819-777-0404 (in the old Cafe Henry Burger location)

- 39 Clarence Street, Ottawa 613-241-1700 

 - 115 Rideau Street, Ottawa 613-562-5678

[More details in on pg. 38]

(hôtel Ramada Plaza - Gatineau)  - 75 Edmonton Street, Gatineau 819-777-3727

(National Arts Centre) - 53 Elgin Street, Ottawa 613-594-5127

Exquisite food. Impeccable service. Intriguing Venue. These are the hallmarks of the National Arts Centre's popular restaurant Le Café situated along the historic Rideau Canal. Come savour the award winning cuisine of our Executive Chef Kurt Waldele. Enjoy the best in Canadian contemporary cuisine as well as internationally inspired dishes.

 - 128 George Street, Ottawa 613-562-9865

 - 121 Clarence Street, Ottawa 613-562-4725

 - 340 Elgin Street, Ottawa 613-232-5771

 - 45 Rideau Street, Ottawa 613-241-7113

Cosmopolitan yet casual, Santé offers exotic Asian fusion and Thai cuisine in a comfortably elegant setting. The extensive wine menu features over 100 wines. Curated art exhibits provide a whole new look every visit.

 - 54 York Street, Ottawa 613-241-3474

Located in the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s original fresh fish restaurant imports fish and shellfish from all over the world. Still one of Ottawa’s most popular and successful restaurants.

 - 355 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa 613-562-2228

 - 1-130 Riocan Avenue, Nepean 613-825-4091

 - 54 York Street, Ottawa 613-241-4270


 

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