Pictures: Whisk Blog

I just saw this randomly on Twitter and it really peaked my interest. It’s the ByWard Market Food Tour…Why haven’t I heard of this before? Not sure, but now that I have…I’m interested!

What an awesome way to spend an afternoon! I read on the WHISK blog that the 2.5 hour tour costs $45.00 per person, and is done on Thursdays and Saturdays beginning at 10:30am. Check out the blog – it features really great photos of the tour and a few tour facts that are pretty neat.

I need some feedback – who’s been on this tour? Is it a good time? Does each resto give you taste of their best dish?

Let me know & Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

I’ve been at this spot enough times now that I can confidently say that they {more than} deserve an honorable mention. Trella has apparently been in little Italy for quite some time, but it took them moving to a relatively new building for me to notice. I’ll be honest – I’m really weary of Italian spots…I’ll tell you why: in my experience many of these Italian restaurants can be outdated, the food quality can be poor and the price you pay sometimes just aint worth it. HOWEVER…Trella Bar & Grill is none of the above.

This is such a modern, chic, affordable place, that I just CANNOT stand by and not say anything. I LOVE this spot and I can’t get enough. The food there is FANTASTIC and the prices are surprising! Their menu is quite eclectic – with an Italian spin of course, they combine modern cuisine and traditional elements. The selection is quite rich as well:

They feature classically delicious appetizers like crab cakes, bruschetta, anti pasto, mussels etc

And have a huge range of main dishes: from meal sized hearty salads, grilled meats, fresh fish,  pastas, pizzas, sandwiches etc.

Their dessert menu changes daily as they receive their cakes and pastries fresh daily.

I really like this place also because of their conscious use of local ingredients.

Trella also has a full bar as well, as it turns into a “supper club” on Friday and Saturday nights (10pm -2:30am) – hosted by my good friends at Ebony&Ivory. You can expect really great music all night – hip hop, R&B, Dancehall, Reggae, old school and last time I was there, there was an amazing African drum group drumming to the beat of the dj’s music. The atmosphere was great!

Check out their website for all the details!

Meet me at Trella!

Stay Fly and Bon Appetite!

XoXoX

Photo: Ben Wellan

I’ve been to STK before, but honestly, your experience really depends on who your with, and what your intentions are for the night. On this particular night, me and a girlfriend of mine wanted to meet somewhere to catch up because we haven’t seen each other in ages and we wanted to keep the cost down.

The atmosphere at STK is really cool – it seems upscale, but the prices are great and the quality of food is fantastic…makes my mouth water just thinking about it! The layout and lighting is intimate and you can tune the evening in which ever way it you want: business, casual or formal.

We decided to opt for the share plates so we chose the gnocci plate, frites, green beens and sauteed mushrooms on flatbread.

*My absolute favourite dish was the gnocchi – ITS A MUST-TRY!

I was expecting for the waiter to come out with tiny share plate but when they came out and were set on our table for two, we were amazed with the amount of food we had to devour.

2.5 hours later – our voices were strained from gabbing away and our belly’s were full from munching on our food. (We even had tons of left overs!) And when our bills came, we were even more pleasantly surprised – o$15.00 EACH!!!!

WOW – right??

I will DEF be back to make STK a “usual” spot.

Also – STK is a really great date/dinner night spot on Thursdays – $50.00 for 2 steaks and a bottle of wine. If that’s not a cheap date, I don’t know what is!

87 Clarence Street
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 695-8787

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

I can honestly say that brunch has got to be my favorite meal to eat out of the home. Brunch is always an indulgent time for me because it’s the middle of the day (actually, let’s be honest – it’s usually the beginning of most of our days! ), the sun is shining and you know that have the whole day to look forward to.

Tutti Fruitti opened up in the west end and I can definitely say that for a chain, it’s really a spot that I would go back to! I remember thinking the same thing when the Cora’s chain opened up but after years of success, I really found the whole experience started lacking: The service and the food.

Tutti Fruitti is just like Cora’s but I found the food to be tastier, fresher and more for your buck! The fruit on each plate is fresh, the serving size is large and can satisfy even the biggest appetite!

Crêpes, omelets, waffles, French toast, eggs, fresh fruits and juices, are just a few examples of what you can expect to find at this spot.

We tried the vegetarian omelet (came with some fruit and home fries) and a very indulgent chocolate hazelnut crepe dish:

The  interior has a rustic/homey feel and I found the service to be great. One thing that’s lacking is the coffee, but that seems to be the case at most chains.

Check em out for a casual breakfast or lunch (open until 3pm everyday)!

1463 Merivale
Ottawa, ON K2E 5N9, Canada
(613) 225-4847

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

I’ve written about this spot once before, but we went again (we’re making it a semi annual outing) to check out the new menu and celebrate life in general.

Once again, this unassuming gourmet “hole- in-the-wall” exceeded our expectations.

First of all I have to say that I feel so lucky to have a restaurant of this caliber right under my nose here in Ottawa. It’s no wonder that this spot is being boasted as one of the top restaurants in Canada. The innovation in taste and design with the intense presentation that you’re offered will leave you so impressed that you will tell anyone who will listen about your dining experience.

If you know me, you know that I absolutely love surprises. And if walking in to a restaurant and not knowing what you’re about to be served is as much of a turn-on for you, as it is for me, then this place is undoubtedly for you!

Entering Atelier for the second time felt really good. It gave me such a welcoming feeling of familiarity – the mere fact that it was recognized that we had been there before was really flattering, but for them to call me by name topped it off!

I remember when we were there last year (last February) we were a bit weary about the atmosphere because we didn’t know what were walking into. We made sure to dress up and I remember keeping our voices really low the whole time (following suit with that nights’ atmosphere) …our overall experience was wonderful, but a bit tense.

This time around was completely different, we decided to come as we were – wearing colorful, casual clothing and regular shoes (mostly because we were running around on errands all day); As we came in we were happy to discover that everyone else in the room was dressed equally as casual (or even more-so than us) and the atmosphere was slightly more upbeat. I really like going places where you have the option of “dressing up” or opt for a comfy-er look, depending on your mood.

I remember the culinary experience last year being a bit of a shock for the taste buds…some of the courses took a lot of risks.(I love trying any combination of foods, but I could see some of the more conservative foodies being stand offish). This year on the other hand, every single course was more classically rooted. Everything that came out of the kitchen made my mouth water immediately. It was slightly less risky in terms of food pairing but each dish still had its own unique personality and multiple layers of flavor that finished off the taste of each bite beautifully.

Here is a list of our 12 decadent courses:

1.) New Squid on the Block

This is a seared calamari that we found had a really delicious “homey” eggs and bacon taste for some reason.

2.) Surf and Turf

If you like ahi tuna, you will LOVE this course!

3.) Liver Damage

I’ve never has such a light and fluffy chicken liver pate! It almost had a “whipped” texture..Amazing.

4.) Bacon Bridge over Troubled Turnip

Hardy turnip soup with a bacon “bridge” garnished with apple and jalapeno.

5.) Duck Perogy

One of my favorite courses of the night – a delicious duck perogie with sour cream, beets and my favorite addition – a sliver of a truffle mushroom to top it off the flavor.

6.) Sorbet Course

This a “palette cleanser” with lime and mint sorbet

7.) Yukhoe

Asian style beef tartar with yuca chips (the wine pairing for this course is amazing!)

8.) Dirty Potatoes

Really cute bowl that really resembles a bunch of potatoes ripped right out of a dirt garden. (Heirloom potatoes with black olive tapenade)

9.) Elk

Local Kanata Elf served rare with a creamy white sauce and sauteed baby onions on thinly sliced cauliflower

10.) iCup

This dessert is THE BEST dessert I have ever tasted. Its a passion fruit ice cream “cup” that hides a chocolate cake (with marzipan on the outside  rim)

11.) Area 51

This dessert really plays up what Atelier is known for – its themed dishes. It came out on a ceramic tile plate and looks like a bunch of dirt..But it’s actually a black sesame cake with chocolate ganache …and other delicious chocolate chunks with a lime custard to add moisture. AMAZING!!!

12.) Hot and Cold Shot

I don’t have a picture of this one because I wasn’t expecting it, but it was really good! Served in an ounce shot glass with a tiny ladyfinger.

I cannot wait to come back and taste the seasonal summer menu! I really love what they’re doing at Atelier and really wish this restaurant constant success and never ending imagination.

Book Your Table HERE

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

I can honestly say that this spot is on my top 5 favorites of 2010…and what a way to end off my culinary experiences to roll into a new year full of new favorite spots.

We had heard about this restaurant numerous times, the hype and our curiosity got the best of us. We reserved a table and went in for the culinary kill.

Not knowing what to expect in terms of dress code, we thought we’d go in dressy casual. As you walk into this unassuming house-turned-restaurant you are greeted with a smile and a coach check. (Which is nice because I really hate hanging up my jacket on the back of my seat or having to go to an unsupervised coat rack.) The lighting is romantic and the ambiance is very homey and inviting. (Despite some of the reviews we heard about Beckta’s ambiance, I can assure you there is nothing pretentious about this place!)

I found that every detail at this little spot is looked after. From the greeter pulling out the table for us to squeeze into our little booth, to the very tactful nature of each waiter. (They actually wait until you finish your conversation until they ask you if everything is going your way.)

The great thing about the food at Beckta is that most of the ingredients are sustainable, local and organic. Now, onto the mouthwatering menu.

We started with APPS:

1.) Tuna Tataki - tandoori dusted, jalepeno and yellow pepper rings, edamame mash and lime curd.

2.) Oyster Po’oy Sandwich – fried oysters, in house smoked chipotle remoulade, napa slaw, caramelized onions, double smoked bacon and sunchoke chips.

For Mains We Chose:

3.) House Made Gnocchi - Trio of mushrooms, baby zucchini, roasted ciplollinis, wild ramp & sorrel sauce and 5 year old provolone.

4.) Magret Duck Breast – Spaetzle “stuffing”, roasted turnips, snow peas, house-made sauerkraut and cranberry ginger chutney

EVERYTHING was amazing. Fresh, full of multi-layered flavors and immensely satisfying. It’s really important to also mention that I was also really encouraged to see a diverse mix of diners: young couples in jeans on casual dates, mature couples dressed up celebrating anniversaries, families and groups of foodie friends. This just shows that there is an underground market of sophisticated tastes in this town we call Ottawa

*Side Note: Our knowledgable waitress recommended a new liquor for me which I instantly LOVED. If you enjoy ice wine you will LOVE Lillet. It’s a brand of French  aperitif wine. It is a blend of 85% Bordeaux wines and citrus liqueurs made from a variety of sweet and bitter oranges and grapefruit peels.

I give this place 10/10

Check them out HERE or call to reserve your table here: 613 238 7063

Beckta Dining and Wine
226 Nepean Street
Ottawa, ON

Bonne Appetit!

XoXoX

Share This ]]> http://www.lexxxy.net/tasty-tuesday-beckta-dining-and-wine/feed/ 0 http://www.lexxxy.net/tasty-tuesday-le-moulin-inn-and-spa/ http://www.lexxxy.net/tasty-tuesday-le-moulin-inn-and-spa/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2010 19:15:28 +0000 lexxxy http://www.lexxxy.net/?p=823 For a relaxing getaway out of the city, we sometimes drive into Wakefield for an afternoon of serenity. Wakefield has that “something” that you can almost taste in the air as soon as you reach the lake surrounded by a mountainous landscape and small town feel.

The Moulin INN personifies Wakefield perfectly. The rustic nature of this place really makes you feel cozy as soon as you step in.

We arrived at a “middle” time – not lunch anymore and not yet dinner so we opted for the tapas menu…REALLY glad we did because it had a lot of variety and was really tasty.

They offer a  5 for $25 option which we jumped at with hungry eyes. Here’s what we chose:
(To be honest I don’t really remember the absolute details of each dish, but each was delicious)

Spring rolls – Lamb confit spring roll with a carrot-ginger coulis and a beet chutney.

Salmon tartar

Smoked salmon

Crab cakes

Smoked trout

“Micha” – Papineauville goat cheese flan served with eggplant and smoked garlic caviar, cheddar and sun dried tomatoes crisp, pumpkin coulis.

We were really hungry and when we received our tapas style dishes our smiles slid down to frowns…The portions were tiny! But as we sat and talked, munched and gazed out the window at the playful waterfall that was running right under our window – we realized that we were stuffed and we literally could not even finish all of our bite sized potions. The Mill definitely has French style cooking that fills you up in an instant. Needless to say, we left VERY satisfied!

I really recommend this place for an afternoon away from…life.

For more information, a look at their menu or to book a spa day, CLICK HERE.

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

So I went to the Ottawa Wine and Food Show this year and since I didn’t make it last year, the thoughts of the 2008 show kept rushing back to my foodie memories…It was fantastic and extravagant and every step you took you bumped into the next booth and smelled a glorious feast. This is what I was expecting this year as well – and the fact that it was the 25th Anniversary of the show, made it all that much more exciting!

I don’t ever write about things that I don’t enjoy (that’s why I don’t have a post each and every week). I try to visit somewhere new each week and wait to blog about it until I find great tasting food and a fantastic restaurant, bar or bistro… and if my palette isn’t satisfied one week, I don’t say anything and I move onto the next thing.

Since the Ottawa Wine and Food show consists of MANY restos and it’s pretty anonymous as a whole, I won’t feel bad to say that I wasn’t impressed. Yeah sure – there was lots and lots of AMAZING wines and liquors…WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?? Maybe it’s the reflection of our current economic times…but there weren’t as many vendors as there were in previous years, the food wasn’t great as a whole and every booth raised their price (in food tickets). In my opinion, for the price, it just wasn’t worth it!

There were two booths that I have GOT TO GIVE MAJOR SHOUT OUTS TO:

The Clocktower – Lamb sliders with green apple chutney, sweet potato fries

The Wakefield Mill and Dining Room – Bison tartar with arugula, wasabi and soy caviar

These two really stood out from the crowd. Their food was fresh and full of flavor!

One other one that I really enjoyed was:

Petit Bill’s Bistro – They served a lobster poutine

I’ll write about all 3 of these restaurants soon.

One other thing – I discovered an amazing ice wine called “Neige”.  Right now, you can only get it at the SAQ;
ITS AMAZING – infused with pineapple and apples.

In the meantime, I really want to hear some feedback about your thoughts on this years’ Wine and Food Show!

Comment on my post!

XoXoX

Picture Credit: www.playfood.ca

Checked out “PLAY” last night with a small group of friends for a new experience. I heard good things about this little spot and curiosity got the best of me.

Located on 1 York Street, this spot holds intrigue for foodies like me – who love to try bite sized treats for a reasonable price. When you walk into this spot, the architecture is noticed right off the bat – it reminded me of cafes I’ve been to in New York or Montreal (just a little more casual however). Greeted by the first floor (thinking it was tiny and wouldn’t be able to accommodate us on a busy Saturday night) – we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the loft style staircase leads us to Play’s 2nd floor where we were seated.

The decor is simple, intimate and casual…and the food matches that as well as the name of the restaurant very well.

The most important thing to know about this place is that every plate is of appetizer proportion. If you are really hungry you must at least order 2 plates.

The menu is actually really fun and I really want to find myself back at this spot more than a few times

Picture Credit: www.playfood.ca

How many times have you really wanted to just get out of the house but your not really hungry? This place is PERFECT for those occasions! Its a great place to go on a date or socialize with your friends over wine and a few delicious nibbles! You could even go for dinner – just combine a few plates to create a satisfying meal!

Check out their menu HERE

The plates range from $8 – $19

They have an extensive wine list. Check it out HERE

And cheese plates too! Check that out HERE

Visit Play at 1 York Street 613 667 9207

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

Besides that, I have read some really interesting articles on milk and the debatable “health benefits” (or lack there of)  so I have decided (for a long while now) to try to get my calcium (among other nutrients) from other sources.

Articles:

The Truth About Milk

New Dangers Associated With Drinking Regular Milk

Don’t Be Misled By Dairy Ads

Found this great new product at the health food store the other day! It’s made by  “SO DELICIOUS” and it tastes really great!  Coconut milk is known for several health benefits:

• It’s a source of a wide range of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, including potassium, calcium and chloride, folate and other vital nutrients.
• Its also a dairy and gluten  free alternative to milk products, and is also soy free

I purchased the unsweetened kind which tastes great – but there is also the sweetened option as well. If your wondering – yes, it does taste like coconut. It’s creamy and smooth as well

Bonne Apetit!

XoXoX