I’m not sure how to explain it, but I felt like I was dining in a Parisian story-book…I will go even further to say that it almost felt like we were dining at the residence of the “Old-Lady-Who-Lived-In-A-Shoe” character.

The whole place is a bit whimsical, rustic and very warm;

The food carries the same character: very rustic and hardy. The plate sizes are perfect and each bite you take fills you with rich flavors.

They make their own fresh bread in-house, offer wood-fired pizza’s, lots of interesting salads, as well as rich fish and meat dishes.

I should say that they have a fairly small menu with lots of interesting choices…This is a great place to go if you’re a vegetarian too! ***Try the vegetarian mushroom/nut pate, its amazing!!!***

I absolutely recommend it.

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

Located At:
1087 Wellington Street, West
For Reservations: (613) 695-2999

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honest – I’m really weary of Italian spots…I’ll tell you why: in my experience many of these Italian restaurants can be outdated, the food quality can be poor and the price you pay sometimes just aint worth it.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

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

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

Went to the 4 diamond Perspectives Restaurant at the Brookstreet Hotel. For those who don’t know or haven’t had the chance to ever check out the hotel – its fantastic. If I’m not mistaken it’s Ottawa’s Premier Luxury Hotel…and the food isn’t far from that either.

Truth be told, I’m usually not into fancy restaurants mostly because I LOVE to eat and the portions sizes (almost always) fall short for me…But this place pleasantly impressed me and left me completely satisfied.

Our 3 course meal was from the restaurant’s “Table D’hote: B Indulged” menu which is only $39.95 per person.

We were seated and served fresh warm petite baguette style bread with a choice of 3 flavored, whipped butters (chipotle, horseradish and regular) including a carrot-salmon salad teaser.

My appetizer came out shortly – I chose the flank stake with bean salad and corn coulis.

For my main, I chose a grilled salmon and halibut cake plate which also came with veggies.

And for dessert we had one choice: peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream (Honestly, my least favorite part of the meal but that’s all I can say because everything else was great!)

Overall the  meal was fantastic! The restaurant is upscale, elegant and modern…and at the same time you don’t feel like it’s a “must” to dress up (but if you want to make a fancy night out of it, this spot accommodates that as well.) (By the way – if you choose the same 3 course dining experience, you have a choice between 2 apps and 2 mains.)

The service is impeccable – all of the staff were very attentive and friendly.

The best part is that the menu changes on a monthly basis based on season….So I’ll be back once a month for sure!

Bon Appetit!

XoXoX

Photo Credit: www.canvasrestobar.ca

What a MASTERPIECE this spot is!!!

Canvas is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to in terms of taste of food.

I quote their website:

“Canvas prides itself in being an inviting little neighborhood bistro in the ever growing Wellington West area of Ottawa. Our goal is to keep everything as fresh and locally sourced as possible. This means a menu that is always being re-invented and developed according to the seasons and availability.”

First of all – I LOVE the idea of an ever changing menu with each season. I think that this is the ONLY way to go with any GREAT restaurant. It just makes sense to me that a good restaurant would carry food that is available by season. (As a side note, I also believe that not every resto should be the same…although I love the idea of “self-sustainable” – I also like having the choice of eating a variety of foods at any time of year.) With that said – it’s a food fact that eating foods that are in season taste a milli times better than foods that have been shipped half way across the world….But that’s a whole othaaa blog!

So, lets get to it.

As I was saying – if you LOVE food as much as a I do, this place is a MUST for many reasons:

1. Its elegant and cozy inside – appropriate to celebrate a special occasion, have a date OR just chill on any night of the week
2. The staff is INCREDIBLE. When I was there, it felt as though every person who I talked to had their heart pouring into every part of the restaurant…If someone asked me to guess who the owner was, I’d guess that they’re ALL owners by the way they treated us and handled each dish.
3. The food is INCREDIBLE. When I say you can taste love in every bite, believe it baby.

Everything from the most simple green salad or mashed potato to the most exquisite lamb plate, had LOVE. It tasted as though there was a “secret ingredient” in every bite. Even the way that the waiter served us was with love.

I can’t even get into the dishes we had because then, I’d have to recommend something…and its too hard to chose! Let’s just say that we tried the lamb, cornish hen and steak…and they were the best cuts of meat any of us ever had.

Photo Credit: www.canvasrestobar.ca

Canvas is open for lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch.

The prices are VERY decent. Apps are between $6 – $12 and mains are between $23 – $32

This place is such a special treat…You really leave with a full belly, a smile and another reservation.

Canvas
65 Holland Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 729-1991

Bon Apetit!

XoXoX

Just checked out this South American spot and I must say I really liked the ambiance of this place! I’m always saying that there aren’t many places in Ottawa that are cozy and nice to go to – this place is a “neighborhood” joint that is really cute, cozy and best of all – has a great little second floor patio! Roof top patios are my FAVORITE and there aren’t many in Ottawa!

The menu is composed of different Latin influences and is a good size. A lot of the time (in my personal opinion) when I eat at Latin restaurants  (like Mexi’s or something) I feel like there isn’t a whole lot to chose from. This place has authentic snacks like Empanadas (Savory Latin stuffed turnover), Flautas (Four rolled corn tortillas stuffed with chicken), Chimichanga (yummy stuffed tortilla) but also gives you the option of more sophisticated dishes like Swordfish or Brazilian shrimp stew or even tasty sandwiches  (Cuban, Latino, Frita).

They also specialize in all sorts of different tequillas! (wink wink nudge nudge) Just don’t get too carried away! We had a couple of shots of Patrone and felt it for the rest of the afternoon

Milagros Grill is in the centre of Wesboro (pretty much across from Bridgehead). Check it out if your looking for a place to go to on a nice day or for a nice dinner with a Latin twist!

Buen Apetito!

Milagros Grill
357 Richmond Road
Ottawa, Ontario K0A 1B0
(613) 722-8011

Photo credit: Ottawa Xpress

There weren’t really ever (and still aren’t) many good places to eat in the West End of Ottawa. The good restaurants seem to be concentrated everywhere else…

…Except for this little find (as well as a shortlist of a few other spots). It’s a fairly new place on Merivale that stands out in the likes of my taste buds. In my opinion this place actually competes in flavor, portion sizes and …pause…service, of course! LOL

Contrary to the name, this spot doesn’t just serve Pho…which I can really respect! There’s nothing worse than going somewhere where you only have one choice.

This place serves rice dishes, main entrees (stir fry), vermicelli, pho, interesting appetizers, bubble tea and dessert. Overall, the ingredients are fresh and flavorful, the service is PHENOMENALLY fast and the price is really close to Chinatown prices.

Honestly, one of my favorite things about this place (aside from the great food) was the fact that I felt more trust for it than I do for most of the spots I’ve been to in Chinatown. (eeek, sorry if that offends some people, but it’s just how I feel).

Bonne Appétit!

Pho Thi gets my thumbs up and two lip smacks! Go try it!

Pho Thi
1691-3 Merivale Rd.
(613) 224-7687
Entrées: $7.95-$13.95