I visit my parents every 6-8 weeks in Ottawa and every time I visit I continue to discover great food. Sometimes I even divert from food and stumble across something else. (keep reading).

Last weekend my visit was really really quick i.e I arrived on Friday at 4 p.m. and left on Sunday at 11. No time for a tweet up – however I did have a bit of time to have a coffee with two food bloggers…@AMWATERS in the morning and @FoodiePrints in the afternoon. There is no question that every minute I am in Ottawa  – is a productive minute. LOL

@AMWATERS (who has a great blog – If Music is The Food of Love, Play On) suggested we meet at Le Michel-Ange, Coffee-Warehouse-Roasting. Thankfully I had GPS to find it – as it’s tucked away in the middle of nowhere. But oh-what-a-gem of a spot. I really really liked the atmosphere…cool art, bean bag chairs, interesting nooks and crannys, comfy couches etc. As for the coffee – I am always too busy chatting to notice if my latte was good or not. I even ordered a pumpkin truffle  (made by Clove Chocolatiers) as I’m sure I never had this flavor before. It was a perfect breakfast – coffee and a truffle combined with a discussion about FOOD.

In the afternoon I met @FoodiePrints (who also has a great blog called FoodiePrints) at Planet Coffee in the  Byward Market. I have been there once before and I’m always impressed how busy this place is and the size of their baked goods in their display.

On Sunday, I ran to Rideau Bakery to get fresh rye bread. (3 loaves – thank you very much). On my last visit I only bought one and when I got back to Toronto and had a slice, I said “what was I thinking only to get one loaf?”. Here’s some history on Rideau Bakery. It’s a 80 year old, family run – kosher bakery and their rye bread is the BEST. Really – the best. When I got home, I popped it into the freezer so I can enjoy a slice (or two) every week for weeks!!

Rideau Bakery at it's best.

Then I ran to the Landsdowne Farmers Market. I had never been when the market is indoors and I was thrilled that I went. The building is BEAUTIFUL and the market has some new winter vendors that’s not there in the summer.

I stumbled across Egyptian Onions. Never seen this before, have you?

In between running to visit my dad, having coffee, visiting relatives…I also took a minute to visit a new Art Gallery that recently opened in Westboro called Michael Gennis Gallery.

I am so glad I dropped by. The art is stunning, the space is stunning and to be honest,…there isn’t much not to like. Michael Gennis (who own the Gallery) was a neighbor that I havent seen in decades so it was a real treat to see beautiful art as well as catch up with an old neighbor.

I ended off the trip with a taste of Saskatoon Berry Pie from Farm Boy. Not a bad way to end a great weekend in Ottawa.

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Not only do I collect china but I collect postcards too.  I’m guessing that this collection started when my mom became a travel agent back in the early 1970’s and went on a lot of trips. (I think those days are long gone for travel agents). Plus my best friend in grade school and high school, travelled 4 times a year with her family. That’s a lot of postcards just from her (and I’m ever so grateful).  So between my mom and my best friend – I started to collect postcards.

Naturally my grandparents sent me some postcards too as did a few other friends who knew about my postcard collection.

Here’s one of my favorite postcards. There is a line in this postcard that says “I thought you would like to take it to SHOW AND TELL NEXT WEDNESDAY”

Isn’t that hysterical!! Disclosure:  Im 47 years old…which means that I’ve kept this postcard for a long long time! (by the way – I am NOT  A HOARDER)

I also love this postcard that just has exclamation marks. Clearly my friend was bored of writing me postcards about the same thing i.e The weather is great, you would like it here, blah blah blah.

Every once in a while I pull out this basket of postcards and will look at the stamps, the varieties of countries, the photos, and the dates. I wish I could frame these postcards but its hard to do coz I like to look at both sides of the postcard!!

Now that everyone is always sending emails and texts – I still ask friends/family to send postcards. There is something special about these little cards that I enjoy. Can’t put my finger on it – but I like collecting them.

What do you collect? I know from the comments on my previous post – that many of you collect china too!! But what else do you collect? My friends’ parents collect menus of restaurants that they have visited  while travelling. They are then framed and displayed on a big wall. I LOVE THAT IDEA. It’s brilliant.

Hope you leave more comments about what else you collect.

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Each time I visit Ottawa there is a new restaurant for me to try and new people for me to meet (yay tweet ups!!).

Here’s a review of three places I went to this past weekend:

a) Stella Luna Gelato Cafe (1103 Bank St)

I had read rave reviews about this new gelato place that opened up just  FOUR weeks ago and put it on the top of my list to visit. I introduced myself  to the owner Tammy and her husband and she graciously took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to chat with me.  She also encouraged me to sample a variety of gelatos (think – blood orange, salty pistachio, marscapone and rum).  While I was sampling the gelato, a customer approached Tammy and said “are you the woman responsible for my ever growing waistline”. It was too funny.

Blood Orange Gelato

Clearly Stella Luna Gelato Cafe  is a hit and has been welcomed by the Ottawa community. Not only are they serving fabulous gelato but the space is gorgeous too with little nooks, beautiful chairs and lamps and stunning photographs from Italy on the walls.

How Cozy!

b) Tweet up at The Manx for Brunch (370 Elgin St)

This wasnt a formal tweet up but a few foodies gathered to have brunch at a very popular pub in Ottawa called The Manx. We arrived 15 minutes before the doors opened and  trust me, we werent the only ones in line. We had a a fabulous table for our party of 6 and I really couldn’t complain about the service. However no one was raving about their food. …which was kinda disappointing seeing as we ALL had heard that the food was outstanding. After the meal, I heard that there was a new chef in the kitchen, which means I should go back one more time before really blogging about it. Fair is fair, right?

c) Lansdowne Farmers Market.

I’ve blogged abou this Farmers Market before and I’m not shy to blog about it again. It is FABULOUS – the space, the variety of the vendors, the location – it’s ALL GOOD.

I discovered a new variety of vegetable this particular visit, from one of my favorite vendors, Jambican Studio Gardens – it’s a LEMON CUCUMBER.

Lemon Cucumber!

Never had it before but I was all too happy to buy it. Stay tuned for another blog entry soon on what I make with it K?

Hope you get a chance to visit Ottawa soon.

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When I visited  Arowhon Pines in June, I was in desperate need of gas for my return trip back to Toronto.  The great staff there, told me to go fill up at the Portage Store down the road. While paying for the gas, I noticed a brochure that said that they supplied everything one would need to go on a camping trip in Algonquin Park. I took the brochure and said to myself “Im going to go camping  THIS SUMMER in Algonquin Park” even though I havent gone camping since I was 16 years old.

I planned it a little late (ok 3 days to be exact) but it all came together. My friend Kris accepted the invitation to join me and knew how to stern a canoe (bonus points). Ontario Parks helped me out by finding me the last camping site on Tom Thompson Lake and the Portage Store helped me out with the the Lightweight Equipment Only Package for $59 a day. All I had to do was bring up the food. Kris and I agreed that cheese, wine, olives, cherries and a baguette or two would be a great meal plan. Oh yeah – add Starbucks Via coffee to that list.  So far so good.!! This trip was going to be awesome.

Deerhurst Resort also kicked in by providing us with a wonderful room to crash in AFTER the trip. Kris and I were psyched at the thought of camping and then glamping!!

The trip was such a success, that we decided that we are going to go next year for TWO days…and bring another friend with (you know who you are). Can’t wait to go camping again. It was SUCH a great experience.  Oh yeah – glamping at Deerhurst was a great idea too. We won’t be camping without glamping. It’s part of the package. LOL.

PS…Kudos to the staff at Portage Store who were so patient, thorough, and genuinely nice. We were blown over with the great service we received.

Here’s some photo’s that will best describe this trip: Wish I figured out a Picaso collage for this, but perhaps I will for the next blog!!

I did it - I did it!!

I did it - I did it!!

wine o'clock

gorgeous!!

GLAMPING AT DEERHURST:

Beer O'clock - in Glamping Style

one word; HEAVEN

Sigh – the trip is over. Sadness. However I have great memories and know that I will be camping and glamping again in the future.

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It’s the summer and the kids are away at camp, and once again I am taking advantage of every weekend to travel.

Weekend #1: Ottawa

Weekend #2: Washington and Presqule Ilse, Erie Pennyslavani

Weekend #3 –  Kingston PLUS  Wolfe Island, Sandbanks and Cobourg.

I was all to happy to drive a lot last weekend as I was driving a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. I wanted to take full advantage of driving this luxury car and I did!! Mission Accomplished.

I. Want.

The car was dropped off early Friday morning. I was asked by the driver “have you ever driven a hybrid before?”. I replied “no”. He said “you are going to put the key into the ignition and you wont think the car has started but it has”. WOW was he right. The car was so pleasant to drive – the seats, the steering wheel, and it was super efficient with gas. I had nothing to complain about.  I floated to Kingston – I didn’t drive. LOL.

The GPS system was a bit complicated for me to figure out (waypoints?). So I stopped off at Buster Rhino’s to ask a Darryl to help me out and we figured it out after a few minutes. (ok 10 minutes).  Not to mention, I picked up a sandwich for my mom to enjoy when I saw her in Kingston. (smart. daughter).

Now let’s talk about those beaches:

WOLFE ISLAND: Did not take the car onto the ferry (don’t ask), so we went across as pedestrians and then asked strangers for a ride. We wont be doing that again!! We finally scored a drive from a lovely resident of Wolfe Island. We got to the parking lot of the beach and we were told that “its a bit of a walk”. We walked, we walked and we walked and then when we saw one of  the workers we asked him to radio his buddy to come pick us up in the ATV. There was no way my mom was a going to walk just OVER A KILOMETRE. They were SO accomodating and came to our rescue.

The nicest park attendant

As for the beach: stunning. Cant’ believe I have never been to Wolfe Island before.

Wolfe Island

SANDBANKS: I love this place too. Its heaven. We found a quiet quiet section of the beach and didnt move for hours. This year, the shore line is not as sandy as previous years but we were still happy.

Sanbanks Provincial Park

COBOURG: I went to this beach on my way home as I had downloaded a new book on my @kobo (State Wonder by Ann Pattchett) and wanted to read it. Nothing like reading a book on the beach!! The beach was PACKED due to a volleyball tournament that ate up half the beach, but I solved the problem with some earphone and my iphone. The water was clear and just the perfect temperature.

Cobourg Beach

It was sad to give up the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and return to my filthy, gas guzzling,  old van with 250,000 km. Thanks to Ford for this opportunity to drive this awesome car.

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My mom lives in Ottawa and I live in Toronto, therefore to meet in Kingston for  a weekend, is ideal. We did it last year and said we would do it again so we did. Exactly one year later!!

We stayed at the lovely Four Points Sheraton both last year and this year. We love the location, the service and the spacious updated rooms.

As for the meals. We repeated the same meals too.!!

We had dinner at Lukes Gastronomy again and have no regrets about eating there two years in a row. We love his creativity, his commitment to using local ingredients, the presentation, and his use of flavors. Luke is a 20 year old self taught chef and he is certainly a chef to be watching!!

I had a main course that was out of this world called “Fields of Jamnagar”: curry, mango, lassi, coconut, tomato, rasam, lentil, rice and lime pickle.

so many wonderful flavors were going on...

For dessert, we split the “testosterone”: vanilla tobbaco, scotch, coffee, and honey dates. I received a tweet from @mattkantor saying I should try the “estrogen” but we had the testosterone last year and I’m simply in love with this dessert. It’s nothing short of brilliant.

I'm in love with this dessert.

On our trip to Sandbanks we make sure to stop off at Schroeder’s Bakery for some home made donuts. I read about it on Chowhound and put this on my list of  “where to eat”. LOL.  We also made sure to stop into Buddhas Dog where we were treated to some whoopie pies and where we bumped into @laurenendorphin and her hubby. Small world.

HOMEMADE...one word...HOMEMADE

Whoopie Pies from Buddha Dogs...Dee-licious

On the beach, we needed dinner, so we picked up some sandwiches from Panchancho Bakery on our way out of Kingston and we werent disappointed. (we did the same thing last year….do you see a pattern here?). Not to mention, we had a pain au chocolat for the drive to Sandbanks, that was perfect. (i.e I’m so glad I dont live in Kingston..LOL)

Da Best Pain Au Chocolat

After a long day at the beach, we were in despearate need of  a beer. The Sizzle Restaurant and Bar, which was convenientely located at the bottom of the Four Points Sheraton…came to our rescue. We both enjoyed a Shock Top Belgian White Beer. Infact I enjoyed it so much, I had two!!

My Mom ..enjoying a beer!!

On our last day, we enjoyed a sit down breakfast at Panchancho. We both ordered the same thing (like mother like daughter). A fennel/apple salad that was accompanied by a horseradish egg salad with smoked salmon on top of a slice of St. Johns bread. We demolished it.

My mom and I, plan to repeat the same weekend next year. Same hotel. Same restaurants. There is no need to mix things up!!

Info:

Lukes Gastronomy:  26 Princess, Kingston

Pan Chancho Bakery: 44 Princess St, Kingston

Buddhas Dog: 172 Main St, Picton

Schroeder’s Bakery: corner of hwy 62 and country road 1 (just outside of Picton)

Four Points Sheraton: 285 King St. East, Kingston

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It wasnt an easy decision, but I drove to Washington last week instead of flying.  I dont regret that decision for a minute. There is something to be said about “road trips”.  For example I got to discover a beach on the way there and a small city on the way back.

On the way down to Washington, I stopped off at Presqule Ilse in Erie PA. I love beaches and this one is magnificent. I was so tempted to return there on the way back it wasn’t funny. Thats how nice it was. The beach is quiet, there’s lifeguards, the sand is gorgeous, and the water is clear and calm. What more could you ask for?

Stunning

When I arrived in Washington, it was too hot to walk around (in my humble opinion). I waited till I went out for dinner and drinks to kinda explore and take photos.

Where did I eat dinner? Ben’s Chili Bowl because it’s cheap and cheerful and FAMOUS. As in line ups. But that’s ok – I was on vacation!! I had a veggie chili with chopped onions and cheese and it was just perfect.

Where did I drink? First drink…PS7….plymouth gin, gran classico, dolin vermouth and salted ice. I was happy.

Second drink…The Passenger…fernet, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and a whole egg. Once again – I was happy.

On my way out of the city I passed Georgetown Cupcake and HAD to stop, despite a line up of 10 people standing outside in the heat at 3 p.m!! (I’m sure we were all tourists). I chose a honey banana cupcake and it was worth standing in line for.

Georgetown Cupcake

I decided to cut the journey in half by stopping in Altoona. Dont ask me why!! It was kinda out of my way. (clearly I didnt look at a map). Altoona had a Target – so I was happy. On the way OUT – I heard on the radio that the Food Network was there to film a segment for “The Best thing I Ever Ate” at Anthonys Pizza and Grill. Apparently they serve a famous Rum Cake.  I was so pissed that I heard this ON MY WAY OUT of the city. GRRR.

I have already marked in my calendar that the fancy food show is June 17-19, 2012. Guess who will be repeating the exact itinerary?

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You are probably saying “what is Vicky up to now?”. Here’s your answer:  I am eating my way thru the Fancy Food Show in Washington DC!! The Fancy Food Show is North America’s largest Specialty Food Show that features 180,000 products, 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries and 24,000 attendess! Naturally I brought flat shoes and outfits with no waistbands!!

The show is taking place NOW (which is why this blog post will be short). It started on July 10 and will end on the 12th however I will be leaving today so that I can take my time driving home (this is code for: I will be stopping to shop at Target and Wegmans).

Wish I could write more, but another 1000 booths are waiting for me!! In the meantime, here’s some photos:

Cat Cora!!

Jelly Bean Mosaic - Brilliant!!

Love this display...

Chuao is creative. Love this combo!

not your ordinary vegetables!!

Wish this butter was in Canada

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I have just returned from a family reunion in Ottawa. Naturally I made sure to include a visit to the Byward Market and to Landsdowne Farmers Market as part of the schedule. What’s interesting is that no matter how many times I visit the Byward market or the farmers market – there is always something new to discover!!

On this particular trip, I discovered the newly opened Murrays Market. (261 Dalhousie St). The space is just gorgeous and totally suitable for a tweet up – so I made sure to talk to Emma and Chef Steve about this possibility. Beautiful cheeses, meats, local honey and MichaelsDolce jams were on display, but I zeroed in on my favorite food: a grilled cheese sandwich!!  Murrays Market makes it with Glengary’s Lankaster gouda cheese, red pepper jelly on egg bread.  I was a happy camper. I especially liked the addition of the red pepper jelly to the sandwich. Kinda kicked it up a notch. The side of homemade ketchup was welcome too!!

Perfect!!

At the Landsdowne Farmers Market this year, I stumbled upon a new vendor called Suzy Q Doughuts. The Doughnut was yeasty and fresh. (in other words – perfect) I really hope this vendor will be around for a long time, cause there is nothing like a FRESH donut.  @FoodiePrints shared one and I shared mine with @michaelscolce. I asked the vendors, if they had a retail location and they said “no – they are just at Landsdowne Farmers Market each Sunday”. Turns out – she is a postal worker and he is a woodworker during the week, but on the weekends they clearly have a passion for making donuts!! To top it off – my cuzin knows this couple well. (small world).

Now the next discovery – isnt really a discovery. I’ve been eating at Aladdin Bakery (1801 Carling Avenue) for the past several years, even though they have been around for 14 years. I was told they can easily serve 800 Fatayers’ in one day. Fatayer is what everybody orders here – It’s  a slab of thick chewy bread, with a topping of your choice and then warmed in a tradtional brick oven. You cant go wrong here for $2.25!!

This is what it looks like - unrolled

This is what it looks like rolled (and ready to eat!!)

It was so much fun to see my cousins and be in Ottawa during Canada Day. In the event you are wondering if I saw the Royal Couple. The answer is No. I was too busy eating and shmoozing with 26 fabulous cousins!! Must sign off now and head to the gym….

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I have a few friends that have been visiting Arowhon Pines for many years. FINALLY...it was my turn!!

I wanted peace, quiet, and relaxation and that’s exactly what I got. Oh yeah – I wanted to see a moose too!

Arowhon Pines is a slice of heaven, for many reasons.

Here’s some photos of what impressed me.

a) The dining room: Oh what a building….the location, the height of the structure, the fireplace, the windows and even the placement of the tables.

Here is the porch that surrounds the dining room . Definitely, the perfect place to hang out, either before or after a meal.

b) The food: Your stay at Arowhon Pines includes three delicious meals. There was always a lovely selection to choose from and I was ALWAYS FULL. I particularly loved that you could order an HALF PORTION. (which I did once). Plus the service was outstanding. I mean – OUTSTANDING. The dining staff were courteous, efficient and certainly well trained. Here’s a photo of the breakfast menu.

The appetizer table before dinner was also impressive.

c) The dock: I sat on the dock reading (for a change) and tried to figure out why Arowhon Pines was so different than the other resorts I have visited. I finally figured it out…ITS QUIET.

i.e no ski- doos, no motor boats, no fishing boats, no banana boats –  NOTHING BUT SILENCE. Not true – you heard the occasional loon!!

d) The surroundings: Arowhon Pines is beautiful. Not beautiful as in manicured lawns, but beautiful in the sense that the buildings, pathways, bridges, docks, gardens… blend in well with the surroundings.

Now lets talk about the moose!! I was on a mission to see a moose.  It was suggested to go out on the highway after dinner, as there would be a possibility of seeing moose on the sides of the road  licking the salt. BINGO!! We saw a mommy mooose and a baby moose. I think I sat staring at them for 10 minutes!!

I also saw a fox, some deer and a coyote…(off the highway again). Not bad eh?

Sadly I didnt take advantage of the canoeing, but I did participate in the pontoon tour and was struck by the beauty of this fabulous park that is only 3 hours from Toronto.

Thank you to the staff at Arowhon Pines, for introducing me to your resort and Algonquin park. Plus a huge thank you to @optimom for joining me.

Can’t wait to return in the fall. I’m sure the whole area is stunning when the leaves change.

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